Model X (2021 and newer): Emergency, Towing & Alerts

For a front door, we pull up the manual door release in front of the window switches. For a Falcon Wing rear door: 1) Carefully remove the speaker grille from the door. 2) Pull the mechanical release cable down and toward the front of the car. 3) Once the latch releases, lift the door up by hand. Tesla cautions to use these releases only without power or when necessary, as the window does not lower and can be damaged.

We need an external low voltage supply, such as a portable jump starter. 1) Unsnap the front tow eye cover with a small flat screwdriver. 2) Pull out the two wires. 3) Connect red (+) to red and black (-) to black. 4) Turn on the supply; the hood releases immediately. 5) Disconnect, black first. Tesla says to keep power connected no more than 30 seconds. These terminals only release the hood and do not charge the battery.

With a portable jump starter: 1) Open the hood using the no-power steps and remove the maintenance panel. 2) Connect red (+) to the jump post under the red cover; before about January 2023 it sits behind the wiper motor and fluid reservoir. 3) Connect black (-) to the ground point in front of the low voltage battery. 4) Turn the supply on and touch the touchscreen. 5) Disconnect, black first. Tesla warns Model X cannot jump-start another vehicle.

Tesla says not to count on any range at 0 miles (0 km) or 0%. If Model X runs out, we pull over safely and call Tesla Roadside Assistance or a tow provider, who should take it to the nearest charger. The low voltage system must then be jump-started before the car can charge, and the external supply is removed once charging starts. Tesla notes that towing and low voltage battery damage from running out are not covered by warranty.

Model X must be unplugged, with a key detected and low voltage power available. 1) Shift into Park and chock the tires. 2) Press and hold the brake pedal and touch Controls > Service > Towing. 3) Touch Enter Tow Mode; the button turns blue and the car rolls freely. Tesla says to move it only below 5 mph (8 km/h) and less than 30 ft (10 m). We exit with Exit Tow Mode or by shifting into Park.

Where available, we choose Roadside Assistance in the Tesla app to speed up the request. The phone number is also under Controls > Service on the touchscreen. In the United States and Canada we call 1-877-798-3752, and in Mexico 800-228-8145. We have the VIN ready (Controls > Software), plus our exact location and a description of the problem. Tesla says the service runs 24/7 for the duration of the warranty.

In the US, Emergency Drive Away lets us stop charging and drive away from a Tesla Supercharger with the connector still plugged in, only in a true emergency. 1) Press the brake to show the drive mode strip. 2) Select Drive or Reverse. 3) Keep braking and touch Activate. 4) Select Drive or Reverse again. Tesla warns it can damage the car and charger at our cost, and the car then needs a Tesla Service inspection.

Tesla suggests moving Model X to higher ground before a flood. If we cannot, we unplug it, lower the charge, set the air suspension to High or Very High and use Jack Mode before raising it on stands. Afterwards, we treat it as an accident, call our insurer, keep it unused until inspected and tow it at least 50 ft (15 m) from structures. Tesla warns to move away and call first responders if there is smoke, hissing or heat.

The Model X Troubleshooting Alerts page lists many charging alerts. Several point to the Wall Connector or building wiring, such as no ground, a ground fault, wrong input voltage or an overheated connection; Tesla suggests resetting the breaker or having an electrician check it. Others mean a communication error or a charge handle not fully seated, so we reseat it or try other equipment, then schedule service if it continues. Some battery alerts say not to charge until serviced.

On Model X, alert APP_w396 means hazy residue on the windshield is limiting the front camera's view, so Self-Driving features may be limited. Tesla suggests scheduling service to have the inside of the windshield in the camera area cleaned if needed. A related alert, APP_w304, means one or more cameras are blocked or blinded; Tesla asks us to clean the cameras and check the door pillar camera enclosures for condensation.

Model X air suspension self-levels even with the power off, so Tesla says to turn on Jack Mode first: 1) Touch Controls. 2) Press the brake and touch Very High. 3) Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode, which cancels above 4 mph (7 km/h). We then fit the tow eye from the front trunk, put the car in Tow Mode and winch it on slowly. Tesla warns never to transport Model X with its wheels on the ground.

On Model X, alert DI_a250 means adaptive ride control has been disabled, and a red indicator shows on the instrument panel. While the alert is active, top speed is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h) and the ride may feel softer than usual. If the alert persists, Tesla says to schedule service rather than ignore it.

On Model X, alert BMS_a027 means the car has repeatedly measured electrical isolation below Tesla's threshold, so it may not start again once it is turned off. Tesla says to schedule service immediately and not to drive any further. A related isolation alert, BMS_a151, tells us not to charge and to schedule service if the alert persists.

Alert APP_w207 means Autosteer cannot be used for now. Tesla says it is often caused by outside conditions such as faded lane markings, weather or glare, and it can also appear after exceeding the Autosteer speed limit. If it continues, we check for obstructions or damage and schedule service if we find none. If APP_w218 (Autosteer speed limit exceeded) shows, we take over steering immediately, then stop and shift into Park to reset.

On Model X, alerts DIF_a251, DIR_a251, DIREL_a251 and DIRER_a251 mean the gearbox fluid needs to be inspected. Tesla says the car is OK to drive for now, but extended driving with the alert active may cause permanent gearbox damage. So we schedule a service visit as soon as we can rather than ignoring the alert.