Posted on 08/01/2023 10:04:07 PM PDT by algore
An Arizona man says he was trapped in his Tesla in the extreme heat after the power died and he didn't know how to escape.
Investigators at Scripps News Phoenix found dozens of drivers have filed complaints with federal auto safety regulators who are urging car owners to learn how to manually get out in an emergency.
"It's definitely a safety concern; it was one of the hotter days," said 73-year-old Rick Meggison.
He said he was stuck in his Tesla Model Y in his garage back in June.
"I couldn't open the doors. I couldn't lower the windows. The computer was dead, so I couldn't open the glove box. I couldn't open anything." Meggison said his main lithium-ion battery, what's needed to propel his electric car, had plenty of range.
He later learned a separate 12-volt battery in his Tesla Model Y died after he opened the door, and he said he was trapped inside on a 100° day for 20 minutes. The low-voltage battery powers what's inside a Tesla including the doors, computer display, and windows.
"Being caught in there for a couple hours could be dangerous," he said.
Meggison said he eventually called his sister who somehow got the passenger door to open through the Tesla app, but it cracked his window. He said he had to call a tow truck to take his Tesla to the company's service center. His invoice reads, "Car won't power on… remove and replace 12v battery."
"I think that Tesla needs to address this," Meggison said.
"It's essentially a computer on wheels that's run on a battery," said car safety expert Norma Hubele.
Hubele is the founder of theautoprofessor.com, a data-based website that ranks how cars perform in crashes. She's also been an expert witness in over 120 consumer-related cases with the majority involving automotive safety.
"If that battery is not reliable or if for some reason the consumer isn't aware of how to override a problem with the battery, then you can have real safety problems," she said.
When the electric system fails, there is a way to get out of an electric car, which is clearly outlined in Tesla's manual, but experts believe many drivers, like Meggison, are unaware.
“Honda Civics last forever. If you don’t buy it, I will. What a find!”
Used prices are way better than last year. Just keep an eye out. These things pop up every so often.
Ouch! There are pocket knives with window punches built in. Easier on the ears.
I have something similar in my car.
Electric vehciles need a standard vehicle battery, always kept charged in the standard way regular car batteries are charged, by a belt driven by the operation of the car’s engine. Then that standared car battery could still operate things like doors and windows without the battery system that runs the electric motor.
they all do have a standard battery.
that was the battery that died “trapping” the man
One of the problems on Accords is that after about 12 to 14 years the paint gives out totally.
glass breaker on the butt of my pocket knife...
I got some of these for Christmas stocking stuffer last year. So far they have really come in handy - but I’ve never had to use the window breaker. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/collections/survival-essentials/products/led-solar-rechargeable-flashlight
yup, knock on wood...
That, of course, is outrageous - but that's exactly what will happen. And if the gov't has their way, ICE vehicle owners will pay an average larger portion of the raised rates for home and auto.
5’18” ? You are very tall!
Instantly I thought thank God his dog wasn’t in the car.
I’ll look for one of those but i have “other things” in my car that would work on windows.
/ya just never know when you’ll see a good pick-up baseball game somewhere
Probably have one in the toolbox.
Are You ready to get started on getting those out of Your way yet and get $$$ ?
Me too actually.
Well just go ahead and take all the fun out of it.☹️
Tie it to the inside mirror with a piece of thread. Up out of the way and so it doesn’t swing around. Like on the backside tied on one end of the tool and then wrap the thread around the mirror mount and then the other end of the tool so it hangs parallel to the mirror on the back side.
So, the EJECT button is electric. Good to know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfUknvxtFas&t=945s
Above is a video (long) where they are in a junk yard using hammers, knives with the glass breaker on it, etc. As well as the small tool with spring-loaded glass breaker and seat belt slicer.
For $8 or whatever I got one for all of our vehicles and hang it from the mirror.
Resqme - Three pack for $25 on Amazon
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