towing TESLA MODEL X 2023 Owners Manual

Overview................................................................3
Exterior Overview............................................................................3
Interior Overview.............................................................................5
Touchscreen Overview...................................................................7
Opening and Closing.......................................13
Keys.....................................................................................................13
Doors..................................................................................................19
Windows...........................................................................................24
Rear Trunk........................................................................................25
Front Trunk......................................................................................27
Interior Storage and Electronics.............................................30
Sun Visors........................................................................................34
Seating and Safety Restraints.....................35
Front and Rear Seats...................................................................35
Seat Belts.........................................................................................40
Child Safety Seats.........................................................................43
Airbags...............................................................................................51
Driving..................................................................57
Driver Profiles.................................................................................57
Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)........................................59
Mirrors...............................................................................................62
Starting and Powering Off.........................................................63
Shifting..............................................................................................65
Lights.................................................................................................68
Instrument Panel.............................................................................71
Wipers and Washers....................................................................75
Braking and Stopping..................................................................76
Traction Control.............................................................................79
Park Assist.......................................................................................80
Vehicle Hold....................................................................................82
Acceleration Modes......................................................................83
Trip Information.............................................................................84
Rear Facing Camera(s)...............................................................85
Pedestrian Warning System......................................................86
Towing and Accessories.............................................................87
Cold Weather Best Practices....................................................96
Autopilot..............................................................98
About Autopilot............................................................................98
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control....................................................101
Autosteer........................................................................................105
Navigate on Autopilot................................................................110
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control.......................................113
Autopark.........................................................................................120
Summon..........................................................................................122
Smart Summon.............................................................................125
Active Safety Features..................................128
Lane Assist.....................................................................................128
Collision Avoidance Assist.........................................................131
Speed Assist..................................................................................134
Cabin Camera................................................................................135
Using the Touchscreen.................................136
Climate Controls..........................................................................136
Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing...........................143
Air Suspension..............................................................................146
Voice Commands.........................................................................148
Safety & Security Settings.......................................................150
Dashcam..........................................................................................152
Sentry Mode..................................................................................153
USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos..............155
Smart Garage Connectivity.....................................................156
Connecting to Wi-Fi...................................................................159
Software Updates.......................................................................160
Mobile App.....................................................................................162
Navigation and Entertainment..................164
Maps and Navigation.................................................................164
Media................................................................................................170
Theater, Arcade, and Toybox...................................................173
Charging and Energy Consumption........176
Electric Vehicle Components..................................................176
High Voltage Battery Information.........................................178
Charging Instructions................................................................180
Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure..............185
Getting Maximum Range..........................................................186
Maintenance......................................................188
Maintenance Service Intervals................................................188
Tire Care and Maintenance......................................................190
Cleaning..........................................................................................196
Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid.........................200
Jacking and Lifting....................................................................202
Parts and Accessories..............................................................203
Do It Yourself Maintenance....................................................204
Specifications..................................................205
Identification Labels..................................................................205
Vehicle Loading..........................................................................206
Dimensions...................................................................................208
Subsystems.....................................................................................211
Wheels and Tires..........................................................................213
Roadside Assistance....................................220
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance..............................220
Instructions for Transporters...................................................221
Running Out of Range..............................................................225
Jump Starting..............................................................................226
Troubleshooting.............................................228
Contents

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, and options purchased, your vehicle may look slightly
different than described.
1.
Exterior lights (Lights on page 68)
2.
Door handles (Doors on page 19)
3.
Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 180)
4.
Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 98)
5.
Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 62)
6.
Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 27)
7.
Front/rear tow eye cover (Instructions for Transporters on page 221)
8.
Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 213)
9.
Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 85 and About Autopilot on page 98)
10.
Tow hitch cover (Towing and Accessories on page 87)
Exterior Overview
3Overview

IndicatorDescriptionIf a fault is detected with the Adaptive Front Lighting this indicator displays, if equipped. See
Adaptive Front Lighting
System (AFS) on page 69.
This indicator flashes amber when the
electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor
power. See
Traction Control on page 79.
If this indicator remains on, a fault is detected and you should immediately contact Tesla.
If a fault is detected that reduces the performance of the air suspension system, this amber indicator light
displays (see
Air Suspension on page
146). If the problem persists, contact
Tesla.
If a fault is detected that disables the air suspension system, this red indicator light displays (see
Air Suspension on
page 146). Contact Tesla.
Vehicle Hold is actively applying the brakes. See
Vehicle Hold on page 82.
Electronic stability control systems are no longer minimizing wheel spin. See
Traction Control on page 79.
Model X is in Transport mode and can roll
freely. It does not automatically shift into Park when you exit. See
Activate
Transport Mode on page 222.
Trailer mode (if equipped) is active. See
Towing and Accessories on page 87.
A blue snowflake appears when some of
the energy stored in the Battery may not be available due to cold weather
conditions. During these cold weather
conditions, charging rates may also be limited. If
Model X is plugged in, you can
heat your Battery by turning on climate control with the mobile app. The
snowflake disappears when the Battery is
sufficiently warm.
IndicatorDescriptionA green icon appears when regenerative
braking is limited. See
Regenerative
Braking on page 77 for more information.
Vehicle power is currently being limited
because the energy remaining in the
Battery is low, the vehicle

Braking SystemsWARNING: Properly functioning braking systems
are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, or
any component of a Model X braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.
Model X has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that
prevents the wheels from locking when you apply
maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control
during heavy braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the ABS
constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and varies
the brake pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. This demonstrates that the ABS is operating and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator briefly flashes amber on
the
instrument panel when you first start
Model X. If this indicator lights up at any
other time, an ABS fault has occurred and the ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not
affected by an ABS
failure. However, braking distances may increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the instrument panel displays this red
brake indicator at any time other than
briefly when you first start Model X, a
brake system fault is detected, or the level
of the brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to bring the vehicle to
a stop when safe to do so.
The instrument panel displays this amber
brake indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. Hydraulic Boost Compensation will be active (see
Hydraulic
Boost Compensation on page 77).
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and
maintain
firm pressure, even on low traction surfaces.
The ABS varies the braking pressure to each wheel
according to the amount of traction available. This prevents wheels from locking and ensures that you stop as safely as possible.
WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase
braking distance.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you and be aware of
hazardous driving conditions. While the ABS can
improve stopping distance, it cannot overcome the
laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of water
prevents direct contact between the tires and the
road).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 132) may
intervene to automatically brake in situations
where a collision is considered imminent.
Automatic Emergency Braking is not designed to
prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the
impact of a frontal collision by attempting to
reduce your driving speed. Depending on
Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a collision
can result in serious injury or death.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)
If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully
(or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights
flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model X is rapidly slowing down. If Model X stops
completely, the hazard warning lights
flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights button to turn them
off (see
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 70).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.
WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather,
Model X is equipped with brake disc wiping.
When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature
repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the brake
discs.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Model X is equipped with hydraulic fade compensation.
This assists in monitoring brake system pressure and ABS activity for instances of reduced brake
performance. If reduced brake performance is detected (for example, as a result of brake fade, or cold or wet
conditions), you may hear a sound, feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot, and notice a strong increase in
Braking and Stopping
76MODEL X Owner

The towing package allows you to tow a trailer with your
Model X. It also allows you to carry skis, snowboards, bicycles, etc. by attaching an accessory carrier to the hitch.
Carrying Accessories
The Model X towing package has a 2 inch hitch receiver
that can support an accessory carrier.
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads
of up to
120 lbs (54 kg) when the load is cantilevered
rearward within
24 inches (63 cm) of the hitch receiver,
such as when carrying bikes on an accessory rack.
When carrying bicycles or other items on the Model X hitch, always check to ensure that the maximum weight
is not exceeded. When calculating weight, remember to include the weight of the accessory carrier.
For example,
assuming the carrier weighs 40 lbs, the weight threshold
is sufficient for carrying two bicycles weighing
approximately 40 lbs each, or four bicycles weighing
approximately 20 lbs each.
CAUTION: The Model X hitch is designed to
support up to 120 lbs (54 kg). Exceeding this
maximum weight can cause significant damage.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a carrier on a
Model X that is not equipped with the towing
package. Doing so can cause significant damage.
To install and use an accessory carrier, the tow hitch
must be connected (see
Connecting the Tow Hitch on
page 92). Then follow the instructions provided with
your accessory carrier. Observe all regulations and legal
requirements in your state/region that apply to carrying
accessories.
The Model X towing package includes the wiring necessary for using an accessory carrier equipped with
lights (
see Electrical Connections on page 94). The
package also includes Trailer Mode software (see
Trailer
Mode on page 89).
When you connect an accessory carrier

Towing CapacityThe total trailer weight (including all cargo and additional equipment), and the trailer tongue weight, must never
exceed the following:
Wheel/Rim SizeMaximum Towing Capacity*Maximum Tongue Weight**275/45R20 110 V / Y
SAE Class III

Tire Pressures when Towing
When towing a trailer, tire pressures must be adjusted to accommodate the additional load. Keep tires
inflated to
the pressures shown below (these pressures override the pressures that are provided on the Tire and Loading
information label):
Front TiresRear TiresCold Tire Inflation Pressure
255/45R20
265/45R20
275/45R2046 psi (320 kPa)265/35ZR22285/35ZR2250 psi (345 kPa)
WARNING: Check tire pressures using an accurate
pressure gauge when tires are cold. Driving one
mile (1.6 km) warms the tires sufficiently to affect

tire pressures. Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight
or in hot weather can also affect tire pressures. If
you must check warm tires, expect increased
pressures. Do not let air out of warm tires in an
attempt to match recommended cold tire
pressures. A hot tire at or below the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure is dangerously under-
inflated.
WARNING: Never attempt to tow a trailer when a
Model X tire is faulty or has been inflated using a
tire repair kit. A temporarily repaired tire is not
designed to sustain the towing load. Towing using
a faulty or temporarily repaired tire can result in
tire failure and loss of vehicle stability.
Before Towing a Trailer
Before towing a trailer, you must do the following:

Plugging trailer wiring into the Model X electrical
connector automatically engages Trailer Mode (see
Trailer Mode on page 89).
WARNING: The brake controller output operates
only when a brake controller is installed (see Trailer
Brakes on page 90).
WARNING: Use only the electrical connection
designed by Tesla. Do not attempt to directly
splice or attempt to connect trailer electrical
wiring using any other method. Doing so can
damage the vehicle electrical system and cause
malfunctions.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the trailer electrical
cable does not contact or drag on the ground and
there is enough slack in the cable to allow for
turns.
Impact on Range
Towing a trailer and carrying accessories increases vehicle weight and drag. As a result, driving range can
decrease
significantly. Although Trip Planner attempts to
adjust estimates based on Trailer Mode, actual energy consumption may vary. Plan trip length and charging
destinations accordingly.
Towing and Accessories
95Driving

opening: 25
lifting: 202
lights, adaptive headlights: 69
lights, dome (map): 68
lights, exterior: 68
lights, fog: 68
lights, hazard warning: 70
lights, headlights after exit: 69
lights, interior: 68
load limits: 206
location tracking: 164
locking: 19
low voltage power socket: 31
lug nut covers: 192
M
maintenance: 188, 189, 190, 196, 200, 201
cleaning: 196
daily checks: 188
fluid replacement intervals: 189
monthly checks: 188
replacing wiper blades: 200
service intervals: 188
tires: 190
washer fluid, topping up: 200
washer jets, cleaning: 201
map orientation: 164
map updates: 169
mats: 199
media: 170, 173
settings: 170
sources, show and hide: 170
microphones, noise reduction: 32
mileage upon delivery: 282
mirrors: 62
mobile app: 162
mobile app access: 162
Mobile Connector: 177, 180
description: 177
using: 180
modifications: 203
motor specifications: 211
My Apps: 11
my car does what?: 173
myQ: 156
programming and using: 156
N
naming your vehicle: 12
Navigate on Autopilot: 110
Neutral: 67
NHTSA, contacting: 284
O
Obstacle-Aware Acceleration: 131
occupancy sensor: 52
occupant classification: 53
odometer: 84
Off-Peak Charging: 185
offset from speed limit: 134
Online Routing: 168
opening console: 30
opening hood without power: 224
overhang dimensions for your vehicle: 208
overtake acceleration: 101
Owner Information, about: 278
P
Park: 66
Park Assist: 80
parking brake: 77
parking, using Autopark: 120
parking, using Summon: 122
parking, when towing a trailer: 91
parts replacement: 203
passenger airbag (front): 52
passenger detection (front): 52
pedestrian warning: 86
personal data, erasing: 12
phone: 13, 143
authenticating as a key: 13
using: 143
phone app: 144
phone charger, inductive: 31
phone charger, wireless: 31
phone key: 13, 17
adding as a key: 17
removing as a key: 17
PIN: 58
PIN to Drive: 150
power: 77
gained from regenerative braking: 77
power cycling: 63
power windows: 24, 204
powering on and off: 63
Preconditioning: 185
Proposition 65: 282
public charging stations: 177
Index

Summon: 122
Summon Distance: 122
sun visors: 34
superchargers, displaying on map: 164
supercharging: 183
described: 183
idle fees: 183
pay-per-use fees: 183
suspension: 146
suspension specifications: 213
suspension, air: 146
suspension, auto-raising: 146
suspension, damping: 146
T
telematics: 281
temperature: 60, 71, 136, 178, 216
Battery (high voltage), limits: 178
cabin, controls for: 136
heated: 60
outside: 71
tires: 216
tesla profiles: 57
Teslacam: 152, 153
third row seats (folding and raising): 38
tie-down straps: 223
tilt/intrusion detection: 150
Tire and Loading Information label: 206
tire noise: 195
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: 193
overview of: 193
tire pressures, checking: 190
tire pressures, displaying: 190
tire pressures, when towing: 89
tires: 190, 191, 194, 195, 213, 214, 216
all-season: 194
balancing: 191
chains: 195
inspecting and maintaining: 191
pressures, displaying: 190
pressures, how to check: 190
quality grading: 216
replacing: 191
replacing a tire sensor: 194
rotation: 191
specification: 213
summer: 194
temperature grades: 216
tire markings: 214
traction grade: 216
treadwear grade: 216
wheel configuration: 190
winter: 194
toll system transponders, attaching: 203
torque specifications: 211
touch up body: 198
touchscreen: 7, 9, 11, 160, 198
adding shortcuts: 11
cleaning: 198
customizing My Apps: 11
display settings: 7
frozen: 9
main: 7
overview: 7
rear: 7
reboot: 9
software updates: 160
unresponsive: 9
tow hitch, connecting: 92
tow hitch, disconnecting: 93
towing: 222, 225, 226
towing a trailer: 87
towing capacity: 88
towing guidelines: 91
towing, instructions: 221
towing, transporting: 221
Toybox: 173
TPMS: 193
overview of: 193
Tracking Disabled: 164
traction control: 79
trademarks: 278
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: 113
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 101
Trailer Brakes for towing: 90
Trailer Mode: 89
trailer towing: 87
transmission specifications: 211
transponders, attaching: 203
Transport Canada, contacting: 284
Transport Mode: 222
transporting: 222
trip chart: 187
trip meter: 84
Trip Planner: 168
trunk, front: 27
trunk, rear: 25
turn signals, lights: 70
Index