We’ve now sent a second letter to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), this time concerning a Tesla rear door back-up open issue. We did this earlier when we could not figure out how to accessRivian rear door latch mechanical back-up.
Regular mail is the only option available in cases such as this where a third party (us) is reporting a potential safety issue. To file a complaint on-line requires a specific vehicle identification number (VIN) is required and as an outside party, we do not have one.
The car in question this time belongs to a relative. She is so concerned about the safety of children that she created a clever solution for her Model Y and its difficult to see, and interpret, symbol.
And she put it so, so well in a text: “Should not have to explain a DOOR.” We posted on this last month.
In the interim, we’ve decided we want to continue contact with NHSTA. In our opinion, all electronic latches are an unnecessary safety hazard. Unnecessary because a mechanical back-up is required. The result is that each door has twice the equipment needed simply to open a door.
Back to the Tesla, the image shows the small “door” that opens to reveal the cable pull has been opened and a “Pull To Eject” tag has been attached to the cable.
The tag is the perfect color. And we even love the use of the word “Eject”!
Saturday Night Live had a little fun with new door handles (click here), which is a small piece of this puzzle. And as much as we’d like to join in, given the absurdities involved, that small piece is a part of a much larger and serious problem, one that has actually cost lives.
Note that it is easy to connect the issue to electric vehicles, but electronic latches are in use in several gas or diesel powered vehicles as well, and actually pre-date the more widespread use of EVs.
We’ve been on the issue for some 10 years and only recently has this been seen elsewhere in the press. And presumably NHTSA is looking into some Tesla models, as if they are the only perpetrators. They are not.
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Tesla rear door back-up open issue prompts @NHTSA follow-up
We’ve now sent a second letter to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), this time concerning a Tesla rear door back-up open issue. We did this earlier when we could not figure out how to access Rivian rear door latch mechanical back-up.
Regular mail is the only option available in cases such as this where a third party (us) is reporting a potential safety issue. To file a complaint on-line requires a specific vehicle identification number (VIN) is required and as an outside party, we do not have one.
The car in question this time belongs to a relative. She is so concerned about the safety of children that she created a clever solution for her Model Y and its difficult to see, and interpret, symbol.
And she put it so, so well in a text: “Should not have to explain a DOOR.” We posted on this last month.
In the interim, we’ve decided we want to continue contact with NHSTA. In our opinion, all electronic latches are an unnecessary safety hazard. Unnecessary because a mechanical back-up is required. The result is that each door has twice the equipment needed simply to open a door.
The tag is the perfect color. And we even love the use of the word “Eject”!
Saturday Night Live had a little fun with new door handles (click here), which is a small piece of this puzzle. And as much as we’d like to join in, given the absurdities involved, that small piece is a part of a much larger and serious problem, one that has actually cost lives.
Note that it is easy to connect the issue to electric vehicles, but electronic latches are in use in several gas or diesel powered vehicles as well, and actually pre-date the more widespread use of EVs.
We’ve been on the issue for some 10 years and only recently has this been seen elsewhere in the press. And presumably NHTSA is looking into some Tesla models, as if they are the only perpetrators. They are not.
Our Get Out page, which you can see here, covers no less than 14 manufacturers.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY