why does my Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present) shake when accelerating

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

498 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking issues during acceleration in Tesla Model S Plaid. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and secured before lifting.
•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.

Symptoms

•Vibration felt in the steering wheel or chassis during acceleration
•Increased noise levels during acceleration
•Loss of power or hesitation while accelerating
•Unusual tire wear patterns
•Potential warning messages or alerts on the dashboard

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and inflation pressure.
2
Check for visible damage or misalignment in the wheels or suspension components.
3
Scan the vehicle's onboard diagnostics using Tesla's service mode for error codes.
4
Verify the status of the battery and electric drive unit for any faults.
5
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to determine when the shaking occurs.
6
Inspect the motor mounts and associated hardware for wear or damage.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Tire pressure gauge
•OBD-II scanner (Tesla-compatible)
•Jack and jack stands
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•Tires (if replacement is necessary)
•Motor mounts (if damaged)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and inflation pressure.
2
Check for visible damage or misalignment in the wheels or suspension components.
3
Scan the vehicle's onboard diagnostics using Tesla's service mode for error codes.
4
Verify the status of the battery and electric drive unit for any faults.
5
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to determine when the shaking occurs.
6
Inspect the motor mounts and associated hardware for wear or damage.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required:
- Tire pressure gauge
- OBD-II scanner (Tesla-compatible)
- Jack and jack stands
Safety Warnings:
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and secured before lifting.
- Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.

2. Tire Inspection

Check each tire for proper inflation using a tire pressure gauge.
Inspect the tread for uneven wear or damage (e.g., bulges, cuts).
Rotate or replace tires if any issues are found.

3. Wheel and Suspension Check

Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Inspect wheels for damage or bent rims.
Examine suspension components (e.g., control arms, bushings) for wear or play.

4. Diagnostic Scan

Connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port.
Retrieve any error codes related to the electric drive unit or battery.
Address any detected faults according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

5. Motor Mount Inspection

Check the electric motor mounts for signs of wear or damage.
Replace any damaged motor mounts following the manufacturer's specifications.

6. Test Drive

After completing repairs, take the vehicle for a test drive under various conditions to confirm the issue has been resolved.