Ah, the Tesla Summon feature! It's one of those things that truly feels like living in the future, right? Imagine never having to squeeze into a tight parking spot again, or having your car greet you at the curb on a rainy day. While it's incredibly convenient, it's also a technology that requires a good understanding of its capabilities and, more importantly, its limitations. Let's dive deep into how to use Summon on your Tesla Model Y.
Step 1: Getting Started - Are You Ready for the Future?
Before you even think about summoning your Model Y, let's make sure you're properly set up and understand what Summon entails. This isn't a "set it and forget it" feature; it requires your active supervision.
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| How To Use Summon Feature On Tesla Model Y |
1.1 Understanding Summon vs. Smart Summon
First, let's clarify the two main types of Summon you might encounter on your Model Y:
Basic Summon (or "Dumb Summon"): This is the simpler version. It allows your Model Y to move straight forward or backward into or out of a parking space, up to about 12 meters (39 feet). It's great for pulling your car out of a narrow garage or tight parking spot.
Smart Summon (or "Actually Smart Summon" - ASS): This is the more advanced feature. With Smart Summon, your Model Y can navigate around obstacles and drive to your location (using your phone's GPS) or a chosen destination within a parking lot, up to a greater distance (around 145 meters or 475 feet). It's designed for more complex parking scenarios.
Important Note: Summon features are considered BETA and require constant monitoring. You, as the driver, are responsible for the vehicle's actions.
1.2 Essential Prerequisites & Preparations
Before you attempt to use Summon, ensure the following:
Latest Tesla Mobile App: Make sure you have the most recent version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone. Summon functionality is constantly updated through software, so having the latest app is crucial.
Strong Connectivity: Your phone needs a stable cellular connection and GPS enabled. The car also needs a good connection.
Calibrated Cameras: The Model Y's cameras are fundamental to Summon's operation. Ensure your vehicle's cameras are fully calibrated. If they aren't, you might need to drive for a bit to complete the calibration process.
Vehicle Status: Your Model Y must be in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
Private Property: Summon is designed and intended for use only on parking lots and driveways on private property where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Do NOT use it on public roads.
Clear Line of Sight: It's highly recommended to maintain a clear line of sight between yourself and your Model Y while Summon is active.
Tire Pressure: Ensure all four tire pressures are 34 PSI or higher.
Step 2: Customizing Your Summon Settings
Before your first summon, it's a good idea to adjust the settings to your preferences. You can do this through your Model Y's touchscreen:
2.1 Accessing Summon Settings
On your Model Y's touchscreen, touch Controls > Autopilot.
Then, navigate to Customize Summon.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
2.2 Key Summon Settings
Bumper Clearance: This setting allows you to specify how close you want Summon to stop from a detected object (e.g., a garage wall). This applies to objects directly in front (when moving forward) or directly behind (when reversing).
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). For Smart Summon, it can be up to 145 meters (475 feet).
Side Clearance: This lets you choose how much side clearance you want. A "Tight" setting allows the car to enter very narrow spaces but increases the risk of damage if sensors or cameras can't accurately detect obstacles.
Require Continuous Press: By default, Summon requires you to press and hold a button on the mobile app to keep the Model Y moving. If you release the button, the car stops. In some regions or software versions, you might have an option to disable "Require Continuous Press," allowing for a press-and-release operation, or even using the key fob. However, for safety, "Require Continuous Press" is often always enabled.
Step 3: Initiating Basic Summon (Forward/Reverse)
Basic Summon is perfect for those straight-line parking maneuvers.
3.1 Preparing Your Model Y
Align: Position your Model Y so it's within 12 meters (39 feet) of the parking space and can follow a straight path into or out of it.
Exit Vehicle: Step out of your Model Y.
Open Tesla App: On your mobile app, touch the Summon icon.
3.2 Executing the Summon
On the mobile app, you'll see a visualization of your car.
Touch and hold down either the Forward or Reverse button.
Your Model Y will shift into the selected gear and begin to move into or out of the parking space.
Continuously Monitor: Keep a close eye on your vehicle and its surroundings. Be prepared to release the button immediately if needed.
Stop: The Model Y will stop when it detects an obstacle (within your set bumper clearance), reaches the maximum Summon Distance, or when you release the Forward or Reverse button. It will then shift into Park.
Step 4: Mastering Smart Summon (Come to Me / Go to Target)
Smart Summon offers more dynamic movement, but also demands greater vigilance.
4.1 Activating Smart Summon
Open Tesla App: From your mobile app, touch the Summon icon.
Select Smart Summon: Touch the Smart Summon icon in the center of the image of your Model Y. It may take a few seconds for it to start up.
4.2 Choosing Your Smart Summon Mode
Once Smart Summon is active, you'll have two primary modes:
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
4.2.1 Come to Me Mode
Position Yourself: Stand anywhere within the blue circle displayed on your Tesla app, ensuring you have a clear line of sight to your Model Y.
Initiate: Touch and hold down the "Come to Me" button on the app.
Your Model Y will then begin to drive to your GPS location, attempting to navigate around obstacles.
4.2.2 Go to Target Mode
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Set Destination: Touch the crosshair icon on the map in your app. Then, drag the map to position the pin on your desired destination within the parking lot.
Initiate: Touch and hold down the "Go to Target" button.
Your Model Y will then attempt to drive to the chosen location, maneuvering around obstacles as necessary.
4.3 Supervising Smart Summon
Regardless of the mode, your active supervision is paramount:
Watch the Camera Feed: The mobile app will display some of the camera feeds from your Model Y, offering a visual of its surroundings.
Maintain Line of Sight: Always have a direct line of sight to your vehicle.
Ready to Intervene: If you see any potential hazards or the car is not behaving as expected, release the button immediately to stop the vehicle. There is a slight delay before the vehicle fully stops, so anticipate obstacles.
Step 5: Understanding Limitations and Safety Precautions ⚠️
Summon is a fantastic feature, but it's crucial to be aware of its limitations and use it responsibly to prevent incidents.
5.1 Common Limitations
Obstacle Detection: While advanced, Summon may not detect all obstacles, especially low curbs, very tall objects, or rapidly moving objects. Accessories on your car (like roof racks or trailer hitches) are also not accounted for during obstacle avoidance.
Steering Limitations: Basic Summon does not steer significantly around obstacles. Smart Summon can navigate around them, but it's not a full self-driving system.
Environmental Factors: Heavy rain, snow, fog, extreme temperatures, or dirty cameras/sensors can significantly impair Summon's performance. Always ensure your cameras are clean.
Sloped Surfaces: Summon is designed to operate on flat or gently sloped roads (up to a 20% grade). Performance may be limited on steeper grades.
Connectivity Issues: Poor cellular coverage, loss of GPS signal, or your phone entering sleep mode can cause Summon to pause or cancel.
Maximum Distance: Summon has a maximum operating range from your phone (around 85-105 meters for Smart Summon, 6 meters for Basic Summon to move the car). The car will stop if it exceeds this distance from your connected phone.
Beta Feature: Remember, Summon is a BETA feature. This means it's still under development and can have unexpected behaviors.
5.2 Safety Best Practices
Constant Vigilance: Never leave your vehicle unattended while Summon is active. You must constantly monitor its movement and surroundings.
Private Property Only: Strictly adhere to using Summon only on private property.
Clear Path: Always ensure the path is clear of pedestrians, children, pets, and other vehicles before initiating Summon.
Be Prepared to Stop: Keep your finger on the button and be ready to release it instantly to stop the car if any unsafe situation arises.
Avoid Complex Environments: Start using Summon in simple, familiar environments before attempting more complex scenarios. Avoid using it in extremely crowded or unpredictable parking lots, especially at first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Here are 10 common questions about using the Summon feature on your Tesla Model Y:
How to activate Summon on Tesla Model Y?
You activate Summon via the Tesla mobile app. Open the app, tap the "Summon" icon, and then choose between "Forward/Reverse" (for Basic Summon) or the "Smart Summon" icon (for "Come to Me" or "Go to Target").
How to park Tesla Model Y with Summon?
To park with Basic Summon, align your Model Y within 12 meters of the parking space, open the app, tap Summon, and hold the "Forward" or "Reverse" button. For Smart Summon, select "Go to Target" and choose your desired parking spot on the map, then hold the button.
How to stop Summon on Tesla Model Y?
To stop Summon at any time, simply release the button you are holding on the Tesla mobile app. The car will immediately cease movement and shift into Park after a brief delay.
How to customize Summon settings on Tesla Model Y?
You can customize Summon settings on your Model Y's touchscreen by going to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon. Here you can adjust Bumper Clearance, Summon Distance, and Side Clearance.
How to use Summon with the Tesla key fob?
Using Summon with the key fob typically requires disabling "Require Continuous Press" in the Summon settings on your car's touchscreen. If this option is available and disabled, you can then press and hold the top center button on the key fob until the hazard lights blink continuously to initiate a straight-line summon.
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to troubleshoot Summon issues on Tesla Model Y?
Common troubleshooting steps include ensuring strong phone and vehicle connectivity, checking for clean cameras and sensors, confirming updated software, and making sure you are on private property within the operating range. Recalibrating sensors can also help.
How to use Smart Summon (Actually Smart Summon) on Model Y?
To use Smart Summon, open the Tesla app, tap "Summon," then tap the Smart Summon icon. You can then choose "Come to Me" (to have the car drive to your location) or "Go to Target" (to send it to a selected spot on the map), holding the respective button to initiate.
How to set the maximum distance for Summon on Model Y?
The maximum distance for Summon is set in the "Customize Summon" settings on your Model Y's touchscreen under Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon > Summon Distance.
How to improve Summon's obstacle detection on Model Y?
Ensure all cameras and sensors on your Model Y are clean and free from obstructions (like dirt, snow, or ice). Maintaining proper tire pressure and using Summon in clear, familiar environments also helps.
How to know if Summon is safe to use in a particular area?
Summon is safest to use in familiar, predictable environments on private property with a clear path and minimal moving obstacles. Always maintain a clear line of sight and be prepared to intervene at any moment.
For a visual guide on using Summon, check out this video:
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