When you think of Tesla, the first thing to pop your mind is probably a top-grade electrical vehicle costing a hefty sum of money!
Since this car is expensive, you surely have huge expectations from it. However, do you know it can experience radio issues?
If your Tesla radio is not working, how can you fix it?
Why is Tesla Radio Not Working?
Tesla radio is not working because of issues with connection, volume, software, speakers, and fuse box.
Tesla is recognized worldwide for its exceptional offerings using sustainable energy. It manufactures solar panels and roofs, car batteries, and electric vehicles.
The company is mostly known for its electric vehicles, specifically its cars, as they are not only sustainable yet very dashing too!
But, as we all know, nobody and nothing is perfect. Thus, despite the great features of Tesla, you can experience problems with its car’s radio. This may be a petty issue for some, but not for those who enjoy listening to the radio while driving.
The radio of your Tesla may not work if it has connection issues. Too much might be happening on the screen that it came lagging.
A USB device can slow down radio operation if it is too loaded or even got a virus! A Bluetooth connection to the screen and your phone can also add to the problem.
You might just forget to turn up the volume which is why the music from the radio cannot be heard. Or, you need to check the audio settings. A software bug is also a serious reason if your Tesla radio is not functioning well.
Sometimes, the problem is not just with the radio or screen itself as a damaged speaker or fuse box can also be the offender.
How Can You Fix A Tesla Radio That Is Not Working?
You can fix a not-working Tesla Radio by rebooting it, checking its volume, fixing software bugs, checking its speakers, and inspecting its fuse.
If your Tesla radio suddenly stops working, check the list below of the possible fixes to your dilemma. One of these can be the solution to get your road companion back!
Reboot
Your Tesla radio is not working, probably, because its screen is frozen. A frozen screen can mean numerous things such as too much-saved information from your previous driving, a plugged USB device, or connected Bluetooth.
You must reboot your screen to make it functional again and for you to be able to turn on your radio again. Check the steps below and try which among them can work for your Tesla radio.
1. Scroll Wheel Reboot
On the steering wheel, press and hold the scroll wheel on either side for 10 seconds. This is actually a simple rebooting of the main screen. After rebooting, try operating the radio again.
If you own an MS or MX, you will see the airbag icon show up in the dash while rebooting. On the other hand, the speedometer will not be visible if you are driving an M3 or MY so you better do the rebooting while parked.
2. Top Button Reboot
Above the scroll wheels, press and hold both buttons that can be on either side of the steering wheels. You should do this for 10 seconds until rebooting. This solution is only applicable for MS and MX.
3. Full Steering Wheel Hard Reset and Brake Pedal
If your radio is still not working after the first reboot, you may need to clear some local caches. In doing this hard reset, you should be inside your car with doors closed.
First, put your foot on the brake. Next, press and hold the two buttons on top of the scroll wheels. Additionally, for MS and MX, press and hold the scroll wheels on either side of the steering wheel while for M3 and MY, simply scroll the wheels.
Check Volume
Your Tesla radio may seem to work fine, yet you cannot hear anything! Well, you should check the volume and fix its setting if needed.
Check the audio settings to be sure that it is correctly set based on the standard and your preference too.
Perhaps, the volume is too low that you could not hear the sound of the radio. You can increase the volume by scrolling the button upward located on the left side of the steering wheel. You can also increase the volume on the screen through the arrows connecting to the speaker’s volume.
The volume can be affected too if its software is outdated. You must regularly check if there are updates for Tesla software and download them.
Inspect Fuse Box
You should inspect the fuse box of your Tesla as this is the usual culprit for the death of your radio. This is also a common reason for volume issues.
If you have a blown fuse box, it should be replaced with a new one. In doing this, you should seek the help of Tesla’s service center to make sure the examination and replacement will be accomplished accurately.
Fix Software Bug
The problem may not always be visible and can be seen by our eyes; thus, we need to check possible software bugs as well.
Tesla radio may not work if the software version it is using has errors or flaws. A software bug will not only affect the radio but will pose a high risk for the safety of the driver and passengers. This can cause lagging to the screen, overheating, and restarting CPU which can negatively impact the appropriate functioning of the warning lights, gear selection, rearview camera image, and windshield visibility control settings.
To fix this bug, you should contact Tesla’s customer service for assistance and further instructions.
Check Speakers
You may also think that your Tesla radio has problems while, in fact, the crook could be the speakers!
This is quite a critical problem that can be resolved with the help of a professional. The wires of the speakers might be disconnected or even damaged. The wires should then be connected again or you may need new speakers for replacement.
References:
Guardian News & Media Limited. (2021, November 2). Tesla software glitch prompts safety recall for nearly 12,000 US vehicles. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/nov/02/tesla-recall-nearly-12000-us-vehicles-software-glitch
Tesla. (2022). Model S owner’s manual. https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/models/en_us
