towing TESLA MODEL Y 2023 Owners Manual

Overview................................................................3
Exterior Overview............................................................................3
Interior Overview.............................................................................4
Touchscreen Overview..................................................................5
Opening and Closing.......................................10
Keys.....................................................................................................10
Doors..................................................................................................14
Windows............................................................................................17
Rear Trunk.........................................................................................18
Front Trunk......................................................................................20
Interior Storage and Electronics..............................................23
Seating and Safety Restraints.....................27
Front and Rear Seats...................................................................27
Seat Belts.........................................................................................33
Child Safety Seats.........................................................................36
Airbags..............................................................................................43
Driving..................................................................50
Driver Profiles.................................................................................50
Steering Wheel...............................................................................52
Mirrors...............................................................................................54
Starting and Powering Off.........................................................55
Shifting..............................................................................................56
Lights.................................................................................................58
Car Status..........................................................................................61
Wipers and Washers....................................................................64
Braking and Stopping..................................................................65
Traction Control.............................................................................69
Park Assist.......................................................................................70
Vehicle Hold....................................................................................72
Acceleration Modes......................................................................73
Track Mode......................................................................................74
Trip Information.............................................................................76
Rear Facing Camera(s)...............................................................77
Pedestrian Warning System......................................................78
Towing and Accessories.............................................................79
Cold Weather Best Practices....................................................85
Autopilot..............................................................88
About Autopilot.............................................................................88
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.....................................................91
Autosteer.........................................................................................96
Navigate on Autopilot................................................................101
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control.....................................104
Autopark...........................................................................................111
Summon...........................................................................................113
Smart Summon..............................................................................116
Active Safety Features...................................119
Lane Assist......................................................................................119
Collision Avoidance Assist........................................................122
Speed Assist..................................................................................125
Cabin Camera................................................................................126
Using the Touchscreen..................................127
Climate Controls...........................................................................127
Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing...........................133
Voice Commands.........................................................................136
Safety & Security Settings.......................................................138
Dashcam.........................................................................................140
Sentry Mode..................................................................................142
USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos..............144
Smart Garage Connectivity.....................................................145
Connecting to Wi-Fi...................................................................148
Software Updates........................................................................149
Mobile App......................................................................................151
Navigation and Entertainment...................153
Maps and Navigation..................................................................153
Media................................................................................................159
Theater, Arcade, and Toybox...................................................162
Charging and Energy Consumption........165
Electric Vehicle Components..................................................165
High Voltage Battery Information.........................................167
Charging Instructions.................................................................169
Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure..............174
Getting Maximum Range..........................................................175
Maintenance......................................................177
Maintenance Service Intervals................................................177
Tire Care and Maintenance......................................................184
Cleaning...........................................................................................191
Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid...........................195
Jacking and Lifting......................................................................197
Parts and Accessories................................................................198
Do It Yourself Maintenance....................................................206
Specifications..................................................207
Identification Labels..................................................................207
Vehicle Loading..........................................................................208
Dimensions.....................................................................................210
Subsystems....................................................................................213
Wheels and Tires..........................................................................215
Roadside Assistance.....................................222
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance...............................222
Instructions for Transporters..................................................223
Running Out of Range..............................................................226
Jump Starting...............................................................................227
Troubleshooting.............................................229
Troubleshooting Alerts.............................................................229
Contents

Parking lights are on (side marker
lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) . See
Lights on page 58.
Low beam headlights are on.High beam headlights are on and Auto
High Beam is disabled or currently
unavailable.Auto High Beam is enabled and high
beams are on.
Model Y is ready to turn
off the high beams if light is detected.
See
High Beam Headlights on page 59.
Auto High Beam is enabled but high beams are not on because light is
detected in front of
Model Y. When
light is no longer detected, high beams
automatically turn back on. See
High
Beam Headlights on page 59.
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
69. If this indicator remains on, a fault is
detected and you should immediately contact Tesla.
Electronic stability control systems are no longer minimizing wheel spin. On a
Rear Wheel Drive vehicle, the traction
control system has been turned
off, or
on an All-Wheel Drive vehicle, Slip Start has been enabled. See
Traction Control
on page 69.
Trailer mode (if equipped) is active (see
Towing and Accessories on page 79).
Vehicle Hold is actively applying the brakes. See
Vehicle Hold on page 72.
A door or trunk is open. See Doors on
page 14, Rear Trunk on page 18, or
Front Trunk on page 20.
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 Y 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.
Appears when regenerative braking is limited. See
Regenerative Braking on
page 66 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 Y braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.
Model Y 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
touchscreen when you first start Model
Y. 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 touchscreen displays this red brake
indicator at any time other than
briefly

when you first start Model Y, 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 touchscreen 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 66).
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 123) 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.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes
are not functioning properly, press and hold the
Park button on the drive stalk to bring the vehicle
to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the
vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
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 Y is rapidly slowing down. If Model Y 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 60).
NOTE: Dynamic brake lights will not flash while Track
Mode is enabled (see
Track Mode on page 74).
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 Y 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.
Braking and Stopping
65Driving

The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm)
hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.
Installing and Using a Carrier
When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2"
x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to
support vertical loads of up to
160 lbs (72 kg). Ball
mounts that are compatible with the square receiver
must be purchased separately.
To install and use an accessory carrier, you must first
attach the ball mount to the hitch receiver (see
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 83).
Then, follow the instructions provided by your accessory
carrier. Observe all regulations and legal requirements in your state or region that apply to carrying accessories.
The Model Y towing package includes the wiring
necessary for using an accessory carrier equipped with
lights (see
Electrical Connections on page 83). The
package also includes Trailer Mode software compatibility (see
Trailer Mode on page 81).
NOTE: Go to http://www.tesla.com to purchase
accessories for your vehicle. Although third-party products are available, Tesla recommends and supports
only Tesla-approved products (see
Parts and
Accessories on page 198). The accessory products
available for your vehicle may vary based on market
region. Before attempting to install a non Tesla-
approved carrier, review the product information to ensure compatibility.
NOTE: When not in use, the ball mount should be
removed and stored in a dry location to prevent dust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch housing to prevent dirt and debris from entering (see
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 83).
NOTE: Tesla assumes no responsibility for damage or
injuries resulting from installing and using an accessory carrier, for any omissions in the instructions
accompanying an accessory carrier, or for your failure to follow the instructions. Damage caused by using an accessory carrier is not covered by the warranty.
Carrying Accessories
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads
up to
160 lbs (72 kg). When carrying bicycles, skis, or
other items on the
Model Y 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 (18 kg), the weight threshold is sufficient
for carrying two bicycles weighing approximately 60 lbs
(27 kg) each, or four items weighing approximately 30
lbs (14 kg) each.
NOTE: Consult the product details of your accessory
carrier for more information, such as additional weight or load limits. Damage caused by non Tesla-approved
accessories is not covered by the warranty.CAUTION: Exceeding the maximum weight the
Model Y hitch is designed to support (as
previously described) can cause significant

damage.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install an accessory
carrier on Model Y that is not equipped with the
tow package. Doing so can cause significant
damage.
Trailer Towing
The maximum trailer weight (including all cargo and
additional equipment), and the trailer tongue weight
depend on the number of occupants in your vehicle and the tires being used. The maximum towing capacity and
trailer tongue weight must never exceed the following:
Wheel/Rim Size# of
PassengersMaximum
Towing
CapacityMaximum
Tongue
Weight19", 20"
and 21"up to 33,500 lbs
(1,588 kg)350 lbs (159
kg)19" and
21"4 - 53,500 lbs
(1,588 kg)350 lbs (159
kg)20"4 - 52,300 lbs
(1,043 kg)**230 lbs (104
kg)**19"6 - 7*2000 lbs
(907 kg)**200 lbs (91
kg)**20"6 - 7*Towing not
permitted-21"6 - 7*1200 lbs
(544 kg)**120 lbs (54
kg)**
*Applicable only to vehicles with seven seating
positions.
** You must operate within the speed limitations of your trailer and tires, and only drive at speeds appropriate for
the load you are towing, the weather, road and
traffic
conditions, and your level of towing experience. Always
obey posted speed limits and local regulations regarding
speed.
NOTE: In Canada, towing is limited to 55 mph (89 km/h).
For trailers with a combined loading of more than 1650
lbs (750 kg), Tesla recommends using a separate braking
system with an independent controller (see
Trailer
Brakes on page 81). Carefully follow the instructions
provided by the trailer brake manufacturer to ensure that trailer brakes are properly installed, adjusted, and
maintained.
Towing and Accessories
79Driving

The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. This must not exceed 10% of the maximum trailer weight. Carrying a
significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo
in the tow vehicle can reduce the towing capacity it can handle, which also reduces the tongue weight. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded (see
Vehicle Loading on page 208).
NOTE: If the information on the hitch label conflicts with
the information provided in this Owner

WARNING: Always ensure that cargo is secured in
the trailer and will not shift. Dynamic load shifts
can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in
serious injury.
Towing Guidelines
Model Y is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional load on the
motor(s), drive train, brakes, tires, and suspension and
significantly decreases range. If you decide to tow a
trailer, proceed with caution and follow these general
guidelines:

Attaching and Removing the Ball
Mount
The Model Y towing package does not include a ball
mount. You must purchase a ball mount suitable for the type of trailer you are towing. The
Model Y hitch receiver
supports a ball mount with a length of up to
8.5

4. Low Voltage Power (if equipped)5.
Ground
6.
Left Turn Signal and Brake Light
7.
Tail Lamps
Loss of trailer lights when towing may be the result of a
fault in the trailer wiring or excessive power
consumption by the lights connected to the trailer output(s). When this occurs, a red Trailer Mode icon
appears on the touchscreen. Fix any issues with the wiring and/or reduce the number of lights connected to the trailer output(s), then toggle Trailer Mode
off and on
again.
NOTE: Vehicles with a lead-acid low voltage battery
have auxiliary power. Vehicles with low voltage lithium-
ion batteries do not have auxiliary power at this time.
You can determine which battery your vehicle is
equipped with by touching
Controls > Software >
Additional Vehicle Information.
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.
WARNING: Use only the electrical connections
designed by Tesla. Do not attempt to directly
splice or attempt to connect a trailer

8. Load range: Shown as Standard Load (SL) or Extra Load (XL), the load range determines how much weight your
tires can support at a
specified tire pressure. When replacing tires, only use tires of the same load range. If towing
with snow tires, ensure they are the same load range of the tires your vehicle came equipped with.
9.
Tire composition and materials: The number of plies in both the tread area and the sidewall area indicates how
many layers of rubber coated material make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type
of materials used.
10.
Maximum tire load: The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
11.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure: This pressure should not be used for normal driving.
12.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): Begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next 2 digits/letters represent the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits represent the week and year of manufacture. For example, the number 1712 is used to represent the 17th week of 2012. The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer

1. Ensure Model Y is in Park.2.
Chock the tires or make sure Model Y is secure.
3.
Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch
Controls > Service > Towing. The
touchscreen displays a message reminding you how
to properly transport
Model Y.
4.
Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it
turns blue.
Model Y is now free-rolling and can slowly
be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.
To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model Y into Park.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a lead-acid low
voltage battery (see
Jump Starting on page 227):
Transport Mode may cancel if
Model Y loses low voltage
power after Transport Mode is enabled.
CAUTION: If the electrical system is not working,
and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to
activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or
tire skates. Before doing so, always check the
manufacturer