From the actual document (the article "mysteriously" leaves out the word "unapproved") it sounds like it was an issue due to an unapproved change in assembly.
Article
> This defect is due to a lubricant that was used during the assembly process in order to make it easier to attach the pad to the pedal.
vs Document
> An unapproved change introduced lubricant (soap) to aid in the component
assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal. Residual lubricant reduced the
retention of the pad to the pedal.
Wonder who "approved" that change and if they are getting fired. Sounds like a fix would just be to disassemble, remove the soap and reassemble. But I'm sure they're going to go "more thorough" on the fix for the PR (no "omg they're just doing this").
I have no knowledge of Tesla but here would be my guess:
Assembly worker found pad hard to put on pedal in sub-assembly area and used a spray bottle with soapy water on the pad to slip it on.
I work in manufacturing(not automotive but heavy construction equipment) and see things like this all the time. Workers think they understand/ don't think engineers understand or want to do it faster/easier than what they were shown.
Story time: Called out to final assembly, machine starts and runs but not moving. Troubleshoot and find brakes not releasing. further troubleshoot and find it is due to pressure not getting to brakes(configuration is such that brakes come on if there is loss of hydraulic pressure). Replace hydraulic line, machine is working. Remove contaminate from line, no one know what it is. Assembly pointing fingers and saying sabotage. I walk around the assembly area, I find that paint decided to use packing peanuts to mask holes that the hydraulic fitting go in instead of masking tape as directed. The packing peanut tore while being removed and the assembly working inserting the fittings did not notice.
