The Tesla Model S GPS Problem, and How to Fix It

Tesla Model S owners have reported a strange issue recently, the onboard GPS is getting stuck in a single position. Moving, not moving, charging not charging, the car on the GPS display never changes positions, even when the car is miles away, assumable stuck where the problem first occurred. If the owner tries to map a route somewhere the GPS begins it at the perceived point of the car and will not find the car at its actual location to properly map the route.

There’s a fix, sort of, solutions seem all over the place. Tesla Model S owners are reporting that GPS reorientation doesn’t seem to work, and powering off the touch screen doesn’t seem to work either, one owner had success powering off the driver’s screen though.

Some owners report having the issue on and off, which can likely be attributed to lost GPS signal, in which case, spend less time in tunnels and parking garages. Other owners have had the issue almost immediately after delivery, bringing it back to be addresses by Tesla so soon much be rather disappointing. Tesla thus far has been helpful in working the issue out with all their customers effected until it can be resolved.

Tesla has replaced the integrated antenna or the media control unit, MCU, for a few customers which did make their problems go away. Other owners reported Tesla resetting the MCU solving the problem, only to have it return and go through the process again. Seems like that’s just a band aid on the problem. Many are still convincing it is a software bug for a part of the computer that is not normally remotely updated and that can/will be fixed in an update to come, preferably sooner than later.

For now, it appears the best solution to the problem is to call Tesla customer support and have them remotely diagnose it. Owners should take screenshots of anything unusual in the app to show Tesla service for a faster, easier, and more accurate diagnosis. If there is a hardware fault it should be immediately obvious based on the data logs they can access from your car and will perform a hard reset when it is convenient for you to attempt to correct the problem should they believe it not to be a hardware issue.

Interesting story: Tesla Model S Owner Tracks And Finds His Stolen Car And Thief With App.

Have you had a GPS issue with your Tesla? Did you find a quick an easy way to solve the problem without Tesla’s help? Also see Which Navigation System to Use in Your Tesla Model S for Best Traffic Experience.