Tesla Dashcam Not Working: Quick Troubleshooting Tips
Experiencing issues with your Tesla dashcam not working can be frustrating, especially when relying on it for recording important events on the road. Dashcam problems in Teslas are not uncommon and can be caused by various factors such as the USB drive type, formatting, or capacity.
In this article, we will explore some possible reasons and solutions to address these common dashcam issues. By understanding the underlying causes and applying the appropriate fixes, you can quickly restore your Tesla dashcam’s functionality and regain your peace of mind while driving.
Causes of Dashcam Failure
There can be various reasons for your Tesla’s dashcam to stop working. This section will explore the primary causes, including bug issues, drive format issues, software update issues, and storage and speed.
Bug Issues
Sometimes, a bug or glitch in the system can affect the functionality of your dashcam. For example, if you own a Model 3, Model S, Model X, or Model Y, there might be system bugs interfering with your car’s dashcam. To resolve the issue, you can try rebooting the car by pressing and holding both steering wheel buttons until the car reboots, as mentioned here.
Drive Format Issues
Drive format issues might occur due to the USB flash drive or the way it’s formatted. Tesla dashcams require a specific formatting, typically FAT32 or exFAT. You should avoid using NTFS for your drive. If you experience issues with the dashcam, re-format the USB drive in your Tesla by going to Controls > Safety & Security > Format USB Device > Format, as suggested in this source.
Software Update Issues
Your Tesla dashcam may stop working due to software updates affecting the functionality. In case a software update triggers a malfunction, you might need to wait for a subsequent update to resolve the issue. Keep your car connected to WiFi to ensure it receives updates promptly.
Storage and Speed
Storage capacity and speed can be an essential factor affecting your dashcam performance. If your USB drive is full or has a slow write speed, it might fail to record data efficiently. You should ensure that the USB drive has enough memory and a fast write speed as recommended by Tesla. Additionally, consider freeing up space by deleting old video clips or buying a faster, larger USB drive.
By thoroughly understanding these causes and addressing the specific issue you’re facing, your Tesla dashcam should be up and running in no time.
Identifying Dashcam Icons
When using your Tesla dashcam, it’s essential to get familiar with the different icons on the interface. To access the dashcam settings, tap the car icon on the touchscreen to open the Controls option. From there, select the Quick Controls option to reveal the Dashcam icon, which resembles a camera.
The dashcam icon indicates the current status of your Tesla dashcam (also known as TeslaCam). If the dashcam is actively recording, you’ll see a red dot on the icon. When the dashcam isn’t recording, the red dot will be absent.
Using the Viewer
Tesla’s built-in dashcam viewer allows you to easily view and manage your recorded footage. To access the viewer, tap on the dashcam icon with the red dot, and then tap on “Launch Viewer.” The viewer will present you with a user-friendly interface where you can browse through your recordings.
The recordings are organized by date and time, so it’s simple to find the exact video you’re looking for. You can also use the playback controls to play, pause, or rewind the footage to analyze the recorded events more closely. With Tesla’s dashcam viewer, managing your recordings is straightforward, ensuring your driving experience is as smooth as possible.
Troubleshooting the Tesla Dashcam
Rebooting the Dashcam
One simple approach to fix a non-working Tesla dashcam is to reboot the system. To do this, press and hold both steering wheel buttons until the car reboots. This usually resolves issues with the dashcam and Sentry mode by refreshing the system. If the problem persists after performing a reboot, you might need to explore other solutions.
Re-Plugging the USB
If your Tesla dashcam is still not working after a system reboot, you can try re-plugging the USB drive. Firstly, make sure that your USB drive is formatted in the proper format required for TeslaCam (FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS). You can format the USB drive directly in your Tesla by going to Controls > Safety & Security > Format USB Device > Format.
After formatting your USB drive, open the glove box, unplug your USB stick, and plug it back in. This action often resolves issues concerning recording and playback. However, if the problem continues to persist, you may want to try using a different, compatible USB drive as it might be an issue with the current one.
Additional Tips
- Make sure that your TeslaCam folder is not full. If it is, clear some space by either deleting old recordings or copying them to another device.
- Ensure that your USB drive meets the required speed standards for TeslaCam, as some drives might be too slow to save the recordings properly.
- Check the camera lenses to be free from any obstructions, such as dirt or debris, which can affect the quality and functionality of your Tesla dashcam and Sentry mode.
Following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve any issues regarding your Tesla dashcam not working and get it back on track!
Managing and Deleting Dashcam Files
Sometimes, a Tesla dashcam may not work properly due to issues with the stored files. To resolve this, you can manage and delete those files using different methods. In this section, we will cover two methods: using Minitool Partition Wizard and deleting dashcam clips manually.
Using Minitool Partition Wizard
Minitool Partition Wizard is a helpful tool to manage the filesystem of your Tesla dashcam USB drive. To use this tool, follow these simple steps:
- Connect the USB drive to your computer.
- Open Minitool Partition Wizard.
- Identify the correct drive (your Tesla dashcam USB drive).
- Right-click the drive and choose “Properties.”
- Check the file system (ensure it’s FAT32) and make any necessary changes.
The Minitool Partition Wizard can help you identify and resolve any file system-related issues that may be causing your Tesla dashcam to malfunction.
Deleting Dashcam Clips Manually
Another method to fix a non-functioning Tesla dashcam is by manually deleting the dashcam clips stored on your USB drive. Follow these steps to do this:
- Connect your USB drive to your computer.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the TeslaCam folder on the USB drive.
- Locate the folders containing your saved clips (i.e., “SaveClips,” “RecentClips,” or “SentryClips”).
- Review the recorded clips to find any you no longer need.
- Delete the unwanted clips to free up space on the USB drive.
By managing and deleting unnecessary files from your Tesla dashcam USB drive, you can help ensure that your dashcam continues to perform properly and efficiently. Remember to check and maintain your USB drive periodically to avoid future issues.
Conclusion
It’s essential to address any issues with your Tesla dashcam promptly. In many cases, you can fix the problem by rebooting your Tesla, ensuring that your USB drive is properly formatted, and checking for any obstructions on camera lenses.
Keeping your Tesla dashcam functioning guarantees the availability of valuable footage in case of incidents or emergencies. Maintaining a clear view and properly formatted USB can help you avoid unnecessary inconveniences down the road.
