Model 3 has several sensors 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 3. Objects are only detected in the direction of the gear you selected; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.
WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model 3 rolls freely in the opposite direction of the selected gear (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model 3 rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).
The sensors are activated when driving slower than 5 mph (8 km/h).
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 3 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, or too close or too far from the sensors. 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 3. This view closes when you shift into Drive unless an object is detected close to the front of Model 3, 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 in the bottom corner.
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 window. This is useful if you need assistance with parallel parking.
If chimes are turned on, an audible beep sounds as you approach an object. You can temporarily mute the chime by pressing the scroll button on the left side of the steering wheel or by touching the mute button on the bottom left corner of the Park Assist view.
NOTE: If a sensor is unable to provide feedback, the touchscreen displays an alert message.
CAUTION: Keep sensors clean from dirt, debris, snow, and ice. Avoid using a high pressure power washer on the sensors and do not clean a sensor with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch or damage its surface.
CAUTION: Do not install accessories or stickers on or near the parking sensors.
Controlling Audible Feedback
You can use Park Assist with or without audible feedback. To turn chimes on or off, touch Controls > Safety & Security > Park Assist Chimes.
Limitations and False Warnings
The parking sensors may not function correctly in these
situations:
• One or more of the ultrasonic sensors 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 the blind spot of the sensors. Model 3 cannot alert you about an object while it is in the blind spot of the sensors.
• Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog) are interfering with sensor operation.
• The object is thin (such as a sign post).
• A sensor’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 3 has been parked in, or being driven in, extremely hot or cold temperatures.
• The sensors are affected by other electrical equipment or devices that generate ultrasonic waves.
• You are driving in a location where the sensors’ ultrasonic 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 3 is interfering with and/or obstructing the sensor (such as a bike rack or bumper sticker).
• Model 3 rolls freely in the opposite direction of the gear you selected (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model 3 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 3.
I don’t have a button in the upper left of the window … 2021 Model 3