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
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
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:
NOTE: When testing chocks, ensure that Vehicle Hold
(see
Vehicle Hold on page 82) is not engaged. If
Vehicle Hold is braking Model X, the Vehicle Hold
indicator light displays on the instrument panel. To
disengage Vehicle Hold, press and release the brake
pedal.
4. To change your speed while using Traffic-Aware
Cruise Control, you can roll the right scroll wheel on
the steering wheel up or down. For more details, see
Changing the Cruising Speed on page 102.
5.
To cancel Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, press the right
scroll wheel, or press the brake pedal. See
Canceling
and Resuming on page 104 for more information.
Set Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
Chime
If you want a chime to sound when you engage or cancel
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, touch Controls >
Autopilot > Traffic-Aware Cruise Control Chime.
NOTE: Model X must be in Park.
Changing the Cruising Speed
Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase, or down to decrease, the set speed. Slowly rolling the scroll wheel
changes the set speed in
1 mph (1 km/h) increments and
quickly rolling the scroll wheel changes the set speed to the closest
5 mph (5 km/h) increment. For example, if
you are traveling at
57 mph and quickly roll the scroll
wheel, the speed increases to
60 mph.
NOTE: It may take a few seconds for Model X to reach
the new cruising speed, assuming
Model X is not
cruising behind a vehicle that is driving slower than your
set speed.
Cruising at the Set Speed
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains your set cruising
speed whenever a vehicle is not detected in front of
Model X. When cruising behind a detected vehicle,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control accelerates and decelerates
Model X as needed to maintain a chosen following
distance (see
Adjust the Following Distance on page
103), up to the set speed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control also adjusts the cruising
speed when entering and exiting curves.
You can manually accelerate at any time when cruising
at a set speed, but when you release the accelerator,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control resumes cruising at the set
speed.
NOTE: When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is actively
slowing down
Model X to maintain the selected distance
from the vehicle ahead, brake lights turn on to alert other road users that you are slowing down. You may
notice slight movement of the brake pedal. However,
when
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is accelerating
Model X, the accelerator pedal does not move.
WARNING: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may
occasionally cause Model X to brake when not
required or when you are not expecting it. This can
be caused by closely following a vehicle ahead,
detecting vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes
(especially on curves), etc.
WARNING: Due to limitations inherent in the
onboard GPS (Global Positioning System), you
may experience situations in which Model X slows
down, especially near exits or off-ramps where a
curve is detected and/or you are navigating to a
destination and not following the route.
WARNING: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may not
detect all objects and, especially when cruising
over 50 mph (80 km/h), may not brake/decelerate
when a vehicle or object is only partially in the
driving lane or when a vehicle you are following
moves out of your driving path and a stationary or
slow-moving vehicle or object is in front of you.
Always pay attention to the road ahead and stay
prepared to take immediate corrective action.
Depending on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to
avoid a collision can result in serious injury or
death. In addition, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may react to vehicles or objects that either do not
exist, or are not in your lane of travel, causing
Model X to slow down unnecessarily or
inappropriately.
WARNING: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may be
unable to provide adequate speed control because
of limited braking capability and hills. It can also
misjudge the distance from a vehicle ahead.
Driving downhill can increase driving speed,
causing Model X to exceed your set speed (and
potentially the road
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Autosteer, or the
feature may not operate exactly as described.
NOTE: Autosteer is a BETA feature.
Autosteer builds upon Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on page 101), intelligently
keeping
Model X in its driving lane when cruising at a set
speed.
Autosteer also allows you to use the turn signals
to move Model X into an adjacent lane (see Auto Lane
Change on page 107). Autosteer detects lane markings
and the presence of vehicles and objects to
steer
Model X.
NOTE: To display more details about the roadway and its
surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, objects (such as trash cans and poles), etc., touch
Controls >
Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview (if
equipped).
CAUTION: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if
equipped) are clean. Dirty cameras and sensors, as
well as environmental conditions such as rain and
faded lane markings, affect performance.
WARNING: Autosteer is a hands-on feature. You
must keep your hands on the steering yoke (or
steering wheel) at all times.
WARNING: Autosteer is intended for use on
controlled-access highways with a fully attentive
driver. When using Autosteer, hold the steering
yoke (or steering wheel) and be mindful of road
conditions and surrounding traffic. Do not use
Autosteer in construction zones, or in areas where
bicyclists or pedestrians may be present. Never
depend on Autosteer to determine an appropriate
driving path. Always be prepared to take
immediate action. Failure to follow these
instructions could cause damage, serious injury or
death.
Operating Autosteer
Before you can operate Autosteer, you must enable it by touching
Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).
To indicate that Autosteer is available (but
not actively steering
Model X), the
instrument panel displays a gray Autosteer
icon.
Steering yoke option
To initiate Autosteer, press the right scroll wheel.
NOTE: If the setting for Autosteer Activation is set to
Single Click (touch Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer
Activation), Autosteer engages when you single-press
the right scroll wheel. If set to
Double Click, you must
double-press the right scroll wheel to engage Autosteer.
To indicate that Autosteer is now actively
steering
Model X, the instrument panel
displays the Autosteer icon in blue. When
Autosteer is able to detect lane markings,
it also displays the driving lane in blue.
Steering yoke option
Autosteer briefly displays a message on the instrument
panel reminding you to pay attention to the road and be
ready to take over at any time.
The speed at which you can initiate Autosteer can vary depending on various conditions and whether or not a
vehicle is detected ahead of you. When no vehicle is
detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least
18 mph (30 km/h), unless certain vehicle and
environmental conditions are met, in which case, you
may be able to initiate it at lower speeds. When a
vehicle is detected ahead of you, you can initiate
Autosteer at any speed, even when stationary, provided
Model X is at least 5 feet (150 cm) behind the detected
vehicle.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when
Autosteer is engaged and the maximum cruising speed is
85 mph (140 km/h).
CAUTION: If available in your market region,
Model X detects lights from an emergency vehicle
when using Autosteer at night on a high speed
road, the driving speed is automatically reduced
and the instrument panel displays a message
informing you of the slowdown. You will also hear
a chime and see a reminder to keep your hands on
the steering yoke (or steering wheel). When the
light detections pass by or cease to appear,
Autopilot resumes your cruising speed.
Alternatively, you may tap the accelerator to
resume your cruising speed.
WARNING: Never depend on Autopilot features to
determine the presence of emergency vehicles.
Model X may not detect lights from emergency
vehicles. Keep your eyes on your driving path and
always be prepared to take immediate action.
In situations where Autosteer is temporarily unavailable, the Autosteer icon disappears. For example, your driving speed is not within the speed required for Autosteer to operate. Autosteer may also be unavailable if it is not receiving adequate data from the camera(s).
Autosteer
105Autopilot