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2017 Model X Falcon Wing Door Sensor Malfunction

0

Kevin B. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:28 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Tesla Model X 90D

I'm having persistent issues with the Falcon Wing Doors on my 2017 Tesla Model X 90D. Specifically, the passenger side door keeps stopping mid-open or mid-close, sometimes reversing direction, as if it's detecting an obstruction when there's clearly nothing there. It's incredibly frustrating and makes it hard to get passengers in and out.

I've tried cleaning the sensors along the edges of the door, but that hasn't helped. It seems to happen more frequently in direct sunlight or when it's very hot, but it's not exclusive to those conditions. I've heard about these doors being finicky, but this is becoming a daily occurrence.

Is this a known issue with the early Model X, and are there any TSBs or recalls related to these sensor problems? What's the typical repair for something like this?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:28 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The Falcon Wing Doors (FWD) on early Model X vehicles, particularly the 2016-2017 model years, are known for their complexity and occasional sensor-related issues. Your experience with phantom obstructions is a common complaint.

  1. Common Causes of FWD Sensor Malfunctions:

    • Ultrasonic Sensors: The FWDs rely heavily on ultrasonic sensors embedded along the edges to detect obstructions. These sensors can become dirty, misaligned, or fail, leading to false positives.
    • Infrared (IR) Sensors: There are also IR sensors that detect objects. Similar to ultrasonic, these can be affected by dirt, direct sunlight (which can interfere with IR signals), or internal failure.
    • Wiring Harness Issues: The complex wiring running through the doors can develop faults over time, leading to intermittent sensor readings.
    • Calibration Issues: The door's opening and closing parameters might become miscalibrated, causing it to react incorrectly to its environment.
    • Software Glitches: Less common, but software bugs can sometimes cause erratic door behavior.

  2. Troubleshooting Steps:

    • Thorough Cleaning: Re-clean all visible sensors along the door edges and the roofline with a soft, damp cloth. Ensure no residue is left.
    • Software Update: Ensure your vehicle's software is up to date. Tesla frequently releases updates that include improvements to FWD logic and sensor calibration.
    • Manual Recalibration (Limited): While not a full service calibration, sometimes manually opening and closing the door slowly a few times can help the system re-learn its limits. You can also try a soft reboot of the vehicle.

  3. TSBs and Recalls: There have been several TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) related to FWD issues on early Model X vehicles, often addressing sensor sensitivity, wiring, or software logic. While not always a 'recall' in the traditional sense (which implies a safety defect requiring a mandatory fix), Tesla has often provided updates or repairs under warranty for these known issues. A service center can check for specific TSBs applicable to your VIN.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • Promptly: Since this is a recurring issue affecting vehicle access and potentially safety, it's best to schedule a service appointment with Tesla.
    • A Tesla Service Center has specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint which specific sensor (ultrasonic, IR, or other) is malfunctioning. They can perform a full sensor calibration, replace faulty sensors, or address any wiring issues. Given the complexity of the FWD system, DIY repair is generally not recommended for these types of issues.
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