Model Y makes loud clack/clunk when starting

[stealthtes]

I notice that my 2023 Model Y LR makes a loud clack/clunk sound when it starts up. This occurs either while I’m walking up to the car (I’m assuming it senses my phone key) or right after I open the door.

It sounds like something in between a clunk (similar to a frunk opening) and a clack (similar to plastic piece snapping into place. It sounds like something mechanical moving into place, but could be slightly misaligned. It’s not like the smooth motor sound when the door opens.

Does anyone else notice this with their car too? Is this normal? What could it be?

 

[smogne41]

Totally normal. This sound is from the contactors closing to connect the main battery. Contactors are giant mechanical relays contained inside the battery pack penthouse (the part of the pack under your back seat). You will also hear it sometimes before charging to connect the charge port.

 

[stealthtes]

Oh interesting. Do you know when/why the contractors close or open?

 

[GtiMart]

Your high voltage battery is disconnected completely when the car sleeps. When you enter the car and wake it up, the high voltage battery gets reconnected so you can drive, have AC/heat etc...