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Strange noise in my '21M3LR

OZ_in_TN | 2026-01-16 13:53 | 30 views

While I was super charging yesterday, I heard these noises like a moan. Help in understanding what this noise is and is it a sign of an impending issue would be appreciated. BTW, the car has a little over 120k miles on the clock.

Comments (12)
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EpicR07 2026-01-16 18:01

That moaning sound during Supercharging is your battery thermal management system working - it's normal. The coolant pumps, heat pump compressor, and fans all run hard to keep the battery at optimal temperature during fast charging. At 120k miles, these components have put in serious work. A few things to watch: 1. Does it get louder over time? Could indicate a pump bearing starting to wear 2. Any reduction in charging speed? If thermal management is struggling, charging will slow down 3. Any warning messages? The car will alert you if something's actually wrong If it's just a steady hum/moan that goes away after charging, you're fine. Teslas are noisy while Supercharging - it's the sound of keeping that battery happy. FWIW I've documented heat pump issues and what to watch for here: [https://tesladiyrepair.com/posts/tesla-heat-pump-problems/](https://tesladiyrepair.com/posts/tesla-heat-pump-problems/) \- but what you're describing sounds normal.

OZ_in_TN 2026-01-16 18:39

Thank you for your in-depth answer and further information link. Safe travels.

EpicR07 2026-01-16 19:04

no problem

Nervous-Location-655 2026-01-17 00:46

I’ve had this same issue in my M3LR even when I’m not charging. Whenever the HVAC is on. Couldn’t figure it out before warranty expired. Every time I’d go they couldn’t replicate the issue. Since it’s intermittent. I have videos but can’t attach

Phreaqin 2026-01-17 01:17

This sound you’re hearing isn’t anything to worry about. The compressor, related to the HVAC system and the pumps have several different sounds during operation that may be new to a Tesla owner, but shouldn’t be a concern. You may hear an “air release” sound, too, which again is normal. All of these sounds can actually be found on Tesla online manual: https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_us/GUID-AA58ED67-9C93-4EE6-8B19-9FDABE018787.html

Nervous-Location-655 2026-01-17 02:39

No my car sounds worst … it’s very loud and kind of high pitched Does it only when the HVAC running , doesn’t matter if it’s heat or AC. I can dm you the video and you’ll tell me if it sound normal

Topgun127 2026-01-17 05:20

My Ford Expedition A/C sounds like this in the winter, because the phase change of the “freon” is not as efficient when it’s cold. I agree it the thermal management/AC system and is probably normal.

Revolutionary_Pride4 2026-01-17 11:42

This is a sound of your car trying to get the hideous steering wheel cover off

OZ_in_TN 2026-01-17 13:55

I agree, this is girlfriend's Tesla, mine is equipped w/o a hideous steering wheel cover 🤣

Malamar100 2026-01-18 16:19

Thank you! I've been hearing that noise while in park with the heat on glad its no cause for concern.

DaCody_98 2026-01-19 14:16

Sounds like the original Xbox menu

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