Tesla recalls 130,000 U.S. vehicles over touchscreen display malfunction
🟦 Tesla recall causes CPU
Tesla has filed a recall of about 130,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the display could malfunction. The CPU overheating may cause the center display to go black or force the system to restart. The recall was carried out because it is a violation of laws and regulations if the back camera image, warning light, etc. are not displayed on the screen.
The recall targets recent vehicles
The recall targets Tesla’s S and X for the 2021 and 2022 models, and Tesla’s 3 and Y for the 2022 model year. It seems that the cause is not a production defect, but a change in the CPU of the infotainment system of the target vehicle recently.
🟦 AMD chip heats up during fast charging
In December 2021, Tesla adopted AMD’s RDNA2-based RyzenAPU for the Model 3 and Model Y. Before the change, it had an Intel Atom processor. The recall will be on vehicles equipped with AMD. AMD’s RyzenAPU differs from Intel’s Atom in that it has a higher TDP (Power Consumption for Thermal Design).
During a fast charge of the battery, the AMD chip generates heat and malfunctions. Tesla’s CPU cooling system is shared with battery cooling. Therefore, during fast charging, the cooling capacity of the battery is used, and the cooling of the CPU seems to be weaker than usual.
Measures taken by updating wireless software
Software that adjusts the cooling parameters of the Ryzen APU is implemented through a wireless software update (OTA). Therefore, users do not need to go to the dealership.
🟦Summary
Tesla recalls 130,000 units due to display malfunction due to heating of AMD chips
Tesla not only adopts the software, but also changes the CPU to a new one with good performance. The problem due to the change is not good, but if it can be dealt with by wireless software update, it will not be bad as a user.
