Sometimes the voice command doesn’t act even when hitting the button. It can also stop receiving the command or keep on showing the icon (as reading).
Due to the system bug, software error, bad airbag, or faulty voice button control unit, it can cause the voice command to not work. To fix it, just do a soft/hard reset or update the software. If these don’t fix the issue, then change the airbag or button control unit.
In this guide, I’ll share the possible causes of this issue and give directions on how to fix the process. Here I Go!
Why Is My Tesla Voice Command Not Working?
There are a couple of reasons why the voice command doesn’t work properly when you give it a command. Let me break down some of the possible causes below:
Reason #1: System Glitch
If your Tesla Model 3, Y, S, or X voice command not working, it may be happening because of the system error. You can easily resolve it by doing the soft and hard reset.
Reason #2: Software Bug
The software glitch can cause some of the car’s parts to stop acting including the voice command. In that case, you’ll see the car can’t detect the voice or command. To fix it, just update the software in your car and mobile app.
Reason #3: Faulty Air Bag Assembly
Another possible reason why Tesla Model Y voice commands not working (or other series) is due to bad airbag assembly. In that case, you’ll need to replace the airbag assembly and fix the issue.
Reason #4: Broken Voice Button Control Unit
In most cases, the issue of voice command not working occurs when the scroll button’s control unit loses its ability to operate. It happens as the inner wiring harness or the part itself gets stuck. To fix it, either change the wiring harness or replace the button control unit.
Due to slow cell connection, it causes the Tesla voice command connection error. To fix it, simply wait for the internet or Wi-Fi to get stable signals.
How to Fix Tesla Voice Commands Not Working?
Now that you know why the voice commands in Tesla stop working, try out the following troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue:
Solution #1: Soft and Hard Reset
Firstly, you’ll need to confirm that the screen is activated to know if the car is resetting or not. If it’s not turning on, check this guide to fix screen glitches.
Then, press and hold the two scroll wheels for around 10 seconds. You’ll need to do this until the screen goes black. Next, wait for the screen to turn on.
Afterward, go to Controls > Safety > Power Off and then hit the Power Off option. Then, let it be like this for 2 minutes and get out of the car. Next, open the frunk using the mobile app and take out the top storage panel.
Then, detach the battery cover or lid before you pull out the 12V battery ground wire (negative terminal) and remove the HV loop plug.
Once it’s done, wait for 5 – 6 minutes before reinstalling all the parts. Next, get inside the car and wait for 2 additional minutes before pressing the brake pedal. And then, check if the voice command works or not.
Solution #2: Update the Software
To fix the issue of software glitch, you’ll need to use the car’s touchscreen and go to Controls > Software > Update Available > Software Update. After that, wait for it to complete the downloading procedure.
Next, open the mobile app on your iOS or Android device and then go to Software Update > Install/Yes. If your Tesla app gets stuck connecting to the car, then ensure to fix the bug by reading this bug!
After that, get out of the car and let the car complete its updating process. Then, get inside the car and do the 2-button reset trick. Afterward, test out the voice command feature.
Solution #3: Replace Air Bag Assembly
The process of replacing the airbag assembly is different on MX/MS and M3/MY cars. To start with, power off your car and then do the following steps based on series type:
In Model 3 and Y Cars
You’ll need to insert hex keys behind the 2 holes (left and right side of the steering wheel’s column). Then, take out the airbag assembly and unplug the horn wiring harness (yellow) using your hand.
After that, insert the new airbag assembly and attach the yellow plug to the steering wheel. Next, do the reversal process to reinstall all parts.
In Model X and S Cars
You’ll need to take out the 2 screws behind the steering wheel’s column using the ratchet wrench or screwdriver.
After that, use a pry bar on the sides and below to take out the airbag assembly. Now, you can see 3 plugs which are air bag wires (maroon/brown), horn and malfunction wires (yellow), and heated wires (black).
Then, unplug all the wiring harness plugs using your hand. Afterward, bring the new airbag with horn assembly and identify the wire to insert in the right spot.
In case you don’t know, just put on the yellow wire in the right port and the brown/maroon wire in the left port. And, the black wire goes on the bottom heated connection port (if equipped).
After plugging all the wires in the right spot, push the air bag assembly part into the gap and use slight force to lock the clips. Next, attach the 2 screws behind the steering wheel’s column with the same tool. Then, power on the car and test it out.
From the Tesla Service Center, this task will take around $400 – $700 or more (including part, labor, diagnostic, tax, and other costs) to find out the issue and fix it.
Solution #4: Change the Voice Button Control Unit
As the voice command button is on the right side, you’ll need to focus on this area. You’ll need to take out the airbag assembly part from the steering wheel (as I’ve mentioned in the above solution). After removing the airbag assembly part, here’s what you need to do:
In Model S and X Cars
To begin with, detach the wiring harness plugs that power the right-side scroll wheel and its other buttons. Note that the wiring harness can cause this part to become useless so inspect it as well (replace it if both scroll wheels stop working).
Afterward, take a screwdriver to remove the 2 screws from the right scroll button area and secure them in a safe zone to use later. Then, use slight pressure to release the button from the airbag assembly.
After that, install a new right scroll button on its spot and reinsert all the parts. Lastly, power on the car to use the voice command and confirm the success.
In Model 3 and Y Cars
The whole process is a little different in M3 and MY cars. In that case, you’ll need to remove the steering wheel’s trim cover using the pry bar and then unplug the wiring harness plugs.
If your airbag module, left and right scroll wheel stop working, then make sure to detach all the wiring harness plugs and insert new ones on the individual places.
Then, use a screwdriver to take out the 3 screws from the right scroll button area and secure them on a noticeable spot to use again. With your fingers, put slight pressure to release the button from the steering wheel’s trim cover.
Next, insert the new right scroll button on the right spot and put on all the parts by doing the reversal of the removal process. Then, start the car and check if the voice command works or not.
In the Tesla Service Center, changing the voice command button control unit will charge you around $275 – $400 or more.
Wrapping Up
The process to fix Tesla’s voice command not working issue won’t take longer than 30 – 40 minutes as a newbie. You only need to follow the steps and do it in the correct order without skipping anything.
If the above steps seem hard to attempt at home, it’s best to get help from a skilled mechanic to identify the cause and change the parts (if needed).
Hope this guide helps you to figure out the reasons behind this issue and solutions to do it yourself. Good Luck with This Project!
