2026 Tesla Model Y Seat Blower Grinding Noise TSB
Tesla has issued Service Bulletin SB-26-13-001 for the 2026 Model Y regarding a loud grinding noise from the front seat backrest blowers when cooling is enabled. This bulletin outlines inspection and replacement procedures for affected blowers.
Marcus Weber2026 Tesla Model Y
Tesla has released Service Bulletin SB-26-13-001, dated March 31, 2026, to address a specific condition affecting the 2026 Model Y. This campaign bulletin focuses on a non-safety-related issue concerning the front seat backrest blowers. Owners of affected vehicles may notice a distinct Tesla Model Y seat blower noise.
Symptoms
Owners of the 2026 Tesla Model Y may experience a loud grinding noise emanating from the shoulder area of either the left-hand (LH) or right-hand (RH) front seat backrest. This Tesla Model Y seat blower noise typically occurs when the front seat cooling function is activated.
Important Warnings
It is crucial to distinguish between normal operational sounds and a fault. Tesla notes that "Operational seat backrest blower fan noise (i.e., the sound of the fan spinning) is acceptable." This means the natural sound of the fan operating is not considered a defect and does not require intervention under this bulletin.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
To diagnose the Tesla Model Y seat blower noise, a technician will follow a specific procedure. This involves enabling Service Mode and accessing the seat heating/ventilation controls via the vehicle touchscreen. The LH front seat cooling function is then set to maximum fan speed, and the technician listens for a loud grinding noise in the shoulder area of the backrest. This process is then repeated for the RH front seat backrest blower.
Repair Procedure Summary
The repair process for the grinding noise involves an inspection to confirm the presence of the symptom. If a loud grinding noise is detected from the front seat backrest blower(s), the affected blower(s) will be replaced. The specific correction codes used for this procedure are S012613001 for no issues found, S022613001 for replacing one backrest blower, and S032613001 for replacing both backrest blowers. The replacement of the blower(s) refers to Service Manual procedure 1301021002.
Required Tools or Parts
For this repair, the primary part that may be needed is the BACK BLOWER, identified by part number 1699953-91-D. Depending on the diagnosis, one or two of these blowers may be required. Special tools necessary for the procedure include the M3 1R Headrest Removal Tool (part number 1132841-00-A) and a Screwdriver, Pen Style (part number 1466733-00-A).
Owner Action
If you own a 2026 Tesla Model Y and notice a loud grinding noise from your front seat backrest when the cooling function is enabled, it is recommended to contact your Tesla Service Center. Reference Service Bulletin SB-26-13-001 when discussing the issue. This campaign bulletin addresses the condition to ensure proper operation of your seat cooling system.
Source: NHTSA ID 11030613
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the issue described in Tesla Service Bulletin SB-26-13-001?
- Tesla Service Bulletin SB-26-13-001 addresses a condition in the 2026 Tesla Model Y where the front seat backrest blower(s) may emit a loud grinding noise when the seat cooling function is active.
- How can I tell if my 2026 Tesla Model Y is affected by the seat blower noise?
- If you hear a loud grinding noise from the shoulder area of your front seat backrest when the seat cooling is enabled, your vehicle may be experiencing the condition described in this bulletin. This is the specific Tesla Model Y seat blower noise that the bulletin targets.
- Is normal fan noise from the seat blowers considered a defect?
- No, Tesla explicitly states that "Operational seat backrest blower fan noise (i.e., the sound of the fan spinning) is acceptable" and is not considered part of this issue. Only a distinct grinding noise is addressed.
- What is the repair for the Tesla Model Y seat blower noise?
- The repair involves inspecting the seat backrest blowers and, if a grinding noise is confirmed, replacing one or both of the affected blowers. This is covered by correction codes like S022613001 and S032613001.
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