Tesla Model Y Alarm Going Off? (12 Causes & Solutions)

The Model Y quickly became the best selling vehicle in the world just a few years after it debuted.

But despite all its advanced technology and cutting-edge software, it’s still vulnerable to mysterious alarm problems just like any other vehicle.

If your Tesla Model Y’s alarm keeps going off, this article is here to help…

Why Does My Tesla Model Y Alarm Keep Going Off?

A Tesla Model Y’s alarm is usually triggered by faulty doors or software issues that cause bugs with the alarm system. Other common causes include trapped bugs, Tesla app issues, and problematic aftermarket accessories.

1. Bugs Inside the Cabin

Teslas are no stranger to bugs since they’re basically a computer on wheels, but we’re talking about actual insects or tiny critters getting stuck inside and triggering the Model Y alarm.

It may sound unlikely, but it’s one of the more common causes of false positives.

One owner on the TeslaMotorsClub.com forum had this to say:

“I’ve had a ladybird set off my car alarm (sentry mode not activated so no loud music thankfully) so my guess would be some sort of insect life in the car.”

To get rid of any insects inside the car, try the following:

Leave the doors and windows open for a while
Vacuum inside the car
Use bug repellent or bug traps

To check whether something inside the car might be triggering the alarm, turn off the Tilt/Intrusion sensor.

This setting can be accessed by going to Controls and then selecting Safety.

In some cases, an expanding plastic water bottle when the car is parked in the sun can also cause the alarm to go off.

Checking Sentry Mode events will also sometimes let you know what caused the alarm to go off. If all else fails, Tesla service can check which sensor is triggering the alarm.

If you need to leave the car with passengers or pets inside, you can turn on Dog or Camp mode. If the car is being transported, you can also put it into Transport mode to keep the alarm from going off.

2. Software Glitches

In some cases, a software glitch or a buggy software update can trigger the alarm more often.

Features that were working fine before such as the Sentry Mode and alarm can suddenly start acting strange soon after a software update.

To clear out any possible glitches, you can try resetting the car’s computers.

To perform a reset, follow these steps:

Press and hold the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel
Wait for the screen to turn off
After a few seconds, the touchscreen should restart on its own

You can do a soft reset even while the car is moving and the car should still drive normally. But it’s always better to do it while safely parked on the side of the road.

Disconnecting the 12-volt battery will also power down the Model Y’s computers and force a full restart once the battery terminals are reconnected.

Leaving the car for a while so it can go into a deep sleep state can also clear out software glitches.

If you contact Tesla, they can sometimes manually force a software update to get rid of the problems the previous software version caused.

3. Sentry Mode Issues

When Sentry Mode detects motion around the car, it can trigger the alarm to go off.

Sometimes, even harmless things moving around the car can create false positives such as:

Pedestrians
Rain
Animals
Flickering lights
Leaves or branches
Strong vibrations
Other vehicles

If you’re parked out in public, false alarms are more likely to happen.

A few owners on the r/ModelY subreddit shared their experience:

“Sentry mode has triggered the alarm state. A car with loud music, just passing by activated the Sentry alarm.”

“I’ve had someone with a stupidly loud motorcycle set it off.”

“Thunder and fireworks in my case.”

Loud noises that create strong vibrations such as rumbling engines, construction work or thunderstorms can also trigger Sentry Mode to start recording and eventually set off the alarm.

If you receive a notification on your phone saying “Sentry Mode has triggered the alarm state” this means your alarm has gone off.

You can always check the live footage on the app to see if there’s something suspicious going on with your car when you see these notifications.

If Sentry Mode is always triggering the alarm even if you’re parked in a secure location such as your garage or driveway, you can always just turn it off until you find out the root of the problem.

You can also turn off the cameras by toggling Camera-Based Detection in the Sentry Mode settings.

Even with cameras off, Sentry Mode will still record footage and the alarm will still go off if the tilt and intrusion sensors are triggered, like when someone accidentally bumps into the car while it’s parked.

If all else fails, try removing the USB drive you use for Sentry Mode as some drives can cause random issues.

If you want to keep the alarm from going off but still want Sentry Mode, you can choose Disable Sentry Sounds under the Controls and Safety settings.

4. Vibrations from A/C compressor or Fans

The Model Y’s A/C compressor and fans can create enough vibration to trigger the alarm.

Turning on the A/C remotely using the app, for example, can sometimes make the alarm go off.

The Cabin Overheat Protection, which automatically turns on the A/C to cool down the cabin, is another common culprit.

Here’s one owner’s experience on the r/TeslaModelY subreddit:

“We recently started noticing that sentry mode alarm state is getting triggered every few mins when the car is parked outside. The really odd thing is that it only happens when the car is parked under the sun on a hot day. It doesn’t happen when the car is in shade, or in the evenings (and didn’t experience this until around a month ago when the temperatures were cooler). Once the alarm is triggered, it keeps getting triggered every 5-10 mins until either we turn the sentry mode off, or we drive the car.”

“Turning off overheat protection did stop the issue from happening again.”

Preconditioning to warm up the cabin and high-voltage battery during the winter can also trip the alarm.

Here’s one such instance reported on the r/ModelY subreddit:

“With 2022 model y, 2 of the past 3 mornings about 7:40am, sentry mode alarms have going off, blasting music and the car alarm, and I’m sure annoying my neighbors in the process. Sentry video shows nothing.”

“Lately the weather has been cold at night -20c (-4f) and I have the car set to precondition for an 8am departure. Not sure if it’s ice melting or noises caused by expansion.”

To eliminate this as the possible cause, turn off Cabin Overheat Protection and Preconditioning then observe if the alarm sounds off again.

You can also disable the Tilt and Intrusion sensors by going to the Controls and then Safety settings.

5. Opening a Locked Door from Inside

If the doors are locked and one of the doors or the liftgate is opened, the alarm will be triggered.

This was designed so that the alarm goes off in case someone breaks your window and tries to open the door by reaching inside.

But this also means that if you walk away with the key fob and leave someone in the car, the alarm will go off if they try to get out.

Here’s what one owner on the TeslaMotorsClub.com forum had to say:

“So apparently, if the doors are locked, you need to either unlock them with your phone, or tap the button once to wake up the electronics, and then unlock with the screen.”

The interior door button and emergency release will always open the doors even if they’re locked so that people inside can still easily get out in case of an accident.

If you want to make sure the alarms don’t go off, here are a couple of things you can do:

Unlock the car first using the app or through the main screen before getting out
Lock the doors using the main screen, not the app or key fob
Enable Dog or Camp mode
Turn the alarm completely off on the main screen
Keep the key fob inside the car
Turn off the Walk Away Lock feature

6. Faulty Doors or Latches

Defective latches and electrical problems with the doors, hood or liftgate can trigger the alarm at random times.

One owner reported the alarm going off due to a hood latch issue on the r/TeslaModel Y subreddit:

“My hood latch sensor appears to be malfunctioning and the car thinks my frunk is open when it’s not. As a result i can’t use FSD on my 6 hour drive today and things like auto wipers won’t work. This issue causes the car to set off The alarm even when it’s just sitting in the garage.”

Another owner on the TeslaMotorsClub.com forum had this experience:

“We had service out twice for this issue. First time they replaced the door latch assembly. After it happened again on the same rear door, they came out and adjusted the latch and the door alignment.”

A faulty door handle can also cause issues with the door sensors and make the alarm go off.

Check for any obvious problems like the doors or door handles not operating smoothly or not sitting flush when closed.

You can try spraying lubricant like WD-40 on any parts that might be getting stuck.

Some door issues can also cause error messages to appear on the center screen to help you narrow down the problem.

If all else fails, contact Tesla Service so they can properly troubleshoot and diagnose the issue.

7. Faulty Sensors

A malfunctioning sensor can easily cause the Model Y’s alarm to go off for no reason.

A couple of Model Y owners on the TeslaMotorsClub.com forum have had door sensor problems after washing their car:

“While taking my Y through a car wash today, some water must have gotten somewhere it shouldn’t have because my rear passenger door suddenly displayed it was open towards the end of the wash, even though it was still closed. I got a car alarm notification (but no audible alarm) twice before I went out and disabled my alarm. Right now, the door is stuck “open” and I can’t lock my car.”

“I’ve had the same issue with my 2021 MY a few times, after washing it, (but haven’t had an issue with rain) – same passenger side rear door. Took it through a touchless car wash a few weeks ago and recalibrating the window seemed to fix it.“Had it again today after hand washing in my driveway… recalibrating didn’t help… rebooting it seemed to fix it temporarily… but then a few minutes later the alarm went off because the car thought the door was open.”

If the alarm starts acting strange soon after it’s gone through a car wash or a heavy rainstorm, wipe down the doors and door jambs and let them dry off for a few hours.

A faulty sensor is much more difficult to diagnose service so you’ll probably have to get Tesla Service to look at your vehicle.

Sometimes, a diagnosis can be made remotely by simply looking at the car’s logs.

If the problem persists, an actual tech needs to physically check the sensors and the car for themselves.

8. Weak 12-volt Battery

A weak 12-volt battery can cause a lot of strange electrical issues in the Model Y, including more frequent false alarms.

The Model Y’s infotainment and a lot of its computer systems run off the 12-volt battery.

Sentry Mode and leaving a key fob in range can also keep the car awake and drain the battery much quicker.

Normally, this gets charged by the large EV battery every time you drive.

If you let the Model Y sit for several days or if the car’s 12-volt battery is already 3 or more years old, it might be too weak to hold a charge.

Batteries can also wear out within a year due to manufacturing defects.

One owner on the r/TeslaModel Y started seeing a low battery warning after only two years:

“I have a Model Y from Dec 2020. I just got the low voltage battery warning. And Tesla replaced it for free since I was still under the 50,000 mile warranty (just barely).”

If you suspect the 12-volt battery is dying, you can have it tested at an auto parts store, or just simply spring for a new one.

9. Aftermarket Accessories

Faulty or incompatible accessories like USB devices, lights or aftermarket frunk openers can cause the Model Y’s alarm to go off at random.

Unplug all the non-stock parts from the car and observe if the alarm is still triggering on its own.

If you suspect that your USB drive is causing an issue with the alarm, try another storage device or reformat your current one.

10. Tesla App Issues

The Tesla app on your phone can sometimes run into glitches and cause random issues with the alarm.

On TeslaMotorsClub.com, one owner had the alarm go off every time they opened the app:

“Yesterday, my vehicle’s alarm went off about 5 times in a few hour span. I thought it might have been a fly, etc. as it stopped after driving it for a bit. Well, until tonight. Went off again out of nowhere. I turned it off via the app, but the phone down, and a little while later, picked my phone up and opened the app. The vehicle instantly started going off again.”

“It’s definitely the app setting the alarm off when I open it on my phone. Tested twice and alarm went off twice.”

“It happened again two nights ago. I deleted my wife’s phone from the car and boom, hasn’t happened since.”

To fix these software bugs, try the following:

Toggle your phone’s Bluetooth on and off
Restart your phone
Make sure the Location settings for the app is set to Always
Reinstall the Tesla app
Remove the phone by going to the Controls and then Locks setting

You can also toggle the Walk Away Door Lock feature and manually lock the car instead using your phone or key fob.

If you have the Exclude Home feature enabled for the locks, make sure your saved locations are correct.

11. Weak Key Fob Battery

A weak key fob battery can cause issues with how the car’s locks and alarms work.

You can always try replacing the key fob battery even if they’re just a year or so old since they’re very cheap anyway.

The installed battery may have been defective from the factory or an old one that’s been kept in stock for too long.

To replace the Model Y’s key fob battery, follow these steps:

Pry open the battery cover using a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool
Remove the old battery
Wipe the insides of the key fob even if it’s fairly clean
Insert the new battery with the flat side facing towards you
Reinstall the battery cover

12. Key Fob Issues

A faulty key fob could be the main culprit of your Model Y’s alarm problems.

Sometimes, simply placing the key fob next to something that could interfere with its signal like your phone can cause it to act up.

You can also unpair the key fob from the car temporarily and see if that fixes the alarm issues.

While you’re observing the problem, you can use your phone or key card to unlock and drive the car.

If you’ve narrowed down the issue to the key fob and you’ve already replaced the battery, you can get a new one through the Tesla online shop.

Alternative Suggestions

Check for Recalls or TSBs

Check for recalls for your vehicle by going to the NHTSA or Tesla Service recall page to see if there are any outstanding issues with your car that may affect the alarm system.

Entering your VIN on the NHTSA website’s Safety Issues and Recalls page will also show you a list of TSBs (Technical Service Bulletin) for your specific vehicle. Look out for any known problems with the doors, electronics or software that may be related to your alarm issues.

A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.

Check the Wiring

Loose electrical connectors and broken wiring harnesses can cause mysterious alarm problems.

Wiring issues are more common in the following scenarios:

After having the car repaired
If the car has been damaged due to an accident
Previous incidents of water intrusion
Corrosion due to age or lack of maintenance

Check the 12-volt battery terminals and make sure they are properly bolted down. If you see any debris or corrosion on the terminals, clean them out first.

You can also check any exposed wiring for any obvious signs of damage or wear.

Check the Car’s Logs

Aside from asking Tesla Service, you can check your car’s logs yourself by using third party apps like TeslaFi or TeslaMate.

This should give you a more detailed view of what’s happening whenever the alarm is triggered.

Schedule a Service Appointment

If you’ve run out of ideas trying to troubleshoot the problem on your own, you can schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app.

You can either take it to the nearest Tesla service center or have a mobile tech come out to your location.

Once you schedule an appointment, you can start talking to a representative about your problem.

If you’re able to resolve your issue after consulting with a representative, you won’t be charged for the service as long as you cancel the appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

How to Test the 12V Battery

How to Test the Battery:

Before testing, remove the surface charge from the battery, this allows for an accurate reading.
Power down the car and leave it unplugged for several hours
Set the multimeter dial to the ’20 Volts’ setting.
Make sure the car is turned OFF.

The multimeter will have a red probe and a black probe.

The red probe is for making contact with the positive terminal.
The black probe is for making contact with the negative terminal.

Measure across the battery terminals.

The meter should display a reading, if the battery is fully charged the voltage should be between 12.2 and 12.6 volts.

Anything under 12V and the battery should be charged or replaced.

Sources

Author:

Ian Sawyer

Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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