TESLA Warning

BMS-W161

BMS_w161_SW_Contactor_Stress

Also written as BMS_W161 / BMS W161 / BMS_w161_SW_Contactor_Stress / bms_w161_sw_contactor_stress

System
BMS
Battery Management System
Type
Warning
Category
Battery
Severity
Warning

Why does the exact Tesla alert ID matter?

Record the exact alert ID, including underscores, suffixes, and companion alerts. Tesla alerts that look similar can point to different modules, timestamps, and service procedures.

What does BMS-W161 mean?

Tesla warning code in the Battery Management System (BMS) module. This alert points to an excessive contactor stress index, and the data most likely points to worn contactors. The Battery Management System (BMS) does not reduce vehicle performances just with this alert. The intent of the alert is to warn about stress starting to accumulate on at least one contactor.

Original Description

This alert points to an excessive contactor stress index, and the data most likely points to worn contactors. The Battery Management System (BMS) does not reduce vehicle performances just with this alert. The intent of the alert is to warn about stress starting to accumulate on at least one contactor.

Affected Tesla Models

Model SModel XModel 3Model YCybertruck

What You May Notice

  • Battery management warning: This alert points to an excessive contactor stress index, and the data most likely points to worn contactors. The Batter
  • Charging speed may be limited or sessions interrupted early
  • Reduced estimated range may appear on the touchscreen

How to Diagnose and Resolve

  1. 1 Perform a soft reboot: hold both scroll wheels until the screen restarts
  2. 2 Try a full charge cycle to recalibrate the BMS
  3. 3 If "This alert points to an excessive contactor stress" persists after reboot, schedule a Tesla Service appointment
  4. 4 Avoid DC fast charging until the issue is resolved

Severity Notes

BMS-W161 is a Warning in the Battery Management System system. Schedule service soon. Monitor your vehicle for additional warnings.

Other BMS Codes

View all BMS codes →