2020 TESLA MODEL Y tow

The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm)
hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.
Installing and Using a Carrier
When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2"
x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to
support vertical loads of up to
160 lbs (72 kg). Ball
mounts that are compatible with the square receiver
must be purchased separately.
To install and use an accessory carrier, you must first
attach the ball mount to the hitch receiver (see
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 76).
Then, follow the instructions provided by your accessory
carrier. Observe all regulations and legal requirements in your state or region that apply to carrying accessories.
The Model Y towing package includes the wiring
necessary for using an accessory carrier equipped with lights (see
Electrical Connections on page 77). The
package also includes Trailer Mode software compatibility (see
Trailer Mode on page 75).
NOTE: Go to http://www.tesla.com to purchase
accessories for your vehicle. Although third-party products are available, Tesla recommends and supports
only Tesla-approved products (see
Parts and
Accessories on page 177). The accessory products
available for your vehicle may vary based on market
region. Before attempting to install a non Tesla-
approved carrier, review the product information to ensure compatibility.
NOTE: When not in use, the ball mount should be
removed and stored in a dry location to prevent dust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch housing to prevent dirt and debris from entering (see
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 76).
NOTE: Tesla assumes no responsibility for damage or
injuries resulting from installing and using an accessory carrier, for any omissions in the instructions accompanying an accessory carrier, or for your failure to follow the instructions. Damage caused by using an accessory carrier is not covered by the warranty.
Carrying Accessories
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads
up to
160 lbs (72 kg). When carrying bicycles, skis, or
other items on the
Model Y hitch, always check to
ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. When calculating weight, remember to include the weight of
the accessory carrier.
For example, assuming the carrier
weighs 40 lbs (18 kg), the weight threshold is su

NOTE: Loss of trailer lights when towing may be the
result of a fault in the trailer wiring or excessive power
consumption by the lights connected to the trailer output(s). When this occurs, a Trailer Mode icon
appears on the touchscreen. Fix any issues with the wiring and/or reduce the number of lights connected to the trailer output(s), then toggle Trailer Mode
off and
on again.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the trailer electrical
cable does not contact or drag on the ground and
there is enough slack in the cable to allow for
turns.
WARNING: Use only the electrical connections
designed by Tesla. Do not attempt to directly
splice or attempt to connect a trailer’s electrical
wiring using any other method. Doing so can
damage the vehicle

Condensation can form inside the camera enclosures, especially if you park your vehicle outside in cold or wet
conditions. The
touchscreen may display an alert stating
that a camera is blocked and that some or all Autopilot
features may be temporarily restricted until the camera vision is clear. To proactively dry the condensation, precondition the cabin by setting it to a warm temperature, turning the windshield defroster on, and directing the front air vents toward the door pillars (see
Mobile App on page 151).
CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage surfaces.
CAUTION: Avoid using a high-pressure power
washer.
CAUTION: Do not clean an ultrasonic sensor or
camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that
can scratch or damage its surface.
About Autopilot
83Autopilot

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.

During Charging
During charging, the charge port light (the Tesla "T"
logo) pulses green, and the touchscreen displays the
charging status. The frequency at which the charge
port light pulses slows down as the charge level approaches full. When charging is complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid green.
NOTE: If Model Y is locked, the charge port light does
not light up.
If the charge port light turns red while charging, a fault
is detected. Check the touchscreen for a message describing the fault. A fault can occur due to something as common as a power outage. If a power outage
occurs, charging resumes automatically when power is
restored.
NOTE: When charging, particularly at high currents, the
refrigerant compressor and fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool. Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds during charging.
NOTE: Air conditioning performance is generally not
affected by charging. However, under certain
circumstances (for example, you are charging at high currents during a particularly warm day), the air coming from the vents may not be as cool as expected and a message displays on the
touchscreen. This is normal
behavior and ensures that the Battery stays within an optimum temperature range while charging to support longevity and optimum performance.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious injury or
damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or
property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting the charge
cable or touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
NOTE: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of the
charge cable, the charge cable latch remains locked
and
Model Y must be unlocked or able to recognize
your
authenticated phone before you can disconnect
the charge cable.
To disconnect the charge cable using a connector:
1.
Press and hold the button on the connector handle to release the latch. Alternatively, unlock the vehicle
by opening a door, using a
key card or key fob, or
touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen. These
methods unlock the charge port as well.
2.
Pull the connector from the charge port.
To disconnect the charge cable using an adapter at a
public charge station:
1. Ensure that Model Y is unlocked.2.
While holding the public charging handle in one
hand and the adapter in the other hand, press and hold the button on the public charging handle and
pull both outwards, removing the handle and
adapter at the same time.
NOTE: If the charging station handle separates from
the adapter, leaving the adapter in
Model Y, use the
touchscreen to unlock the charge port (touch the charging icon on the overhead view of the vehicle).
3.
Press and hold the charging handle button again to release the adapter from the charging handle.
NOTE: The charge port automatically closes within
approximately 10 seconds of removing the connector from the charge port.
CAUTION: Tesla strongly recommends leaving
Model Y plugged in when not in use. This
maintains the Battery at the optimum level of
charge.
CAUTION: Model Y will not shift out of Park if the
charge port is unable to determine whether a
charging cable is plugged in. Ensure any charging
cables are unplugged and follow the instructions
on the touchscreen to proceed (see Park on page
51.
Manually Releasing Charge Cable
If the usual methods for releasing a charge cable from the charge port (using the charge handle release button, touchscreen, or mobile app) do not work,
carefully follow these steps:
1.
Ensure that Model Y is not actively charging by
displaying the charging screen on the touchscreen. If necessary, touch
Stop Charging.
2.
Open the rear trunk.
3.
Pull the charge port

Maintaining Tire Pressures
If you are not towing a trailer, keep tires inflated to the
pressures shown on the Tire and Loading Information label, even if it
differs from the pressure printed on the
tire itself. The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the center door pillar and is visible when the
front door is open.
If you are towing a trailer, do not use the tire pressures printed on the Tire and Loading Information Label.
Instead, refer to the tire pressures published in the
towing topic
(see Towing and Accessories on page 73).
NOTE: If your Model Y is fitted with Tesla accessory
wheels or tires, some information may be
different from
the labels on the vehicle.
The Tire Pressure indicator light on the
touchscreen alerts you if one or more
tires is
under-inflated.
After inflating the tire to the recommended pressure,
you must drive over
15 mph (25 km/h) for a short
amount of time to activate the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), which turns
off the Tire Pressure
indicator light.
If the indicator light flashes for one minute whenever
you power on
Model Y, a fault with the TPMS is detected
(see
TPMS Malfunction on page 168).
NOTE: Display tire pressures in the "Cards" area, located
toward the bottom on the left side of the touchscreen
,
as described in Touchscreen Overview on page 4. You
can also choose whether you want to display tire pressures using BAR or PSI by touching
Controls >
Display > Tire Pressure.
WARNING: Under-inflation is the most common
cause of tire failures and can cause a tire to
overheat, resulting in severe tire cracking, tread
separation, or blowout, which causes unexpected
loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflation also reduces the vehicle

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

Shoulder RoomFrontRear56.4 in 54 in1,432 mm1,373 mmHip RoomFront Rear53.8 in
50.6 in1,367 mm
1,286 mm
Cargo Volume
Total enclosed cargo volume68 cu ft
Weights
All Wheel DriveMaximum Curb Weight (incl. options)*4475 lbs (2030 kg)GVW** Total5302 lbs (2405 kg)GVW** Front2463 lbs (1117 kg)GVW** Rear2840 lbs (1288 kg)GAWR*** Front (all tires)3005 lbs (1363 kg)GAWR*** Rear (19" tires)3607 lbs (1636 kg)GAWR*** Rear (20" tires)3307 lbs (1500 kg)GAWR*** Rear (21" tires)3505 lbs (1590 kg)Towing Capacity (if equipped)See Towing and Accessories on page 73.
*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo
**GVW = Gross Vehicle Weight ***GAWR = Gross Axle Weight Rating
NOTE: Values are approximate. Weights can vary depending on a vehicle