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

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

5-10 minutes

Time

easy

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

405 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to reset the infotainment system on your Tesla Model S (2012-2020). Step-by-step guide to restore functionality and troubleshoot issues.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

5-10 minutes

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is stationary and in 'Park' mode before attempting a reset.

Symptoms

•Infotainment screen is frozen or unresponsive
•Navigation system not functioning
•Audio system not responding to inputs
•Bluetooth connectivity issues
•Vehicle settings not saving or displaying incorrectly

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check if the vehicle is in 'Park' mode.
2
Attempt to power cycle the infotainment system by holding down the scroll buttons on the steering wheel.
3
Verify that the vehicle's software is up to date by checking the settings menu.
4
Inspect for any hardware issues, such as damaged screen or buttons.
5
Confirm that the 12V battery is functioning properly, as it powers the infotainment system.

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

•None specifically required for the reset process.

Parts Required

•None required for the reset process.

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Check if the vehicle is in 'Park' mode.
2
Attempt to power cycle the infotainment system by holding down the scroll buttons on the steering wheel.
3
Verify that the vehicle's software is up to date by checking the settings menu.
4
Inspect for any hardware issues, such as damaged screen or buttons.
5
Confirm that the 12V battery is functioning properly, as it powers the infotainment system.

Solution

1. Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is parked and the key fob is within range.
Have your Tesla account login information ready in case of software updates.

2. Power Cycle the Infotainment System

Locate the Scroll Buttons: Identify the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel.
Press and Hold: Simultaneously press and hold both scroll wheels for approximately 10-15 seconds.
Wait for Screen to Reboot: Release the buttons when the Tesla logo appears on the screen, indicating the system is rebooting.
Allow Time to Restart: Wait for the infotainment system to fully restart, which may take a few moments.

3. Check for Software Updates (if necessary)

Access Settings: Once the system is operational, navigate to the "Controls" menu on the screen.
Select Software: Tap on the "Software" option to check for available updates.
Install Updates: If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to install it. Ensure the vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi.