Preferred Dealers for Repairs / Warranty

[hokiematt]

Anyhow, the issue is reported as code TMCD0013, battery coolant malfunction - needs further diagnosis from the batter coolant heater to ECU; unable to reset the light.

Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with this code TMCD0013?

The code is actually "THC_d0013 Battery Coolant Heater Malfunction"

The first step in diagnostics listed in the service manual is to check your 12V battery, as this error code can be improperly set by a drop in the 12V battery voltage. Batteries more than 3 years old are often suspect.

Beyond that, it's either a problem in the wiring harness (which is what your dealer was proposing to check next), a problem with the thermal controller (located in the right rear cargo area, and rarely at fault), or a malfunctioning battery coolant heater (most likely culprit, after the wiring and 12V system has been ruled out).

[dstjohn99]

The first step in diagnostics listed in the service manual is to check your 12V battery, as this error code can be improperly set by a drop in the 12V battery voltage. Batteries more than 3 years old are often suspect.

Beyond that, it's either a problem in the wiring harness (which is what your dealer was proposing to check next), a problem with the thermal controller (located in the right rear cargo area, and rarely at fault), or a malfunctioning battery coolant heater (most likely culprit, after the wiring and 12V system has been ruled out).

It definitely started with a 12V issue, I had extremely strange behavior one day with flickering cabin lights and several diagnostic errors. My first stop was the 12V battery. I had some corrosion on the terminals so I checked the battery and cleaned the terminals. Everything worked fine after that, but I am surprised that the code will not reset. Perhaps the 12V caused another problem that now needs repair.

I appreciate the feedback. I will trace down the items on the list you provided and see what I can find. Thank you.

[TonyWilliams]

The dealer has to reset a simple 12 volt battery error code.

[Syrinx]

I am taking my RAV back to Carlsbad Toyota tomorrow to fix the remaining issue with the cruise control. The new drive unit has been perfect so far otherwise.
They left the JdeMO in non-functional condition last time, so I may need to swing by QC Charge on my way back whenever it gets done to have it reconnected

Update: Tesla diagnosed issue as Gateway computer. They should have another one tomorrow and will replace the existing. We will see how that goes.

Update 2: The computer replacement did not fix the issue. Diagnosis ongoing.

[hokiematt]

Update: Tesla diagnosed issue as Gateway computer. They should have another one tomorrow and will replace the existing. We will see how that goes.

Update 2: The computer replacement did not fix the issue. Diagnosis ongoing.

This particular fault code is broadcast by the thermal controller; there's no good reason to have suspected the gateway.

The dealership should be able to perform the simple wiring checks (measuring resistances) as outlined in the factory service manual. After that, the most likely culprit is a failed heater, or less likely a bad thermal controller.

[Syrinx]

They should ask you and not Tesla next time, because Tesla's response is that they should replace the drive unit again. What's funny is the service rep said they were going to use a "new" one instead of a rebuild. Everything I have heard on this forum says those do not exist. I have no idea when I will see my RAV again.

[Syrinx]

Follow up to previous posts on my RAV 4 at Toyota of Carlsbad. I have had it there since the beginning of February for the Cruise Control issue. They were told by Tesla to wait for another drive unit and gateway computer, so they sent me away in a rental Corolla Hybrid (50+ MPG) and it stayed there for more than 3 months. Finally, they called me last week and said the new drive unit and ECU had come in and that they also discovered a bad brake light switch and replaced that. I am back in the RAV, and everything works great, including the JdeMO! The entire out of pocket was $0. The Platinum Extended Warranty's value has exceeded its cost by about 10 times at this point. I've heard a lot of horror stories on this forum, but this one worked out thankfully.

Thanks to Tony for hooking me up with Dave Ramstad at Toyota of Carlsbad.

[TonyWilliams]

Thanks to Tony for hooking me up with Dave Ramstad at Toyota of Carlsbad.

It's my pleasure. Unfortunately, Toyota Carlsbad may have lost their license to work on the Tesla bits of the 2012-2014 RAV4 EV.