There was a loud hum (buzz?) coming from the front of the car when I decided to check on the car last night.
"Cannot maintain vehicle power - Car may stop driving or shut down." It was in the garage charging, but it wouldn't let me disengage the charger, change gears, or engage tow mode. Shutting down the car or rebooting had no effect. Car has about 410 miles and a week from delivery. VIN is 31XXX.
Once I used the emergency disengage for the charger, the 12V battery died quick.
They had to tow her away. It's at the service center right now.
I checked other forums. It looks like a few others have seen this problem as well, but the fix has been to replace the drive train or the main battery so I don't know if this error can be generated from multiple sources. If you're on the road when it happens then you get stranded. I'll respond when the service center figures it out.

Bummer.

Did you get a loaner?

 

There was a loud hum (buzz?) coming from the front of the car when I decided to check on the car last night.
"Cannot maintain vehicle power - Car may stop driving or shut down." It was in the garage charging, but it wouldn't let me disengage the charger, change gears, or engage tow mode. Shutting down the car or rebooting had no effect. Car has about 410 miles and a week from delivery. VIN is 31XXX.
Once I used the emergency disengage for the charger, the 12V battery died quick.
They had to tow her away. It's at the service center right now.
I checked other forums. It looks like a few others have seen this problem as well, but the fix has been to replace the drive train or the main battery so I don't know if this error can be generated from multiple sources. If you're on the road when it happens then you get stranded. I'll respond when the service center figures it out.

Sorry to hear of your troubles but thanks for posting and please do keep us up to date with what happens. As with anything new and especially on the edge of what is technically capable these things can happen. Glad you were at home and not stranded, hope they get it fixed soon for you.

 

Bummer.

Did you get a loaner?

Loaner is an S.... P100D. I used to want the S, but I actually prefer the way the 3 drives.

The 3 is still in diagnosis.

 

When Tesla provides a loaner, are you allowed unlimited free supercharging? I've always wondered that.

 

They got back to me today. They said that the car needs a new high voltage controller and that it should arrive on Monday. I wish I knew exactly what the controller was doing here... and why was it draining the 12V?

 

Hi,
The high voltage converter would charge the 12V battery connecting every few hours to top it up. The 12V battery is constantly draining running connectivity.

 

They have had my car longer than I have. It's been at the service center for 8 days and it will be at least 11 days before I get it back.

Apparently, they need to mirror the data on the old high voltage controller, but it's not something they can do at a service center. Therefore, I have to wait on engineering in California to fix it.

 

I got my car back yesterday and all seems to be working. Sucks that it was a 12 day repair, but they seem to have confirmed it was a malfunctioning high voltage controller.

 

This could have been the component that was replaced, the Power Conversion System.

 

I had a similar issue. I was losing acceleration while driving, but my m3 wasn't giving me any warning. Had the car for 4 days and I'm 3 weeks in with a loaner 100D - I'm VIN 33XXX. They've checked (and replaced the super bottle) performed a flow test for the coolant and now have to replace the radiator... As much fun as it is driving the 100D I would like to get my M3 back at some point...

 

Just curious, what is a "super bottle"? In my mind I'm picturing a huge Nitrous Oxide bottle with a big red button to make the car go fast but the funny thing is......I can't find that anywhere in my car...LOL

 

Had to have my p3d+ towed LESS THAN 24hr after taking delivery on the 28th. I got a “cannont maintain vehicle power” warning immediately after taking delivery and was told it was probably just the firmware that needed to be updated. They updated it and sent me on my way. The warning didn’t show the rest of the day. The next morning I got the “cannot maintain vehicle power” but also got “car needs service, unable to drive” and I had to tow my car to the service center.

Whether it’s coincidental or related. That night I was installing my center console wrap and it started getting hot so I turned the AC on and notice a knocking sound (intermittent but consistent) coming from the front of the car. If i turned AC off and just kept the fan running the knocking sounds would go away. It would happen whether manual, automatic, or front defroster was on. The air coming out wasn’t that cold either. I also noticed that when on automatic or front defroster was on....the AC icon would go from grey/blue intermittently...as if AC was turning on and off. I decided to take it for a drive and noticed when the car was moving about 5-6MPH the knocking would stop and the icon what stay consistently blue...as well as the air felt colder. I have a feeling it has something to do with the AC compressor.

After waiting for 2hrs for the two truck the car was able to go into drive and was able to drive it on and off the truck. While at the service center I was trying to replicate the AC issue...and what do you know...the two warnings came back and car again wouldn’t go into drive.

Brand new car less than 24hr!!!

 

Had to have my p3d+ towed LESS THAN 24hr after taking delivery on the 28th. I got a "cannont maintain vehicle power" warning immediately after taking delivery and was told it was probably just the firmware that needed to be updated. They updated it and sent me on my way. The warning didn't show the rest of the day. The next morning I got the "cannot maintain vehicle power" but also got "car needs service, unable to drive" and I had to tow my car to the service center.

Whether it's coincidental or related. That night I was installing my center console wrap and it started getting hot so I turned the AC on and notice a knocking sound (intermittent but consistent) coming from the front of the car. If i turned AC off and just kept the fan running the knocking sounds would go away. It would happen whether manual, automatic, or front defroster was on. The air coming out wasn't that cold either. I also noticed that when on automatic or front defroster was on....the AC icon would go from grey/blue intermittently...as if AC was turning on and off. I decided to take it for a drive and noticed when the car was moving about 5-6MPH the knocking would stop and the icon what stay consistently blue...as well as the air felt colder. I have a feeling it has something to do with the AC compressor.

After waiting for 2hrs for the two truck the car was able to go into drive and was able to drive it on and off the truck. While at the service center I was trying to replicate the AC issue...and what do you know...the two warnings came back and car again wouldn't go into drive.

Brand new car less than 24hr!!!

Oh man, sorry to hear that you're having trouble already. I know it's no consolation but even Tesla can't get everything perfect all the time. I hope they get it fixed soon and you get the car back. BTW, even with those problems I'm still jealous of anyone who can start post with "My P3D+"

 

I got the same message on my car within 24 hrs of delivery. I did a soft reset and message went away until the next day. Dropped the car off with SvC with less than 48 hrs and 100 mi on the odo. They've had it now for 4 days which is twice the time I've had it and said "We have escalated your vehicle to our engineering team and are waiting on approval to replace a part". No other specifics.

I have an AP1 SP85D loaner which is better than an ICE but I'd rather drive the car I've been waiting 2 1/2 years for. Hopefully the repair happens quickly but after 100k vehicles made, you would think the bugs would have been worked out by now. These after delivery fixes really bite into the profit margin and hurt brand image with those that aren't Tesla fanatics.

 

Oh man, sorry to hear your car is in the shop, it's no fun when you get a new toy and then they they take it back! I hope they get her all fixed up and you get it back soon, for now enjoy that P85D!

 

Sad to hear this kind of stuff but I'm glad that you guys are getting taken care of. Please report back once your all fixed up.

 

Wow that’s two in NY. Mines been at the service center since Saturday. I’m in a p90d which lessens the blow alittle But it’s Sad that I’ve driven this more than my p3d and would prefer to have my car as I still need to detail it to take care of paint imperfections, have ppf and tints Installed...and finally get on with fully enjoying the car.

 

My car was escalated to the engineering team and ordered a body controller module for the front of the car...which I’m guessing is the VC front body controller. I wasn’t expecting that, as its different than the high voltage controller that other people in this thread reported having changed. I guess we’ll see.

 

My car was diagnosed by Engineering as having a faulty high voltage controller. Now awaiting part to arrive from Fremont. Won't be fixed until next week.....sigh.....

 

Yes but look on the bright side.....you'll have the latest and greatest high voltage controller with the new flux capacitor and Mr. Fusion options that just came out!......or at least that's what I would tell my friends to make me feel better about having my new car in the shop....

 

And it continues. I went to pick my car up today and within miles of the service center I get another warning “Power Reduced, exit and re-enter car -may restore operation”. Couldn’t drive over 60mph and straight back to the service center. So again. Still haven’t had the car for more than 24hrs since taking delivery over a week ago...and the car is back at the service center. Good news is my left turn signal now works as it should.

 

And it continues. I went to pick my car up today and within miles of the service center I get another warning "Power Reduced, exit and re-enter car -may restore operation". Couldn't drive over 60mph and straight back to the service center. So again. Still haven't had the car for more than 24hrs since taking delivery over a week ago...and the car is back at the service center. Good news is my left turn signal now works as it should.

Sounds like the problem wasn't fixed. Bummer. Which SvC are you using?

 

Syosset. It was escalated and diagnosed by Tesla engineering. I was skeptical it was the VCFront body controller to begin with. Waiting again to hear what Tesla engineering says this time.

 

Saw this video last night....he had the same "cannot maintain vehicle power". Forward to 12:30 and he mentions his was actually caused by a short in the AC compressor....and inadvertantly when looking at the logs they noticed some values out of wack with the rear drive unit and had it replaced as well. With my AC noises I had i felt like it had something to do with it. But apparently my AC noises were due to the system being overcharged. Will hopefully find out more on monday. Still haven't had the car more than 24hr in my possession and I already got the bill for first months payment. VERY FRUSTRATING.

 

And it continues. I went to pick my car up today and within miles of the service center I get another warning "Power Reduced, exit and re-enter car -may restore operation". Couldn't drive over 60mph and straight back to the service center. So again. Still haven't had the car for more than 24hrs since taking delivery over a week ago...and the car is back at the service center. Good news is my left turn signal now works as it should.

Back in 1984 I took delivery of a new Chrysler product (I know, I know) and within three days of ownership, the car dies while at a local filling station.

No power to anything......

Gets towed to the local dealership, car starts right away when arrives at dealership.

They keep it for a week, trying to duplicate. No luck, the sucker would start properly every time.

I get the car back, told it must have been a one off whatever.......that weekend it is dead at a grocery store.

After three weeks and getting ready to fight to get my money back, one of their techs (while doing back to basics electrical trouble shooting) finds one of the wire loom connectors (that passed thru the fire wall) was not torqued to spec.

Problem solved for the rest of my time owning that car.

Anyhow, trust me, they will find the issue and fix it.

I do wonder, since all these modules are bench tested prior to use, if there is a common case of some wire connector not quite right and it gets right only via swapping out a line replaceable unit.

 

Another day with no progress. Took delivery 9/28. Its been there since 9/29...going on 11 days now and they don’t even know what’s wrong with it yet.

 

I just got an update today that the High Voltage Controller was supposed to arrive by FedEx today and they were going to install it. No word yet so most likely I'll pick it up tomorrow. The turn signal issue is waiting for parts. So far, Syosset has 7 cars waiting for the turn signal repair.

As frustrated as we are as customers, the service team is doing their best and they would love to get the cars fixed as quickly as possible. At least we get nice loaners to drive with free mileage and charging. I'm bringing the SvC pasta and salad for lunch tomorrow. They're good people and treat me right.

 

Hi all- this happened to me today. Hoping this gets diagnosed quickly. Really appreciate all the info in the thread so far!

 

Update: picked my car up yesterday after 2 attempts and 18days at the service center. First attempt was the front body controller and second attempt they replaced a front body harness due to a short in one of the connectors. Seems to be vary issues with the same warning. Interested to hear what they diagnose for your car.

 

I hope this fix finally does the trick. I've had my car back for a week and it's a blast to drive. The team and Syosset knows both of us well.

 

I had the same message pop up on my car yesterday.... took it into service today and they found that the connector on the 12v battery was loose. They said that will fix it. Hope they are right as I have a 6 hour drive Friday.....

 

I got the "Cannot maintain vehicle power" yesterday after coming out into the cold Colorado night after work. I had turned on the climate control system a few minutes earlier via the app. My battery was at about 70% charge. I was on hold waiting to get a live person from Tesla roadside assistance. Just before they answered, the car powered on and I was able to shift into gear. They offered to have it towed or I could drive it to the service center. I opted to drive it home since going to/from the service center would take several hours.

Today I verified that the 12V battery connections were tight. I measured approx 15V at the 12V battery when connected to the wiring harness. When the battery is disconnected it had about 14V. I don't have a load tester to verify the 12V battery. The error message on the car display when the 12V battery was disconnected was different than "cannot maintain vehicle power" and it cleared as soon as the 12V battery was reconnected.

I tried to see if I could get in to service today, but I couldn't get through the wait time with the windows in my work schedule. I need to try to get it looked at in the near future.

 

Currently waiting for a tow truck after experiencing all of the same symptoms OP described. I’ve had my Model 3 for about 3.5 months. Was driving along perfectly fine all morning, parked for 10 minutes to grab a coffee, and I came back to find this happening. I guess I’m not making it to my meeting after all.

 

Currently waiting for a tow truck after experiencing all of the same symptoms OP described. I've had my Model 3 for about 3.5 months. Was driving along perfectly fine all morning, parked for 10 minutes to grab a coffee, and I came back to find this happening. I guess I'm not making it to my meeting after all.

That sucks. If I've learned one thing going through these "power" warnings....is that there are variety of reasons that may cause it. Best bet is to bring it to the service center and have them diagnose it. Post back after you get it fixed. Curious to hear what your issue was.