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2021 Tesla Model S — delayed engagement into Drive when cold

LongMilesTuner967Community StarterNov 18, 20252021 Tesla Model S Long RangeDenver
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range, about 50,500 miles. After sitting overnight, shifting from Park to Drive can take a second or two before the vehicle actually engages. Once warm it behaves normally. Would you start with fluid, adaptation data, mounts or something mechanical? I am trying to get the facts straight before spending money.
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12 replies

OldSchoolMechanicish284Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 18, 2025permalink
One thing that mattered for me: a loaded-suspension check shows play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses.
LongMilesTuner967Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 19, 2025permalink
I went back under the 2021 Tesla Model S tonight and wrote down when it happens: only after a heat soak, not on a cold start.
MarketWrenchCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 19, 2025permalink
Fair, but if it is cylinder-specific on the 2021 Tesla Model S, move a coil or plug and see whether the code follows.
ShiftFan594Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 18, 2025permalink
I would start here: measure it if you can. Two cars can feel identical and have different causes.
TruckOwner798Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 18, 2025permalink
Before you spend money, capture when the 2021 Tesla Model S does it — temp, speed, and whether it is in gear — before replacing parts.
WeekendNomad775Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 18, 2025permalink
If it were mine, measure it if you can. Two cars can feel identical and have different causes.
ProjectWrench614Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 18, 2025permalink
One thing that mattered for me: capture when the 2021 Tesla Model S does it — temp, speed, and whether it is in gear — before replacing parts.
TowGarage486Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 19, 2025permalink
I would start here: measure it if you can. Two cars can feel identical and have different causes. That is from a 2021 Tesla Model S in Denver, so take the climate with a grain of salt.
QuietDaily422Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 19, 2025permalink
I would start here: I would want a real battery/charging test, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module.
DetailNomad825Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 20, 2025permalink
Small add: capture when the 2021 Tesla Model S does it — temp, speed, and whether it is in gear — before replacing parts.
RustBeltMom362Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 19, 2025permalink
Before you spend money, a loaded-suspension check shows play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses.
WeekendNomad775Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 19, 2025permalink
If it were mine, measure it if you can. Two cars can feel identical and have different causes. That is from a 2021 Tesla Model S in Denver, so take the climate with a grain of salt.
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