Alerts in Tesla's Service Mode will contain additional details on what triggered the alert
@Greentheonly/Twitter
Most modern cars come with access to a Controller Area Network (CAN) that lets you access information about systems in the vehicle.
It's often used to help diagnose vehicle issues and find out if a certain part may need to be replaced.
Teslas, just like other vehicles will display critical alerts or warnings on the screen based on CAN data.
The warnings can be as simple as being low on windshield wiper fluid. They could also alert you of critical issues such as airbag errors or heat pump issues.
Service Mode
For owners or shops who wish to troubleshoot or repair their vehicles, Tesla also includes a Service Mode.
Service Mode gives you access to more details about any alerts the vehicle has shown, as well as letting you reset certain systems.
Not every vehicle alert is customer-facing, meaning that some alerts only show up in Service Mode. These alerts could be temporary warnings without any customer impact, so they're of limited use to the vehicle owner, but they could be useful to a technician diagnosing an issue.
Although Service Mode displays additional details about vehicle alerts, they've also been somewhat limited.
Alerts are triggered based on certain readings from the vehicle's CAN, which provides real-time information on a slew of vehicle systems and any errors they report.
If the vehicle detects a high temperature or low voltage in a given system, it may trigger an alert. The user may see an alert such 'X system not available', although usually the reason is omitted.
In Service Mode, some additional information may be shown about a given alert, such as why it was triggered, such as due to low voltage.
However, up until now the additional information provided in the alert in Service Mode has been somewhat limited.
Alert Payload
In a recent update, Tesla has added individual CAN readings to the alert, known as the alert payload, or crack data. Instead of seeing a simple 'low voltage detected' message, technicians or DIY owners can now see the exact value of the voltage when the alert was triggered.
Twitter user @greentheonly shared this news on Twitter, showing a screenshot that shows the plethora of information that is now available to Model S and X owners. Model 3 and Model Y owners do not yet have access to this data, but it's reportedly coming soon in a future update.
Adding alert payload data to Service Mode is a significant shift, as Tesla kept this information close to the chest and encouraged owners to take their vehicles to Tesla service centers. However, with this kind of information now available, third-party electric vehicle shops will have the data to fix Teslas. Not only shops but do-it-yourself types will also have access to the same information previously available to the technical support team.
That said, it’s important to note that Tesla’s warranty can be voided “due to improper maintenance, service or repairs.” The warranty paperwork, which you should read before ever tinkering with a Tesla, or any expensive item, clearly detailed how the company “strongly recommends that you have all maintenance, service and repairs done at a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized repair facility in order to avoid voiding or having coverage excluded under this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.”
@greentheonly’s tweet got a lot of attention. In a follow-up tweet, the user tells readers to enter service mode, and the information can be found in the service mode menu. The tweet is accompanied by a short video showing how to get to service mode. The screenshot shows active alerts with drop-down menus that provide more details.
Reddit comments were supportive of having more information. One poster said: “After they made the service manuals free, I’ve found I can do literally whatever I’d like! I no longer need service to answer questions about parts, processes, or fixes. Just look it up in the manual!”
While another, clearly a DIYer, posted, “This pleases me. Hopefully, between this and the free service manual online, most repairs should be able to be done at home.”
But another commenter believes Tesla is still holding too much back, “Now give us gateway config tasks on the toolbox, and we'll actually be able to make meaningful changes to our car.”
Keep in mind that Service Mode is aimed at technicians and is not meant to be accessed by customers. The information displayed is not consumer friendly and will often require some vehicle knowledge to be useful.
Service mode will also disable various safety systems while in use, and it is not recommended to be accessed by customers.
Elon Musk and SpaceX have set some ambitious dates for the first Mars landing. Musk envisions launching the Starship toward Mars by late 2026—less than two years away. There won’t be any humans on board in the initial launches. Instead, Optimus will fill in for humans. Musk stated that human landings could follow as early as 2029 to 2031.
There are certain windows that make flights to Mars feasible for humans. So SpaceX is aiming for humans to be a part of the second or third Earth/Mars launch windows from now, which are 5 to 7 years away.
Tesla continues advancing Optimus, and SpaceX remains relentless. Another Starship test launch is in the books, all while maintaining their steady weekly cadence of Dragon missions to space.
Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying Optimus.
Civilization On Earth
Musk goes on to state something interesting in another post on X. He says that the key will be whether “Earth’s civilizational technology level will last long enough to ensure Mars can grow by itself, even if supply ships from Earth stop coming.”
The statement suggests two possibilities—that Earth’s civilization collapses or fails to advance enough to solve unforeseen challenges of sustaining life on Mars.
The key concern is whether humanity will remain technologically and industrially capable long enough to ensure that Mars can eventually become self-sufficient. If Earth’s civilization weakens, either due to collapse, stagnation, or regression, Mars might not get the support it needs to reach full independence—leading to the colony’s failure.
Tossing Optimus on board Starship is a smart move, instead of having smaller, single-task robots. Optimus also has the advantage of being upgradeable on Mars as long as the hardware holds up. It could be a lot like what we saw with Tesla vehicles, where the hardware was present for many years before the vehicle was capable of driving on city streets. Optimus’ capabilities will also improve over time, even if the hardware is older.
But, how does Elon Musk envision Optimus’ role on Mars?
The answer might be simple. SpaceX can leverage a fleet of Optimus robots to assemble shelters and infrastructure before humans even arrive.
Optimus is already highly capable, with precise hands adept at manipulating tools and objects. On Mars, it could construct basic habitats, set up survival systems, and even handle ice processing, water recycling, and food production.
These facilities will be absolutely essential for the first humans to comfortably settle in and begin work on expanding, maintaining, and preparing for proper human settlement.
Beyond construction, Optimus has a major advantage—it doesn’t need oxygen. Instead, mission planners would only need to monitor battery levels, wear and tear, and any potential damage.
That said, even humanoid robots face risks. Martian dust has long been an obstacle in space exploration, clogging solar panels, damaging equipment, and causing malfunctions. Tesla will need to redesign Optimus to withstand the harsh conditions. Its joints and components will need to be sealed against Mars’ relentless environment.
Starship
Mechazilla catching Starship7 Rocket Booster for the first time ever! 🚀 Incredible Achievement by @spacex
Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is immensely capable—but still in its early testing phases. SpaceX has dedicated hundreds of hours between each flight test, refining and improving with every launch. With several Super Heavy booster catches now under their belt, the next challenge is proving Starship itself can land.
Once SpaceX can launch, complete a mission, and safely land both the booster and Starship, the dream of reaching Mars may no longer seem so far-fetched.
With that, Happy 23rd Anniversary, SpaceX! We’re with you all the way as you push humanity toward the stars.
Happy 23rd Anniversary to @SpaceX! Founded on March 14, 2002, and still pushing the limits of what’s possible, here’s to the next chapter of making life multi-planetary! pic.twitter.com/mzvrdEagAn
According to Chinese blog posts from earlier last week, now vetted by Reuters, Tesla intends to produce a cut-down version of the Model Y, initially for the Chinese market, sometime in 2026.
This follows the launch of Tesla’s cut-down Model 3 for Mexico, as well as news that Tesla intends to launch their new next-gen model sometime in the near future.
Cut Down, But How?
The new Model Y, internally referred to as Project E41, is designed to lower the entry price of Tesla’s popular SUV—one of the most compelling options on the market due to its size, range, and versatility, especially following the launch of the refreshed Model Y.
To achieve this, Tesla is reportedly aiming to reduce the Model Y’s total cost by nearly 20%, according to reports from China. While exact changes remain unknown, we can make informed guesses based on the cost-saving measures Tesla implemented in the scaled-down Model 3 for Mexico.
Textile Seats and Trim
One of the most noticeable changes in the cost-cut version of the Model 3 in Mexico was the removal of vegan leather throughout the interior. In its place, Tesla opted for a durable textile fabric for the seats, reducing material costs. Additionally, any Alcantara trim pieces were replaced with the same textile in various areas.
No Heated or Cooled Seats
Another major cost-cutting measure was the removal of heated and cooled seats, along with the heated steering wheel. While these feature reductions may seem minor, eliminating them reduces various things, such as electrical components, harnesses, and ductwork that are required for seat ventilation.
No Rear Screen
One of the more unexpected changes in the reduced-cost Model 3 was the removal of the rear screen, despite it being powered by the same front infotainment computer as the front display. Given that the screen functions primarily as an additional display rather than a standalone system, the cost to include it is extremely low. It’s one of those really smart additions Tesla has added that increases value for the consumer with minimal cost to Tesla.
Tesla is unlikely to redesign or modify the vehicle’s wiring harness for this change, meaning a rear screen could potentially be retrofitted later by the customer. Based on replacement part estimates, the screen likely costs Tesla between $5 and $20 per vehicle, which acts as a secondary monitor for the infotainment computer.
Ambient Lighting, Acoustic Glass, Speakers
The final set of changes also focuses on the interior. Tesla replaced the RGB-capable ambient lighting with a simpler white-only version—likely saving only a few dollars per vehicle. While this may seem like a minor and somewhat unexpected cut, it could serve as an upsell opportunity to the standard RWD variant.
Additionally, Tesla reduced the use of dual-pane acoustic glass, now limiting it to just the front windows and windshield. This change drastically cuts costs but also affects cabin noise levels. The dual-pane glass played a key role in making the refreshed Model Y noticeably quieter, so this downgrade will likely bring noise insulation closer to that of the original Model Y.
As for audio, Tesla scaled down the speaker system in the Mexican Model 3 from 17 speakers to just nine, while also removing the subwoofers and one of the audio amplifiers. While this cuts costs due to wiring and speakers, it also has a large impact on the audio quality in the vehicle.
Project E41 is Not the Next-Gen Model
It’s important to note that Project E41 is not the same as the upcoming, more affordable next-gen platform, which is internally referred to as Project Redwood. While Project E41 focuses on a reduced-cost version of the Model Y, Project Redwood is designed to test Tesla’s manufacturing capabilities, using their innovative unboxed assembly method to reduce both costs and production time. The goal is to create a vehicle that is smaller and more affordable, while also keeping it safe and capable of self-driving.
Tesla previously confirmed that they plan to unveil new models—distinct from cut-down versions of the Model 3 or Model Y—during their Q4 2024 Earnings Call. However, the executive team has been careful not to divulge too many details about the upcoming model during interviews. This suggests there may be a lot more that has yet to be unveiled.
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