2023 TESLA MODEL X trailer

IndicatorDescriptionIf a fault is detected with the Adaptive Front Lighting this indicator displays, if equipped. See
Adaptive Front Lighting
System (AFS) on page 69.
This indicator flashes amber when the
electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor
power. See
Traction Control on page 79.
If this indicator remains on, a fault is detected and you should immediately contact Tesla.
If a fault is detected that reduces the performance of the air suspension system, this amber indicator light
displays (see
Air Suspension on page
146). If the problem persists, contact
Tesla.
If a fault is detected that disables the air suspension system, this red indicator light displays (see
Air Suspension on
page 146). Contact Tesla.
Vehicle Hold is actively applying the brakes. See
Vehicle Hold on page 82.
Electronic stability control systems are no longer minimizing wheel spin. See
Traction Control on page 79.
Model X is in Transport mode and can roll
freely. It does not automatically shift into Park when you exit. See
Activate
Transport Mode on page 222.
Trailer mode (if equipped) is active. See
Towing and Accessories on page 87.
A blue snowflake appears when some of
the energy stored in the Battery may not be available due to cold weather
conditions. During these cold weather
conditions, charging rates may also be limited. If
Model X is plugged in, you can
heat your Battery by turning on climate control with the mobile app. The
snowflake disappears when the Battery is
sufficiently warm.
IndicatorDescriptionA green icon appears when regenerative
braking is limited. See
Regenerative
Braking on page 77 for more information.
Vehicle power is currently being limited
because the energy remaining in the
Battery is low, the vehicle

Braking SystemsWARNING: Properly functioning braking systems
are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, or
any component of a Model X braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.
Model X has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that
prevents the wheels from locking when you apply
maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control
during heavy braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the ABS
constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and varies
the brake pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. This demonstrates that the ABS is operating and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator briefly flashes amber on
the
instrument panel when you first start
Model X. If this indicator lights up at any
other time, an ABS fault has occurred and the ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not
affected by an ABS
failure. However, braking distances may increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the instrument panel displays this red
brake indicator at any time other than
briefly when you first start Model X, a
brake system fault is detected, or the level
of the brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to bring the vehicle to
a stop when safe to do so.
The instrument panel displays this amber
brake indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. Hydraulic Boost Compensation will be active (see
Hydraulic
Boost Compensation on page 77).
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and
maintain
firm pressure, even on low traction surfaces.
The ABS varies the braking pressure to each wheel
according to the amount of traction available. This prevents wheels from locking and ensures that you stop as safely as possible.
WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase
braking distance.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you and be aware of
hazardous driving conditions. While the ABS can
improve stopping distance, it cannot overcome the
laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of water
prevents direct contact between the tires and the
road).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 132) may
intervene to automatically brake in situations
where a collision is considered imminent.
Automatic Emergency Braking is not designed to
prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the
impact of a frontal collision by attempting to
reduce your driving speed. Depending on
Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a collision
can result in serious injury or death.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)
If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully
(or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights
flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model X is rapidly slowing down. If Model X stops
completely, the hazard warning lights
flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights button to turn them
off (see
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 70).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.
WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather,
Model X is equipped with brake disc wiping.
When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature
repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the brake
discs.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Model X is equipped with hydraulic fade compensation.
This assists in monitoring brake system pressure and ABS activity for instances of reduced brake
performance. If reduced brake performance is detected (for example, as a result of brake fade, or cold or wet
conditions), you may hear a sound, feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot, and notice a strong increase in
Braking and Stopping
76MODEL X Owner

How Park Assist Works
Model X is designed to detect the presence of objects.
When driving slowly in Drive or Reverse (for example,
when parking), the vehicle alerts you if an object is
detected in close proximity of your
Model X. Objects are
only detected in your chosen direction; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.
WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model X rolls
freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park
Assist does not display an alert if Model X rolls
backwards down a hill while in Drive).
Park Assist is activated when driving slower than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
NOTE: Park Assist may be disabled when a bicycle is
detected or
Model X is in trailer mode.
WARNING: Never depend on Park Assist to inform
you if an area you are approaching is free of
objects and/or people. Several external factors can
reduce the performance of Park Assist, causing
either no readings or false readings (see
Limitations and False Warnings on page 81).
Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine
if Model X is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects, and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Park assist
does not detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
animals, or objects that are moving, protruding,
located too far above or below the sensors (if
equipped) or cameras, or too close or too far from
the sensors or cameras. Park Assist is for guidance
purposes only and is not intended to replace your
own direct visual checks. It is not a substitute for
careful driving.
Visual and Audio Feedback
When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays on the
left side of the instrument panel, showing objects
that are in close proximity to the front and rear of
Model X. This view closes when you shift into Drive
unless an object is detected close to the front of
Model X, in which case the Park Assist view closes
automatically when your driving speed exceeds
5 mph
(8 km/h). When reversing, visual feedback also displays
on the touchscreen (see
Rear Facing Camera(s) on page
85). You can manually close the park assist view on the
touchscreen by touching the
X.
When driving with the Camera app displayed on the touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist view
when driving at speeds below
5 mph (8 km/h). Touch
the button located in the upper left corner of the Camera app screen. This is useful if you need assistance
with parallel parking.
If chimes are turned on (see Controlling Audible
Feedback on page 81), an audible beep sounds as you
approach an object.
You can temporarily mute the chime
by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of
the Park Assist view.
Park Assist
80MODEL X Owner

The towing package allows you to tow a trailer with your
Model X. It also allows you to carry skis, snowboards, bicycles, etc. by attaching an accessory carrier to the hitch.
Carrying Accessories
The Model X towing package has a 2 inch hitch receiver
that can support an accessory carrier.
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads
of up to
120 lbs (54 kg) when the load is cantilevered
rearward within
24 inches (63 cm) of the hitch receiver,
such as when carrying bikes on an accessory rack.
When carrying bicycles or other items on the Model X 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, the weight threshold
is sufficient for carrying two bicycles weighing
approximately 40 lbs each, or four bicycles weighing
approximately 20 lbs each.
CAUTION: The Model X hitch is designed to
support up to 120 lbs (54 kg). Exceeding this
maximum weight can cause significant damage.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a carrier on a
Model X that is not equipped with the towing
package. Doing so can cause significant damage.
To install and use an accessory carrier, the tow hitch
must be connected (see
Connecting the Tow Hitch on
page 92). Then follow the instructions provided with
your accessory carrier. Observe all regulations and legal
requirements in your state/region that apply to carrying
accessories.
The Model X towing package includes the wiring necessary for using an accessory carrier equipped with
lights (
see Electrical Connections on page 94). The
package also includes Trailer Mode software (see
Trailer
Mode on page 89).
When you connect an accessory carrier

Towing CapacityThe total trailer weight (including all cargo and additional equipment), and the trailer tongue weight, must never
exceed the following:
Wheel/Rim SizeMaximum Towing Capacity*Maximum Tongue Weight**275/45R20 110 V / Y
SAE Class III

Tire Pressures when Towing
When towing a trailer, tire pressures must be adjusted to accommodate the additional load. Keep tires
inflated to
the pressures shown below (these pressures override the pressures that are provided on the Tire and Loading
information label):
Front TiresRear TiresCold Tire Inflation Pressure
255/45R20
265/45R20
275/45R2046 psi (320 kPa)265/35ZR22285/35ZR2250 psi (345 kPa)
WARNING: Check tire pressures using an accurate
pressure gauge when tires are cold. Driving one
mile (1.6 km) warms the tires sufficiently to affect

tire pressures. Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight
or in hot weather can also affect tire pressures. If
you must check warm tires, expect increased
pressures. Do not let air out of warm tires in an
attempt to match recommended cold tire
pressures. A hot tire at or below the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure is dangerously under-
inflated.
WARNING: Never attempt to tow a trailer when a
Model X tire is faulty or has been inflated using a
tire repair kit. A temporarily repaired tire is not
designed to sustain the towing load. Towing using
a faulty or temporarily repaired tire can result in
tire failure and loss of vehicle stability.
Before Towing a Trailer
Before towing a trailer, you must do the following:

Trailer Mode is active.Model X detects a connection for trailer
lights but Trailer Mode is disabled. It is likely that a carrying accessory has been connected.Model X detects a faulty electrical connection for the trailer lights. Some, or
all, trailer lights may not be functioning.
Pull over as soon as safety permits and
inspect the trailer lights for faulty cabling
or connections. If the issues are resolved
and the red icon still persists, turn Trailer
Mode
off and on again.
Some Autopilot features, as well as rear parking sensor
functionality, may not be available when Trailer Mode is
enabled. In addition, some features may operate
differently. For example:

Plugging trailer wiring into the Model X electrical
connector automatically engages Trailer Mode (see
Trailer Mode on page 89).
WARNING: The brake controller output operates
only when a brake controller is installed (see Trailer
Brakes on page 90).
WARNING: Use only the electrical connection
designed by Tesla. Do not attempt to directly
splice or attempt to connect trailer electrical
wiring using any other method. Doing so can
damage the vehicle electrical system and cause
malfunctions.
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.
Impact on Range
Towing a trailer and carrying accessories increases vehicle weight and drag. As a result, driving range can
decrease
significantly. Although Trip Planner attempts to
adjust estimates based on Trailer Mode, actual energy consumption may vary. Plan trip length and charging
destinations accordingly.
Towing and Accessories
95Driving