How to Turn On Summon on a Tesla Model Y?
Want to use your Tesla Model Y to automatically park itself or navigate tight spaces? The key to this is Summon, and here’s how to enable it. It’s a feature that offers convenience and futuristic appeal, but understanding how to activate and use it safely is paramount.
What is Summon and Why Use It?
Summon, and its more advanced version, Smart Summon, are features within Tesla’s Autopilot system that allow you to control your vehicle remotely. Think of it as a remote control car for grown-ups, albeit one that weighs several tons and is packed with sensors and cameras. This can be especially useful in:
- Tight Parking Spaces: Maneuvering your Model Y in and out of cramped spots where you might struggle to open the doors fully.
- Inclement Weather: Calling your car to you in the pouring rain or extreme heat, saving you from a potentially uncomfortable walk.
- Accessibility: Assisting individuals with mobility challenges to retrieve their vehicle.
- Showing Off: Let’s be honest, it’s a cool feature to demonstrate!
However, Summon is not a substitute for responsible driving. You must remain in direct line of sight and be prepared to stop the vehicle at any time.
Understanding the Limitations
Before diving into how to turn on Summon on a Tesla Model Y, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. Summon relies on its sensors and cameras to navigate its surroundings, and its performance can be affected by:
- Poor Lighting: Dark or dimly lit environments can hinder its ability to accurately perceive obstacles.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, or fog can significantly reduce sensor performance.
- Complex Environments: Highly cluttered areas with numerous obstacles and pedestrians can confuse the system.
- Surface Conditions: Slick or uneven surfaces can affect the vehicle’s ability to maintain traction and control.
Always be vigilant and ready to take control if the system malfunctions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn On Summon on a Tesla Model Y
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
-
Ensure Software Compatibility: Summon requires the latest Tesla software. Check for updates in your vehicle’s settings menu. Go to Controls > Software > Software Update.
-
Verify Feature Availability: Summon is part of the Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability package. Verify that you have purchased and activated this feature in your Tesla account.
-
Enable Basic Autopilot Features: Summon relies on basic Autopilot features. Ensure Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are enabled in Controls > Autopilot.
-
Enable Summon:
- Go to Controls > Autopilot.
- Toggle the Summon setting to “On.” You may need to accept a safety disclaimer.
-
Configure Summon Settings (Optional):
- Bumper Clearance: Adjust how close Summon will get to obstacles. Options are usually “Minimum,” “Medium,” and “Maximum.”
- Summon Distance: Specify the maximum distance the car can travel when Summon is active.
- Require Continuous Press: Determine whether you need to continuously press the button in the Tesla app to keep Summon active. Disabling this allows the car to move until it reaches its destination or encounters an obstacle.
-
Using Summon:
- Make sure you are within a reasonable distance of your Model Y (typically within 20-30 feet).
- Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
- Select the “Summon” option from the car’s controls.
- Use the forward and reverse arrows in the app to control the vehicle’s movement.
- Release the button to stop the vehicle.
-
Using Smart Summon:
- Select the “Smart Summon” button in the Tesla app.
- A pin will appear on the map. Drag this pin to the location where you want the car to go.
- Press and hold the “GO” button.
- The car will attempt to navigate to the pin location.
- Always be prepared to intervene and stop the vehicle.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Even after enabling Summon, users can encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Summon Not Appearing in App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Tesla app and that you are logged into the correct Tesla account. Try restarting the app and your phone.
- Summon Not Activating: Check that all requirements mentioned above (software, features, autopilot) are met. Ensure that the car is in Park and all doors are closed. The car also cannot be charging.
- Summon Stops Abruptly: This often indicates an obstruction. Ensure the area around the car is clear of any objects or pedestrians. Clean the cameras and sensors if they are dirty or covered in snow/ice.
- Summon Moving Erratically: This can be a sign of sensor issues or software glitches. Try restarting the car by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black. If the issue persists, contact Tesla service.
Alternative Methods: Using the Key Fob
While the Tesla app is the primary way to control Summon, some older Tesla models or configurations might support Summon via the key fob. If your key fob has Summon buttons, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to use this feature.
Table: Comparing Summon and Smart Summon
| Feature | Summon | Smart Summon |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Controlled via forward/reverse arrows | Target location set via map pin in the app |
| Distance | Shorter distance (typically < 20 feet) | Longer distance (potentially across parking lots) |
| Navigation | Simple straight-line movements | Attempts to navigate around obstacles |
| Supervision | Requires direct line of sight | Requires direct line of sight |
Staying Safe with Summon
- Always Supervise: Never rely solely on Summon. Maintain visual contact with the vehicle and be prepared to stop it at any time.
- Clear the Area: Before activating Summon, ensure the surrounding area is clear of any obstacles, pedestrians, or animals.
- Understand the Environment: Be aware of the limitations of Summon in challenging conditions like poor lighting or adverse weather.
- Use with Caution: Only use Summon in situations where it is truly necessary and safe to do so.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your Tesla software to ensure the latest safety features and improvements are installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Summon and Smart Summon?
Summon is designed for short-range movements, typically in and out of parking spaces, and requires you to use directional arrows in the Tesla app. Smart Summon, on the other hand, allows you to designate a target location on a map in the app, and the car will attempt to navigate to that location, even across a parking lot.
Does Summon work in all weather conditions?
No, Summon’s performance can be significantly affected by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or fog. These conditions can impair the sensors and cameras, leading to inaccurate navigation or system failures.
What happens if Summon encounters an obstacle?
Ideally, Summon should detect the obstacle and stop before making contact. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and be prepared to manually stop the vehicle if necessary. The performance depends on the clarity and reliability of the vehicle’s sensors.
Can I use Summon in a garage?
Using Summon in a garage is generally not recommended due to the confined space and potential for damage. The risk of miscalculation or undetected obstacles is higher in such environments.
What if Summon damages my car or another object?
You are ultimately responsible for any damage caused by your vehicle, even when using Summon. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and closely monitor the vehicle’s movements.
Does Summon work with all Tesla models?
No, Summon is available on certain Tesla models depending on the Autopilot package purchased. Check your vehicle’s configuration and software version to confirm availability.
How do I disable Summon?
To disable Summon, go to Controls > Autopilot in your Tesla and toggle the Summon setting to “Off.”
Does Summon drain the battery?
Using Summon can drain the battery slightly, but the impact is usually minimal for short distances. Frequent use of Summon, especially Smart Summon, may have a more noticeable effect.
What is the maximum distance Summon can travel?
The maximum distance Summon can travel is limited by the setting you configure in the Autopilot settings, typically capped at a relatively short range (e.g., 30-50 feet). Smart Summon allows for potentially longer distances, depending on environmental factors and settings.
Do I need a Premium Connectivity subscription to use Summon?
No, Summon does not require a Premium Connectivity subscription. It relies primarily on the vehicle’s sensors and cameras, not on internet connectivity.
Is Summon considered Full Self-Driving?
No, Summon is not considered Full Self-Driving. It is a Level 2 autonomous feature, meaning it requires active supervision from the driver.
How do I report issues with Summon?
If you encounter issues with Summon, report them to Tesla through the Tesla app or by contacting Tesla service. This helps Tesla improve the system’s performance and safety.