Category: Model Y

Opening the Charge Port

The charge port is located on the left side of Model Y, behind a door that is part of the rear taillight assembly. Park Model Y to ensure that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.

With Model Y unlocked (or an authenticated phone within range) and in Park, press and release the button on the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.

You can also open the charge port door using any of these methods:
• On the touchscreen, touch Controls and touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt).
• On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port.
• Press the bottom of the charge port door when Model Y is unlocked.
• On the key fob accessory (sold separately), hold down the rear trunk button for 1-2 seconds.
• Use voice commands to open the charge port door. You can also use voice commands to close the charge port door, and begin or stop charging.

NOTE: The Tesla “T” lights up when you open the charge port door. If you do not insert a charge cable into the charge port within a few minutes after opening the charge port door, the charge port door closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to open the charge port door again.

NOTE: In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. Some vehicles are equipped with a charge port inlet heater that turns on when you turn on the rear defrost in cold weather conditions. You can also thaw ice on the charge port latch by enabling preconditioning using the mobile app. To prevent this from occurring, use the Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a departure time and enable preconditioning.

CAUTION: Do not try to force the charge port door open.


Plugging In

If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge limit and the charging current.

To charge at a public charging station, plug the appropriate adapter into the vehicle’s charging port, and then connect the station’s charging connector to the adapter. The most commonly used adapter(s) for each market region are provided. Depending on the charging equipment you are using, you may need to start and stop charging using a control on the charging equipment.

If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug into the power outlet before plugging in Model Y.

Align the connector to the charge port and insert fully. When the connector is properly inserted, charging begins automatically after Model Y:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector in place;
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other drive mode);
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling, you may notice a delay before charging begins.

NOTE: Whenever Model Y is plugged in but not actively charging, it draws energy from the wall outlet instead of using energy stored in the Battery. For example, if you are sitting in Model Y and using the touchscreen while parked and plugged in, Model Y draws energy from the wall outlet instead of the Battery.

CAUTION: The connector end of the charge cable can damage the paint if you drop it onto Model Y.


Charge Port Light

• WHITE (OR LIGHT BLUE): The charge port door is open. Model Y is ready to charge and the connector is not inserted, or the charge port latch is unlocked and the connector is ready to be removed.
• BLUE: Model Y detects that a connector has been plugged in.
• BLINKING BLUE: Model Y is communicating with the connector. Either Model Y is preparing to charge, or a charging session is scheduled to begin at a specifiedspecified future time.
• BLINKING GREEN: Charging is in progress. As Model Y approaches a full charge, the frequency of the blinking slows.
• SOLID GREEN: Charging is complete.
• SOLID AMBER: The connector is not fully plugged in. Realign the connector to the charge port and insert fully.
• BLINKING AMBER: Model Y is charging at a reduced current (AC charging only).
• RED: A fault is detected and charging has stopped. Check the touchscreen for an alert.


Charging Status

Charging status displays at the top of the car status screen when the charge port door is open.
1. Time remaining: The estimated time remaining to charge to your set limit.

NOTE: When charging to 100%, the vehicle may continue to charge with low power when charging is displayed as complete. This is expected operation. Because the added energy beyond this point is low, it is usually not beneficial to continue charging.

2. Charging: The current power of the charger.
3. Charging rate: The maximum current available from the attached charge cable.
4. Range gained: Estimated increase in driving distance achieved in the charging session.
5. Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving distance or energy percentage (depending on your display setting) available.

NOTE: To change how energy units are displayed, touch Controls > Display > Energy Display.

6. Charge status: Charge status messages (such as Supercharging, Scheduled Charging) display here.

During Charging

During charging, the charge port light (the Tesla “T” logo) pulses green, and the touchscreen displays real-time charging status. The frequency at which the green 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 an alert 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: The thermal system may produce steam under certain conditions. For example, odorless steam can come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in cold temperature. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

NOTE: It is normal to hear sounds during charging. Particularly at high currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.

NOTE: Air conditioning performance is generally not affected by charging. However, in some circumstances (for example, 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 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, a pressure washer) towards the charge port while charging. Doing so 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:

1. Press and hold the button on the connector handle to release the latch.
   
   NOTE: You can also release the latch using the touchscreen or mobile app, or by pressing and holding the rear trunk button on the key fob.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port. The charge port door automatically closes.

To disconnect the charge cable when using an adapter at a public charge station:

1. Unlock Model Y.
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.
3. Press and hold the button on the charging handle again to release the adapter from the public charging handle.

NOTE: The charge port door 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 does not shift out of Park if the charge port is unable to determine whether a charging cable is plugged in. Ensure the charging cable is unplugged and follow the instructions on the touchscreen to proceed.

Charge Settings

Access charge settings by touching Controls > Charging when Model Y is in Park. You can also touch the battery icon on the touchscreen to access charge settings.

1. Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving distance available.
2. Set limit slider: Adjust the charge limit by dragging the arrow below the battery to indicate the level of charging you want. The setting you choose applies to immediate and scheduled charging sessions.
   
   NOTE: For vehicles with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) high voltage Batteries, Tesla recommends you keep your charge limit to 100%, even for daily use, and that you also fully charge your vehicle to 100% at least once per week. To determine if your vehicle is equipped with an LFP battery, navigate to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. If your vehicle has an LFP Battery, “High Voltage Battery type: Lithium Iron Phosphate” is listed. If your vehicle does not have an LFP Battery, the high voltage Battery type is not specified.
   
   NOTE: A portion of the battery image may appear blue. This indicates that a small portion of the energy stored in the battery is not available because the battery is cold. This is normal and no reason for concern. When the battery warms up, the blue portion no longer displays.
   

You can further adjust charge settings:

• Open Charge Port, Unlock Charge Port and Stop Charging: When not charging, touch Open Charge Port or Unlock Charge Port to open the charge port door or to unlock the charge cable from the charge port. Use Stop Charging when you are finished charging.

• Charge current at this location: The current automatically sets to the maximum current available from the attached charge cable, unless it was previously reduced to a lower level. If needed, touch – or + to change the current (for example, you may want to reduce the current if you are concerned about overloading a domestic wiring circuit shared by other equipment). It is not possible to set the charging current to a level that exceeds the maximum available from the attached charge cable. When you change the current, Model Y remembers the location. If you charge at the same location, you do not need to change it again.

• Schedule: Depending on the setting you select by touching Switch to Scheduled Departure/Scheduled Charging, this displays either a departure time for when the vehicle should be preconditioned and/or charged by or a time to start charging.

• Supercharging: Displays supercharger usage fees, the location, the time that charging started, and a cost estimate for the session.

NOTE: To reduce congestion at high-usage supercharger sites, you may be limited to a maximum charge of 80% when not using Trip Planner (if available in your market region).

Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure

Toggle between Scheduled Departure and Scheduled Charging by touching Controls > Charging > Switch to Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure when Model Y is in Park.

NOTE: Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure settings are also available on the Climate Controls screen and in the Tesla mobile app.

Think of Scheduled Charging as “When do I want charging to start?” compared to Scheduled Departure Off-Peak Charging which is “When do I want charging to be complete?”

Scheduled Charging can be used together with Scheduled Departure Preconditioning but not with Scheduled Departure Off-Peak Charging.

Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure settings are automatically saved for each location.

NOTE: If you plug in Model Y with both Off-Peak PeakOff-PeakCharging and Scheduled Charging deselected, your vehicle charges immediately.

Using Scheduled Charging

Use Scheduled Charging to specify a daily time in which you want Model Y to start charging.

With Scheduled Charging selected, enable the feature then set a daily time to start charging.

NOTE: Scheduled Charging starts charging immediately if Model Y is plugged in up to 6 hours after the scheduled start time. However, if Model Y is plugged in after six hours of the scheduled charging time, charging may not start until the scheduled time on the next day.

Using Scheduled Departure

Use Scheduled Departure to set a daily time when you want Model Y to be ready to drive. Your vehicle automatically calculates when it needs to start preconditioning and/or charging. This ensures that charging is complete and/or the cabin climate and Battery are preconditioned by your departure time.

When Scheduled Departure is displayed, touch Schedule to set a daily time when you want Model Y to be ready to drive. Specify a time, then touch Settings to enable one or both of the following departure features. When plugging in with Off-Peak Charging enabled, the vehicle briefly draws power (you may hear clicking) to calculate the necessary charging start time.

After you’ve specified your desired settings, touch Set. The touchscreen displays your scheduled departure time.

• Preconditioning warms the Battery for improved performance and ensures a comfortable cabin climate at your set departure time.

NOTE: When Model Y is not plugged in, preconditioning operates but only when the Battery’s charge level is above 20%.

• Off-Peak Charging delays charging and automatically starts charging in order to finish before your scheduled departure time while also ensuring to charge the Battery during off-peak hours to reduce energy costs. Touch Change Off-Peak Hours to customize the time when off-peak utility rates end.

NOTE: Choosing Off-Peak Charging can reduce energy costs even in market regions where off-peakoff-peak utility rates are not applicable. For example, if charging starts as soon as you plug in, charging may complete much sooner. This causes the Battery to cool down to ambient temperatures and requires energy to warm it back up by your departure time. Therefore, even if off-peak utility rates are not applicable to you, it is recommended that you set Off-Peak Hours to the same time as your departure time in order to reduce energy consumption.

NOTE: If there is not enough time to reach the charge limit, charging starts immediately in order to charge as much as possible.

NOTE: Once charging has started and there is not enough time to complete charging during off-peakoff-peakhours, charging continues until the charge limit is reached.

You can limit Preconditioning and Off-Peak Charging to weekdays only.

Supercharger Usage Fees and Idle Fees

When charging at a Tesla supercharger, information about the charging session displays at the bottom of the charging screen. This includes the location, the time that charging started, and a cost estimate for the session. When you stop supercharging, the estimated cost of the session displays until a new supercharging session begins.

NOTE: Estimated cost may not reflect the final cost of the supercharging session. Final pricing for supercharging sessions can be found in your Tesla account.

When charging at a Tesla supercharger, you are subject to idle fees. Idle fees are designed to encourage drivers to move their vehicle from the Supercharger when charging is complete. Idle fees are in effect only when half or more of the Superchargers at a site are occupied. The Tesla mobile app notifies you when charging is almost complete, and again when charging is complete. Additional notifications are sent if idle fees are incurred. Idle fees are waived if you move your vehicle within five minutes of when charging completed.

Log into your Tesla account to view fees and details about Supercharger sessions, set up a payment method, and make payments. Once a payment method is saved, fees are automatically paid from your account.

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, try pressing and holding down the rear trunk button on the key fob accessory (if equipped) for 1-2 seconds. If it still doesn’t release, 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’s release cable downwards to unlatch the charge cable.
   
   WARNING: Do not pull the release cable while simultaneously attempting to remove the charge cable from the charge port. Always pull the release cable before attempting to remove the charge cable. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious injury.
   
   NOTE: The release cable may be recessed within the opening of the trim.
4. Pull the charge cable from the charge port.

CAUTION: Use the release cable only in situations where you can not release the charge cable using the usual methods. Continuous use can damage the release cable or charging equipment.

WARNING: Do not perform this procedure when your vehicle is charging, or if any orange high voltage conductors are exposed. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious injury or damage to the vehicle. If you are uncertain as to how to safely perform this procedure, contact your nearest Service Center.

To ensure that Model Y provides you with the best ownership experience possible in harsh cold weather conditions, follow these best practices.

Before Driving

When snow and ice accumulate on your vehicle, moving parts, such as the door handles, windows, mirrors, and wipers can freeze in place. To achieve maximum range and performance, it is helpful to warm the cabin and Battery before you leave. There are several ways to do so:

• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a time when you want your vehicle to be ready to drive.
• On the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize the temperature at which you want to heat the cabin. This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.
• On the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost Car to melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and mirrors. This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.

NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings at least 30-45 minutes before departure. Preconditioning times depend on outside temperature and other factors. The Mobile App will notify you once your vehicle has reached the desired preconditioning temperature.

Charge Port

• If your charge port latch freezes in place and a charging cable becomes stuck in the charge port, try manually releasing the charge cable (see special instructions in the manual).
• In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. Some vehicles are equipped with a charge port inlet heater that turns on when you turn on the rear defrost in cold weather conditions. You can also thaw ice on the charge port latch by enabling Defrost Car on the mobile app.

NOTE: You can also prevent the occurrence of a charge port latch freezing in place by using the Schedule settings.

NOTE: If your charge port latch is frozen in place, it may not lock the charging cable in place when inserted, but it can still charge at a slow AC rate even if the latch is not engaged.

Charging

By using Trip Planner (if available in your market region) to navigate to a Tesla charging location, Model Y pre-heats the high voltage battery to ensure when you arrive at the charger, the temperature of the battery is optimal and ready to charge. This reduces the amount of time it takes to charge.

NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate to a charging location for at least 30-45 minutes before arrival to ensure optimal battery temperature and charging conditions. If the drive to the charging location is less than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the battery before driving.

NOTE: The thermal system may produce steam under certain conditions. For example, odorless steam can come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in cold temperature. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Doors

In severe winter conditions, ice buildup can make it more difficult to open door handles. You can use the mobile app to pop open the driver door in this situation.

In the mobile app, touch and hold any of the four quick control buttons and follow the instructions to customize quick controls with Unlatch Door.

When you are next to your car, touch Unlatch Door to pop open the driver door.


Removing Ice From Door Handle

In severe winter conditions, ice buildup within the door handle can prevent the door handle from opening. The process for freeing a Model Y door handle is slightly different than others to remove ice buildup.

NOTE: Preemptively applying WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice buildup inside your door handle.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to use tools or excessive force to release the door handle from ice buildup.


Perform the following to remove ice from the door handle:

Forcefully press the frontmost part of the door handle. It will rock slightly inward to help break the ice.

Press the rearmost part of the door handle to try to open as you normally would.

Once the door handle is able to move, open and close it a few more times to release any remaining ice buildup. Make sure the door handle is fully pressed in (retracted) prior to entering the vehicle, and check that the door is fully closed before driving away.


Mirrors

If ice buildup is expected, when parking, turn off Auto-Fold Mirrors. Touch Controls > Auto-Fold. Ice can prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.

NOTE: Side mirrors automatically heat as needed during preconditioning, or when the rear defroster is turned on.


Wipers

If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when the windshield defrosts. You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if equipped).


Tires and Tire Chains

• Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions.
• Tire chains provide additional traction when driving in snowy or icy conditions.

Check local regulations to determine if tire chains are recommended or required during winter months.

Your vehicle’s tire pressures will drop in cold ambient temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate the tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for every 10° F (6° C) drop in outside temperature. Proper tire pressures help protect tires from potholes and improve range when properly inflated.


While Driving

Cold weather can increase energy consumption because more power is required for driving, cabin and Battery heating. Follow these suggestions to reduce energy consumption:
• Use seat heaters to keep warm. Seat heaters use less energy than the cabin heater. Lowering the cabin temperature and using seat heaters reduces energy consumption.
• Slow down and avoid frequent and rapid acceleration.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking can be limited if the Battery is too cold. As you continue to drive, the Battery warms up and regenerative power increases.

NOTE: Limited regenerative braking can be avoided if you allow enough time to precondition your vehicle or if you use Schedule to precondition Model Y before your departure time.

NOTE: Installing winter tires can result in temporarily reduced regenerative braking power but after a short period of driving, Model Y recalibrates to correct this. Touch Service > Wheel & Tire Configuration > Tires to select winter tires and quicken this process.


Blue Snowflake Icon

A blue snowflake icon appears on your touchscreen when some of the stored energy in the Battery is unavailable because the Battery is cold. This portion of unavailable energy displays in blue on the Battery meter. Regenerative braking, acceleration, and charging rates may be limited. The snowflake icon no longer displays when the Battery is sufficiently warm.


After Driving

Leave Model Y plugged in when not in use. This uses the charging system, rather than the battery itself, to keep the battery warm.

Scheduled Departure

When parked, plug in Model Y and use the Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a time when you want to precondition Model Y. Your vehicle determines the appropriate time to begin charging so it is complete during off-peak hours and the cabin and Battery are warm by your set departure time.


Storage

If you leave Model Y parked for an extended period of time, plug the vehicle into a charger to prevent normal range loss and to keep the Battery at an optimal temperature. Your vehicle is safe to stay plugged in for any length of time.

When not in use, Model Y enters a sleep mode to conserve energy. Reduce the number of times you check your vehicle’s status on the mobile app, as this automatically wakes up your vehicle and starts normal energy consumption.

Model Y 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 Y. Objects are only detected in your chosen direction; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.

WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model Y rolls freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model Y 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 Y 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. Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine if Model Y 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 touchscreen, showing objects that are in close proximity to the front and rear of Model Y. This view closes when you shift into Drive unless an object is detected close to the front of Model Y, 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. 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, an audible beep sounds as you approach an object.

NOTE: If Park Assist is unable to provide feedback, the touchscreen displays an alert message.

CAUTION: Keep sensors (if equipped) and cameras clean from dirt, debris, snow, and ice. Avoid using a high-pressure power washer on the sensors and cameras, and do not clean a sensor or camera with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch or damage its surface.

CAUTION: Do not install accessories or stickers on or near the sensors (if equipped) or cameras.

Controlling Audible Feedback

You can use Park Assist with or without audible feedback. To turn chimes on or off, touch Controls > Safety > Park Assist Chimes.

Limitations and False Warnings

Park Assist may not function correctly in these situations:

• One or more of the sensors (if equipped) or cameras is damaged, dirty, or obstructed (such as by mud, ice, or snow, or by a vehicle bra, excessive paint, or adhesive products such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.).
• The object is located below approximately 8 inches (20 cm) (such as a curb or low barrier).

CAUTION: Shorter objects that are detected (such as curbs or low barriers) can move into a blind spot. Model Y cannot alert you about an object while it is in a blind spot.

• Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog).
• The object is thin (such as a sign post).
• Park Assist’s operating range has been exceeded.
• The object is sound-absorbing or soft (such as powder snow).
• The object is sloped (such as a sloped embankment).
• Model Y has been parked in, or being driven in, extremely hot or cold temperatures.
• The sensors (if equipped) are affected by other electrical equipment or devices that generate ultrasonic waves.
• You are driving in a location where the sensors’ (if equipped) waves are deflected away from the vehicle (such as driving next to a wall or pillar).
• The object is located too close to the bumper.
• A bumper is misaligned or damaged.
• An object that is mounted to Model Y is interfering with and/or obstructing Park Assist (such as a bike rack or bumper sticker).
• Model Y rolls freely in the opposite direction you selected (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model Y rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).

Other Parking Aids

In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into Reverse, the backup camera displays a view of the area behind Model Y

The traction control system constantly monitors the speed of the front and rear wheels. If Model Y experiences a loss of traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by controlling brake pressure and motor power. By default, the traction control system is on. Under normal conditions, it should remain on to ensure maximum safety.

The yellow indicator (image of the car on a slippery road) flashes on the touchscreen whenever the traction control system is actively controlling brake pressure and motor power to minimize wheel spin. If the indicator stays on, a fault is detected with the traction control system. Contact Tesla Service.

WARNING: Traction control cannot prevent collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning too sharply at high speeds.


Disabling Traction Control

Under normal conditions, the traction control system should remain on. Turn it off only in circumstances where you deliberately want the wheels to spin, such as:

• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel or snow.
• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.
• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.
• Driving off-road.

On Rear-Wheel Drive vehicles, turn off traction control and allow the wheels to spin by touching Controls > Pedals & Steering > Slip Start.

On All-Wheel Drive vehicles, you can choose one of these options, depending on the circumstances:

• Slip Start is designed to make it easier to dislodge Model Y when stuck in mud, snow, ice, etc. Turning on Slip Start allows the wheels to spin, making it possible to rock Model Y out of a situation in which the wheels are stuck.

• Off-Road Assist is designed to provide overall improvements when driving off-road. In addition to allowing the wheels to spin, Off-Road Assist balances the torque between the front and rear motors to optimize traction. Off-Road Assist improves traction on rough and soft surfaces where one side of the vehicle may lose traction while the other side still has traction. When Off-Road Assist is on, the accelerator pedal provides more gradual torque, which is useful for crawling at low speeds (for example, over rocky surfaces). When enabled, OFF-ROAD displays on the touchscreen above the driving speed.

After the circumstances that required you to turn on Slip Start or Off-Road Assist have passed, it is strongly recommended that you turn the setting off to re-enable traction control. If you leave these settings on, Traction Control automatically re-enables on your next drive.

When you turn on Slip Start or Off-Road RoadOff-RoadAssist, the touchscreen displays an indicator light to indicate that the traction control system is no longer preventing wheel slip (yellow icon with letters TC crossed).

NOTE: Although you can use Slip Start and Off-Road RoadOff-RoadAssist at any speed, it is less effective at higher speeds.

NOTE: Slip Start and Off-Road Assist are not available when you are actively using Autopilot.

NOTE: Engaging cruise control when Slip Start or Off- Road Assist is on causes the feature to turn off and traction control to be re-enabled.

NOTE: Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Avoidance do not operate when Off-Road RoadOff-RoadAssist is turned on.

Adjusting Exterior Mirrors

Adjust the exterior mirrors by touching Controls > Mirrors. Press the left scroll button on the steering wheel to choose whether you are adjusting the Left or Right mirror. Then use the left scroll button as follows to adjust the selected mirror to its desired position:

• To move the mirror up or down, roll the left scroll button up or down.
• To move the mirror inward or outward, press the left scroll button to the left or right.


Auto Tilt

Auto-Tilt automatically tilts mirrors downward when backing up. To turn Auto-Tilt on or off, touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto-Tilt. To adjust the auto-tilt position, make mirror adjustments with Model Y shifted into Reverse. When you shift out of Reverse, mirrors tilt back to their normal (upward) position. But now that you have adjusted them for backing up, they automatically tilt to the selected downward position whenever you shift into Reverse.


Auto Dim

When certain environmental conditions are met, the rear-view mirror and exterior side mirrors dim automatically (for example, in low light conditions or to reduce glare when driving at night). To enable or disable this feature, touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Dim.

Availability of Mirror Auto Dim feature depends on market region and date of manufacture.

NOTE: Both exterior mirrors have heaters that turn on and off with the rear window defroster.


Folding Mirrors

To manually fold and unfold exterior mirrors (for example, parking in a narrow garage, tight space, etc.), touch Controls > Fold/Unfold Mirrors.

When you manually fold the mirrors, they remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph (50 km/h) (or until you manually unfold them by touching Controls > Unfold Mirrors).

NOTE: You cannot fold a mirror when driving over 31 mph (50 km/h).

To set the mirrors to fold automatically whenever you exit and lock Model Y touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Fold. The mirrors unfold automatically when you unlock Model Y.

You can also set mirrors to fold automatically whenever you arrive at a specific location, which saves you from having to manually fold them each time you arrive at a frequented place. To set this up, stop at the location you want to save (or drive at less than 3 mph (5 km/h)), and fold the mirrors. Save Location appears briefly below the Fold Mirrors control. Touch again if you no longer want mirrors to automatically fold at the location.

NOTE: When you leave the saved location, mirrors remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph (50 km/h), or until you touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors.

CAUTION: Mirrors may not automatically fold if you return to a saved location and are driving faster than 3 mph/5 km/h.

NOTE: You can override the automatic folding/unfolding of mirrors at any time (for example, Model Y has no power) by pushing the mirror assembly away from you to unfold, or pulling it toward you to fold.

NOTE: If you expect ice to accumulate when Model Y is parked, turn off Mirror Auto Fold. Accumulation of ice can prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.

You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink. To enable, go to HomeLink > Auto-Fold Mirrors when Nearby.


Rear View Mirror

Adjust the rear-view mirror manually. When in Drive or Neutral, the rear-view mirror automatically dims in low lighting conditions based on the time of day (for example, when driving at night).

Vanity Mirrors

To expose and illuminate the vanity mirror, fold the sun visor downwards, then use the tab to lower the mirror cover. After closing the mirror cover, the light turns off.

Model Y has two USB ports located in the front compartment of the center console.

These ports can be used to:
• Connect and charge USB devices.
• Play audio files stored on a phone or USB device
• Save videos when using features such as Sentry Mode or Dashcam.

NOTE: If your Model Y is equipped with a USB port located in the glove box (described below), it is recommended that you use the glovebox USB to save Sentry Mode or Dashcam videos because power consumption is minimized and the location is more secure.

The USB ports can output power up to approximately 15W (which may vary depending on vehicle manufacture date).

NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support charging devices. Use the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.

Both ports are USB-C compatible.

Open the front compartment of the center console. The front USB ports are located on the rear wall of the compartment.

Depending on date of manufacture, some vehicles include a USB port located inside the glovebox. This USB-A port is equipped with a pre-formatted flash drive, ready to save videos when using features such as Sentry Mode and Dashcam. Although not its primary purpose, this port can also communicate with the vehicle and can be used to charge a USB-connected device.

Two additional USB ports are located in the rear of the center console (on vehicles manufactured since approximately June 2020, these ports are USB-C). These ports charge USB-connected devices but do not communicate with the vehicle.

If Model Y is equipped with seven seats, two USB-C ports are located at the front of the console located between the third row seats. These ports charge USB-connected devices but do not communicate with the vehicle.

NOTE: Power is available whenever the vehicle is considered “awake”. The vehicle may be awake for many reasons. For example, when using features such as Summon, or when features such as Preconditioning, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle is also awake whenever the low voltage battery is being charged or is in use, during HV charging, when the vehicle is communicating with the mobile app, etc. Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage battery.

NOTE: Use USB 3.0 compliant cables to connect a device to a USB port. Using non-compliant cables can result in slower charging, potential connection problems or degraded performance.

NOTE: Do not connect multiple devices using a USB hub. This can prevent connected devices from charging or from being recognized by Media Player, Sentry Mode, Dashcam, etc.