Why Are Tesla Side Cameras Not Working? A Complete Guide!

Side cameras on your Tesla greatly improve safety by reducing blind spots. But like all other tech features, side cameras aren’t free from trouble. Sometimes, you will notice that the side cameras aren’t working properly.

So, why are the Tesla side cameras not working? The side cameras on Tesla might not work if there is dust inside it or the camera is broken. Faulty connections or USB problems can also cause this problem. Sometimes, a faulty PCB or software bug can contribute to it.

Let’s learn the reasons behind the faulty side cameras and how to resolve the issue.

Tesla Side Cameras Are Not Working: Reasons and Solutions

Here is a detailed breakdown of the most common reasons why side cameras might not work. I also provided step-by-step solutions to the problem. Read it thoroughly.

1. There Is Dust Inside the Camera

As the side camera modules are exposed to the outer environment, they are susceptible to dust accumulation. Over time, dust or micro-particles can accumulate inside the camera panel. 

The dust or micro-debris will prevent the camera from working properly. In most cases, the dust hampers the connection between the camera and the computer system of the vehicle.

Detailed Solutions

1. You should clean the camera to make it work again. According to Tesla, you should not use any chemicals to clean the camera lenses.
2. Moreover, you should not wipe the lenses with regular or microfiber cloth. 
3. The right way of cleaning the camera lenses is to take water in a spray bottle and spray the water onto the lenses. Do it from a distance so that the spray doesn’t damage the lenses.
4. Let the lenses air dry. If the cameras aren’t still working, you can try cleaning the modules with an electric air duster.

2. The Camera Module Is Broken

Sometimes, a hard impact on the sides can crush the camera modules. Driving the Tesla over rough terrains continuously can also put stress on the camera housing. Over time, the camera module may break down.

Another probable cause for camera damage is condensation. If you drive in an extremely cold area, moisture can get condensed inside the camera module. When water turns into ice, it expands noticeably. The expansion can cause the camera to malfunction.

In some cases, there can be manufacturing defects on the camera. As a result, the camera may break from slight impacts.

Detailed Solutions

1. If the camera is broken, you should get it replaced. Contact your nearest Tesla service center and get the cameras replaced. It will cost $470, including parts and labor.
2. But if the vehicle is still under warranty and there are manufacturing defects, you may get a free replacement, according to the latest Tesla policy. Contact Tesla support to be sure about it.

3. Faulty Camera Connections

This can be a manufacturing issue, where the connection between the side cameras and the computer system is weak. But sometimes, the connection can become loose or corroded, depending on your driving conditions.

As a result, side cameras won’t work properly or may stop working at all.

Detailed Solutions

1. Unfortunately, diagnosing the problem and repairing it might not be easy for general users. You should take the car to the Tesla service center and get it checked by a technician.
2. If the connection fault is a manufacturing issue, you might get a free replacement. Otherwise, inexpensive repairs can solve the problem.

4. USB Issues

Many Tesla owners use USB recording devices to record their driving videos. If you store your dash cam recordings and other files on the same device, there can be a problem with the camera functionality.

The type of USB you use on your Tesla can also cause the camera problem. Tesla suggests you use USB 3.0 or higher to get the best performance. Sometimes, using an incompatible USB device may trigger a camera error.

Detailed Solutions

1. If the cameras aren’t working after using the wrong USB devices, you can fix it by rebooting your Tesla.
2. Find the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel. Press and hold the wheels for 10 seconds or until the screen goes black. If you have a Model X or Model S, you need to use the top buttons. 
3. After that, release the scroll wheels or buttons, and the screen will reboot. This might solve the USB issues, and the cameras will start working again.

5. Software Issues

Sometimes, outdated software can cause side cameras to malfunction. A software bug can also be the reason for this problem. 

Detailed Solutions

1. You should check and then update the software if available. Then, reboot the system to fix the issue.
2. Go to “Software” and tap on the “Software Update” option.
3. Then, tap on “Check for updates”. If an update is available, you should download the update and install it.
4. Finally, reboot the system and check if the side cameras are working. If the software bug is persistent, you should contact the Tesla service center to solve the problem.

Yes, there is an error in that line. “Stucked” is not the correct past participle form of “stuck.” The correct form is “stuck.” So the corrected line would be:

If you are trying to update the software but it is stuck. In that case, read our guide on, Why Is Tesla Software Update Stuck?

How to Calibrate Tesla Side Cameras?

Sometimes, the side cameras might not show anything on the feed. In this case, you need to recalibrate the cameras by following the steps below.

• Step 1: Go to “Controls” and tap on the “Service” tab.
• Step 2: Choose the “Camera Calibration” option. Then, tap on “Clean Calibration”.
• Step 3: Start driving normally. It is best if you can drive on straight roads where road markings are highly visible. Driving on interstates can be a good idea.
• Step 4: The system will now recalibrate the side cameras automatically. It may require you to drive for about 50-100 miles.
• Step 5: If the side cameras still don’t work, you should contact the Tesla service center.

FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions by Tesla owners about side cameras. Check them out.

Conclusion

Tesla cars have some of the coolest technologies that assist drivers in driving safely. The side cameras are one of them as long as they work perfectly. But sometimes, the issue of Tesla side cameras are not working can be a big headache.

I discussed all possible reasons behind the problem in detail and provided the necessary steps to solve the problem. Implement these solutions to make the side cameras work again and increase overall driving safety.