Telsa tow mode

TOPIC:Keeping Tesla vehicles in Neutral for inspection (Tow mode)



SYMPTOM:Vehicle shifts to Park when driver leaves the vehicle.



REMEDY:As a standard safety feature, Tesla vehicles automatically engage the parking brake when it detects a driver is leaving the vehicle, even if Neutral has been selected. Tow Mode must be enabled to make sure the wheels roll freely without an occupant in the vehicle.



Shift into Park

Press the brake pedal

Touch Controls > Settings > Service & Reset > Tow Mode

The vehicle beeps, shifts into Neutral, which releases the parking brake. When Tow Mode is active an indicator light on the instrument panel is displayed, along with a message that says the vehicle will remain free rolling.



Note: In Tow Mode, the vehicle does not shift into a driving gear.



To cancel Tow mode, shift into Park or touch Tow mode again. Tow Mode also cancels if you use the touchscreen to apply the parking brake (Controls > E-Brake & Power Off > Parking Brake).






Test Functions



Brake Servo Test



When a door is opened, the vehicle turns on the instrument panel and touchscreen. The instrument panel displays the status of doors and the charge level.



Press the brake. The vehicle turns on and the electric brake servo activates

To allow a test on this side of the braking system the car key needs to be removed away from the vehicle by more than 2 meters. This ensures the vehicle doesn’t fully power on (Drive Rails OFF)

When "KEY NOT INSIDE" is displayed on the instruments the electric brake servo is not activated, the brake pedal pressure test can be then carried out. Bringing the vehicle car key back into range allows for the reactivation of the servo

Park Brake Test



To test the efficiency of the individual park brake, EPB Dynamic Mode must be activated. This is designed to slow the vehicle to a stop at a moderate rate using only the Parking Brake Calipers and not the Hydraulic Brake Calipers. This is an emergency feature in case of hydraulic pressure loss. To activate the EPB Dynamic Mode:



Drive onto rolling road

Select/Shift to Neutral. This can be done from the stalk or the touchscreen

Press and hold P Button until wheels stop rotating

Select Neutral, Drive or Touchscreen Park Brake Icon to release Park Brake