Get Quick reference information Guide for Tesla Model-3 4 Door First Generation (2017-2023)

About Autopilot

How It Works

Your Model 3 includes the following Autopilot components that actively monitor the

surrounding roadway:

1. A camera is mounted above the rear license plate.

2. Ultrasonic sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers.

3. A camera is mounted in each door pillar.

4. Three cameras are mounted to the windshield above the rear view mirror.

5. A camera is mounted to each front fender.

6. Radar is mounted behind the front bumper.

Model 3 is also equipped with high precision electronically-assisted braking and steering

systems.

NOTE: Ensure all cameras and sensors are clean before each drive. See Cleaning Cameras and

Sensors on page 108 for more information. Unclean cameras and sensors, as well as

environmental conditions such as rain and faded lane markings, can aﬀect Autopilot

performance.

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MODEL 3 OWNER'S MANUAL

About Autopilot

Features

Drive to Calibrate Cameras

These safety features are available on all

Model 3 vehicles:

Model 3 must maneuver with a great deal of

precision when Autopilot features are being

used. Therefore, before some features (for

example, Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control or

Autosteer) can be used for the ﬁrst time or

after certain Service repairs, the cameras

must complete a self-calibration process. For

your convenience, a progress indicator is

displayed on the touchscreen.

• Lane Assist (see Lane Assist on page

143).

• Collision Avoidance Assist (see Collision

Avoidance Assist on page 146).

• Speed Assist (see Speed Assist on page

150).

Calibration typically completes after driving

20-25 miles (32-40 km), but the distance

varies depending on road and environmental

conditions. Driving on a straight road with

highly-visible lane lines allows Model 3 to

calibrate quicker. When calibration is

complete, the Autopilot features are available

for use. Contact Tesla only if your Model 3 has

not completed the calibration process after

driving 100 miles (160 km).

• Auto High Beam (see High Beam

Headlights on page 67).

These Autopilot convenience features are

designed to reduce driver workload:

• Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control (see Traﬃc-

Aware Cruise Control on page 109)

• Autosteer (see Autosteer on page 116)

NOTE: If you attempt to use a feature that is

not available until the calibration process is

complete, the feature will not be enabled and

the touchscreen displays a message.

• Auto Lane Change (see Auto Lane

Change on page 118)

• Autopark (see Autopark on page 133)

• Summon (see Summon on page 135)

NOTE: Model 3 must repeat the calibration

process if the cameras are serviced by Tesla,

and in some cases, after a software update.

• Smart Summon (Smart Summon on page

139)

NOTE: If the cameras have moved out of their

calibrated position (for example, due to a

camera or windshield replacement), the

calibration can be cleared by touching

Controls > Service > Camera Calibration >

Clear Calibration. Once the calibration has

been cleared, the self-driving calibration drive

must be performed again.

• Navigate on Autopilot (see Navigate on

Autopilot on page 121)

• Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning (see

Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning on

page 119)

• Traﬃc Light and Stop Sign Control (see

Traﬃc Light and Stop Sign Control on

page 124).

Limitations

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

conﬁguration, options purchased, and

software version, your vehicle may not be

equipped with all Autopilot features.

Many factors can impact the performance of

Autopilot components, causing them to be

unable to function as intended. These include

(but are not limited to):

You can enable/disable some of these

features and in some cases, control how they

work. To access settings, touch Controls >

Autopilot.

• Poor visibility (due to heavy rain, snow,

fog, etc.).

• Bright light (due to oncoming headlights,

direct sunlight, etc.).

• Damage or obstructions caused by mud,

ice, snow, etc.

Autopilot

107

About Autopilot

CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based

or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can

damage surfaces.

• Interference or obstruction by object(s)

mounted onto the vehicle (such as a bike

rack).

CAUTION: Avoid using a high-pressure

• Obstruction caused by applying excessive

paint or adhesive products (such as

wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.) onto

the vehicle.

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.

• Narrow or winding roads.

• A damaged or misaligned bumper.

• Interference from other equipment that

generates ultrasonic waves.

• Extremely hot or cold temperatures.

WARNING: The list above does not

represent an exhaustive list of

situations that may interfere with

proper operation of Autopilot

components. Never depend on these

components to keep you safe. It is the

driver's responsibility to stay alert,

drive safely, and be in control of the

vehicle at all times.

CAUTION: If a windshield replacement

is needed, take your vehicle to Tesla

Service. This will ensure appropriate

handling and mounting of the

camera(s). Failure to do so can cause

one or more Autopilot features to

malfunction.

Cleaning Cameras and Sensors

To ensure the various Autopilot components

can provide information that is as accurate as

possible, keep them clean and free of

obstructions, condensation, or damage.

Occasionally remove any buildup of dirt by

wiping the components with a soft cloth

dampened with warm water.

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

191).

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MODEL 3 OWNER'S MANUAL

Quick reference information for Your Tesla Model-3 4 Door First Generation (2017-2023)

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