How It Works
The traction control system constantly monitors the
speed of the front and rear wheels. If
Model Y
experiences a loss of traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by controlling brake pressure and motor power. By default, the traction control system is on. Under normal conditions, it should remain on to ensure maximum safety.
This yellow indicator flashes on the
touchscreen whenever the traction
control system is actively controlling
brake pressure and motor power to
minimize wheel spin. If the indicator stays on, a fault is detected with the
traction control system. Contact Tesla
Service.
WARNING: Traction control cannot prevent
collisions caused by driving dangerously or
turning too sharply at high speeds.
Disabling Traction Control
Under normal conditions, the traction control system should remain on. Turn it
off only in circumstances
where you deliberately want the wheels to spin, such as:
When Model Y is stopped, Vehicle Hold can continue to
apply the brakes even after you remove your foot from
the brake pedal. When driving on a hill or on a
flat
surface, brake as you normally would. After coming to a
complete stop, simply press the brake pedal again (until
the
touchscreen displays the Vehicle Hold indicator
light) to enable Vehicle Hold. You can then release the
brake pedal and remain stopped, even on a hill.
This indicator displays on the
touchscreen whenever Vehicle Hold is
actively braking
Model Y.
To disengage Vehicle Hold, press the accelerator pedal or press and release the brake pedal.
NOTE: Shifting into Neutral also disengages Vehicle
Hold.
NOTE: After actively braking Model Y for approximately
ten minutes,
Model Y shifts into Park and Vehicle Hold
cancels.
Model Y also shifts into Park if it detects that
the driver has left the vehicle.
NOTE: When Stopping Mode is set to Hold (see
Stopping Mode on page 61), Vehicle Hold engages
automatically whenever
Model Y stops while in a driving
gear. There is no need to press the brake to engage it.
Vehicle Hold
66MODEL Y OWNER
To attach a ball mount:
1.
Remove the dust cover from the hitch housing by using a small object, such as a
flat screwdriver, to pry
between the dust cover and hitch housing. Store the dust cover in a secure location.
2.
If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking
bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
3.
Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
4.
Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
5.
Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
6.
Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the
locking bolt.
To remove a ball mount:
1.
Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide
the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.3.
Re-install the dust cover for the hitch housing and
store the ball mount in a secure location.
Electrical Connections
Regulations require all trailers to be equipped with tail lights, brake lights, side marker lights, and turn signals.
To provide power for trailer lighting, a built-in 7-pin
wiring connector is provided near the hitch support
Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Stop Light and
Stop Sign Warning.
While Autosteer is in use, Model Y displays a warning
on the
touchscreen and sounds a chime if it detects
that you are likely to run through a red stop light or stop sign. If this happens,
TAKE IMMEDIATE
CORRECTIVE ACTION!
The visual and audible warnings cancel after a few seconds, or when you press the brake pedal, whichever
comes
first.
Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning provides warnings
only. It makes no attempt to slow down or stop
Model Y
at red tra
WARNING: Forward Collision Warning may
provide a warning in situations where the
likelihood of collision may not exist. Stay alert and
always pay attention to the area in front of Model
Y so you can anticipate whether any action is
required.
WARNING: Forward Collision Warning operates
only when driving between approximately 7 mph
(10 km/h) and 90 mph (150 km/h).
WARNING: Forward Collision Warning does not
provide a warning when the driver is already
applying the brake.
Automatic Emergency Braking
The forward looking camera(s) and the radar sensor are designed to determine the distance from a detected object traveling in front of
Model Y. When a frontal
collision is considered unavoidable, Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to apply the brakes to
reduce the severity of the impact.
When Automatic Emergency Braking applies the brakes,
the
touchscreen displays a visual warning and sounds a
chime. You may also notice abrupt downward movement of the brake pedal. The brake lights turn on to alert other road users that you are slowing down.
If driving 35 mph (56 km/h) or faster, the brakes are
released after Automatic Emergency Braking has reduced your driving speed by
30 mph (50 km/h). For
example, if Automatic Emergency Braking applies braking when driving
56 mph (90 km/h), it releases the
brakes when your speed has been reduced to
26 mph
(40 km/h).
Automatic Emergency Braking operates only when driving between approximately
7 mph (10 km/h) and 90
mph (150 km/h).
Automatic Emergency Braking does not apply the
brakes, or stops applying the brakes, when:
Driving
Acceleration: Adjust the amount of acceleration. Chill
limits acceleration for a slightly smoother and gentler
ride, whereas
Standard or Sport (depending on vehicle
configuration) provides the normal level of acceleration.
NOTE: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the
touchscreen above the driving speed.
Steering Mode: Adjust the amount of effort required to
turn the steering wheel.
Sport feels more responsive
whereas
Comfort feels easier to drive and park (see
Adjusting Steering Effort on page 46).
Stopping Mode: Choose how you want Model Y to
behave once regenerative braking has reduced the driving speed to a very low speed, a driving gear is still
engaged, and both the accelerator and brake pedals are
released. See
Stopping Mode on page 61. You can adjust
this setting only when
Model Y is in Park.
Slip Start: Turn Slip Start ON to disable traction control
and allow wheels to spin to make it easier to dislodge the vehicle when stuck in mud, snow, ice, etc. (see
Traction Control on page 63).
Off-Road Assist: Turn Off-Road Assist ON to disable
traction control and allow wheels to spin when driving
off-road (see Traction Control on page 63).
Trailer Mode: (Available only if equipped with the tow
package) Must always be active when towing a trailer.
Some Autopilot features and rear sensor functionality may not be available. See
Trailer Mode on page 75).
Autopilot
Autopilot features that provide a safer and more
convenient driving experience. Some Autopilot features
are not controlled through
Controls. See About
Autopilot on page 81 for more information.
Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove
corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until
Model Y is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. Occasionally remove any buildup of dirt by
wiping the components with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. These substances can cause autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning Cameras
and Sensors on page 82).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model
Y:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle
using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly
rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the
vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model Y using a clean soft cloth and cold
or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from cleaning products
is not covered by the warranty.
3.
Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4.
Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a
short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.
Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model Y. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly on the camera(s) or parking
sensors (if equipped). Also do not clean a sensor
or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that
can scratch or damage its surface. Keep the nozzle
moving and do not concentrate the water jet on
any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash, use
touchless car washes only. These car washes have
no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of
Model Y. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model Y to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel
cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while Model Y is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
170MODEL Y OWNER
Removing the Maintenance Panel
To check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:
1.
Open the hood.
2.
Pull the maintenance panel upward to release the clips that hold it in place.
3.
If checking the Battery coolant, remove the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it upwards to release the clips that hold it in place.
CAUTION: The maintenance panel protects the
front trunk from water. When re-attaching, make
sure it is fully seated.
Checking Battery Coolant
Your Battery coolant should not need to be replaced for the life of your vehicle under most circumstances. However, if the quantity of
fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
touchscreen
displays a warning message. Stop driving Model Y as
soon as safety permits and contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD
FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by
the warranty.
Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant
WARNING: Battery coolant can be hazardous and
can irritate eyes and skin. Under no circumstances
should you remove the filler cap and/or add
coolant. If the touchscreen warns you that the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a
specific mixture of G-48
ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT). Contact Tesla for more
specific information about the coolant.
Checking Brake FluidWARNING: Contact Tesla immediately if you
notice increased movement of the brake pedal or
a significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under
these conditions can result in extended stopping
distances or complete brake failure.
A red brake indicator on the
touchscreen alerts you if the quantity of
fluid in the brake reservoir drops below
the recommended level. If it displays while driving, stop as soon as safety permits by gently applying the brakes.
Do not continue driving. Contact Tesla
immediately.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake fluid. The following
instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1.
Clean the filler cap before removing it to prevent dirt
from entering the reservoir.
2.
Unscrew the cap and remove it.
3.
Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using the
appropriate brake
fluid.
4.
Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully secured.
WARNING: Only use new fluid from a sealed air-
tight container. Never use previously used fluid or
fluid from a previously opened container