7 Reasons Why Autopilot Cameras Unavailable? (FIXED!!)

The “Cameras Unavailable” error message with the app_w305 code can be frustrating for Tesla owners as it can affect Autopilot functionality.

This article provides a solution to the problem, explaining the error’s causes and offering step-by-step instructions to resolve it.

To fix Tesla Autopilot cameras that show as unavailable, you can try Camera Calibration as a potential solution. To do so, touch Controls > Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration.

Why Showing Alert app_w305?

Autopilot Cameras Are Blocked and Blind!!

Autopilot cameras will remain unavailable if the camera surface is blocked or covered with dirt or debris, or if environmental conditions such as rain, fog, snow, or dew cause the cameras to become blinded.

This is often a temporary issue that will be resolved when condensation evaporates or a particular environmental condition is no longer present.

To prevent mud and dust from building up on your camera surfaces, you should wash your car regularly and use a microfiber towel to dry it.

How To Fix Autopilot Cameras Unavailable Issue?

#1. Rebooting the car

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue by resetting the software and clearing any temporary errors.

To reboot the Tesla, press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about 10 seconds until the touchscreen goes black.

Wait for a few minutes until the system restarts and check if the error message is gone.

#2. Recalibrating the cameras

If the error message persists, you may need to recalibrate the cameras to make sure they are aligned and functioning properly.

To recalibrate the cameras, go to the service menu on the touchscreen and tap “Camera Calibration”.

This will restart the Autopilot camera calibration process, which may take several minutes or hours depending on your driving conditions.

You will need to drive on well-marked roads at various speeds and follow the instructions on the screen. Once the calibration is complete, check if the error message is gone.

#3. Unplug USB devices

Another possible solution is to unplug any USB devices that may be connected to your car, such as flash drives, phones, or chargers.

These devices may interfere with the car system or the camera data, causing the Autopilot cameras to become unavailable.

After unplugging the USB devices, restart the car system and check if the error message is gone.

#4. Clean the Camera Surface and Check for Weather Conditions

You should check the camera surfaces for any mud or dust and clean them with a soft cloth.

To prevent mud and dust from building up on your camera surfaces, you should wash your car regularly and use a microfiber towel to dry it.

You should also avoid parking your car under trees or near construction sites that can produce dust or pollen.

If you live in a cold climate, you should also use a windshield cover to prevent snow and ice from covering your windshield and cameras.

One of the best windshield covers for Tesla is the Tesmanian Windshield Snow Cover. This cover is specially designed for Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.

It is made of durable and waterproof material that can protect your windshield and cameras from snow, ice, frost, UV rays, dust, and bird droppings.

It is easy to install and remove with magnetic edges and elastic straps. It also comes with a storage bag for easy storage.

#5. Reset the Tesla Driver Assist System

1 Open the settings on your Tesla and go to “Software.”

2. Hold down the mode button on the screen until a password prompt appears.

3. Enter the password “service” (without quotes) and click “OK.”

4. In service mode, select “Driver Assist,” then choose “Camera.”

5. Click on “Reset DAS” (Driver Assist System).

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the gateway by holding up Turn Stalk + Brake + Key for 10 seconds.

7. Click “Run Odin Routine” to restart the system. During this process, the cameras may temporarily turn grey, and you might receive an alert about “Automatic Emergency Braking” being disabled.

8. Wait for about 30 seconds until the system restarts, and all components (ECU, features, cameras, sensors, and radar) show a green signal. If any camera or sensor shows a red signal, there may be an issue.

9. Click on the vehicle icon and tap “Exit service mode” to leave the service mode.

After following these steps, your Tesla’s autopilot cameras should be working again.

#6. Change the camera settings

Another possible solution is to change the camera settings on your Tesla. Sometimes, the camera settings may be incorrect or incompatible, causing the camera to become unavailable.

To change the camera settings, you need to go to the Settings menu on your touchscreen and select Display.

Then, you need to adjust the camera settings, such as brightness, contrast, resolution, etc. You may need to experiment with different settings until you find the optimal ones for your camera system.

#7. Check the fuse box

If there is a problem with the fuse box, it could cause the camera to become unavailable. The fuse box is a device that protects the electrical circuits from overloading or short-circuiting.

If the fuse for the camera system is blown, it will cut off the power supply to the camera, making it unavailable. To check the fuse box, you need to locate it in your Tesla, which may vary depending on the model and year of your vehicle. 

You may need to refer to your owner’s manual or the Tesla website for the exact location.

Then, you need to inspect the fuse box for any signs of damage or blown fuses. If you find any, you need to replace them with the same type and rating of fuses.

#8. Check the battery and charging system

Another possible cause for the camera unavailability issue is a low or faulty battery or charging system.

If the battery or the charging system is not working properly, it could affect the power supply to the camera system, making it unavailable.

To check the battery and charging system, you need to go to the Settings menu on your touchscreen and select Service > Battery Health.

Then, you need to check the battery status, voltage, temperature, and health.

If you notice any issues, such as low battery level, high or low voltage, abnormal temperature, or poor health, you need to charge your battery or contact a Tesla Service Center for assistance.

#9. Powering off the car

If rebooting does not work, you can try powering off the car completely and letting it sleep for a while. To power off the car, go to the service menu on the touchscreen and tap “Power Off”.

Exit the car and make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned off or out of range. Wait for at least 5 to 7 minutes until the car goes fully asleep.

Then, wake up the car by opening the door or using the app and check if the error message is gone.

#10. Servicing the car

If none of the above solutions work, you may have a hardware problem with one or more of your cameras.

In this case, you will need to contact Tesla service and schedule an appointment to have your cameras inspected and replaced if necessary.

You can use the Tesla app or website to book a service visit or request mobile service if available in your area.

You should also avoid parking your car under trees or near construction sites that can produce dust or pollen.

If you live in a cold climate, you should also use a windshield cover to prevent snow and ice from covering your windshield and cameras.

One of the best windshield covers for Tesla is the Tesmanian Windshield Snow Cover. This cover is specially designed for Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.

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If the alert does not clear by the time you reach your destination, check camera surfaces for condensation, dirt, or other debris. For camera locations.

You can usually clear it faster by following these steps:

1. Pre-condition the cabin with the temperature set to High and A/C turned ON.

2. Turn on the front windshield defroster.

3. Direct the air vents toward the door pillar cameras.

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7 Reasons Why Autopilot Cameras Unavailable?

Autopilot cameras are essential for the proper functioning of the Tesla Autopilot system, which uses them to detect and respond to the surrounding environment.

However, sometimes the cameras may become unavailable and display an error message on the screen. This can affect the performance and safety of the Autopilot features and cause inconvenience to the driver.

Here are some possible reasons why autopilot cameras may become unavailable and how to fix them:

#1. Dirt or debris on the camera surface

This is one of the most common causes of camera unavailability, as it can obstruct the camera’s view and compromise its accuracy.

To fix this, simply clean the camera surface with a soft cloth and make sure it is free of any dirt or debris.

#2. Software glitches

Sometimes, the software that controls the cameras may encounter errors or bugs that prevent them from working properly.

This can be resolved by rebooting or resetting the car’s system, which can clear any temporary errors and restore the camera functionality.

#3. Hardware issues

In some cases, the cameras may have physical damage or malfunction due to wear and tear, faulty wiring, or improper installation.

This can cause them to stop working or send incorrect data to the system.

To fix this, you will need to contact Tesla service and schedule an appointment to have your cameras inspected and replaced if necessary.

#4. Environmental factors

The cameras may also become unavailable due to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or bright sunlight.

These factors can interfere with the camera’s visibility and performance, making them unable to provide reliable data.

To fix this, you will need to wait until the weather conditions improve or drive manually until you reach a safer area.

#5. Interference from other devices

The cameras may also be affected by electromagnetic interference from other devices, such as cell phones, radios, or chargers.

This can cause them to lose connection or send distorted signals to the system.

To fix this, you will need to turn off or remove any devices that may be causing interference and check if the camera availability is restored.

#6. Calibration issues

The cameras may also become unavailable due to calibration issues, which means that they are not aligned or synchronized properly with each other or with the system.

This can affect their accuracy and performance, making them unable to provide consistent data.

To fix this, you will need to recalibrate the cameras by following the instructions on the screen or on the service menu.

#7. Recovery environment issues

The cameras may also become unavailable due to recovery environment issues, which means that there is a problem with the part of the system that allows you to reset or restore your car’s settings.

This can prevent you from performing an Autopilot reset, which is a way of fixing some camera issues.

To fix this, you will need to enter administrator credentials to continue with the reset process or contact Tesla service for assistance.

Can restarting the vehicle’s autopilot system fix this issue?

Yes, it might. If the first two steps do not solve the problem, try restarting the vehicle’s autopilot system.

To do this, navigate to your vehicle’s settings menu and select “Autopilot.” Then, select “Restart Autopilot.”

This will restart the system and might fix any software-related issues that were causing the camera’s unavailability.

Should I Reset the Autopilot system?

If restarting the autopilot system does not work, you might need to reset the system.

This is a more drastic step that erases all the system’s settings and configurations, but it might be necessary to fix camera unavailability.

To reset the system, navigate to your vehicle’s settings menu and select “Autopilot.” Then, select “Reset Autopilot.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

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If none of the above steps work, contact the manufacturer’s customer support team.

They will be able to provide you with more detailed troubleshooting steps or arrange for a service appointment if necessary.

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