Got 3 errors--Vehicle may shut down unexpectedly but next appointment is 3 weeks

[NedH]

Errors: VCFRONT_a192, VCFRONT_a182, VCFRONT_a402. First message says 12v battery needs to be replaced. But other errors are very ominous: some electrical equipment will be shutdown, car may not start, etc.

Should I be worried and be careful where I drive until the battery is replaced?

Is there some safety margin before the 12v battery dies completely? My car is almost 4 years old.

 

[father_of_6]

Sounds like the typical experience when 12v is dying. Pop the frunk and open the window first if you can... then you'll still have access to the car once that battery dies.

I expect I'll change my own battery. It's a fairly straightforward process.

 

[father_of_6]

And there *is* a safety margin for you - it's those errors. Not everyone is so lucky. Definitely don't go for any long drives (or any drives at all) unless it's your only choice and you're going to an auto supply store to buy a battery.

Ideally, get someone else to drive you to the store and get a battery, then put it in yourself. The type of battery and instructions for replacement can both be had from these forums or by googling.

 

[derotam]

I just recently had mine replaced on my 2018 LR RWD. Based on what mine LOOKED like, I would not want to wait 3 weeks. You might want to keep checking the app to see if any sooner appts come up(it happened for me). My battery was visibly expanded so I am glad I was able to get it replaced within a week.

My cost was about $107 total(battery + labor). It cost them more on labor than expected because they dropped the little vent piece and spent about 10-15 minutes locating and fishing it out from the depths...

 

[EVRider-FL]

Contact Roadside Assistance. The battery can be replaced by a mobile technician, and if you’re still under warranty it won’t cost anything.

 

[phishphan]

It’s probably either the 12v or PCS.

 

[Operator64]

I believe the warning given is the “safety Margin” the 12v battery going out can create a plethora of other warnings however the battery is the root cause

 

[jjrandorin]

Should I be worried and be careful where I drive until the battery is replaced?

Yes (you should be worried) and if it were me I would not drive that car anywhere at all until the 12V battery was replaced, unless you are ok with the car not starting once you park somewhere.

That notice IS the warning, and many people dont get it, the car just doesnt start. Some who get it have the car not start shortly after. I seem to remember @EVRider-FL having a situation like that (warning, then car not starting just a couple days after that).

Perhaps I am mis remembering that, though.

 

[Perscitus]

With those errors set the LVB will discharge to full dead in a matter of hours (max 24h). Tesla logic.

If you have a trickle charger, and no LVB replacement handy, to keep things going for a few more weeks do this:

1. park the car
2. go through the 12V replacement procedure (without replacing the battery)
3. once you reconnect everything the codes will clear and the LVB will go into recharge mode... likely keeping it alive for a few more days, weeks.

Alternatively, with the HVB connector disconnected and the negative/ground clamp off the LVB - proceed to connect a trickle charger to the LVB and let it juice it up for a few to a few dozen hours, then reconnect everything.

 

[EVRider-FL]

That notice IS the warning, and many people dont get it, the car just doesnt start. Some who get it have the car not start shortly after. I seem to remember @EVRider-FL having a situation like that (warning, then car not starting just a couple days after that).

Perhaps I am mis remembering that, though.

You remember correctly. I wouldn't drive the car until the 12V battery is checked and replaced. If you use Roadside Assistance, they'll take care if it within a couple of days.

 

[NedH]

Contact Roadside Assistance. The battery can be replaced by a mobile technician, and if you’re still under warranty it won’t cost anything.

When I go to the roadside assistance app it won't let me request service for a "potential" problem--only if the car is disabled.

 

[Operator64]

When I go to the roadside assistance app it won't let me request service for a "potential" problem--only if the car is disabled.

I believe EVERY roadside assistance program in existence would deny a request for a potential problem, you don’t need assistance if the vehicle is operational

 

[Operator64]

When I go to the roadside assistance app it won't let me request service for a "potential" problem--only if the car is disabled.

You need to schedule a service for this particular situation

 

[Formula1]

Errors: VCFRONT_a192, VCFRONT_a182, VCFRONT_a402. First message says 12v battery needs to be replaced. But other errors are very ominous: some electrical equipment will be shutdown, car may not start, etc.

Should I be worried and be careful where I drive until the battery is replaced?

Is there some safety margin before the 12v battery dies completely? My car is almost 4 years old.

Can I ask how many miles you have on the car? Just wondering as my car is over 4 years old but have not gotten any warnings yet about the 12V. I only have 15,800 miles on mine. Since the pandemic been working mostly from home.

 

[Randy-12]

Why don't you just go to a service centre now and get a battery change.
It is a safety issue afterall.

 

[EVRider-FL]

Can I ask how many miles you have on the car? Just wondering as my car is over 4 years old but have not gotten any warnings yet about the 12V. I only have 15,800 miles on mine. Since the pandemic been working mostly from home.

As with ICE cars, mileage doesn't really impact the life of the 12V battery, it's age (and climate). It seems 3-4 years is typical for Tesla owners. Our Model 3 12V battery died after 3 years with less than 9k miles on the odometer. Our Model S 12V battery was proactively replaced after 3.5 years (at my request).