2025-05-15

Event Data Recorder Retrieval (Vehicles Built Through 2/25/2019)

Correction code NA

  • 2025-05-15: Released new procedure.
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Warning
This procedure is a DRAFT. Although it has been validated, Warnings and Cautions might be missing. Follow safety requirements and use extreme caution when working on or near High Voltage systems and components. Provide corrections and feedback to ServiceDevelopment@teslamotors.com.
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Note
Refer to CD-18-20-001 for Model S Event Data Recorder (EDR) guide for vehicles built through 2/25/2019.
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Note
Use the following procedure(s) for Model S EDR retrieval for vehicles built through 2/25/2019 as required:

Establish an In-Vehicle Connection

  1. Locate the storage pocket under the touchscreen.
  2. Push down on inside bottom corners of the storage pocket until the clips securing it release.
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    CAUTION
    The storage pocket clips might require a large amount of force to release and they might release suddenly. Do not place fingers between the bottom of the pocket and the top of the center console.
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    Note
    It may be necessary to remove an after-market center console to allow the removal of the storage pocket.
  3. Remove the storage pocket by pulling it towards the rear of the vehicle.
  4. Locate the rectangular vehicle communication harness under the touchscreen, gently pull it toward you.
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    Note
    Depending on vehicle build date, this connector may be blue or white.
  5. Connect the appropriate In-Vehicle EDR Retrieval Cable.
  6. Connect the other end of the In-Vehicle EDR Retrieval Cable to the PCAN-USB adapter.
  7. Connect the PCAN-USB adapter to the computer used for retrieval.
  8. Place the key-fob inside of the vehicle and press the brake pedal, which should result in the instrument cluster turning on.

Establish a Direct-to-Module Connection

If the In-Vehicle Connection procedure is unsuccessful, you might be able to connect to the RCM directly, and establish a direct-to-module connection. The RCM is located forward of the center console, below the instrument panel and center screen.

The RCM can be left in the vehicle, but if necessary it can be removed from the vehicle:

RCM Direct Connection (Installed on the Vehicle)

To connect to the RCM while it is still installed on the vehicle, perform the following steps:

  1. Remove the LH center console closeout extension. See Assembly - Closeout Extension - LH - Center Console (Remove and Replace).
  2. Remove the bolts (x3) that secure the air suspension ECU mounting bracket to the body (torque metal bracket 8 Nm; plastic bracket 2 Nm), and then lift the bracket up for access.
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    Warning
    Make sure LV is disconnected before continuing to the next step.
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    Note
    The horizontal bolt might be obscured by an acoustic pad. If it is, carefully move the acoustic pad aside for access. Pull the ECU mounting bracket towards the rear of the vehicle to release the tab from the bulkhead. Do not remove the ECU.
  3. If not already performed, disconnect 12V power. See Disconnect 12V Power.
  4. From the LH footwell, disconnect the HVAC drain hose from the HVAC nipple.
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    Note
    Place a shop towel underneath the drain hose prior to disconnecting.
  5. Gently lift up on the bracket and disconnect the harness connectors (2) at the rear of the air suspension ECU.
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    Note
    Carefully place the bracket between the bulkhead and the HVAC drain hose.
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    Note
    The bracket rests on the HVAC drain hose.
  6. Disconnect the RCM harness connectors (x2).
    1. Carefully use a small flat-head screwdriver to push the black tab away from the RCM.
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      The tab can detach from the connector and become lost if excessive pressure is applied. Do not apply excessive pressure when pushing the black tab away from the RCM.
      Figure 1. RCM shown removed from the vehicle for clarity
    2. Press and hold down the red tab.
      Figure 2. RCM shown removed from the vehicle for clarity
    3. While continuing to hold down the red tab, unlatch the connector.
      Figure 3. RCM shown removed from the vehicle for clarity
    4. Remove the connector from the RCM.
  7. Connect the Tesla Model S Direct-To-Module EDR Retrieval Cable to the RCM.
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    Note
    Attach the EDR Retrieval Cable connector to the LH connector of the RCM and lift the retention latch to secure the EDR Retrieval Cable to the RCM.
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    Note
    Make sure the retention latches are fully engaged.
    Figure 4. RCM shown removed from the vehicle for clarity
  8. Connect the Tesla Model S Direct-To-Module EDR Retrieval Cable to the PCAN-USB adapter.
  9. Connect the PCAN-USB adapter to the computer used for data retrieval.
  10. Connect 12V power to the Tesla Model S Direct-To-Module EDR Retrieval Cable.
  11. Skip to the “Retrieve Data” section to complete the data retrieval procedure.

RCM Direct Connection (Removed from the Vehicle)

To remove the RCM from the vehicle, and make a direct connection, perform the following steps:

  1. Remove the Passive Safety Restraint Control Module (PSRCM) from the vehicle, and then place the module on a stable surface. See Module - Passive Safety Restraint - PSRCM (Remove and Replace).
  2. Connect the Tesla Model S Direct-To-Module EDR Retrieval Cable to the RCM.
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    Note
    Attach the EDR Retrieval Cable connector to the LH connector of the RCM and lift the retention latch to secure the EDR Retrieval Cable to the RCM.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the retention latches are fully engaged.
    Figure 5. RCM shown removed from the vehicle for clarity
  3. Connect the Tesla Model S Direct-To-Module EDR Retrieval Cable to the PCAN-USB adapter.
  4. Connect the PCAN-USB adapter to the computer used for data retrieval.
  5. Connect 12V power to the Tesla Model S Direct-To-Module EDR Retrieval Cable.
  6. Skip to the “Retrieve Data” section to complete the data retrieval procedure.

Using External Power for the RCM

Externally powering the RCM refers to applying power to the RCM via the vehicle’s “First Responder’s Loop,” located in the front trunk. This procedure can be used if a key-fob is not available, 12V DC power is not available to the vehicle system, or the vehicle is otherwise unable to turn on.

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Warning
Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for safe use of the external 12V power source.
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Note
This procedure requires an external source of 12V power.
  1. Open the front hood by using one of the following methods:
    • The touchscreen: touch Controls > Front Trunk.
    • The key fob: double click the front trunk button on the key fob.
    • Model S with interior mechanical release lever: pull the mechanical release lever located below the glove box.
    • Model S built on or before April 10, 2016, without interior mechanical release lever:
      • Pry the nosecone toward you using a plastic pry tool in the top right corner.
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        Note
        Depending on the vehicle’s production date and how it is equipped, a cable and parking sensor harnesses might be connected to the rear of the nosecone. Once the nosecone is removed, the latch mechanism is under the front middle of the hood.
      • Pull the primary release lever to the left.
      • Push the secondary release lever to the right to release the hood, then push up on the hood to open.
    • Model S built after April 10, 2016, without interior mechanical release lever:
      • Locate the tow eye cover.
      • Insert a small flat screwdriver into the slot along the top of the cover, then pry gently to release the cover from the top snap.
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        Note
        Once the tow eye cover has been removed, the primary and secondary latch release straps are accessible. These straps are labeled A for the primary latch and B for the secondary latch.
      • Pull strap A to open the primary latch, then strap B to open the secondary latch.
  2. Remove the first responder loop access panel by pulling its rear edge upward to release the five clips that hold it in place. Maneuver the access panel toward the windshield to remove it from the vehicle.
  3. Disconnect the first responder loop harness.
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    Warning
    Wait at least 2 minutes for all electrical circuits to fully discharge.
    Figure 6. First responder loop for a Model S manufactured after April 10, 2016 shown; First responder loop for vehicles manufactured before April 10, 2016 is similar
  4. Connect the negative terminal of the external 12V power source to the vehicle chassis.
  5. Connect the positive terminal of the 12V source to pin 3 of the first responder harness. See diagrams below to identify pin 3.
  6. Proceed to the “Retrieve Data” section to complete the data retrieval procedure.

Retrieve Data

  1. Open the Tesla EDR Retrieval Program. The program automatically attempts to connect to the RCM.
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    Note
    When connected properly, a green circle and the message “Connected to RCM” displays on the bottom left corner of the window.
    • If the Tesla EDR Retrieval Program is not communicating with the PCAN-USB adapter, a message displays “Not Connected to PCAN.” Check the connection to the PCAN-USB adapter.
    • If the Tesla EDR Retrieval Program is communicating with the PCAN-USB adapter, but is not communicating with the RCM, a message displays “Not Connected to RCM.” Check the connection to the vehicle harness and the vehicle power. If a successful connection through the vehicle communication system cannot be achieved, connect to the RCM using the procedure described in the "Establish a Direct-to-Module Connection" section.
  2. Once connected to the EDR, click “Run EDR Retrieval” and follow the on-screen prompts to retrieve and save EDR data.
  3. The retrieved *.edr data file can be used to generate a Tesla EDR Report at https://edr.tesla.com/.
  4. Select "X" at the top right of the window to close the Tesla EDR program once complete.