Bricking Tesla automobiles are just another indication that Tesla EVs need to go a long road from now on. It is similar to a non-EV freezing up.
Quick View:
- Bricking refers to rendering a Tesla vehicle inoperable due to software or hardware failures, turning it into an expensive “brick.”
- The term gained traction in the EV community as early Tesla models had instances of software glitches that led to temporary bricking.
- Tesla combats this with redundancy, over-the-air updates, and responsible battery management.
So why the fancy term? Well, this this article will explain everything about Tesla bricking.
What Does Bricking a Tesla Mean?
Bricking a Tesla generally refers to rendering the vehicle inoperable. It essentially turns your Tesla into a “brick” or an inert object. This means that the car becomes completely non-functional and cannot
This is not bricking be driven or operated in any way.
When referring to a Tesla vehicle, “bricking” is when the firmware or software of the vehicle is corrupted or destroyed and causes crucial systems to malfunction.
In the electronics world, “bricking” refers to the process of making a gadget, such as a computer or a smartphone. But it is worthless or inoperable, much like a brick.
When your Tesla bricks, the car may stop on the road. Yes, your chances of getting run over by a truck or similar increases. Before shutting down, you may get the following message :
“Car needs service, Unable to start”
“Car unable to drive, Voltage to low”
“This is Bricking”
What May Happen Due To Bricking a Tesla?
When a Tesla gets bricked, several significant consequences can occur:
Complete Loss of Vehicle Functionality
Bricking a Tesla renders the vehicle completely inoperable. The Tesla will not start and the screens and controls might not function.
Additionally, critical systems such as propulsion, braking, and safety features can very well stop working. Essentially, the vehicle becomes unusable until the problem is solved.
Voided Warranty and Support from Tesla
Tesla’s warranty explicitly states that any unauthorized alterations to the car’s software or hardware can result in warranty coverage being nullified. Some unauthorized modifications or tampering can cause bricking of a Tesla.
This may void the vehicle’s warranty. Consequently, Tesla may refuse to provide support or repairs for a bricked vehicle.
Safety and Security Risks
A bricked Tesla is what a stumped car in the middle of nowhere looks like.
Malfunctioning systems could compromise the vehicle’s ability to respond to emergencies, impacting braking, acceleration, and handling.
Additionally, it can cause breached security and potential vulnerabilities.
Loss of Over-the-Air Updates
Bricked Teslas may lose the ability to receive over-the-air software updates. These include new features, bug fixes, and security patches.
These updates are crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Without the ability to update the software, the vehicle may remain vulnerable to known issues.
It may miss out on important upgrades which puts your Tesla out of sync with their latest technologies.
6 Potential Causes of Tesla Bricking
There are many reasons why Tesla may get bricked. These are:
1. Battery Issues
It is the most prominent and frequent cause of bricking Tesla.
Battery-related issues may result in a Tesla being bricked. The battery pack may sustain irreparable harm if the vehicle’s battery is allowed to deplete completely and then kept discharged for hours.
In some cases, this may cause the car to become bricked, meaning it won’t start or run.
Moreover, you can’t “turn on” the HV pack if the AC compressor “grenades” and throws metal throughout the system. That would cause an HV isolation problem. It implies that the 12 volt battery will degrade.
2. Software Updates Gone Wrong
While software updates are intended to enhance the functionality and performance of a Tesla, there is a slight risk that an update can encounter errors or become interrupted during the installation process. This can lead to software corruption, resulting in a bricked vehicle.
3. Unauthorized Modifications and Customizations
Making unauthorized modifications or customizations to Tesla’s software, firmware, or hardware can significantly increase the risk of bricking. These modifications may interfere with the vehicle’s systems, compromise its integrity, and lead to software or hardware malfunctions.
4. Hardware and Electrical Failures
The hardware and electrical systems that Tesla vehicles rely on are intricate. The car may brick if a crucial piece of hardware, like a control module or battery pack, malfunctions.
A short circuit or faulty wiring can both result in electrical failures that cause the vehicle’s systems to malfunction and become unusable.
5. Connectivity and Network Issues
Different features and operations of Tesla vehicles depend on connectivity and network services. The software and functioning of the vehicle may be impacted by connectivity or network problems. Such as a loss of internet connection or a break in communication with Tesla’s servers.
6. User Error or Mishandling
In some cases, user error or mishandling of the vehicle’s systems can lead to bricking. For starters, improperly disconnecting or reconnecting components.
Additionally, using incompatible charging equipment, or engaging in actions that go against Tesla’s guidelines can cause damage to the vehicle’s hardware or software.
Why Is Bricking Tesla Different From Non-EV Freezing Situation?
Bricking a Tesla and a non-EV freezing situation is fundamentally different. It is because of the unique characteristics of electric vehicles (EVs) and the technologies they use compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Here’s the key difference:
The power supply, battery management, regenerative braking, and other functions of an electric vehicle are all controlled by sophisticated software systems. Typically, bricking a Tesla requires altering or modifying these software systems. This results in the loss of vital vehicle functions.
In contrast, in a conventional ICE vehicle, problems with gasoline distribution, ignition, or other mechanical parts may arise in a non-EV freezing condition.
What To Do in Bricking Tesla Condition?
Here are some options to think about if your Tesla becomes bricked:
Step 1
Speak with Tesla Support. As soon as you can, contact Tesla’s official customer service. Describe the situation and problems properly. They are the only ones who may be able to offer direction, suggestions, or prospective answers.
Step 2
Avoid Further Tampering. If you believe that the bricking was caused by unauthorized changes (which in most cases, it is), do not make any other modifications or repairs.
Additional tampering can make things more difficult and even do more harm.
Step 3
The most important thing to do is to keep calm. No matter where your Tesla gets bricked.
Moreover, fixing a bricked Tesla might be difficult, especially if the problem is complicated.
So stay calm and get help from the Tesla service center to fix the issue.
Read More: Do Tesla Need Oil Changes? Debunking the Myth
Costs of Bricking Tesla
For an earlier model 3 with a lead acid battery, it costs around $88 + $40 labor (assuming you have Tesla do it).
When the Tesla first bricks, you may need to get it towed. The usual quotation by Tesla for towing varies, but it can be as much as $2000K.
It costs ~$6-8K USD to replace the AC system (New AC compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, flush the system, etc.). It could have blown out the DC-DC converter as well which could be another ~$2K.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs:]
Can a bricked Tesla be fixed?
Yes, in most cases.
What are the risks of unauthorized modifications?
Unauthorized modifications can lead to a variety of risks, including loss of vehicle functionality, voided warranties, compromised safety systems, legal consequences, and reduced resale value.
Is there any way to modify a Tesla safely?
Anything other than authorized updates is somewhat risky. Tesla owners are advised to stick to authorized updates and modifications provided by Tesla.
Are there legal consequences for bricking a Tesla?
Yes. Unauthorized modifications can have legal consequences, depending on local laws and regulations.
Read More: Tesla Airbag Replacement Cost: A Detailed Breakdown
