Tesla Autopilot is not flawless, and sometimes it may not work as expected or at all. This can be frustrating and worrisome, especially if you rely on Autopilot for your daily commute or long trips.
In this article, we will explain some of the possible causes and solutions for Tesla Autopilot not working, and how you can prevent or resolve the issue and enjoy the benefits of Autopilot.
How to Fix Tesla Autopilot Not Enabled?
#1. Update the Software
One of the first things you should check if Autopilot is not working is whether your software is up to date.
Tesla regularly releases software updates that improve the performance and functionality of Autopilot, as well as fix any bugs or glitches that may affect it.
If your Tesla does not receive these updates, it may cause Autopilot to malfunction or become unavailable.
To check if your software is up to date, you can go to the Software tab on your touchscreen and see if there is an update available.
If there is, you can download and install it by following the instructions on the screen. You should also make sure that your Tesla is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal or cellular network to receive the updates.
#2. Clean and Inspect the Cameras and Sensors
Another thing you should check if Autopilot is not working is whether the cameras or sensors that enable it are blocked or dirty.
Tesla Autopilot relies on eight external cameras and powerful vision processing to detect the surrounding environment and traffic.
If any of these cameras or sensors are obstructed by dirt, snow, ice, fog, rain, or other objects, it may prevent Autopilot from functioning properly or at all.
To avoid this, you should regularly clean and inspect your cameras and sensors, and remove any debris or obstructions that may interfere with them.
You should also avoid placing stickers, decals, or accessories on or near the cameras or sensors, as they may affect their accuracy.
#3. Choose the Appropriate Driving Conditions
A third thing you should consider if Autopilot is not working is whether the driving conditions are suitable for it.
Autopilot is designed to assist drivers on highways and limited-access roads, where there are clear lane markings and minimal traffic interruptions.
Autopilot may not work well or at all on city streets, rural roads, or areas where there are construction zones, road closures, detours, sharp curves, poor visibility, or adverse weather.
In these situations, Autopilot may not be able to recognize the road features or traffic signals and may behave unpredictably or disengage.
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, you should only use Autopilot when the driving conditions are appropriate, and always keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.
#4. Check the settings of Autopilot
Sometimes, the Autopilot settings may be changed or disabled by accident or by a software update. To check the settings, go to the Controls menu on the touchscreen, then tap Autopilot.
Make sure that the features you want to use are enabled and configured correctly.
For example, you can adjust the following settings: Autosteer, Navigate on Autopilot, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Speed Limit, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Avoidance, Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime, and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance.
#5. Check the battery level of your Tesla
If the battery level is too low, some Autopilot features may not work or may be limited.
For example, if the battery level is below 20%, Navigate on Autopilot will not initiate new lane changes, and if the battery level is below 5%, Autosteer will be unavailable.
To avoid this, make sure that your Tesla has enough charge before using Autopilot, and plan your trips accordingly.
You can use the Tesla app or the touchscreen to find the nearest Supercharger or other charging stations.
#6. Check the speed limit on the road
Autopilot has a maximum speed limit that depends on the type of road and the local regulations.
For example, in the US, the maximum speed limit for Autopilot is 90 mph on highways, and 35 mph on non-divided roads.
If you exceed the speed limit, Autopilot may disengage or warn you to slow down.
To avoid this, make sure that you follow the speed limit signs and the speed limit setting on your touchscreen.
You can also use the Speed Assist feature to automatically adjust your speed based on the detected speed limit signs.
Try Some Troubleshooting Steps
If none of the above reasons apply to your case, and Autopilot is still not working properly, you can try some simple troubleshooting steps to fix it.
One of them is to reboot the touchscreen, which may resolve any software issues that may affect Autopilot.
To do this, press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns off and then on again. This will not affect your driving, but it may take a few minutes for the system to restart.
Another troubleshooting step is to recalibrate the cameras and sensors, which may improve their alignment and accuracy.
To do this, drive your Tesla above 20 mph for at least 10 minutes on a straight road with clear lane markings. This will allow the system to adjust and optimize the cameras and sensors for Autopilot.
Contact Tesla Support
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, or if you encounter any error messages or warnings on your touchscreen or instrument cluster, you should contact Tesla support for assistance.
They may be able to diagnose and fix the problem remotely or schedule a service appointment for you.
You can reach Tesla support by phone, email, chat, or through the Tesla app. You can also visit the Tesla support website for more information and resources on Autopilot and other features.
Conclusion
Tesla Autopilot is a remarkable feature that enhances the driving experience of Tesla owners.
However, it is not perfect, and it may not work sometimes due to various reasons.
By understanding the possible causes and solutions for Autopilot not working, you can prevent or resolve the issue and enjoy the benefits of Autopilot.
Remember that Autopilot is not a substitute for human drivers, and you should always stay alert and responsible for your vehicle.
