why does my Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020) drain battery when parked for long periods?

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

1-2 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

505 words

Problem Statement

Discover how to resolve battery drain issues in Tesla Model S (2012-2020) when parked. Follow our step-by-step guide for effective solutions.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

1-2 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is parked in a secure location when changing settings.

Symptoms

•Battery percentage decreases significantly over a few days of inactivity
•Cabin preconditioning activates unexpectedly
•Notifications from the Tesla app regarding significant battery drain
•Increased energy usage reported in the vehicle's energy consumption logs
•Slow connectivity issues with the mobile app

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check the current software version and update to the latest firmware if necessary.
2
Access the vehicle’s energy consumption settings to review energy usage over the last week.
3
Inspect the settings for features like 'Always Connected' and 'Cabin Overheat Protection.'
4
Use the Tesla app to monitor battery drain while parked for a specified duration.
5
Check for any third-party applications connected to the vehicle that may affect battery usage.
6
Inspect for any software bugs or system errors by scanning the vehicle’s logs.

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

•Smartphone with the Tesla app

Parts Required

•None required for software settings adjustments

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Symptoms

•Battery percentage decreases significantly over a few days of inactivity

•Cabin preconditioning activates unexpectedly

•Notifications from the Tesla app regarding significant battery drain

•Increased energy usage reported in the vehicle's energy consumption logs

•Slow connectivity issues with the mobile app

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check the current software version and update to the latest firmware if necessary.
2
Access the vehicle’s energy consumption settings to review energy usage over the last week.
3
Inspect the settings for features like 'Always Connected' and 'Cabin Overheat Protection.'
4
Use the Tesla app to monitor battery drain while parked for a specified duration.
5
Check for any third-party applications connected to the vehicle that may affect battery usage.
6
Inspect for any software bugs or system errors by scanning the vehicle’s logs.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools such as a smartphone with the Tesla app, and ensure the vehicle is parked in a safe location.
Ensure the vehicle is fully charged before proceeding with changes.

2. Update Software

Step 1: Access the vehicle's settings screen.
Step 2: Navigate to 'Software' and check for updates.
Step 3: Follow prompts to install any available updates and restart the vehicle if required.

3. Adjust Settings

Step 1: Open the vehicle settings menu.
Step 2: Locate 'Energy Saving' settings and enable 'Energy Saving Mode'.
Step 3: Disable 'Always Connected' to limit background tasks when parked.
Step 4: Turn off 'Cabin Overheat Protection' if not necessary for the climate.

4. Monitor and Disconnect Third-party Apps

Step 1: Review any connected third-party applications in the Tesla app.
Step 2: Disconnect any applications that may not be essential.
Step 3: Monitor battery usage after disconnecting these applications for a week.

5. Battery Management

Step 1: Charge the vehicle to at least 50% before parking it for long periods.
Step 2: Ensure the vehicle is in 'Park' mode and properly locked.
Step 3: If parking for more than a month, consider enabling 'Storage Mode' if available.