EV OwnershipQuestionCommunity Starter

2021 Tesla Model S — eV has plenty of main battery but shows a 12V warning — North Jersey owner question

BatteryRoadie551Community StarterNov 9, 20252021 Tesla Model S Long RangeNorth Jersey
Traction battery is charged, but a low-voltage warning appeared after the car sat overnight. I know the small battery can still immobilize an EV. What information would you capture before service?
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12 replies

BatteryEnthusiast712Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 9, 2025permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. Then you'll know the next fork. On “ev has plenty of main battery but,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Only after sitting overnight so far.
CamberDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 9, 2025permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. That's where I'd start. On “ev has plenty of main battery but,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
BoostMiles203Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 9, 2025permalink
Low-voltage gremlins will strand you even with a full pack. Try a second charger before blaming the 2021 Tesla Model S — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. I'd do that before spending real money. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. Only after sitting overnight so far.
PistonGuy576Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 11, 2025permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Leave the alerts on the 2021 Tesla Model S so service can see what you saw. I'd do that before spending real money. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'll poke at it this weekend.
EVHauler666Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 9, 2025permalink
Don't clear the alert just to make the screen pretty. Leave the alerts on the 2021 Tesla Model S so service can see what you saw. Then you'll know the next fork. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I'll poke at it this weekend.
ApexEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 10, 2025permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2021 Tesla Model S charge sessions. Then you'll know the next fork. Any freeze-frame data saved? Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
BatteryDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 10, 2025permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. I'd do that before spending real money. On “ev has plenty of main battery but,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
PistonGuy576Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 10, 2025permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. I'd do that before spending real money. On “ev has plenty of main battery but,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. That's my plan before I call anyone.
TrackGeek594Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 10, 2025permalink
Low-voltage gremlins will strand you even with a full pack. Try a second charger before blaming the 2021 Tesla Model S — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. That's where I'd start. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
BatteryDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 10, 2025permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2021 Tesla Model S charge sessions. I'd do that before spending real money. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
EVHauler666Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 10, 2025permalink
Don't clear the alert just to make the screen pretty. Leave the alerts on the 2021 Tesla Model S so service can see what you saw. I'd do that before spending real money. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
BatteryDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 12, 2025permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Try a second charger before blaming the 2021 Tesla Model S — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2021 Tesla Model S in North Jersey. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
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