Tesla produce revolutionary technology, especially when it comes to navigation systems. Tesla’s navigation system utilizes online and offline maps, real-time traffic data, and advanced routing algorithms to provide drivers with optimal directions.
However, many Tesla owners have experienced their Tesla navigation not working, such as getting stuck, showing incorrect location or route, requiring update or initialization, or not loading or responding.
What are the Causes of Tesla Navigation Not Working and Their Solutions?
Like any software system, Tesla’s navigation system can sometimes encounter glitches or errors that prevent it from functioning properly.
Some of the common issues that Tesla owners have reported are:
- Navigation system is stuck or not updating
- Navigation system shows incorrect location or route
- Navigation system says “Navigation Update Required” or “Navigation System is Initializing.”
- Navigation system does not load or respond
These issues can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you rely on your Tesla navigation system for your daily commute or long trips. Fortunately, there are some possible solutions that you can try to fix your Tesla navigation system and get it working again.
Here are some of the following methods that you can try to solve the Tesla navigation not working problem:
Reset the Tesla Navigation System
One of the simplest and most effective ways to fix your Tesla navigation system is to reset it. This can clear any temporary glitches or corrupted data that may be causing the problem. There are two ways to reset your Tesla navigation system: soft reset and hard reset.
Soft Reset:
This is a quick and easy way to reboot your Tesla navigation system without affecting any other settings or features.
- To do a soft reset, you need to press and hold the Park button on the driver’s stalk and the Brake pedal for about 20 seconds.
- You will see the touchscreen go black and then restart. Wait for a few minutes until the navigation system loads again.
Hard Reset:
This is a more thorough way to reboot your Tesla navigation system by disconnecting the power supply and resetting the GPS fuse.
To do a hard reset, you need to follow these steps:
- Open all your car doors, windows, and front as well as back trunk.
- Go to Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off. Tap on it and then tap Power Off again.
- Get out of your car and remove the battery cover on the front trunk.
- Locate the battery and remove the red cap.
- Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
- Remove the negative (-) terminal first using a pair of pliers.
- Then, place a rag under the negative terminal so it doesn’t contact other parts.
- Go inside your seat and identify the latch (driver-side seat) junction between the seat and the carpet.
- Push the latch toward the midline to unlatch it.
- Do the same thing on the other side too.
- Lift the seat and find the tire foam insulator.
- Pull it out to locate one connector.
- Squeeze down the lock and wait for 1 minute.
- Then, swing the lock up.
- Place the tire foam insulator back.
- Lift and align the seat like it was before.
- Then, latch the seat on both sides.
- Insert the negative terminator back into its place using the same tool.
- You will hear the sounds of the car resetting and restarting.
- Put on the battery cap and cover.
- Test it out.
Reboot the Tesla System
Another way to fix your Tesla navigation system is to reboot the whole Tesla system, including the touchscreen, instrument cluster, and other features. This can refresh your system and resolve any software glitches or bugs that may be affecting your navigation system.
To reboot your Tesla system, you need to hold both scroll buttons on the steering wheel while pressing down on the Parking Brake knob for up to 5-15 seconds. You will see both screens go black and then restart. Wait for a few minutes until everything comes back on.
Power off your Tesla
A third way to fix your Tesla navigation system is to power off your Tesla completely and let it rest for a few minutes. This can allow your Tesla to shut down all its processes and clear any cached data or memory that may be interfering with your navigation system.
To power off your Tesla, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to your touchscreen.
- Set your Tesla in Park mode.
- Select Power Off from the Controls > Safety & Security menu.
- Tap on Power Off again.
- You will see two options: Cancel and Power Off.
- Tap on Power Off and wait for about 2 minutes.
- During this period, do not touch any part or open any door.
- When the A/C, lights, and other parts turn on, it means your Tesla is back on.
Plug Tightly or Replace the GPS Fuse
A fourth way to fix your Tesla navigation system is to check the GPS fuse and make sure it is plugged tightly or replace it if it is faulty. The GPS fuse is a small device that protects your GPS system from overcurrent or short circuits.
If the GPS fuse is loose or damaged, it can cause your navigation system to malfunction or not work at all. To check or replace your GPS fuse, you need to follow these steps:
- Locate the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Open the fuse box cover and find the fuse labeled “GPS.”
- Pull out the fuse using a fuse puller or a pair of tweezers.
- Check the fuse for any signs of damage, such as cracks, burns, or discoloration.
- If the fuse is intact, plug it back in firmly and make sure it is secure.
- If the fuse is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same rating and type.
- Close the fuse box cover and test your navigation system.
Do Software Updates
A fifth way to fix your Tesla navigation system is to do software updates regularly. Software updates can improve your Tesla’s performance and functionality, as well as fix any bugs or issues that may be affecting your navigation system.
To do software updates, you need to follow these steps:
- Establish a Wi-Fi connection in your Tesla and navigate to Controls > Software.
- There, you will see a software update that is available.
- Tap on it and wait for some time until it finishes downloading and installing.
- After that, check if your navigation system works or not.
Read Also: Why Is Your Tesla Voice Command Not Working? (Dos and Don’ts)
Replace the Nav SD Card Inside the MCU
A sixth way to fix your Tesla navigation system is to change the Nav SD card in the MCU (Media Control Unit). The Nav SD card is a micro-SD card that stores the offline maps for your navigation system.
If the Nav SD card is corrupted or worn out, it can cause your navigation system not to load or show errors. To change the Nav SD card in the MCU, you need to follow these steps:
- Open up the dashboard and take out the MCU.
- Locate the Nav SD card slot on the back of the MCU.
- Eject the old Nav SD card and insert a new one with updated maps.
- Put back the MCU and close the dashboard.
- Test your navigation system.
These are some of the possible solutions that you can try to fix your Tesla navigation system and get it working again.
However, if none of these methods work or if you are not comfortable doing them yourself, you should contact the Tesla service center or a professional technician for assistance. They can diagnose and repair your Tesla navigation system more effectively and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can I use third-party navigation apps on my Tesla?
As of now, Tesla does not officially support third-party navigation apps on its infotainment system.
Why is my Tesla navigation showing a blank screen?
A blank screen could be due to a software issue; try rebooting the system or contact Tesla support if the problem persists.
How often does Tesla update its navigation maps?
Tesla updates its navigation maps periodically, but the exact frequency can vary.
Why is my Tesla’s navigation voice command not working?
The voice command might not be working due to a microphone issue or a software glitch.
