15 replies

UsedCarFan193Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Capture voltage while the 2021 Tesla Model S is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Save the big job until that test fails. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' This is the version I'd tell a friend.
UsedCarFan193Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2021 Tesla Model S does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
CamberGarage964Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2021 Tesla Model S does it — then decide on parts. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. When does it actually happen? Only after sitting overnight so far.
BatteryScout255Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2021 Tesla Model S is losing coolant with no puddle. Save the big job until that test fails. No need to make it theatrical. Make the next action something you can finish this week. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Two 2021 Tesla Model Ss can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. When does it actually happen? This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
BoxerHunter130Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2021 Tesla Model S, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
UsedCarFan193Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2021 Tesla Model S, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
WeekendNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2021 Tesla Model S if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
RustBeltHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2021 Tesla Model S and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Was this after sitting overnight? I already checked the easy fluid levels.
RustBeltHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2021 Tesla Model S is losing coolant with no puddle. Save the big job until that test fails. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. When does it actually happen? Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. That's my plan before I call anyone.
PistonGuy576Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2021 Tesla Model S again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
RustBeltHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2021 Tesla Model S, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I already checked the easy fluid levels.
QuietFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, a pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2021 Tesla Model S is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
NewCarDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Get a real battery/charging test on the 2021 Tesla Model S, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
ProjectMom166Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2021 Tesla Model S catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
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