In the realm of Tesla ownership, ensuring your vehicle is operating at its peak is paramount. One powerful tool at your disposal is the Service Mode, a feature often underutilized but essential for maintaining your Tesla’s battery health. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Service Mode, deciphering its steps and uncovering insights into your Tesla’s battery condition.
Navigating Service Mode
To initiate Service Mode, begin by tapping the car icon located in the bottom left corner. A menu will unveil, leading you to the service option. Press down on the car icon again, select your model (in this case, the Model 3), and input the access code. This exclusive feature is typically reserved for personnel involved in repairs or dealing with stationary vehicles.
Upon entering Service Mode, a cascade of actions unfolds. The air conditioning shuts off, a red border encases the screen, signaling the transition into a specialized state. Now, let’s explore the steps to access vital information about your Tesla’s battery.
Assessing Battery Health
Navigate to the ‘Bad’ section and select ‘High Voltage.’ Surprisingly, your battery health might initially display an unrealistic 100 percent. In our case, with over 53,000 miles, this number raised skepticism. To uncover the true health status, execute the ‘Health Test.’
Hold up on the turnstock, press the brake, and hold up the key. The system responds with an unlocking confirmation, paving the way for the health test. However, a cautionary note surfaces—ensure the charge is below 50 percent, and your vehicle is plugged into a level two charger. The test duration spans up to 24 hours, during which the battery undergoes a discharge and recharge cycle.
Anticipate noise and clunking if stationed at a supercharger during the test. Fortunately, the inconvenience is temporary, and the results are worth the wait.
Decoding the Results
Returning the next day, the Tesla app echoes your car’s service mode status. The battery health now reflects a more realistic 85 percent, debunking the initial 100 percent claim. A closer examination, using alternative apps like Tessie, offers a marginally different figure—88.1 percent with an 11.9 percent degradation.
Comparing this against the official Tesla reading, a pattern emerges. The three percent discrepancy isn’t uncommon, aligning with the experiences of other Tesla owners. The battery, despite the mileage, still resides comfortably within the acceptable green zone, operating within normal parameters.
The Aftermath and Cautionary Measures
As the test concludes, it’s crucial not to leave your Tesla at 100 percent state of charge, especially if equipped with the new LFP battery. Post-test, if time constraints prevent immediate driving, consider running the heater for approximately 40 minutes to lower the battery to a safer 95 percent charge.
Your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and insights post-service mode testing in the comments below. If you found this guide helpful, drop a like to assist fellow Tesla owners. Until next time, drive safe, and I’ll see you in the next article.