TESLA-DI_A138 moderate Tesla Drive Inverter (DI)

Front Motor Disabled — OK to Drive, Power May Be Limited

The TESLA-DI_A138 (Tesla Drive Inverter (DI)) EV fault code means: Front Motor Disabled — OK to Drive, Power May Be Limited. This is a moderate severity code.

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Keep driving?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
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What Are the Symptoms of TESLA-DI_A138?

  • Reduced power, speed and acceleration
  • The car drives on its rear motor(s)

What Causes TESLA-DI_A138? (Most Likely First)

  • A temporary condition that resolves on its own Likely
  • A condition requiring front motor inspection and service, if the alert persists over later drives Possible

Can I Still Drive with TESLA-DI_A138?

Yes, with caution. TESLA-DI_A138 is rated moderate severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tesla alert DI_a138 mean?

Your car's front motor is unavailable, so it drives on the rear motor(s) with possibly reduced power, speed and acceleration.

Can I keep driving with DI_a138?

Usually. Every Tesla manual headlines this alert "OK to drive" and says to continue to your destination. The Model S, Model X and Cybertruck manuals add that in some cases the car may be unable to continue driving; if so, another alert should appear and tell you what to do. Schedule service only if this alert persists over later drives.

Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis

How Do You Diagnose TESLA-DI_A138?

  1. The Model 3 and Model Y manuals say to continue to your destination: the vehicle is OK to drive, with power, speed and acceleration possibly reduced. The Model S, Model X and Cybertruck manuals add that in some cases the vehicle may be unable to continue driving; another alert should then also appear with more information and the action to take.

  2. If the alert clears during this drive, or is gone when you start your next drive, Tesla says it was likely temporary and no action is required.

  3. If it persists over later drives, schedule service. All five manuals say the vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.

Sources 7

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

Which Vehicles Commonly Get TESLA-DI_A138?

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Tesla Model Y
  • Tesla Model S
  • Tesla Model X
  • Tesla Cybertruck

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