Overcoming Door Lock Gremlins in Tesla Model 3 Cars: Solutions and Advice
Door Lock Gremlins
Many Tesla Model 3 owners have experienced door lock gremlins, a mysterious issue that causes the doors to unlock and lock on their own. This can be especially troublesome when trying to get into the car or when leaving it parked. The problem is often accompanied by connection issues on the screen and difficulty starting the car with the phone key.
The cause of this issue is unknown, but some believe it may be related to software updates or safety recalls. For example, certain model year 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, model year 2017-2022 Model 3 and model year 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard ("FMVSS") No. 118 "Power operated window, partition and roof panel systems." If you believe Tesla has failed or is unable to remedy this defect without charge in a reasonable time, you can call 1-888-327-4236 to submit a complaint.
In the meantime, there are some solutions that may help alleviate the issue. Checking the door lock section on the screen and adjusting settings can sometimes help, as can holding down the inside driver's door open switch for a few seconds to unlock all doors. Additionally, some owners have found success in resetting their car's computer by disconnecting and reconnecting the 12V battery cables.
Ultimately, if none of these solutions work, it may be best to contact Tesla directly for assistance. They should be able to diagnose and repair any underlying problems that may be causing your door lock gremlins. In the meantime, it may be a good idea to keep an eye on your car's software updates and safety recalls to ensure that you are up-to-date with any changes.
In conclusion, door lock gremlins can be a frustrating issue for Tesla Model 3 owners. While the cause is unknown, there are some solutions that may help alleviate the problem. If none of these work, it is best to contact Tesla directly for assistance. Additionally, staying up-to-date with software updates and safety recalls can help prevent future issues.
Is anyone having issues with the door/trunk locks?
Yes, many Model 3 owners have reported similar issues. It appears to be related to a Safety Recall issued in November 2020 for certain model year 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, model year 2017-2022 Model 3 and model year 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
What are the symptoms of this issue?
Symptoms include changes to the on-screen options that will revert back after a short period of time, doors not unlocking when in park, and connection issues on the screen. In some cases, the driver's door may not open from outside, requiring the use of a phone key to unlock it.
How can I fix this issue?
Tesla has deployed an OTA firmware update to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard ("FMVSS") No. 118. If you believe Tesla has failed or is unable to remedy this defect without charge in a reasonable time, you can call 1-888-327-4236 to submit a complaint.
Are there any other solutions?
Holding the inside driver's door open switch for a few seconds may unlock all doors. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be used as a last resort. You can also try resetting the power management system by disconnecting the 12V battery for a few minutes.
Is there any way to prevent this issue from happening again?
The best way to prevent this issue is to ensure that your vehicle's software is up-to-date with the latest OTA firmware update. Additionally, you should regularly check for any new updates and install them as soon as possible. This will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and reduce the chances of experiencing similar issues in the future.