Am I getting the High-efficiency Drive unit?

[Worldtraveler]

Hi folks,

what I have: 2013 Model S 85
Issue: My car produces a high pitch whine noise from the drive unit. it gets louder as speed increases.
Tesla service center: As I showed up for my Tesla appt. this morning, I told them about the noise and service advisor sat in the back seat of my car. After driving for one block at max speed @ 45 MPH, he told me to go back to the service center. Shortest diagnostics ever! LOL.
8 years DU & battery Warranty: Immediately after the test drive, Tesla sales rep. informed me that Tesla will replace my DU at no cost.
Question: Will Tesla replace my DU with newer more efficient DU as stated in this article?

Tesla shows off Model S & X's high-efficiency drive units, adaptive suspension UI

I will ask them when I pick up the car tomorrow but just want to hear your thought..

 

[mswlogo]

Highly doubtful because I'm sure there are other changes involved.
Not sure which DU you're getting replaced as it's the front drive unit that is now more efficient.

Good to see they are backing you up no questions asked.

 

[Ostrichsak]

Most likely you will get a refurbished version of your exact drive unit. Same with the battery packs as it's usually just a single part or two that are known to fail that get replaced the rectify the unit and get it back functional again.

From what a tech told me, the upgrade path to the newer permanent fixed magnet drive units isn't an easy one. It will be a long ways down the road when they no longer have refurbished drive units (yours will get refurbished for the next failure most likely) where they start taking on the added steps to upgrade customer cars under warranty.

 

[SoCal Buzz]

My ‘13 had the drive unit replaced for the same reason. You will get a refurbished motor with new ceramic bearings that do not wear like the older model.

 

[ucmndd]

Definitely not.

 

[Dithermaster]

No, because the high-efficiency drive unit is the front one (using the PMSR motor from Model 3). Your '13 85 only has a rear drive unit, and that isn't what is being talked about in the article you referenced. That said, the rear drive unit has had small changes made to it over the years, so you might get something better than you had before, but the efficiency will be the same.

 

[cookie99]

they just keep refurbishing old ones and sending them back out to the customers, i feel like this is why some people when they have replaced drive units they end up going back in again for another refurbished one, like a never ending cycle

 

[Worldtraveler]

thanks for waking me up from a dream and slapping me with the reality hand LOL, fellas.... here I am thinking... I'm getting a brand spank new DU which will last me a long time...

 

[ucmndd]

here I am thinking... I'm getting a brand spank new DU which will last me a long time...

Later drive unit revisions, even refurbished ones, do indeed last a good long time. Mine is going on 100,000 miles without any issues at all.

 

[Worldtraveler]

Later drive unit revisions, even refurbished ones, do indeed last a good long time. Mine is going on 100,000 miles without any issues at all.

that's good to hear. Any noticeable differences between your old and refurbished DU?

 

[SoCal Buzz]

that's good to hear. Any noticeable differences between your old and refurbished DU?

Yes! It doesn’t making that noise whirring noise anymore

 

[Worldtraveler]

Yes! It doesn’t making that noise whirring noise anymore

LOL Thanks alot! Capt. Obvious!

 

[Joels1017]

Taking mine in on the 10th, mines making the same noise when I hit about 50mph. Car used to be whisper quiet at high speeds, now it makes a loud whirring noise.

 

[IslandHydro]

I've had my MS for coming up on a year, has made a high pitch sound at highway speeds, depending on torque applied (get off the throttle, sound goes away). Not real loud, but there. Is this a sign of drive failure? Seems to be coming from the front of the car. If so will it likely get worse? Should I be contacting service?

 

[CaryRx]

I took my car in for a TPMS problem, they asked if there was anything else I needed them to take a look at, I mentioned there was a whirring/whistling noise from the DU, especially at certain speeds. Later that day they called me to let me know they'd be replacing the DU under warranty. Now the car is whisper quiet, and I've noted an increase in efficiency. I know the car is supposed to be super quiet, but I kinda miss it sounding like a spaceship.... LOL. But, glad it was replaced under warranty. I'd hate to think of what that would cost out of warranty!