Tesla’s dog mode is a feature that allows owners to leave their pets in the car while keeping the cabin temperature comfortable and displaying a message on the touchscreen to inform passersby that the animals are safe.
However, some Tesla owners have reported that their dog mode is not working properly, causing them to worry about their furry friends.
In this article, we will explain what causes dog mode to malfunction and how to fix it.
How To Fix the Tesla Dog Mode Not Working Issue?
Or Tesla Dog Mode Camera Not Working?
#1. Check the battery charge level
1. Dog mode requires at least 20% charge to activate, and will notify the owner if the charge drops below that level while dog mode is on.
2. To check the battery charge level, look at the battery icon on the top left corner of the touchscreen or on the instrument cluster.
3. If the battery charge is below 20%, plug the car into a charger or use the neutral and parking brake workaround.
4. The workaround involves putting the car in neutral and manually applying the parking brake, which will allow dog mode to activate even with a low battery.
#2. Open the climate control menu and toggle on the dog setting
1. Dog mode is an option in the climate control menu, which can be accessed by clicking the fan icon on the touchscreen.
2. To open the climate control menu, tap the fan icon on the bottom left corner of the touchscreen.
3. To toggle on the dog setting, tap the “Dog” button on the bottom right corner of the climate control menu.
4. The touchscreen will display a message saying “My owner will be back soon” and show the cabin temperature.
#3. Check the local laws and regulations regarding leaving pets unattended in vehicles
1. Dog mode may not work in some areas where local laws or regulations prohibit leaving pets unattended in vehicles.
2. To check the local laws and regulations, consult a reliable source such as a government website, a legal advisor, or a local animal welfare organization.
3. If the car is parked in a restricted area, move it to a permitted area or take your pet with you.
#4. Reboot the car
1. Dog mode may not work properly due to a software bug or error that affects the climate control system or the touchscreen display.
2. To reboot the car, hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen goes black and restarts.
3. This will reset the car’s software and may fix any glitches or errors.
#5. Update the software
1. Dog mode may not work correctly due to an outdated software version that does not support or optimize dog mode.
2. To update the software, connect the car to a Wi-Fi network and check for updates in the “Software” tab on the touchscreen.
3. This will download and install any available software updates that may improve or enhance dog mode.
#6. Check the fan settings and avoid manual adjustments
1. Dog mode may not work properly if the fan settings are manually adjusted after turning on dog mode.
This may cause the system to stop regulating the temperature for your pet and display an incorrect message on the screen.
2. To check the fan settings, tap the fan icon on the bottom left corner of the touchscreen and make sure the fan speed is set to “Auto”.
3. To avoid manual adjustments, do not touch the fan icon or the temperature dial after turning on the dog mode.
If you need to change the temperature, turn off dog mode first, then adjust the temperature, and then turn on dog mode again.
#7. Clean the cabin air filter and vents
1. Dog mode may not work effectively if the cabin air filter or vents are dirty or clogged. This may reduce the airflow and cooling capacity of the system and make your pet uncomfortable.
2. To clean the cabin air filter, follow these steps:
- Open the front trunk and locate the cabin air filter cover on the passenger side.
- Remove the four screws that secure the cover and lift it up to access the filter.
- Pull out the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure the arrow on the filter points toward the rear of the vehicle.
- Reinstall the cover and screws and close the front trunk.
- To clean the vents, use a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris from the vent openings. Do not use any liquid or abrasive cleaners that may damage the vents.
#8. Contact Tesla service or visit a Tesla service center
1. Dog mode may not work due to a hardware failure or damage that affects the climate control system or the touchscreen display.
2. To contact Tesla service, use the Tesla app on your phone or call the Tesla customer support number for your region.
3. To visit a Tesla service center, use the Tesla app or website to schedule an appointment or find a nearby location.
4. This will allow Tesla technicians to diagnose and repair any hardware issues that may prevent dog mode from working.
Why is Tesla Dog Mode Not Working?
There are several possible reasons why your Tesla’s dog mode may not work as expected. Here are some of the most common ones:
#1. Battery charge is below 20%
Dog mode requires at least 20% charge to activate, and will notify the owner if the charge drops below that level while dog mode is on.
A possible workaround is to put the car in neutral and manually apply the parking brake, which will allow dog mode to activate even with a low battery.
#2. The climate control menu is not accessible
Dog mode is an option in the climate control menu, which can be accessed by clicking the fan icon on the touchscreen. If the menu is not opened, dog mode cannot be turned on.
#3. The dog set is not toggled on
Dog mode needs to be manually turned on by toggling the “Dog” setting in the climate control menu. If the setting is off, dog mode will not work.
#4. car is driven away
Dog mode will automatically turn off when the owner gets back in and drives away. If the car is moved, dog mode will not stay on.
#5. The car is in a restricted area
Dog mode may not work in some areas where local laws or regulations prohibit leaving pets unattended in vehicles. If the car is parked in such an area, dog mode may be disabled or ineffective.
#6. The car has a software glitch
Dog mode may not work properly due to a software bug or error that affects the climate control system or the touchscreen display. If this happens, rebooting the car or updating the software may fix the problem.
#7. The car has a hardware malfunction
Dog mode may not work correctly due to a hardware failure or damage that affects the climate control system or the touchscreen display. If this happens, contacting Tesla service or repairing the car may solve the issue.
Conclusion
Tesla’s dog mode is a useful feature that allows you to leave your pets in the car while keeping them comfortable and safe.
However, it may not work properly due to various reasons, such as the low battery, software updates, or conflicting settings.
If you encounter any of these problems, you should try the solutions we have provided above or contact Tesla for assistance.
Remember, dog mode is not a substitute for proper care and supervision of your pets. You should always check on your pets frequently and never leave them in the car for too long or in extreme weather conditions.
