Tesla Model S Battery Heater Replacement -Complete Guide 2024

A Tesla Model S owner in Finland who was quoted $22,000 to repair his car’s battery blew up his vehicle with explosives. What do we need to know about the Tesla Model S battery heater replacement?

The cost to replace the battery in an electric car, notably a Tesla, is unknown. As most Tesla battery repairs have occurred free under warranty, answering this topic is challenging. Tesla’s first powertrain warranty for the Model S and Model X was eight years and unlimited miles.

Tesla Model S Battery Heater Guide

Production of the Model S did not ramp up to larger quantities until 2014. Therefore, only lately have early models begun to lose their powertrain warranty. Tesla’s replacement battery packs have been quoted at a price range of $20,000-$30,000. That is much cash, but fortunately, Tesla’s battery packs have a stellar reputation for durability.

Unfortunately, battery packs may fail even though the issue is not battery degeneration, and it is costly to replace such early bags. We recently covered a situation in which Tesla informed a Model S owner that he needed to repair his battery for $22,500.

As the sum almost equaled the car’s worth, it was not a viable alternative. Luckily, the owner found a cheaper alternative by going to a third-party repair business, albeit the work they did on the battery pack is divisive among Tesla mechanics. Now we know of a similar example in Finland: Tuomas Katainen, who owned a Tesla Model S from 2013, had a battery pack break after the warranty expired, and Tesla wanted the equivalent of USD 22,000 to repair it.

Used 2013 Model S automobiles cost about 35,000 euros in Finland, and because Katainen did not have access to a third-party store, the value proposition wasn’t appealing to him. In such a situation, what choices does one have? Many include searching for a secondhand battery pack, listing the vehicle as “not working” and still getting a reasonable price, or selling it for components. The high expense of replacing batteries is often only associated with older, lower-volume cars, so EV skeptics should keep that in mind.

Replacement batteries for such automobiles are more costly. As battery technology advances, battery replacement costs are decreasing, making them considerably more affordable once out of warranty for higher-volume cars like the Model 3 and Model Y.

Trim level	Battery capacity	Driving range (mi)
60	60 kWh	150–222
60D	60 kWh	194–212
70	70 kWh	216–230
70D	70 kWh	211–235
75	75 kWh	207–252
75D	75 kWh	223–255

Signs Your Battery Heater Needs Replacement

The automobile will not start without the battery. This is its principal function, along with powering the car’s other electrical features (radio, lighting, windows/doors, power steering, etc.). There are usually warning indications that may be seen if the battery is about to expire or is weakening.

What are the signs your battery heater needs replacement? Most 12-volt automobile batteries need to be changed every 5–7 years. It might live longer or shorter; depending on how well you care for your automobile and other variables. The battery will die if you do not use the car for long periods or drive it often when the temperature is low. The alternator will keep it charged while you go; sometimes, you only need a jump-start to get it rolling. Yet eventually all batteries start to lose their charge capability and have to be replaced.

Price of a Vehicle Battery

The price of a new battery might vary depending on whether you want a regular or premium model. A standard battery may cost up to $120, while a high-end one might cost up to $200. Consider the battery’s weather performance and any other unique requirements before purchasing.

You should also keep track of whether or not the expenses associated with batteries are covered in full by any current warranties. You may find out what is and is not covered by taking the warranty booklet to a repair shop and asking the technician there.

Issues with the Headlights and Instrument Cluster

The “check engine” light should be monitored closely. Do not disregard the dashboard’s warning lights if they suddenly come on. This is usually a symptom of a problem with the car’s battery or its electronic systems. Perhaps the alternator is not charging it anymore, or the battery’s capacity has diminished. In any case, a visit to the mechanic is required. They may check the battery to ensure it is operating at peak performance, even if the warning light indicates a different problem.

Headlights might be less bright than usual. If your car’s battery dies, its ability to provide juice to its electrical components will be diminished. Your battery may fail if you notice that your headlights are dim and feeble, especially while starting the engine. The cabin lights may be noticeably darker than usual or begin to flicker while the engine is warming up or starting the vehicle. Be careful to have your vehicle looked out as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary with your car’s lights to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

Problems With Electricity

A dying battery might be at blame if the responsiveness of your power features, such as windows and locks, has diminished. A dead battery might cause problems with the car’s electric seats or radio system. When plugged in for a charge, the battery provides energy for all of the car’s electronics, including your phone.

A weakening battery will not be able to power these components reliably. Check to verify whether every one of your electrical parts is malfunctioning. If you notice anything unusual with your car’s electrical components, do not delay taking it in for repairs. Think about how many electric devices you use daily and when you last had to replace your battery. More power consumption means a shorter battery life.

The Windows Gently Move

Although it may be simple to roll the windows up and down while the engine is running, putting your batteries to the test when the engine is turned off is another story. Your battery life is poor if they take too long to answer. It is also possible that physical obstruction, like a clog, is to blame, so keep an eye out for other symptoms.

DIY Guide: Tesla Model S Battery Heater Replacement

There are many methods for changing batteries. Visiting a Tesla Service Center is the first and most popular choice. That is the best option if you want your purchase to be protected by a warranty. Customers who need to replace their batteries but are out of contract may choose between Tesla and other manufacturers.

Cost of Replacing Tesla Model S Battery Heater

The cost of replacing a Tesla battery ranges widely according to the time and materials required. Replacement of even the most basic Tesla battery may cost as much as $14,000. The cost of replacing the battery in a Tesla Model S luxury automobile is between $13,000 and $20,000.

What will be the cost of replacing tesla model s battery heater? According to Elon Musk, changing battery modules will cost $5-$7 in 2019. Nevertheless, no standard amount of modules is used across all Tesla models. The Roadster and Model S P85, two of Tesla’s earlier vehicles, each feature 11 and 16 modules, respectively. Nevertheless, four or five modules are required for subsequent models like the Model 3 and the Model S Plaid.

Replacement Tesla batteries will likely cost between $20,000 and $35,000. These estimates do not account for other costs (such as extra components and labour), so the final price may be higher. The battery costs between $30,000 and $60,000 for the least expensive Tesla (before incentives).

Importance of Tesla Model S Battery Heater

A Tesla can be driven in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit but can only be charged in temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The Energy Storage System has a heater in the coolant circuit that operates only during the charging process, allowing for charging even when temperatures are below freezing.

Step-by-Step Tesla Model S Battery Heater Replacement

I can’t wait for the next generation of electric cars and powertrains so this is the standard everyone can expect.
Marques Brownlee

Changing the battery in your electric vehicle is not as simple as you may imagine. Replacement of EV batteries is costly and sometimes impossible, depending on the EV’s make and type. Thankfully, the batteries in today’s EV vehicles can go the distance without needing to be replaced.

Your battery will not need to be replaced for decades. You will have saved enough for a new one by then, or battery technology will have improved to the point where it is cheaper.
Take your electric vehicle to a certified dealer or repair shop to replace or update the battery. They will have the knowledge and equipment necessary to maintain your EV battery.

Remember that buying a new battery is an expensive proposition. To provide just one example, the cost of a battery pack for a Chevrolet Bolt EV is above $15,000. It does not consider the price of labor or any other hidden charges.
To what extent, then, are EV batteries upgradable? The price tag will be high, but the answer is yes. If you have the funds, you should change your EV’s battery to a stronger, more powerful one. However, remember that this may or may not be feasible.
If your vehicle has a 7.2 kWh (kilowatt-hours) charging limit and you want to increase it to 11 kWh, the charging port and battery management system (BMS) may not allow it. The update also involves a shift in hardware and software, both of which may be difficult and potentially unsafe.

To determine whether an EV battery upgrade is feasible and worthwhile, it is recommended that you contact an approved dealership or repair facility.

Conclusion

Although the actual number of years a battery will last is condition and vehicle-specific, it is fair to estimate that, on average, most cars will require a new battery every four years. That lifespan could be slightly shorter for most Manitobans who spend half the year behind the wheel in wintry conditions. After three years, you should pay close attention to your car’s performance. Finding the issue early might prevent additional damage to your vehicle.

Yet, the batteries in modern automobiles sometimes provide little warning until they finally give out. Because of this, keeping in mind the “three to four-year rule” is essential. The next time you take your automobile in for service; have the technician inspect the battery. Remember that eventually, your car’s battery will die, and there is nothing you can do about it.

FAQs

How often should I replace my Tesla Model S battery heater?

Elon Musk claims that Tesla batteries may last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles before needing to be replaced. This equates to 1,500 battery cycles. If you put 40 miles on your car daily, you will do it for anywhere between 22 and 37 years.

How can I tell if my Tesla Model S battery heater needs replacement?

An unexpected decrease of almost 20% in driving range.
Range reduction over the 30% threshold set under guarantee.
Complete inability to maintain a charge.
A warning from Tesla that the battery is malfunctioning.

What are some common problems with the Tesla Model S battery heater?

The recall affects more than 26,000 Model S, X, 3, and Y cars from the 2021 and 2022 model years. According to the documentation given to the NHTSA by Tesla, the issue is caused by defective software that generates a valve inside a heat pump to remain open (NHTSA).

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