If you own a Tesla, you know how reliable and smooth it usually is. But when your Tesla suddenly refuses to start, it can be frustrating — especially when you’re not sure what’s wrong.
I’ve been there. A few months ago, my Tesla wouldn’t start no matter what I tried. The screen was black, the key fob wasn’t working, and the car just wouldn’t respond. After hours of trial and error (and some digging through Tesla forums), I finally figured out the issue — and fixed it myself.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 fixes that helped me get my Tesla running again. Whether your Tesla screen is black, the key fob isn’t responding, or you’re getting error messages, these steps should help you troubleshoot the problem and avoid a trip to the service centre.
1. Check the 12V Battery
A dead 12V battery is one of the most common reasons a Tesla won’t start. Even though Tesla has a large high-voltage battery, the 12V battery powers essential systems like the touchscreen, locks, and sensors.
How to Fix:
- Open the frunk and locate the 12V battery.
- Use a multimeter to check the voltage — it should be between 12.4V and 12.7V.
- If the battery is under 12V, you can jumpstart it using an external battery pack or a portable 12V charger.
- If the battery is too old or not holding a charge, it might be time to replace it. Tesla recommends replacing the 12V battery every 3 to 4 years.
2. Reboot the Touchscreen and System
Sometimes, the issue is just a frozen software system. A quick reboot can solve it.
How to Fix:
Hold down both the scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about 10 seconds until the Tesla logo appears.
If that doesn’t work, try a full system reboot:
- Put the car in Park.
- Hold down the brake pedal.
- Press and hold both scroll wheels and the top two buttons on the steering wheel.
- This will restart the central computer and clear any minor glitches.
3. Check the Key Fob or Phone Key
If your Tesla doesn’t detect the key fob or phone key, it won’t start.
How to Fix:
- Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
- Remove and re-pair the key in the Tesla app.
- If you’re using a key fob, check the battery.
- If nothing works, try starting the car from the Tesla app by going to “Controls > Start.”
4. Make Sure It’s in Park
Your Tesla won’t start unless it’s in Park mode. Even if it looks like it’s in Park, the system might not be registering it.
How to Fix:
- Shift into Neutral, then back into Park.
- Press the brake pedal and try starting the car again.
5. Test the Brake Pedal Sensor
Tesla requires you to press the brake pedal to start. If the sensor isn’t working, the car won’t recognize the signal to start.
How to Fix:
- Press the brake pedal firmly.
- If the car still won’t start, clean the brake pedal sensor with a soft cloth.
- If the sensor is faulty, Tesla Service might need to replace it.
6. Disconnect the Charging Cable
Your Tesla won’t start if the charging cable is still plugged in. Sometimes, even if you’ve unplugged it, the connector may still be partially seated.
How to Fix:
- Remove the charging cable completely.
- If it’s stuck, press the release button on the connector or use the Tesla app to unlock it.
7. Check for Software Updates
If your Tesla recently downloaded an update or is running outdated software, it might cause startup issues.
How to Fix:
- Open “Controls > Software” on the touchscreen.
- If an update is available, install it.
- If you see an error message, restart the system or contact Tesla Support.
8. Check the Main Battery
If the main battery is very low, your Tesla might not start.
How to Fix:
- Plug the car into a charger immediately.
- If the battery is completely discharged, you might need to call Tesla Roadside Assistance for a tow.
9. Inspect for Loose Cables or Damage
A loose connector or damaged wiring can stop the car from starting.
How to Fix:
- Open the frunk and look for any loose or disconnected cables.
- Check the fuse box for any blown fuses or disconnected wires.
- If you’re not comfortable handling this, contact Tesla Support.
10. Try a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a factory reset might help. This will erase your personal settings and return the car to its original state.
How to Fix:
- Go to “Controls > Service > Factory Reset.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- This should clear any deep software issues and restore normal function.
What Finally Worked for Me
In my case, the issue was a combination of a low 12V battery and a software glitch. After replacing the 12V battery and doing a full system reboot, my Tesla was back to normal.
Most Tesla starting issues are caused by software glitches, low battery, or sensor failures — which you can usually fix yourself.
But if you’ve tried all these steps and your Tesla still won’t start, it might be time to schedule a service appointment. Got Your Tesla Running?
If any of these fixes worked for you, let me know by mail. If you found another solution, share it so others can benefit!
