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

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

15-30 minutes

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

439 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to reset the infotainment system on your Tesla Model S (2012-2020) with step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and solutions.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

15-30 minutes

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is parked and powered on before performing resets.
•Disconnecting the 12V battery may reset other systems; be cautious of any settings that may need reconfiguration.

Symptoms

•Screen freezes or becomes unresponsive
•Navigation system malfunctioning
•Audio system not functioning properly
•Bluetooth connectivity issues
•System lag or slow response times

Diagnostic Steps

1
Verify if the screen is completely unresponsive or if it's just a specific app that is malfunctioning.
2
Check if the vehicle is in 'Park' mode, as the infotainment reset can only be performed in this state.
3
Inspect for any software updates available through the Tesla app or vehicle settings.
4
Check the vehicle’s battery levels to ensure adequate power for the system to operate.

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

•Socket set

Parts Required

•None required for reset procedures.

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Verify if the screen is completely unresponsive or if it's just a specific app that is malfunctioning.
2
Check if the vehicle is in 'Park' mode, as the infotainment reset can only be performed in this state.
3
Inspect for any software updates available through the Tesla app or vehicle settings.
4
Check the vehicle’s battery levels to ensure adequate power for the system to operate.

Solution

1. Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is parked and powered on.
Make sure the vehicle's battery has enough charge to perform the reset.

2. Perform a Soft Reset

Press and hold both the scroll wheels on the steering wheel simultaneously.
Hold the buttons until the touchscreen goes black (approximately 10 seconds).
Release the scroll wheels to allow the system to reboot.
Wait for the Tesla logo to appear on the screen, indicating that the system is restarting.

3. Perform a Hard Reset (if Soft Reset fails)

Ensure the vehicle is parked and all doors are closed.
Disconnect the 12V battery:
- Open the front trunk (frunk) and locate the 12V battery.
- Use a socket set to remove the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.
Wait for at least 5 minutes to ensure all systems are fully powered down.
Reconnect the 12V battery by first connecting the positive terminal, then the negative terminal.
Close the front trunk and power on the vehicle to check if the infotainment system has reset.