2021 Tesla Model S Park Assist Owners Manual

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

Warning

You may not be alerted if Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls backward down a hill while in Drive).

The sensors are activated when driving slower than 5 mph (8 km/h).

When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays on the left side of the instrument panel, showing objects that are in close proximity to the front and rear of Model S. This view closes when you shift into Drive unless an object is detected close to the front of Model S, in which case the Park Assist view closes automatically when your driving speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h). When reversing, visual feedback is also displayed on the touchscreen (see Rear Facing Camera(s)). 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 (see Controlling Audible Feedback), an audible beep sounds as you approach an object. You can temporarily mute the chime by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of the Park Assist view.

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

To mute the chimes temporarily, touch the speaker icon in the bottom corner of the Park Assist view. The chimes are muted until you shift or drive over 5 mph (8 km/h).

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 S 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 S 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 S is interfering with and/or obstructing the sensor (such as a bike rack or bumper sticker).
• Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction you selected (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).

In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into Reverse, the backup camera displays a view of the area behind Model S (see Rear Facing Camera(s)).