Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is a cutting-edge driver-assistance system that aims to eventually achieve full autonomy. However, it's crucial to understand that currently, FSD (Supervised) requires active driver supervision at all times. It does not make your Tesla an autonomous vehicle. This guide will walk you through the steps to activate and use FSD (Supervised) in your Tesla.
Step 1: Confirm Your Tesla's FSD Capability & Hardware
Are you ready to experience the future of driving? First, let's ensure your Tesla is equipped for Full Self-Driving (Supervised). Not all Teslas come with this capability enabled by default, and it often depends on when your vehicle was manufactured and what package you purchased.
Check Your Software Package: On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Software. Here, you'll see the software version and any purchased upgrades. Look for "Full Self-Driving Capability." If you don't see it, you may need to purchase it.
Hardware Requirements: Tesla vehicles built since approximately April 2019 are generally equipped with "Hardware 3.0" (HW3), also known as the FSD Computer. Newer vehicles come with "Hardware 4.0" (HW4). Tesla has stated they will upgrade HW3 computers for customers who purchased the FSD package, but it's important to be aware of the hardware version. You can typically find this information in your vehicle's service records or by checking with Tesla support. The performance of FSD can vary slightly between hardware versions.
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| How To Activate Full Self Driving Tesla |
Step 2: Purchase or Subscribe to Full Self-Driving (If Not Already Owned)
If your Tesla isn't already equipped with FSD, you have two primary options to gain access:
Outright Purchase: You can purchase the FSD package directly from Tesla. This is a one-time upfront cost, and the price can fluctuate.
Monthly Subscription: Tesla also offers a monthly FSD subscription. This can be a more flexible option if you're not ready to commit to the full purchase or want to try it out. The subscription cost can also vary. Remember to consider your driving habits and long-term plans when deciding between purchase and subscription.
Step 3: Ensure Your Software is Up-to-Date
Tesla continuously releases over-the-air (OTA) software updates that include improvements and new features for FSD. To get the best experience and access the latest capabilities, it's vital to keep your software current.
Connect to Wi-Fi: For reliable and fast downloads, connect your Tesla to a strong Wi-Fi network. Go to Controls > Wi-Fi.
Check for Updates: Navigate to Controls > Software. Your car will check for updates. If an update is available, you'll see a notification. You can choose to install it immediately or schedule it for a later time.
Software Update Preference: You can adjust your update preference to "ADVANCED" (Controls > Software > Software Update Preference) to receive updates as soon as they become available for your vehicle and region.
Step 4: Enable Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Vehicle Settings
Once your car has the necessary hardware and software, you'll need to enable FSD (Supervised) within your vehicle's settings.
Access Autopilot Settings: On your touchscreen, touch Controls > Autopilot.
Enable FSD (Supervised): You should see an option for "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)." Touch this option and, after carefully reading and understanding the popup window regarding its capabilities and your responsibilities, touch Yes to confirm.
Brake Confirm (Optional but Recommended): You may also have an option for "Brake Confirm," which requires you to briefly press the brake pedal to confirm each time you start FSD (Supervised) from Park. This is a good safety measure.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Step 5: Understanding and Activating FSD (Supervised) While Driving
Now that FSD (Supervised) is enabled, you can activate it when driving. Always remember that FSD (Supervised) requires your constant attention and readiness to take over.
Engaging from Park: You can activate FSD (Supervised) when your Tesla is in Park. Touch Controls > Start FSD (Supervised) from Park. If Brake Confirm is enabled, you'll need to press the brake pedal to continue.
Engaging While Driving: To engage FSD (Supervised) while driving (similar to how you would engage Autosteer or Navigate on Autopilot), in Model 3 and Model Y, pull down the gear selector stalk on the right of the steering column twice in quick succession. In Model S and Model X, pull the cruise control stalk on the left of the steering column twice in quick succession.
Visual Confirmation: A blue steering wheel icon will appear on your display next to the speedometer when FSD (Supervised) is engaged. The touchscreen will also display a visualization of the surrounding environment, showing what the system perceives.
Driver Monitoring: Your Tesla's cabin camera (located above the rearview mirror) monitors driver attentiveness. If you repeatedly ignore warnings to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road, Autopilot features, including FSD (Supervised), may be locked out for the remainder of your trip.
Step 6: Familiarize Yourself with FSD (Supervised) Features and Limitations
FSD (Supervised) offers a range of advanced features, but it's critical to understand what it can and cannot do.
Key Features:
Navigate on Autopilot (NoA): Guides your car from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, including lane changes and navigating interchanges.
Auto Lane Change: Initiates automated lane changes when the turn signal is engaged while Autosteer is active.
Autopark: Assists with parallel and perpendicular parking.
Summon/Smart Summon: Moves your Tesla in and out of tight parking spaces or can drive to you in a parking lot.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Identifies and reacts to traffic lights and stop signs, bringing the vehicle to a stop (with supervision and confirmation).
Autosteer on City Streets: Navigates city streets, making turns and handling intersections (with supervision).
Important Limitations and Warnings:
Driver Responsibility: You are always responsible for operating your vehicle safely and must remain attentive. FSD (Supervised) is a driver assistance system, not an autonomous driving system.
Environmental Factors: Performance can be affected by weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog), poor lane markings, dirty cameras/sensors, and challenging road conditions (sharp curves, elevation changes).
Emergency Intervention: Be prepared to take over immediately if the system doesn't perform as expected or encounters unforeseen situations.
Regulatory Approval: The availability and specific functionality of FSD features can depend on local regulatory approval. As of current information, Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is available in the U.S., Canada, China, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, but not yet in India.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD)
How to check if my Tesla has FSD capability?
Go to Controls > Software on your Tesla's touchscreen. If you have "Full Self-Driving Capability" listed, your car is equipped.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
How to purchase Tesla FSD?
You can purchase FSD outright through your Tesla app or directly from your Tesla account online. Alternatively, you can subscribe to FSD on a monthly basis.
How to subscribe to Tesla FSD?
The FSD subscription option is usually available through the Tesla app or your Tesla account online. You'll sign up for a monthly payment.
How to update my Tesla's software for FSD?
Connect your Tesla to Wi-Fi and go to Controls > Software on your touchscreen to check for and install updates. Set your "Software Update Preference" to "ADVANCED" for faster access to new versions.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
How to engage Full Self-Driving (Supervised) while driving?
In Model 3/Y, pull the gear selector stalk down twice. In Model S/X, pull the cruise control stalk towards you twice. A blue steering wheel icon will appear on your display.
How to disengage Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
You can disengage FSD (Supervised) by applying the brakes, moving the steering wheel with slight force, or pushing the gear selector/cruise stalk upwards.
How to know if my Tesla has the necessary hardware for FSD?
Most Teslas manufactured after April 2019 include the FSD Computer (HW3 or HW4). You can often confirm this through your Tesla account or by contacting Tesla service.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to ensure safe usage of FSD (Supervised)?
Always remain attentive, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and be prepared to take control at any moment. FSD (Supervised) is a driver-assistance feature and not fully autonomous.
How to use Smart Summon with FSD?
Open your Tesla app, tap "Summon," and then either hold the "Come to Me" button or set a target destination on the map and hold the "Go to Target" button.
How to get the latest FSD Beta features?
Historically, access to FSD Beta was based on a "Safety Score," but Tesla has expanded access. Ensure your FSD (Supervised) is enabled, and your software preference is set to "ADVANCED" to receive the latest beta updates as they roll out.
For a visual guide on activating FSD (Supervised), you can watch this video:
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