how to reset the infotainment system in Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020)

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

5-10 minutes

Time

easy

Difficulty

medium

Severity

2 min read

375 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to reset the infotainment system in Tesla Model S (2012-2020) to fix unresponsive screens and connectivity issues. Step-by-step guide included.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

5-10 minutes

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is in a safe location and not in motion during the reset process.

Symptoms

•Infotainment screen is frozen or unresponsive
•Navigation system not functioning correctly
•Audio system issues (e.g., no sound)
•Apps not loading or crashing
•Connectivity problems with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check if the vehicle is in 'Park' mode before attempting a reset.
2
Verify that the infotainment system is not displaying any error messages.
3
Ensure that the vehicle's software is up to date through the settings menu.

Solution

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

•No special tools required for resetting the infotainment system.

Parts Required

•No parts necessary for this procedure.

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Solution

1. Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is parked and in a safe location.
Have the vehicle in “Park” mode to perform the reset.

2. Perform a Soft Reset

Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel simultaneously.
Keep holding the scroll wheels for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black.
Release the scroll wheels when the Tesla logo appears on the screen.
Wait for the system to reboot, which may take a minute or two.

3. Perform a Hard Reset (if necessary)

If the soft reset does not resolve the issue, turn off the vehicle completely by tapping ‘Controls’, then ‘Safety & Security’, and selecting ‘Power Off’.
Wait for at least 2-3 minutes without interacting with the vehicle.
Reactivate the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal.