Do you ever find yourself in a tight parking spot, wishing your Tesla Model Y could just magically pull itself out? Or perhaps you're at the grocery store, juggling bags, and dream of your car coming to you? Well, with Tesla Summon, these scenarios can become a reality! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Summon on your Model Y, from initial setup to advanced features. Let's get your Tesla doing the heavy lifting!
Step 1: Understanding Tesla Summon - What is it, and What Can it Do?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify what Summon is and its capabilities. Tesla offers two main types of Summon:
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| How To Use Tesla Summon Model Y |
Sub-heading: Basic Summon (Dumb Summon)
This is the original version of Summon, designed for straight-line parking maneuvers. Think of it as a remote-controlled valet for simple tasks.
Moves forward and backward: Your Model Y can move in and out of a parking space, up to approximately 12 meters (39 feet), in a straight line.
Ideal for tight spaces: Perfect for getting your car out of a narrow garage or a spot where opening the door would be difficult.
Obstacle avoidance: While primarily straight-line, it will attempt to avoid detected obstacles in its direct path by staying very close to the original path. It will not steer around obstacles significantly blocking its path.
Sub-heading: Smart Summon (Actually Smart Summon)
This is the more advanced version, allowing your Model Y to navigate more complex environments.
"Come to Me" Mode: Your Model Y will drive to your location (using your phone's GPS), navigating around obstacles.
"Go to Target" Mode: You can set a specific destination on the map in the Tesla app, and your Model Y will drive to that spot, maneuvering as needed.
Maneuvers around obstacles: Unlike basic Summon, Smart Summon is designed to actively steer around objects, people, and other vehicles to reach its destination.
Increased range: Smart Summon generally has a longer operating range than basic Summon, up to approximately 65 meters (213 feet) from your phone, and can travel up to 145-150 meters (475-492 feet) from the last manual drive position, depending on region and regulations.
Important Note: Both basic Summon and Smart Summon are BETA features. You, the driver, are always responsible for continually monitoring the vehicle and its surroundings and must be prepared to take immediate action to stop the vehicle at any time.
Step 2: Preparing Your Model Y for Summon
Before you can impress your friends (and yourself!) with Summon, there are a few prerequisites and settings you need to ensure are in order.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Sub-heading: Software and Connectivity
Latest Software: Ensure your Model Y has the latest software update. Tesla frequently improves its Autopilot and Summon features through over-the-air updates.
Tesla Mobile App: Download and install the latest version of the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone (version 4.38.0 or later is required for some features).
Phone Connection: Your phone must be connected to your Model Y via Bluetooth and have a good cellular or Wi-Fi connection for the app to communicate with the car.
Vehicle in Park: Your Model Y must be in Park (P), not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
Tire Pressure: Ensure all four tire pressures are at or above 34 PSI, as reported by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Sub-heading: Enabling and Customizing Summon
You'll need to enable Summon within your car's settings and can customize certain aspects.
On your Model Y's touchscreen:
Go to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon.
You may see an option to enable "Dumb Summon" and "Actually Smart Summon." Carefully read and understand the pop-up window, then touch Yes.
Customize Settings (Optional):
Bumper Clearance: (For Basic Summon only) Set the distance you want Summon to stop from a detected object (e.g., a few inches from a garage wall). This applies to objects directly in front or behind the car.
Summon Distance: Set the maximum distance your Model Y can travel when entering or exiting a parking space. For basic Summon, this is typically up to 12 meters (39 feet).
Side Clearance: Choose how much side clearance you want. "Tight" allows the car to enter very narrow spaces, but be aware it limits the sensors' ability to detect obstacles, increasing risk of damage.
Completion Sound: Select a sound to be played externally when Model Y reaches its destination (requires a Pedestrian Warning System).
Emissions on Abort: If enabled, Model Y performs an emissions system test if your Summon session is aborted (requires a Pedestrian Warning System).
Standby Mode: (Optional) To reduce startup time for Summon, you can enable Standby Mode. This consumes additional battery power but keeps your car ready. You can exclude home, work, or favorite destinations from Standby Mode to conserve energy.
Sub-heading: Camera Calibration
Ensure your vehicle's cameras are fully calibrated. This usually happens automatically as you drive, but if you've recently had service or a software update, it's worth checking.
Step 3: Using Basic Summon (Forward/Reverse)
This is the simplest form of Summon, ideal for those tight garage spaces or crowded parallel parking spots.
Align Your Model Y: Position your Model Y within approximately 12 meters (39 feet) of the parking space. The car needs to be aligned so it can follow a straight path into or out of the space.
Open the Tesla App: On your smartphone, open the Tesla mobile app.
Initiate Summon:
Tap on the Summon icon. The app will display live camera feeds from your Model Y to help you monitor the surroundings.
Press and hold either the Forward or Reverse button on the app, depending on the direction you want your car to move.
Monitor Closely: As your Model Y moves, continually monitor its movement and surroundings. Be prepared to release the button at any time to stop the car if an obstacle appears or if you need to intervene.
Stopping Summon:
Release the Forward or Reverse button on the app.
Press any button to manually stop Summon.
Summon will also stop automatically if:
Model Y detects an obstacle in its path (within your specified Bumper Clearance).
It has moved the maximum distance of 12 meters.
A door handle is engaged or a door is opened.
You interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or shift.
Your phone enters sleep mode or loses connectivity to Model Y.
Step 4: Mastering Smart Summon ("Come to Me" & "Go to Target")
Smart Summon takes the convenience up a notch, allowing for more dynamic movements.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Smart Summon
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Private Property Only: Smart Summon is designed and intended for use only on parking lots and driveways on private property where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. It should not be used on public roads.
Clear Line of Sight: For optimal performance, try to maintain a clear line of sight to your Model Y.
Operating Range: Your phone must be within approximately 65 meters (213 feet) of your Model Y for Smart Summon to work. If you're using "Come to Me" mode and move further away, the car's speed may be limited, or it may stop.
Paved Surfaces: Smart Summon should only be used on paved surfaces.
Limitations: Smart Summon may not stop for all objects (especially very low objects like some curbs, or very high objects like a shelf) and may not react to all oncoming or side traffic. Always remain vigilant.
Sub-heading: "Come to Me" Mode
This is perfect for having your Model Y meet you at a specific point in a parking lot.
Open the Tesla App: On your smartphone, open the Tesla mobile app.
Access Smart Summon: Tap on the Summon icon, then tap the Smart Summon icon (often a target or crosshair in the center of your car's image).
Position Yourself: The app will display a map with a blue circle, representing the maximum proximity you must maintain. Position yourself anywhere within this blue circle where you have a clear line of sight to your Model Y. The blue dot on the map shows your location.
Initiate "Come to Me": Press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your Model Y will begin to move towards your phone's GPS location, navigating around obstacles as needed.
Follow the Car (If Needed): As your Model Y moves, you might need to walk along with it to stay within the operating range, especially if it's traveling a longer distance.
Completion: When your Model Y reaches you, it will stop and shift into Park. The hazard warning lights may flash for a few seconds.
Sub-heading: "Go to Target" Mode
This allows you to send your Model Y to a specific spot on the map.
Open the Tesla App: On your smartphone, open the Tesla mobile app.
Access Smart Summon: Tap on the Summon icon, then tap the Smart Summon icon.
Set Target Destination:
Touch the crosshair icon.
Drag the map to position the pin on your chosen destination.
To change the location, lift your finger, reposition the map, then press and hold the "Go to Target" button again.
Initiate "Go to Target": Press and hold the "Go to Target" button. Your Model Y will begin to drive to the selected location, maneuvering around obstacles.
Monitor Closely: Just like with "Come to Me," always monitor the car's progress and be ready to release the button to stop it.
Completion: When your Model Y reaches the destination, it will stop and shift into Park, and the app will indicate that Summon has completed.
Step 5: Safety First - Crucial Tips and Limitations
While incredibly convenient, Summon is not a fully autonomous feature. Your active supervision is always required.
Always Monitor: Never take your eyes off your vehicle and its surroundings while Summon is active. Be ready to release the button on the app to stop the car immediately.
Understand Limitations:
Slopes: Summon is designed for flat roads only (up to a 10% grade). It may not operate as intended on steep slopes.
Raised Edges: It may not move over concrete edges higher than approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Obstructed Sensors/Cameras: Dirty, damaged, or obstructed cameras and sensors (due to mud, ice, snow, excessive paint, wraps, etc.) can impair Summon's performance.
Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, fog, or extreme temperatures can interfere with sensor operation.
Narrow/Low Objects: Model Y cannot detect obstacles that are lower than the bumper, are very narrow, or are hanging from a ceiling (e.g., bicycles, low curbs, shelves).
Trailer Mode: Summon is disabled if your Model Y is in Trailer Mode or has an accessory attached.
GPS Availability: Smart Summon relies on GPS data; poor cellular coverage can affect its performance.
Children and Pets: Never use Summon if children or pets are in the vehicle.
Public Roads: Do not use Smart Summon on public roads. Basic Summon on public roads should only be used with extreme caution and never to enter the roadway.
Lag Time: Be aware that there might be a slight delay between when you release the button on the app and when the car comes to a complete stop, especially depending on connectivity. Anticipate when you need to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to customize Summon settings on my Model Y?
You can customize Summon settings by navigating to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon on your Model Y's touchscreen. Here, you can adjust bumper clearance, summon distance, side clearance, and enable standby mode.
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
How to stop Tesla Summon in an emergency?
To immediately stop your Tesla Model Y during Summon, simply release the Forward, Reverse, Come to Me, or Go to Target button on the Tesla mobile app. You can also press any button on the key fob accessory (if enabled).
How to use Summon for very tight parking spaces?
Align your Model Y within 12 meters of the parking space, ensuring a straight path. In the Tesla app, select Summon, and then press and hold the Forward or Reverse button as needed. Be sure to set a "Tight" side clearance in your Summon settings.
How to enable Smart Summon (Actually Smart Summon) on my Model Y?
On your Model Y's touchscreen, go to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon, and look for the option to enable "Actually Smart Summon." You'll need to read and accept the safety warnings.
How to troubleshoot Summon if it's not working?
First, ensure your phone has a strong connection to your Model Y via Bluetooth and cellular/Wi-Fi. Check that your vehicle's cameras are clean and calibrated. Verify that your Model Y is in Park, not charging, and all doors/trunks are closed. If issues persist, check for pending software updates or consult your Tesla owner's manual.
How to ensure safety when using Summon?
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Always maintain a clear line of sight to your Model Y and continuously monitor its movement and surroundings. Be ready to intervene and stop the car at any moment by releasing the button on the app. Never use Summon in unpredictable environments or on public roads.
How to use "Come to Me" mode in Smart Summon?
Open the Tesla app, tap Summon, then the Smart Summon icon. Position yourself within the blue circle on the map in the app, and press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your Model Y will drive to your location.
How to send my Model Y to a specific spot using "Go to Target" mode?
In the Tesla app, tap Summon, then the Smart Summon icon. Tap the crosshair icon and drag the map to place the pin on your desired destination. Then, press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
How to handle obstacles detected by Summon?
Basic Summon will attempt to avoid obstacles while staying close to its original path but won't steer significantly around them. Smart Summon is designed to maneuver around obstacles. In both cases, always be prepared to stop the vehicle immediately if you observe an unexpected obstacle or the car's response is not as desired.
How to know the range limitations of Tesla Summon?
Basic Summon operates up to approximately 12 meters (39 feet) in a straight line. Smart Summon has an operating range where your phone must be within 65 meters (213 feet) of the vehicle and can travel a maximum distance of around 145-150 meters (475-492 feet) from the last manual drive position, depending on regional regulations.
For a visual demonstration of Tesla Summon features, you can watch this
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