Got my Model 3 today: some noob questions

[MikeyC]

I finally traded my 2 year old Bolt and got a Model 3 LR today. So excited, but have a couple questions right off the bat. One is an error message I got on my first drive home from delivery and the other is about charging. I searched these topics but the answers didn't seem to apply or were not definitive.

First, a few times I noticed an error message that the left door pillar camera is blocked. Then the right pillar camera. Then "multiple cameras are blocked or blinded". I searched this and found info on condensation and such but (if I'm looking at the correct camera - top side of the door pillar), the glass is clean and I see no condensation. I was driving at night. Anything I should check? Autopilot worked the 3x I tried it and the error doesn't seem to appear while using autopilot. In fact, the times I noticed it most was when using the left/right turn signals to make a turn.

The second question is not a problem; just an inquiry. I have a Mustart 32A charger that I had been using for my Bolt. When I got home, I plugged in the adapter and used that to start charging: charging started right away without any issues. Is it OK to use this charger on a regular basis? The outlet in my garage is a 14-50. I had read somewhere that you are supposed to plug the adapter into the car first and then the charger into the adapter. Is it OK to just leave the adapter dangling on the charging cord and plug it in?

Tomorrow I'll take the time to learn what I can. Getting late and I just got home and am a little overwhelmed.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[arnolddeleon]

The second question is not a problem; just an inquiry. I have a Mustart 32A charger that I had been using for my Bolt. When I got home, I plugged in the adapter and used that to start charging: charging started right away without any issues. Is it OK to use this charger on a regular basis? The outlet in my garage is a 14-50. I had read somewhere that you are supposed to plug the adapter into the car first and then the charger into the adapter. Is it OK to just leave the adapter dangling on the charging cord and plug it in?

Yes you should be fine with your existing charging station.

I've been charging for over two years with Juice Box EVSE and I have dedicated adapter I leave attached to it.

 

[leonar40]

Same. I have a Clipper Creek with an adapter and I leave it connected. Not sure why anyone would say that you should plug the adapter into the car first, that doesn't make sense.

 

[tstolze]

We have had our M3 for just over 2 weeks, and I experienced the same message for the camera's when driving in very dark areas, once I was in an area with street lights, the warnings went away. This will happen with bright Sun directly into the camera and also condensation.

 

[drtimhill]

I finally traded my 2 year old Bolt and got a Model 3 LR today. So excited, but have a couple questions right off the bat. One is an error message I got on my first drive home from delivery and the other is about charging. I searched these topics but the answers didn't seem to apply or were not definitive.

First, a few times I noticed an error message that the left door pillar camera is blocked. Then the right pillar camera. Then "multiple cameras are blocked or blinded". I searched this and found info on condensation and such but (if I'm looking at the correct camera - top side of the door pillar), the glass is clean and I see no condensation. I was driving at night. Anything I should check? Autopilot worked the 3x I tried it and the error doesn't seem to appear while using autopilot. In fact, the times I noticed it most was when using the left/right turn signals to make a turn.

The second question is not a problem; just an inquiry. I have a Mustart 32A charger that I had been using for my Bolt. When I got home, I plugged in the adapter and used that to start charging: charging started right away without any issues. Is it OK to use this charger on a regular basis? The outlet in my garage is a 14-50. I had read somewhere that you are supposed to plug the adapter into the car first and then the charger into the adapter. Is it OK to just leave the adapter dangling on the charging cord and plug it in?

Tomorrow I'll take the time to learn what I can. Getting late and I just got home and am a little overwhelmed.

Thanks,
Mike

Dont worry about camera blocked messages at night .. it happens when you are driving down dark roads and the camera cant see anything. For safety it assumes there may be problems with the camera and warns you just in case.

 

[MikeyC]

Dont worry about camera blocked messages at night .. it happens when you are driving down dark roads and the camera cant see anything. For safety it assumes there may be problems with the camera and warns you just in case.

Thank you! I was indeed on very dark roads: no street lights. Makes sense. Incredible car. Gonna take most of the day tomorrow to familiarize myself with the UI and such.

Mike

 

[MXLRplus]

Your car came with a UMC Wall Connector but they don't ship them with the 14-50 pigtail anymore. You will want to buy one when you get time as a backup plan: Gen 2 NEMA Adapters Use the pulldown menu to find it. Beware - Teslas runs out of charging parts and accessories for months at a time. If it's available, snap it up.

 

[M3phan]

Doesn’t make sense to me… Model 3 owner since mid 2018, and I’ve never had my cameras give an error message of blocked during night driving. Have you done a reboot?

 

[DaddysCar]

I finally traded my 2 year old Bolt and got a Model 3 LR today.

Congrats!

 

[cylonmode]

I keep my 14-50 adapter dangling and plugged into the outlet all the time. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless your electrician installed the plug upside down, the cable pointed upward and drooping down doesn't look good for it at all. I have had the camera issue, but it was due to condensation and went away after awhile with no driving issues.

 

[MikeyC]

Doesn’t make sense to me… Model 3 owner since mid 2018, and I’ve never had my cameras give an error message of blocked during night driving. Have you done a reboot?

I have not. I'll reboot it tomorrow. I'm worn out today: driving over an hour to pick it up and an hour home. Got home around 9pm and skipped dinner. I'll get familiar with it tomorrow.

Thanks for the replies.

Mike

 

[DwightKSchrute]

I finally traded my 2 year old Bolt and got a Model 3 LR today. So excited, but have a couple questions right off the bat. One is an error message I got on my first drive home from delivery and the other is about charging. I searched these topics but the answers didn't seem to apply or were not definitive.

First, a few times I noticed an error message that the left door pillar camera is blocked. Then the right pillar camera. Then "multiple cameras are blocked or blinded". I searched this and found info on condensation and such but (if I'm looking at the correct camera - top side of the door pillar), the glass is clean and I see no condensation. I was driving at night. Anything I should check? Autopilot worked the 3x I tried it and the error doesn't seem to appear while using autopilot. In fact, the times I noticed it most was when using the left/right turn signals to make a turn.

The second question is not a problem; just an inquiry. I have a Mustart 32A charger that I had been using for my Bolt. When I got home, I plugged in the adapter and used that to start charging: charging started right away without any issues. Is it OK to use this charger on a regular basis? The outlet in my garage is a 14-50. I had read somewhere that you are supposed to plug the adapter into the car first and then the charger into the adapter. Is it OK to just leave the adapter dangling on the charging cord and plug it in?

Tomorrow I'll take the time to learn what I can. Getting late and I just got home and am a little overwhelmed.

Thanks,
Mike

Make sure you ventilation is fresh air not recirculation. I found that caused the condensation
Also get a service appointment about the blocked cameras. Make sure they read the error codes first

 

[techzelle]

You could get the Tesla 14-50 adapter, $35. then you can use your mobile charger to get a faster 40 amp charge rate vs the 32 amp you are currently getting.

 

[tstolze]

You could get the Tesla 14-50 adapter, $35. then you can use your mobile charger to get a faster 40 amp charge rate vs the 32 amp you are currently getting.

14-50 charges at 32 amps.

 

[rjpjnk]

Is the supplied mobile charger able to charge at 40 amps? I thought its max was less than that.

EDIT: Just looked it up and 32 amps seems to be the max.

Mobile Connector | Tesla Support

Mobile Connector is useful when you’re away from home and on extended trips. View the charging speed based on your model and adapter.

www.tesla.com

 

[techzelle]

14-50 charges at 32 amps.

right, thanks. then no difference.

the 40 amp is for the corded mobile charger, gen 1. The adapter version max is 32 amps.

 

[father_of_6]

Congratulations! How's it drive compared to the bolt?

 

[Darmie]

Same. I have a Clipper Creek with an adapter and I leave it connected. Not sure why anyone would say that you should plug the adapter into the car first, that doesn't make sense.

Maybe this may be a clue of why they say plug in the adapter first.

 

[drtimhill]

Thank you! I was indeed on very dark roads: no street lights. Makes sense. Incredible car. Gonna take most of the day tomorrow to familiarize myself with the UI and such.

Mike

Enjoy! Boring and dull though it may seem, I do advise spending a bit of time studying Autopilot stuff (you might even read that section of the manual!). It's a great feature, but be aware of its limitations, and in particular that you are deemed to be in control of the car at all times. But don't worry, you will love the car!

 

[MikeyC]

Congratulations! How's it drive compared to the bolt?

Night and day, like I knew it would be. The Bolt is a great city car but it is pretty unstable at highway speeds (short wheelbase makes it wander a lot): the M3 is a much more solid car. Have only driven it home from the dealer at night, so I need more seat time.

Mike