Tesla improves Service Mode with alert payload data
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.
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