Get Autopilot -> About Autopilot Guide for Tesla Model-Y SUV 2023

About Autopilot

How It Works

Your Model Y includes the following components that actively monitor the surrounding area:

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

2. Ultrasonic sensors (if equipped) 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 (if equipped) is mounted behind the front bumper.

Model Y is also equipped with high precision electronically-assisted braking and steering systems.

NOTE: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if equipped) are clean before each drive. See Cleaning Cameras and Sensors

on page 90 for more information. Dirty cameras and sensors, as well as environmental conditions such as rain and

faded lane markings, can aﬀect Autopilot performance.

MODEL Y Owner's Manual

OwnersManuals2.com

About Autopilot

When calibration is complete, Autopilot features are

available for use. Calibration typically completes after

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

depending on road and environmental conditions. For

example, calibration completes quicker when driving on

a straight road with multiple lanes (such as a controlled-

access highway), with highly-visible lane markings (in

the driving lane as well as the adjacent lanes). Contact

Tesla only if your Model Y has not completed the

calibration process after driving 100 miles (160 km) in

the described conditions.

Active Safety Features

These Active Safety features are designed to increase

your safety:

• Lane Assist (see Lane Assist on page 119)

• Collision Avoidance Assist (see Collision Avoidance

Assist on page 122)

• Speed Assist (see Speed Assist on page 125)

• Cabin Camera (see Cabin Camera on page 126)

If a camera has shifted from its calibrated position (for

example, the camera or windshield was replaced), you

must clear the calibration. To do so, touch Controls >

Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration. When

the calibration is cleared, Model Y repeats the calibration

process. While this helps re-calibrate the cameras in

many cases, Clear Calibration may not resolve all

camera and sensor concerns.

You can enable/disable some of these features and in

some cases, control how they work. To access settings

for these features, touch Controls > Autopilot.

Autopilot Features

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

conﬁguration, options purchased, software version and

build date, your vehicle may not be equipped with all

features listed below, or a feature may not operate as

described.

NOTE: To calibrate, cameras require highly-visible lane

markings in both the driving lane and adjacent lanes (at

least two lanes over on each side of the vehicle). For

best results, drive in the middle lane of a multi-lane

highway (ideally with at least ﬁve lanes) that has clear

lane markings and minimal traﬃc.

These Autopilot convenience features are designed to

reduce driver workload:

NOTE: If you attempt to use a feature that is not

available until the calibration process is complete, the

feature is disabled and the touchscreen displays a

message.

• Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control (see Traﬃc-Aware

Cruise Control on page 91)

• Autosteer (see Autosteer on page 96)

NOTE: Model Y must repeat the calibration process if the

cameras are serviced by Tesla, and in some cases, after a

software update.

• Auto Lane Change (see Auto Lane Change on page

98)

• Autopark (see Autopark on page 111)

• Summon (see Summon on page 113)

• Smart Summon (Smart Summon on page 116)

Limitations

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):

• Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning (see Stop Light

and Stop Sign Warning on page 99)

• Navigate on Autopilot (see Navigate on Autopilot on

page 101)

• Poor visibility (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).

• Bright light (due to oncoming headlights, direct

sunlight, etc.).

• Traﬃc Light and Stop Sign Control (see Traﬃc Light

and Stop Sign Control on page 104)

• Damage or obstructions caused by mud, ice, snow,

etc.

You can enable/disable some of these features and in

some cases, control how they work. To access settings

associated with these features, touch Controls >

Autopilot.

• Interference or obstruction by object(s) mounted

onto the vehicle (such as a bike rack).

• Obstruction caused by applying excessive paint or

adhesive products (such as wraps, stickers, rubber

coating, etc.) onto the vehicle.

Drive to Calibrate Cameras

• Traﬃc signs that do not conform to standard

recognizable formats, such as digital or temporary

speed signs.

Model Y must maneuver with precision when Autopilot

features are being used. Therefore, before some features

can be used for the ﬁrst time or after some types of

service repairs, cameras must complete a self-calibration

process. For your convenience, the touchscreen displays

a progress indicator.

• Narrow or winding roads.

• A damaged or misaligned body panel.

• Use of gray or aftermarket glass.

Autopilot

OwnersManuals2.com

About Autopilot

• Interference from other equipment that generates

ultrasonic waves.

• Extremely hot or cold temperatures.

CAUTION: If a windshield replacement is needed,

take your vehicle to Tesla Service. This ensures

appropriate handling and mounting of the

camera(s). Failure to do so can cause one or more

Autopilot features to malfunction.

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.

WARNING: Advanced safety features may not be

available during the calibration period.

WARNING: Re-calibrating the cameras or sensors

(if equipped) on the touchscreen is not a

substitute for checking the physical positioning

and condition of these components. Walk around

your vehicle and inspect the cameras and sensors

for physical damage. Incorrectly calibrated or

positioned cameras and sensors may limit or

disable the use of safety features. Contact Tesla if

you suspect lingering issues.

Cleaning Cameras and Sensors

To ensure the various Autopilot components can provide

information that is as accurate as possible, keep cameras

and sensors (if equipped) clean and free of obstructions,

condensation, or damage (see Cleaning on page 191).

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 wipe an exposed lens with your

hands or a cloth in an attempt to remove dirt or

debris. The debris can damage the surface of the

lens when wiped.

CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive

cleaners. Doing so can damage surfaces.

CAUTION: Do not clean an ultrasonic sensor (if

equipped) or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive

object that can scratch or damage its surface.

MODEL Y Owner's Manual

OwnersManuals2.com

Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

detected ahead of you, you can initiate Traﬃc-Aware

conﬁguration, options purchased, and software version,

your vehicle may not be equipped with Traﬃc-Aware

Cruise Control, or the feature may not operate exactly as

described. If your vehicle is not equipped, refer to the

owner's manual on your vehicle's touchscreen for

instructions on how to use Cruise Control.

Cruise Control at any speed, even when stationary,

provided Model Y is at least 5 feet (1.5 m) behind the

detected vehicle and certain vehicle and environmental

conditions are met.

NOTE: The maximum cruising speed is 90 mph (150

km/h). It is the driver's responsibility to cruise at a safe

speed based on road conditions and speed limits.

NOTE: Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control is a BETA feature.

Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control determines when there is a

vehicle in front of you in the same lane. If the area in

front of Model Y is clear, Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control

maintains a set driving speed. When a vehicle is

detected, Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control is designed to

slow down Model Y as needed to maintain a selected

time-based distance from the vehicle in front, up to the

set speed. Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control does not

eliminate the need to watch the road in front of you and

to manually apply the brakes when needed.

When Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control is

available but not engaged, the touchscreen

displays the cruising speed in gray. The

number shown represents the cruising

speed that will be set when you engage

Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control.

When Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control is

actively cruising at a set cruising speed,

the cruising speed is highlighted with blue

text.

Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control is primarily intended for

driving on dry, straight roads, such as highways.

1. You can choose whether Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control

engages at the currently detected speed limit or your

current driving speed. Touch Controls > Autopilot >

Set Speed and choose either Speed Limit or Current

Speed. If you choose to engage Traﬃc-Aware Cruise

Control at the currently detected speed limit, you can

specify an oﬀset. Touch Set Speed Oﬀset. You can

choose a Fixed oﬀset, in which the cruising speed

adjusts by a speciﬁc number of mph (km/h) on all

roads, or a Percentage oﬀset, in which the cruising

speed is adjusted as a percentage of the road's

detected speed limit.

CAUTION: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if

equipped) are clean before each drive. Dirty

cameras and sensors, as well as environmental

conditions such as rain and faded lane markings,

can aﬀect Autopilot performance.

WARNING: Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control is

designed for your driving comfort and

convenience and is not a collision warning or

avoidance system. It is your responsibility to stay

alert, drive safely, and be in control of the vehicle

at all times. Never depend on Traﬃc-Aware Cruise

Control to adequately slow down Model Y. Always

watch the road in front of you and be prepared to

take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so

can result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: When cruising at the speed limit,

there may be situations where the cruising

speed may not change when the speed limit

changes.

WARNING: Although Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control

is capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists,

never depend on Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control to

adequately slow Model Y down for them. Always

watch the road in front of you and be prepared to

take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so

can result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: Do not rely on Traﬃc-Aware Cruise

Control or Speed Assist to determine an

accurate or appropriate cruising speed. It is the

driver's responsibility to cruise at a safe speed

based on road conditions and applicable speed

limits.

WARNING: Do not use Traﬃc-Aware Cruise

Control on winding roads with sharp curves, on icy

or slippery road surfaces, or when weather

conditions (such as heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.)

make it inappropriate to drive at a consistent

speed. Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control does not

adapt driving speed based on road and driving

conditions.

2. To engage Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control when it is

available (the car status area of the touchscreen

displays the gray cruising speed icon), move the drive

stalk down once, then release the accelerator pedal

to allow Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control to maintain the

cruising speed.

NOTE: Moving the drive stalk down twice in quick

succession engages Autosteer (assuming it has been

enabled), which includes Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control

functionality, as described in Autosteer on page 96).

To Use Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control

3. To change your speed while using Traﬃc-Aware

Cruise Control, you can roll the right scroll wheel on

the steering wheel up or down. You can also change

the cruising speed to the current speed limit

To initiate Traﬃc-Aware Cruise Control 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. If a vehicle is

(including any oﬀset you've speciﬁed), by either long

Autopilot

OwnersManuals2.com

Autopilot -> About Autopilot for Your Tesla Model-Y SUV 2023

Related Topics

Overview

Opening and Closing

Seating and Safety Restraints

Driving

Autopilot

Active Safety Features

Using the Touchscreen

Navigation and Entertainment

Charging and Energy Consumption

Maintenance

Specifications

Roadside Assistance

Troubleshooting

Consumer Information