my Tesla Model S has a strange smell when I turn on the heater what's that

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and turn off the vehicle.
• Disconnect the 12V battery for safety.

2. Replace Cabin Air Filter

1. Open the front trunk and locate the cabin air filter compartment.
2. Remove the access panel by unscrewing it (if applicable) or unclipping it.
3. Take out the old cabin air filter and inspect it for dirt or odor retention.
4. Insert a new cabin air filter, ensuring it is oriented correctly according to airflow direction.
5. Reattach the access panel securely.

3. Inspect and Clean Heater Vents

1. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean any debris from the heater vents.
2. If necessary, use an air compressor to blow out any remaining dust or debris from the vents.
3. Wipe the interior of the vents with a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution.

4. Check and Clean Heater Core

1. If the smell persists, locate the heater core, typically found behind the dashboard.
2. Inspect for any visible leaks or corrosion.
3. Flush the heater core with a cleaning solution to remove any build-up.
4. Refill the cooling system with proper coolant as per manufacturer specifications.

5. Reconnect Battery and Test

1. Reconnect the 12V battery.
2. Start the vehicle and test the heater to ensure proper operation and absence of odor.

Tools Required:

• Screwdriver set
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Air compressor (optional)
• Cleaning solution for vents

Parts Required:

• Cabin air filter
• Heater core cleaning solution (if needed)

Estimated Repair Time: 1-2 hours

Safety Warnings:

• Disconnect the 12V battery before working on electrical components.
• Allow the engine to cool before inspecting the heating system to avoid burns.