Tesla vehicles, including models like the Model S and Model 3, are packed with advanced software that controls everything from the touchscreen to the car’s systems. However, like any other high-tech devices, they may occasionally require a Tesla reboot to fix software issues such as an unresponsive touchscreen or a frozen Tesla screen. The good news is that rebooting your Tesla can be done without a service center visit. Different Tesla models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, have specific rebooting needs that should be understood. Whether you’re dealing with minor glitches or more persistent problems, knowing how to reboot your Tesla is essential. This guide will walk you through various reboot methods to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Over time, your vehicle’s software system may encounter issues. These issues can also arise following a software update. In most cases you may be able to reboot your Tesla infotainment screens yourself. Usually, the rebooting process can be completed within a couple of minutes. If rebooting your Tesla doesn’t work, then you can try complete power cycling.
There are several ways to perform a Tesla rebooting, depending on the severity of the issue you’re facing. These methods help in restarting the car's systems. These methods include a soft reboot, hard reboot, and a full power cycle. Each method addresses different levels of issues, from minor bugs to more significant system failures. When you are troubleshooting your Tesla screens, you will want to start off with a soft reboot and then consider other options later on.
A soft reboot is the first step to fix issues like a frozen Tesla screen or unresponsive controls. This method mainly refreshes the vehicle’s touchscreen and associated systems without affecting the main driving systems.
1. Park the Vehicle: Ensure your Tesla is in "Park."
2. Press and Hold the Scroll Wheels: On the steering wheel, press and hold both scroll wheels.
3. Wait for the Screen to Turn Black: Continue holding until the screen turns black and the Tesla logo appears.
4. Release the Scroll Wheels: After the Tesla logo appears, release the scroll wheels. The system will reboot, often fixing minor glitches.
If the soft reboot doesn’t resolve the issue, a hard reboot may be necessary. A ‘hard reset’ involves disconnecting the 12V battery to clear electronic faults, but it is cautioned against due to potential risks of damage and warranty voiding, especially for those unfamiliar with vehicle high-voltage systems. This method refreshes both the central and instrument cluster screens, providing a more thorough reset that can fix issues like a frozen touchscreen or non-functioning features.
Disclaimer: Performing a hard reboot could require a professional since it involves disconnecting the low voltage battery. You can view the full step by step process here.
If a hard reboot doesn’t resolve the problem, you may need to perform a full power cycle. Power cycling helps in restarting the car's systems. Managing and resetting trip computers is crucial to enhance system performance and stability. This is the most extreme method of troubleshooting issues with your vehicle. In this case, power cycling is much like restarting your computer. You need to shut down your vehicle to execute this method of rebooting your Tesla.
1. Park the Vehicle: Ensure your Tesla is parked.
2. Navigate to the Controls Menu: On the touchscreen, go to "Controls."
3. Select Safety & Security: Choose "Safety & Security" from the menu.
4. Tap Power Off: This will shut down the vehicle completely.
5. Wait for at Least Two Minutes: Allow the car to stay off for at least two minutes.
6. Press the Brake Pedal: To restart the vehicle, press the brake pedal. The system will power back on, performing a full system reset.
Sometimes you may not be able to get your Tesla to reboot properly even after trying all the options listed above. Issues may also arise after a software update, necessitating a service appointment. If so, you will want to have Tesla handle the issue. In this case, you will need to contact Tesla and schedule a service center appointment.
Rebooting your Tesla is a rather straightforward way to fix issues and restart the car's systems that may come up with your vehicle’s screens. There will be three approaches that you can take to fix the issue. If you are not able to properly fix your Tesla screens after a soft reboot, hard reboot, or power cycling, then you should contact Tesla for a service appointment. Be sure to check your owner’s manual before working on your vehicle.
Q: Does rebooting my Tesla erase any data?
A: No. You do not have to worry about losing any data on your Tesla after a soft reboot and a hard reboot. Simply follow the steps listed in the article to properly restore your Tesla screens.
Q: Can I reboot my Tesla while driving?
A: We do not recommend that you try to reboot your Tesla while you are driving on the road. For safety reasons, we recommend that you pull your Tesla in park in order to avoid any distractions.
Q: What if my Tesla doesn’t reboot after trying these methods?
A: There may be some cases where you may not be able to reboot your Tesla on your own. If this is the case, then you should contact RepairWise. From there, we will likely walk you through the process or schedule a service appointment.
Q: How often should I reboot my Tesla?
A: You do not need to reboot your Tesla on a regular basis. You should only attempt a reboot if there is an issue with your vehicle.
Q: My screen is frozen and unresponsive, what should I do?
A: If your Tesla’s screen is frozen, we recommend that you try a soft reboot by holding down the scroll wheels on the steering wheel. If a soft reboot does not work, you may need to perform a hard reboot.
Q: Can issues arise after a software update?
A: Yes, issues can arise after a software update, such as features disappearing or malfunctioning. If you experience any problems following a software update, a reboot can often help resolve these issues.
