Several Tesla Model 3 and Model Y owners in Canada have reported problems with their heat pumps failing in cold temperatures. Some of the reports connected the failures to a December software update, but others were written before the update.
In any case, lacking vehicle heating in the winter can be hazardous. In addition to the risks of exposure, Transport Canada, per Reuters, is concerned that the problem could "impact windshield defogging/defrosting and thus driver visibility."
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 03: A Tesla vehicle is seen at a dealership on January 03, 2019 in Miami, Florida. Tesla Inc. shares have fallen as the company reported fourth-quarter Model 3 deliveries just below estimates and said it would lower the price of its cars.
Canadian Owners Of Tesla Model 3, Y Say Their Car Heater Stopped Working
Several Tesla news-focused Twitter accounts have posted updates on the company's response to the problem. Tesla is "taking this cold weather climate concern extremely seriously," according to the 'Tesla Owners Online' account @Model3Owners.
The account explains the company's cold-weather testing in Alaska. It also pointed out why the front air intake flap can freeze open, preventing the heat pump system from working properly. It's unclear if this is affecting Tesla owners in Canada, especially given that one Model Y owner in Toronto reported a repair cost of more than $5,600.
Reports obtained by Mobile Syrup said several owners have had components of their heat pumps changed or, in certain cases, the entire heating system replaced. Unfortunately for owners, it appears that the problem is more complex than a simple firmware update, leaving several unhappy with their 'luxury' vehicles.
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The heat pump technology is expected to perform in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit. It generates heat by compressing and expanding refrigerant from liquid to gas and back to liquid in a pair of loops, which are then pushed into the cabin via the HVAC system. A set of grille louvers in Tesla Model Ys and updated Model 3s equipped with Tesla's new heat pump technology is meant to open and close based on specified conditions.
They're supposed to close during regular operation to increase vehicle aerodynamics, but they're supposed to open when the cars are parked, hooked into Superchargers, or charging at home. The problem does not appear to affect older Model 3 electric automobiles.
Elon Musk Remains Silent On Tesla Issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has likewise remained silent on the issue, though Reuters did cite a tweet from Musk from 2020 praising the Model Y heat pump engineering:
However, in the freezing north, these louvers are clogged with snow and ice, preventing them from closing. Muscle Car and Trucks said the constant influx of cold air at high speeds causes the vehicle to believe there is a problem with the heating system, leading the heat pump to shut down. The firmware fix appears to mislead the vehicle into disregarding the cold air input from the temp sensor to keep the heat pump functioning.
Of course, this isn't a long-term solution because the freezing cold air aggressively chills the heated fluid, forcing the heat pump to work overtime, which can and will cause the heat pump to fail prematurely. It's unclear whether the firm will try to change the louvers' default configuration to close at rest to prevent the flaps from freezing in the open position, or if the hardware would need to be replaced through a recall.
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