Ready to experience the future of parking and vehicle retrieval with your Tesla Model Y? Smart Summon is a remarkable feature that allows your Model Y to navigate complex parking environments and come to your location, or a designated spot, all from your smartphone. It's like having a personal valet, but in a highly advanced electric vehicle! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently use Smart Summon.
Step 1: Are You Ready for Smart Summon? Get Prepared!
Before you can unleash the magic of Smart Summon, there are a few essential prerequisites and preparations to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Think of it as setting the stage for a futuristic performance!
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| How To Use Smart Summon Tesla Model Y |
1.1 Check Your Tesla's Software and Connectivity
Software Version: Ensure your Tesla Model Y has the latest software update. Smart Summon functionality can vary based on the software version, and newer versions often bring improvements.
Tesla Mobile App: Download and install the latest version of the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone. Smart Summon is exclusively controlled through this app.
Phone Connectivity: Your phone needs to have a strong cellular signal and GPS enabled. Without reliable connectivity, Smart Summon may not function correctly or might experience delays.
Vehicle Connectivity: Your Model Y needs to be connected to your phone. This usually happens automatically when you're nearby and have the app open.
1.2 Understand the Environment and Limitations
Private Property Only: Smart Summon is designed and intended for use only on parking lots and driveways located on private property where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Never use Smart Summon on public roads.
Clear Line of Sight: You must maintain a clear line of sight between yourself and your Model Y at all times. This is crucial for monitoring the vehicle's movement and ensuring safety.
Paved Surfaces: Smart Summon should only be used on paved surfaces.
Obstacle Awareness: While Smart Summon is designed to navigate around obstacles, it may not stop for all objects, especially very low objects (like some curbs) or very high objects (like a shelf). It also may not react to all oncoming or side traffic, nor does it recognize the direction of traffic or navigate around empty parking spaces. Always be vigilant!
Camera Calibration: Ensure your vehicle's cameras are fully calibrated. If they aren't, the system might not perform optimally.
Vehicle Status: Your Model Y must be in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
Cleanliness: Ensure all cameras and sensors are clean. Dirt, mud, ice, or snow can severely affect Smart Summon's performance.
Step 2: Enabling and Customizing Smart Summon ⚙️
Now that you're prepared, let's dive into setting up Smart Summon in your Model Y.
2.1 Activating Smart Summon in Your Vehicle
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot > Smart Summon (or "Actually Smart Summon" depending on your software version).
Carefully read and understand the pop-up window that appears, then touch Yes to enable the feature.
2.2 Customizing Summon Settings (Optional, but Recommended!)
You can fine-tune how Smart Summon behaves to suit your preferences:
Bumper Clearance: This setting allows you to define how close you want your Model Y to stop from a detected object. For instance, you might want it to stop within a few inches of a garage wall.
Summon Distance: Set the maximum distance your Model Y can travel during a Smart Summon maneuver. The current maximum distance is typically around 475 feet (145 meters).
Side Clearance: Choose how much side clearance you want to allow. The "Tight" option lets your Model Y navigate extremely narrow spaces, but be aware that this can limit the cameras' and sensors' ability to detect obstacles accurately, increasing the risk of damage.
Require Continuous Press: By default, you need to press and hold the button on the mobile app for your Model Y to move. If you set this to "No," you can press and release the button, and the car will continue moving. For safety and greater control, especially when starting out, keeping "Require Continuous Press" enabled is often recommended.
Standby Mode: To reduce the warm-up time when initiating Smart Summon, you can enable Standby Mode. Go to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon and then touch Standby Mode. Keep in mind that Standby Mode consumes additional battery power. You can conserve energy by excluding specific locations (Home, Work, Favorites) from Standby Mode. Smart Summon automatically exits Standby mode from midnight to 6:00 AM to conserve energy, which means there will be a delay during these hours.
Step 3: Using Smart Summon: Your Model Y on Demand! ✨
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
With everything configured, you're ready to experience Smart Summon. There are two primary modes: "Come to Me" and "Go to Target."
3.1 Initiating Smart Summon
Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Tap on the Summon icon (it's often located in the center of the image of your Model Y).
It might take a few seconds for Smart Summon to start up, especially if Standby Mode is not active. The app will display a map with a blue circle, representing the maximum proximity you must maintain between your phone and your Model Y (typically up to 65 meters or 213 feet). The blue dot on the map shows your location, and the red arrow represents your vehicle.
Position yourself anywhere within the blue circle where you have a clear line of sight to your Model Y.
3.2 "Come to Me" Mode
This is for when you want your Model Y to drive directly to your location.
Select the "Come to Me" button on the mobile app. The icon will turn blue.
Press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your Model Y will begin to move towards your phone's GPS location.
As you move, your Model Y will follow you.
When your Model Y reaches your location, it will stop and shift into Park.
3.3 "Go to Target" Mode
This mode allows you to send your Model Y to a specific destination on the map.
Tap the crosshair icon on the map in the Tesla app.
Drag the map to position the pin on your desired destination.
Select the "Go to Target" button. The icon will turn blue.
Press and hold the "Go to Target" button. Your Model Y will move to the selected destination.
To change the destination mid-maneuver, simply lift your finger, reposition the map, and press and hold "Go to Target" again.
When your Model Y reaches the destination, it will stop, shift into Park, and the app will display a completion message.
3.4 What to Expect During Smart Summon
Immediately after initiating Smart Summon, your Model Y's hazard lights will briefly flash, mirrors will fold, and the vehicle will shift into Drive or Reverse.
Your Model Y will then slowly move, navigating obstacles as needed, to within approximately 1 meter of you ("Come to Me") or your chosen destination ("Go to Target").
The red arrow on the app's map will move to show your vehicle's real-time location.
Remember, you don't need to stare at your phone once Smart Summon is active. Just keep holding the button and continuously monitor your Model Y and its surroundings. Be ready to release the button to stop the vehicle at any time.
3.5 Stopping or Canceling Smart Summon
You can stop or cancel Smart Summon at any time by:
Releasing the button on the mobile app ("Come to Me" or "Go to Target").
Engaging a door handle or opening a door.
Interacting with the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or gear shift (if you're inside the car).
Your Model Y detecting an obstacle (though remember its limitations).
Your Model Y having moved the maximum distance (if you need to move it further, you'll have to shift into Drive or Reverse manually and re-initiate Smart Summon).
Your phone entering sleep mode or losing connectivity to your Model Y.
Step 4: Safety First! Important Considerations for Smart Summon
Smart Summon is a convenience feature, but it requires your full attention and responsibility.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
4.1 Constant Supervision is Key
Always maintain clear line of sight to your Model Y and its surroundings.
Closely monitor the vehicle's movement and potential obstacles.
Be prepared to stop the vehicle immediately by releasing the button on your app. There can be a slight delay between releasing the button and the car stopping, so anticipate when you need to halt the vehicle.
4.2 Environmental and Obstacle Limitations
Smart Summon may not stop for all objects, especially very low or very high ones.
It does not recognize the direction of traffic and may not anticipate crossing traffic.
Environmental conditions like heavy rain, snow, fog, or extreme temperatures can interfere with camera and sensor operation.
GPS data unavailability or poor cellular coverage can hinder performance.
Accessories like roof racks or trailer hitches are not accounted for by Smart Summon's obstacle avoidance.
It's designed for flat or gently sloped surfaces (up to 10% grade is ideal, 20% max at reduced speeds). Raised concrete edges might pose a challenge.
4.3 Driver Responsibility
You are responsible for any damage to the vehicle or surroundings that occurs while using Smart Summon. It's a BETA feature, and while impressive, it's not foolproof.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Smart Summon Issues ️
Sometimes, Smart Summon might not behave as expected. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
5.1 Connectivity Problems
Issue: The car won't connect to the app, or there are delays.
Solution:
Ensure your smartphone has a stable internet connection (cellular data and GPS enabled).
Make sure the Tesla mobile app is up to date.
Restart the Tesla mobile app.
Confirm your phone is within the operating range (approx. 65 meters/213 feet) of your Model Y.
5.2 Calibration Mistakes or Unexpected Movements
Issue: The car moves erratically or struggles to detect obstacles accurately.
Solution:
Ensure all cameras and sensors are clean and free from dirt, debris, or obstructions.
If issues persist, you might need to recalibrate the cameras. Park your Tesla in an open area with clear surroundings and initiate the calibration procedure through the touchscreen (refer to your owner's manual for precise steps).
5.3 Limited Functionality or Range
Issue: Smart Summon stops prematurely or doesn't move the expected distance.
Solution:
Check for any obstacles in the vehicle's path.
Verify you are on private property and the surface is paved.
Ensure the slope of the terrain isn't too steep.
Confirm the "Summon Distance" setting in your car is set appropriately.
Make sure your phone's battery isn't critically low.
5.4 "No Summon Available" or Similar Error Messages
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Issue: Smart Summon simply won't initiate or gives an error.
Solution:
Perform a soft reboot of your Tesla's operating system (hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the screen reboots).
Ensure your Model Y is in Park, not charging, and all doors/trunks are closed.
Check if your Model Y is in Valet Mode (Smart Summon is disabled in Valet Mode).
Verify your tire pressures are at or above 34 PSI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to enable Smart Summon on my Tesla Model Y?
To enable Smart Summon, go to Controls > Autopilot > Smart Summon on your Tesla's touchscreen and confirm the activation.
How to use "Come to Me" mode in Smart Summon?
Open the Tesla app, tap Summon, select "Come to Me," and then press and hold the button on the app. Your Model Y will drive to your GPS location.
How to use "Go to Target" mode in Smart Summon?
In the Tesla app's Summon section, tap the crosshair icon, drag the map to set a destination pin, and then press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
How to stop Tesla Smart Summon if something goes wrong?
Simply release the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button on your mobile app, or interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, or accelerator inside the car.
How to improve Smart Summon performance in low connectivity areas?
Ensure your phone has strong cellular service and GPS, and consider enabling "Standby Mode" in your Tesla's settings to reduce start-up delays.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to clean sensors for optimal Smart Summon operation?
Regularly wipe down all cameras and sensors on your Model Y with a soft, clean cloth to remove dirt, dust, or other obstructions.
How to check if my Tesla Model Y cameras are calibrated?
Your Tesla usually calibrates its cameras automatically. If there are issues, the vehicle will alert you, or you can check your owner's manual for specific calibration procedures.
How to avoid obstacles with Smart Summon?
Always maintain a clear line of sight, continuously monitor the vehicle, and be prepared to stop it immediately. Smart Summon may not detect all obstacles, particularly very low or high ones.
How to extend the range of Smart Summon?
The maximum range for Smart Summon is set by Tesla (currently up to 475 feet/145 meters from the start of the session). You cannot manually extend this range beyond what is programmed.
How to use Smart Summon with HomeLink?
If your Model Y is equipped with Auto HomeLink and it's enabled for Summon, Smart Summon can automatically open a HomeLink device (like a garage door) when your vehicle is inside a garage.
For a visual guide on using Smart Summon in your Tesla, check out this video:
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