How To Put Tesla In Tow Mode? - Electric Car Talks

Getting your Tesla into Tow Mode might initially seem complex, but it’s easy to do with a few straightforward steps.

To enable Tow Mode on a Tesla, you must ensure the vehicle has low-voltage power and detects a key fob. Without these, the touchscreen won’t let you activate Tow Mode.

For those using a Model 3, it’s essential that the car is not connected to a charger before trying to engage Tow Mode. This precaution is critical to avoid any potential safety issues.

To ensure smooth and safe towing, make sure the parking brake is off, and the car is securely placed for towing.

Safety Precautions and Initial Checks to Put Tesla in Tow Mode

It is crucial to ensure the process begins safely and correctly when preparing to put a Tesla in tow mode. This includes assessing the situation, taking precautionary measures, and understanding Tesla’s towing warranty and guidelines.

Assessing the Situation

Before attempting to enable tow mode, assess the car’s environment. Check if the vehicle is parked in a safe location away from traffic.

Ensure the road is level to prevent the car from rolling. Verify the vehicle is not connected to a charger, and observe any immediate risks, such as nearby obstacles or steep inclines.

Also, confirm the car key is present as it is required for enabling transport mode.

Precautionary Measures Before Tow Mode Engagement

In preparation for engaging in tow mode, take several precautionary steps.

Make sure the vehicle is turned off by pressing the brake pedal and putting it in Park Mode.

Release the parking brake by pressing the brake pedal and using the touchscreen controls.

The front tow eye cover should be properly attached to the car’s black negative (-) terminal, and the tow eye must be securely fastened into the opening.

Tesla’s Towing Warranty

Tesla’s vehicles come with a towing warranty with specific guidelines and limitations. Before proceeding, drivers should familiarize themselves with these regulations.

Knowing whether the warranty covers the particular towing scenario can prevent unexpected costs.

Tesla’s warranty policies often require that certified professionals conduct the towing, and using improper techniques might void the warranty.

Adhering to all legal requirements and manufacturer instructions is crucial to maintaining coverage.

Also, check How Much Does It Cost for a Tesla Charging Station at Home?

Overview of Tesla Tow Mode

Tesla’s Tow Mode, also known as Transport Mode, is a key feature that allows the car to be safely towed without damaging its electric components. This mode disengages the parking brake and keeps the car in neutral, making it easier to transport.

Functionality of Tow Mode

Tow Mode is designed to let a Tesla be moved without using the car’s own power. When activated, it releases the parking brake and puts the vehicle into neutral.

This is crucial because the electric motors and regenerative braking systems can be affected if the car is towed improperly.

To activate Tow Mode, follow these steps:

Ensure a key is detected by the Tesla.
Verify the car has enough low-voltage power.
Access the settings on the touchscreen.
Navigate to Service, then Tow Mode.

Activating the Tow Mode is simple but essential to prevent damage. It keeps Tesla models such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y safe during transport.

When to Use Tow Mode in Tesla?

Tesla’s Tow Mode is useful in several scenarios.

If your Tesla runs out of battery, gets a flat tire, or suffers a breakdown, you’ll need it.

This mode helps when you must winch the car onto a flatbed truck or use lifts and dollies for towing.

Tow Mode should be used when moving the car manually is necessary.

Always ensure the vehicle is in Tow Mode before attempting to tow to avoid complications with the parking brake or other systems. This prevents damage and ensures smooth transport.

Activate Tow Mode on Tesla Vehicles

Activating Tow Mode on Tesla vehicles involves enabling a feature through specific steps in the car’s system. Follow these instructions to ensure the vehicle can be safely towed without causing damage.

Step-by-Step Tow Mode Activation

Ensure Low Voltage Power: Ensure the vehicle has enough low voltage power. Lack of power prevents activating tow mode.
Detect a Key: The car must recognize a key. Without it, Tow Mode cannot be enabled.
Use the Touchscreen: Navigate to the “Service” menu on the touchscreen. From there, select “Tow Mode.”
Activate: Follow the on-screen prompts to activate Tow Mode. Confirm your selection.
Double-Check Gear Shifter Position: Ensure the car is in the correct position, typically neutral, to avoid any issues during towing.

Disengaging the Parking Brake Manually

Locate Parking Brake Controls: Find the parking brake controls, usually found next to the gear shifter.
Pull the Parking Brake Lever: Use your hand to pull and hold the parking brake lever until the brake is disengaged.
Check Brake Pedal Response: Press the brake pedal to confirm that the parking brake has been successfully disengaged.
Verify on the Touchscreen: The touchscreen should indicate that the parking brake is off.

Troubleshooting Tow Mode Activation

Key Detection Issues: If the vehicle doesn’t detect a key, try placing it in different positions or using a different key.
Low Voltage Power: If the car doesn’t have enough power, connect it to a charger to restore power.
Touchscreen Unresponsive: Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the screen resets to restart the touchscreen.
Parking Brake Issues: If the parking brake doesn’t disengage, check for any obstructions and ensure that the lever is being pulled correctly.

Towing a Tesla: Techniques and Equipment

When towing a Tesla, it is important to choose the right equipment and follow specific techniques to avoid damage. Below are key methods and tools used in towing, including flatbed trucks, wheel lifts with dollies, and tow eyes.

Using a Flatbed Truck for Towing

The recommended method for towing a Tesla is using a flatbed truck. This method reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain and suspension.

Before loading, ensure the Tesla is in “Transport Mode” to make moving easier.

Once Transport Mode is enabled, load the Tesla onto the flatbed using winches.

Make sure it is securely fastened with strong straps or chains.

Flatbed towing is especially crucial for the Tesla Model S and Model 3, as it keeps all wheels off the ground and avoids driving stress on the electric motors.

Utilizing Wheel Lifts and Dollies

Wheel lifts can be used when a flatbed truck is not available. For Teslas, it’s essential to also use dollies to lift the non-towing wheels off the ground. This method prevents potential damage to the vehicle’s low-hanging battery pack.

First, engage “Tow Mode” to allow freewheeling of the Tesla.

Use the wheel lifts to elevate the front or rear wheels, then place dollies under the opposite set.

This technique is particularly useful for emergency situations where the vehicle needs to be moved quickly.

Attaching the Tow Eye

The tow eye is a critical tool for safely pulling a Tesla when necessary.

The tow eye is typically located in the front trunk of the Tesla Model S, Model 3, and others.

To access it, press firmly on the top-right perimeter of the front tow eye cover until it pivots inward, then pull it out gently.

Once the tow eye is removed, screw it into the designated hole in the front or rear bumper.

The tow eye allows connection to a towing cable or hook without damaging the chassis, frame, or suspension.

Always ensure it’s properly secured before towing to prevent any mishaps.

Check out How to Access Tesla Fart Mode?

Post-Towing Procedures in Tesla

After towing a Tesla, it’s important to exit tow mode properly and perform aftercare steps to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition.

Exiting Tow Mode

To exit the Tow Mode, first ensure the vehicle is on a stable surface and in a secure location.

On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service > Towing and press the Cancel button.

This will deactivate Tow Mode and re-engage the vehicle’s normal driving functions.

It’s crucial to double-check that the vehicle is no longer in Tow Mode. Ensure that the notification indicating Tow Mode has been turned off. This step prevents any unintended actions when the vehicle is used next time.

Aftercare Following Towing

After towing, inspect the vehicle for any damage, particularly to the chassis, frame, and suspension components.

Verify that the tow eye was used correctly and there are no signs of strain or damage.

Check the energy systems and ensure that the battery is properly charged.

Towing can sometimes affect battery levels, so connecting the vehicle to a charging station is a good idea to restore optimal energy levels.

Lastly, if any issues are noticed or if in doubt, take the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center.

A professional inspection can confirm that all components are in good condition and functioning well after the towing procedure.

Transporting Tesla with a Trailer

Transporting a Tesla with a trailer involves several key steps including preparation and the correct use of the tow package. This ensures safe and efficient transportation.

Preparation for Transport

Before transporting, ensure Trailer Mode is engaged. This can be done via the touchscreen under Controls > Pedals & Steering > Trailer Mode.

Trailer Mode must be activated whenever a trailer is attached to your Tesla.

Check vehicle loading and distribute weight properly.

Make sure the tongue weight is within the specified limit.

For a Tesla Model Y, the maximum vertical load on the ball coupling is 72 kg.

Avoid exceeding the maximum towing capacity to prevent damage.

Ensure tire pressures are correct.

Proper tire inflation is crucial for safe towing.

Confirm the Tesla rests horizontally with the trailer attached.

If the vehicle is not level, it may indicate an overload.

Connecting and Using the Towing Package

Locate the hitch receiver and attach the appropriate ball mount.

The tow package for the Model Y includes a 50 mm ball coupling.

Secure it to the hitch receiver and ensure it is locked in place.

Check the trailer brakes if applicable.

Some trailers have their own braking system, which should be compatible with Tesla’s Transport Mode.

Regularly inspect the brake connections to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Verify that all brake lights, turn signals, and other electronics are working when connecting the trailer.

This is vital for safety and legal compliance.

Use the touchscreen to monitor Trailer Mode settings and adjust as needed.

Check out What is Chill Mode in Tesla?

Additional Considerations for Tesla Towing

When towing a Tesla, it’s important to understand both the capabilities and limitations involved in carrying accessories and how the Autopilot system behaves. Each factor contributes to ensuring a safe and efficient towing experience.

Carrying Accessories and Cargo

When planning to tow with a Tesla, it is crucial to consider the weight and type of cargo.

Tesla’s Model Y tow package supports vertical loads up to 160 pounds, including items like bicycles or skis.

Using Tesla-approved products ensures compatibility and safety.

Non-approved accessories might not fit securely, risking detachment during travel.

Always check the load limits specified for your model. Overloading can damage the car and affect handling.

When using the tow hitch, do not exceed the maximum weight limits.

This includes the combined weight of the trailer, cargo, and passengers.

Keeping within these limits helps maintain vehicle stability and ensures the safety of everyone on the road.

Limitations of Autopilot During Tow

Tesla’s Autopilot features greatly help during regular driving, but towing impacts their functionality.

Autopilot systems do not account for the added length and weight when towing a trailer.

Before towing, disengage any Autopilot features, as these might not perform correctly with extra load.

For instance, the trailer might obstruct the sensors and cameras, affecting their accuracy. This might lead to sudden braking or steering errors.

While towing, manually control the vehicle, especially in tight spaces or heavy traffic.

Always fold in the side mirrors and make sure the car is in “Tow Mode.” This prepares the Tesla for towing, reducing strain on the electronic systems and ensuring a smoother drive.

Conclusion

Towing a Tesla requires specific steps to ensure safety and avoid damage.

First, always engage Transport Mode by touching Controls > Service > Towing on the touchscreen.

Ensure the parking brake is disengaged when in tow mode. This allows the vehicle to be pushed or pulled easily.

Use the tow eye and secure it for proper attachment by turning counter-clockwise until fastened. This is important for safe towing.

When loading onto a flatbed, it’s crucial to lift the Tesla properly, with wheels off the ground to prevent any issues.

It is essential to follow these steps to transport a Tesla safely.

Ensuring the vehicle is in Transport Mode and wheels are suspended during transport helps avoid potential damages.

Follow these guidelines for effective and safe towing, and leave a comment if you have any questions.