Tesla Update 2023.44.1: Unpacking All the Undocumented Changes

By Not a Tesla App Staff
Radio favorites in update 2023.44.1 are now pinned to the top
Radio favorites in update 2023.44.1 are now pinned to the top
Jessie

With every major Tesla update, there are often smaller changes or features that aren't mentioned in the release notes.

While software update 2023.44.1 was a little light on changes as Tesla prepares for its big holiday update, it did include changes to Autopilot activation, which appears to have been a requirement from NHTSA, as well as other changes such as Destination Charging Availability and Speed Assist added to more regions.

However, several changes weren’t mentioned in the release notes, which we’ve unpacked below.

Radio Favorites

Your Tesla automatically scans and displays your local radio stations. Your favorited stations are now pinned to the top of the Stations tab in the Radio app, instead of being a separate tab. This makes it easier to flip through stations, whether they’re favorites or not.

You can also tilt your left scroll wheel left and right to go to the next or previous radio station.

Messages App

The phone app no longer has tabs for messages and calendar
The phone app no longer has tabs for messages and calendar
Not a Tesla App

The Messages app, which is used to view or reply to recently exchanged text messages is now only accessible through the Messages app icon in the All Apps menu.

The Messages app was previously accessible through a tab on the Phone app.

Calendar App

The calendar app receives some subtle design changes
The calendar app receives some subtle design changes
Not a Tesla App

Similar to the changes in the Messages app, the Calendar is no longer accessible through the Phone app and now needs to be brought up by either tapping the app icon or touching the time at the top of the display.

The Calendar app has also received some minor design changes.

All Apps Menu

You can now access your wipers and defrost options in the All Apps menu while driving
You can now access your wipers and defrost options in the All Apps menu while driving
Not a Tesla App

The All Apps menu, which is accessible in the app icons along the bottom of the screen, now displays app icons centered on the screen, instead of being left-aligned.

Certain functions such as wipers, heated steering wheel and defrost icons are now also available while in drive.

Service Mode Improvements

Service Mode has added several changes as well, which are aimed as troubleshooting issues in your vehicle
Service Mode has added several changes as well, which are aimed as troubleshooting issues in your vehicle
Not a Tesla App

Service Mode has been updated with various new panels and improvements.

The new panels include a new software section that lets you verify the software version installed and diagnose issues related to the infotainment center, Autopilot, and maps. There is a new section for 'High Voltage Interlock Loop,' as well as a new option in the Air Suspension panel that lets you inflate the air suspension reservoir.

Other changes include Chinese language support and a new feedback section for Service Mode Plus users.

Service Mode should only be accessed by technicians and owners who are familiar with it and aware of the risks involved. The vehicle should not be driven with Service Mode engaged, as various safety features are turned off.

This appears to be it as far as changes in update 2023.44, however, the holiday update is almost upon us and it is sure to be packed with features, as well as probably a few undocumented changes as well.

Last week, Tesla said that the holiday update would roll out this week, however, we wonder if the NHTSA-required changes will affect its release.

This Year’s Most Creative Cybertruck Halloween Decorations for Trunk or Treat

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

The Cybertruck has now celebrated its first Halloween, and owners did not disappoint in coming up with clever and unique decorations for their stainless steel trunk. Make sure you’ve got whatever is left of your candy nearby cause we’re going in.

Aliens

Up in the hero image to get us started - the Cybertruck is really a piece of alien technology. At least, that’s how it appears when it first arrives in town. So, why not celebrate the alien-ness of the Cybertruck to North American roads? We love it.

Spooky

@jayvee10x over on X put together this fantastic display for Halloween and included their Cybertruck! The Cybertruck would definitely be a good vehicle of choice to take on zombies and walking skeletons.

By @jayvee10x.
By @jayvee10x.
@jayvee10x

Halo

TeslaKen over on the Cybertruck Owner’s Club forums put together this outstanding Cosplay of Master Chief from Halo, and wrapped up his Cybertruck to look like a Warthog. Probably one of the coolest costumes we’ve seen so far.

By TeslaKen on the CT Owners Club
By TeslaKen on the CT Owners Club
TeslaKen

Jaws

Sometimes, all you need to do to get a scare is to show some nice sharp teeth. The smoke machine just completes the look with the red glow.

Fangs!
Fangs!
Not a Tesla App

More Aliens

Terry Stach and Robert Martin captured some aliens in their trucks. Best to keep an eye on these ones, lest they whisk you away in their Cyber-UFO. Just watch out though, because @brandtsla over on X is being chased by that UFO!

Terry Stach over on Facebook.
Terry Stach over on Facebook.
Terry Stach

Cyberbeast Cerberus

The Cyberbeast’s logo is the three-headed hound that guards the gates of hell - Cereberus. Turns out that S.E. Robinson let the dogs out. Our favorite, all things said. Maybe a smoke machine and some red lights to complete the look though! Oh wait, he’s got that too!

The Cybertruck makes an incredible canvas for Halloween decorations, and we’re eager to see even more creative ideas emerge as it heads into its second Halloween season next year.

First Look at Tesla's New 'Service History' Feature [Photos]

By Karan Singh
Mahtava

Tesla has begun adding the ability for service technicians—both Tesla’s and third-party — to log repair history in their vehicles.

This new feature is part of update Tesla update 2024.38.2, which also includes other features such as Reduced Sentry Mode Power Usage, and Track Mode Powertrain Endurance.

While this isn’t exactly a feature most users will see often, Tesla has added some features that should help technicians know more about a vehicle’s history. Best of all, while Service History is aimed at technicians, it’s also accessible by any Tesla owner.

So, grab your wrench, and let’s take a detailed look at Tesla’s new Service History.

Service History

Service History is a new feature in Tesla’s Service Mode that tracks all the maintenance a vehicle has received. Technicians are prompted to use Tesla’s Correction Codes, which define the repair that took place and then provide an optional timestamp for the repair being completed. In short, it’s a way to keep track of repairs and services within the vehicle. This should make it easier for technicians to solve issues by being aware of the vehicle’s history.

Service History is accessible directly on the main panel of Service Mode. While Tesla already has internal tools to access a vehicle’s history, the real benefit will be when the vehicle is serviced by different technicians. For example, a local tech could now be services that Tesla serviced performed and vice-versa.

Service history is also permanent and stays with the vehicle. Once entries are added, they cannot be edited or removed, so there’s no tampering with a vehicle’s service history.

You can see the new Service History option on the bottom right.
You can see the new Service History option on the bottom right.
Mahtava

These timestamped history logs are permanently saved to your vehicle and are accessible by Tesla and anyone else who can put their car into Service Mode. If you want to take a peek and are on 2024.38 or higher, you can follow our Guide on Service Mode here.

Entering a Service Item

When entering a new Service History entry, you’re given a few options, including a Correction Code. Tesla maintains a list of Correction Codes for pretty much everything under the sun, from a full-out swap of the battery pack or one of the motors to things as simple as replacing the wiper blades or adding windshield washer fluid.

Technicians servicing Tesla vehicles will have the option to indicate whether they’re a first-party doing the work (Tesla Service), a qualified third-party independent repairer, or an unknown—like the vehicle owner themselves.

The pop-up that displays when you open Service History.
The pop-up that displays when you open Service History.
Mahtava

If you’d like to add an entry yourself, you can give it a try, as it’s pretty straightforward. You can select a Correction Code for something you’d normally DIY, like adding washer fluid. You can then select a timestamp, which is optional, and then select what type of repairer you are - first party, qualified third party, or other.

The Record Service Menu.
The Record Service Menu.
Mahtava

Expanding Service History

Tesla’s new Service History is a really interesting idea. It puts third-party technicians and vehicle owners on equal ground, with everyone having access to a vehicle’s history. It’s also going to be useful for owners to keep track of simple tasks like tire rotations, wiper blade replacements, low-voltage battery replacements, and more.

Service History also helps solve the issue of Tesla not being able to effectively track vehicle services done by qualified third-party repair shops, who often won’t push the vehicle correction codes via Toolbox 3.

Instead, this allows even unfamiliar repair technicians an easy-to-see and easy-to-use solution to log and diagnose potential issues quickly.

We’d love for Tesla to make Service History even more accessible, potentially moving it out of Service Mode, which only a small percentage of owners will ever go into.

It’d be useful if Tesla moved certain options into the main Controls > Service area, allowing vehicle owners to add simple things like adding windshield wiper fluid. For more complex changes, Tesla could ask owners to enter Service Mode, and remind them that all entries are permanent and can not be changed or removed, even by Tesla.

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