If you own a Tesla, you probably love its sleek design, powerful performance, and cutting-edge technology.
But what if you live in a cold climate and your heater stops working?
This is a common problem that some Tesla owners have faced, especially in the newer models that use a heat pump system.
In this article, we will explain why this problem occurs, how Tesla is solving it, and what you can do to stay warm in your car.
How to Fix Tesla Heater Not Working Issue?
While you wait for the software update or the recall service, you can try some temporary solutions to fix or reduce the Tesla heater problem.
Here are some tips from Tesla and other owners, along with some explanations:
#1. Set the climate to Auto mode and adjust the temperature to your comfort level
This is the most efficient setting for heating and cooling.
Auto mode will automatically adjust the fan speed, air flow direction, and air temperature based on your preference and the outside temperature.
#2. Use recirculating air mode to reduce the amount of cold air entering the cabin
Recirculating air mode will reuse the air inside the cabin instead of bringing in fresh air from outside.
This will help keep the cabin warm and save energy.
#3. Precondition your car while plugged in for 30 to 60 minutes before you leave
This will warm up the battery and the cabin, and reduce energy consumption.
Preconditioning your car means turning on the climate system remotely using your phone app or your car’s touchscreen while it is still connected to a power source.
#4. Park your car in a warmer place such as a garage or under a cover to allow it to warm up
Parking your car in a warmer place will help prevent it from getting too cold overnight or when not in use.
This will also help preserve your battery life and range.
#5. Reboot your car by pressing and holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black
This may clear any error messages or glitches related to the heat pump.
Rebooting your car means restarting its computer system by holding down two buttons on your steering wheel.
This will not affect your settings or data.
Contact Tesla support or your local service center if none of the above solutions work or if you experience any safety issues with your car.
Why Does the Tesla Heater Not Work Well in Cold Weather?
#1. Heat Pump System Limitations
The heat pump system that some newer models use may not be able to extract enough heat from the outside air in extremely cold conditions.
This means that the cabin may not get warm enough, especially in temperatures below freezing.
#2. Heat Pump System Firmware Issue
The heat pump system may have a firmware issue related to very cold climates, and a software update is being developed to fix it.
This means that the system may not function properly or display error messages in some cases.
#3. Heat Pump System Hardware Issue
The heat pump system may have a hardware issue that requires inspection and replacement of faulty components.
This means that the system may malfunction or stop working altogether in some cases.
#4. Climate Settings
The climate settings may not be optimal for heating and cooling and should be set to Auto mode and adjusted to a comfortable temperature.
This means that the system will automatically regulate the fan speed, air flow direction, and air temperature based on your preference and the outside temperature.
#5. Recirculating Air Mode
The recirculating air mode may not be enabled, which would reduce the amount of cold air entering the cabin.
This means that the system will reuse the air inside the cabin instead of bringing in fresh air from outside.
This will help keep the cabin warm and save energy.
#6. Preconditioning
The car may not be preconditioned while plugged in for 30 to 60 minutes before departure, which would warm up the battery and the cabin, and reduce energy consumption.
This means that the system will turn on the climate system remotely using your phone app or your car’s touchscreen while it is still connected to a power source.
#7. Parking Location
The car may not be parked in a warmer location such as a garage or under a cover, which would allow it to warm up and preserve battery life and range.
This means that the car will avoid getting too cold overnight or when not in use. This will also help prevent battery degradation and range loss.
Summary
The Tesla heater problem is an annoying issue for some owners who live in cold climates.
However, Tesla is aware of this issue and is working on software and hardware solutions to fix it.
In the meantime, owners can try some simple tips to improve their heating experience and stay warm in their cars.
