Tesla is facing issues with its dog mode, a feature popular with pet owners. After a recent update, errors have been reported.
Tesla’s “dog” mode, designed to maintain a comfortable temperature in the vehicle when the owner is away, is experiencing malfunctions after a software update. Users have reported that the air conditioner is ineffective and warnings indicate operational problems. Tesla has acknowledged that there is a firmware issue and has advised owners not to use this feature at this time.
What’s the problem with Tesla?
The “Dog” mode, introduced by Tesla, allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin of a car in the absence of the owner. This feature is especially popular with pet owners who want to take them everywhere without the risk of leaving them in an overheated or freezing car.
When this mode is activated, the air conditioner turns on to regulate the interior temperature. A message appears on the vehicle’s central display informing passers-by that the animal inside is safe and that the temperature is being monitored.
There update 2024.20.1 Tesla’s software introduced several new features and improvements. However, it also seems to have caused problems in “dog” mode. Several owners have reported malfunctions on Reddit, with alerts sent to their phones indicating operational problems just minutes after leaving the vehicle.
According to testimony, air conditioning, which is essential for maintaining a stable temperature, seems ineffectivewhich takes up to 15 minutes to reduce the temperature by just one degree.
A solution is awaited
Tesla has acknowledged the issues with this update. In a message to an affected user, Tesla customer service confirmed that there is a firmware issue in connection with dog condition. They advised owners not to use this feature while waiting for a fix.
Tesla’s response highlights welcome transparency, but also shows the safety features’ dependence on the reliability of software updates. The dog-mode failures are linked to the inefficiency of Tesla’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which appear to be experiencing broader difficulties. For Tesla owners, these malfunctions are a source of frustration, especially for those who rely on dog mode to keep their pets safe. The inability to use this feature forces owners to find alternative solutions to protect their pets when they leave their vehicle.
Remember that Tesla models can receive remote updates to improve over time. Dog Mode has seen some notable developments, including the addition of a live stream that allows owners to monitor their pets remotely via an indoor camera. However, these latest updates show that it is important to test new features thoroughly before implementation to avoid such incidents.
To address the current issues, Tesla may consider rolling out a dog mode patch update quickly. The Californian manufacturer could also strengthen pre-publication software testing to identify and fix potential bugs.
