Electrical, Battery & StartingDiagnostic helpCommunity Starter

2021 Tesla Model S — no crank with full dash power, then it starts later — anyone dealt with this recently?

RoadTripScout979Community StarterMar 12, 20262021 Tesla Model S Long RangeNYC
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range, about 29,500 miles. Twice I have had full lights and accessories but no crank. After waiting a few minutes it starts normally. Battery terminals look clean. What would you want to measure during the actual failure? I am in NYC.
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7 replies

SleeperHauler371Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 12, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2021 Tesla Model S is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. That's the sequence I'd use. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
MarketGal186Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, 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. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. That's my plan before I call anyone.
RoadTripScout979Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
I went back under the 2021 Tesla Model S and it only happens after a heat soak, not on a cold start. That's my plan before I call anyone.
ShopMiles248Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 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. Save the big job until that test fails. No need to make it theatrical. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
TireSeller915Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 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. Save the big job until that test fails. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
NewCarTuner625Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 14, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. 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 “no crank with full dash power, then,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Only after sitting overnight so far.
RoadTripScout979Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 14, 2026permalink
Tried a second charger / second scan and the story on the 2021 Tesla Model S didn't change. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
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