how to fix interior lights staying on in Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

1-3 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

573 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix interior lights staying on in Tesla Model S Plaid. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

1-3 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the 12V battery before working on electrical components to prevent shock or short circuits.

Symptoms

•Interior lights remain on when doors are closed
•Dome light fails to turn off after exiting the vehicle
•"Interior Lights" warning displayed on the touchscreen
•Battery drain occurs when the vehicle is parked for extended periods
•Possible malfunction of door sensors

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check the settings in the vehicle’s touchscreen to ensure that the interior lights are set correctly.
2
Use the Tesla app to check for any software updates that may address the issue.
3
Inspect the door sensors to verify they are functioning properly and not stuck or damaged.
4
Perform a visual inspection of the interior light switches for any signs of damage or malfunction.
5
Reset the vehicle’s systems by performing a soft reset: press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen reboots.

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

•Flathead screwdriver
•Multimeter

Parts Required

•Door sensor (if replacement is necessary)
•Interior light switch (if replacement is necessary)

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check the settings in the vehicle’s touchscreen to ensure that the interior lights are set correctly.
2
Use the Tesla app to check for any software updates that may address the issue.
3
Inspect the door sensors to verify they are functioning properly and not stuck or damaged.
4
Perform a visual inspection of the interior light switches for any signs of damage or malfunction.
5
Reset the vehicle’s systems by performing a soft reset: press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen reboots.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools: a flathead screwdriver and a multimeter.
Ensure the vehicle is parked safely and turned off.
Disconnect the 12V battery for safety before working on electrical components.

2. Inspect and Replace Door Sensors

Remove Door Panel:
- Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the door panel covering the door sensor.
- Remove any screws holding the panel in place, if applicable.
Inspect Door Sensor:
- Visually check the door sensor for any signs of damage or disconnection.
- Use a multimeter to test the sensor for continuity. If it does not show continuity when the door is closed, it may need replacement.
Replace Sensor (if necessary):
- Disconnect the faulty sensor and replace it with a new one, ensuring it is securely connected.
- Reattach the door panel and secure it with screws and clips.

3. Check and Replace Light Switches

Access Interior Light Assembly:
- Carefully pop off the cover of the interior light assembly using a flathead screwdriver.
- Disconnect the wiring harness connected to the light fixture.
Test Light Switch:
- Use a multimeter to test the switch for functionality. If the switch is faulty, replace it.
Reassemble:
- Reconnect the wiring harness and snap the light cover back into place.

4. Software Reset (if applicable)

Perform a Factory Reset:
- Navigate to the settings menu on the touchscreen.
- Select ‘Service’ and then ‘Reset All Settings’ to reset the software configurations.
- Follow prompts to complete the reset.