Model Y (2025 and newer): Emergency, Towing & Alerts

In the front, we pull up the manual door release in front of the window switches. In the rear, we 1) slide a finger into the slot at the bottom of the door pocket, in front of the release cover, and lift the cover off, 2) pull the mechanical release cable forward. Tesla warns never to use the manual releases while moving, and notes the window does not lower automatically, so the window or trim can be damaged.

We need an external low voltage supply, such as a portable jump starter. 1) Press the top right edge of the front tow eye cover until it pivots, and pull it out. 2) Pull out the two wires. 3) Connect red (+) to red, then black (-) to black. 4) Turn on the supply; the hood unlatches at once. 5) Disconnect black first. Tesla says not to leave the cables on over 30 seconds; this cannot charge the battery.

With an external low voltage supply, we 1) open the hood using the no-power steps, 2) pull up the maintenance panel, 3) fold the HEPA filter gasket forward, pull back the black seal and remove the red cover, 4) connect red (+) to that jump post and black (-) to the HEPA filter bolt under the frunk trim, 5) turn on the supply and touch the screen. We disconnect black first. Tesla warns Model Y must never jump-start another vehicle.

At zero range the low voltage battery is no longer supported, so the car cannot charge until an external supply powers it. We pull over safely and call Tesla Roadside Assistance or a tow provider, who should take the car to the nearest charger and stay until it is charging. Tesla warns not to assume any range is left at 0 mi (0 km), and says resulting towing and low voltage battery damage are not covered by warranty.

The car must be unplugged, with a key detected, the parking brake on and low voltage power available. We 1) shift into Park and chock the wheels, 2) hold the brake and touch Controls > Service > Towing, 3) touch Enter Tow Mode; the button turns blue. It then rolls freely for winching onto a flatbed, only below 5 mph (8 km/h) for under 30 ft (10 m). Tesla warns never to transport it with wheels that can spin.

We use the Roadside Assistance option in the Tesla app where available, or find the phone number in Controls > Service. In the US and Canada it is 1-877-798-3752 (1-877-79TESLA); in Mexico, 800-228-8145. We have the VIN ready (Controls > Software, or through the windshield on the driver side), plus our exact location and the nature of the problem. Tesla says Roadside is available 24/7 for the warranty period.

In the US only, Emergency Drive Away lets us stop charging and drive away from a Tesla Supercharger with the connector still plugged in, only when there is an immediate threat to our safety. We 1) press the brake, 2) shift into Drive or Reverse, 3) keep braking and touch Activate, 4) shift again to drive. Tesla warns it is a last resort, never for convenience; we are liable for any damage, and Tesla Service must inspect the car afterwards.

Tesla says to treat a submerged car as if it had been in an accident and to contact our insurance company. We do not operate it until an authorized shop has inspected it, which Tesla owners can book through Tesla Service. It should be towed at least 50 ft (15 m) from structures, other cars and anything combustible. If we see fire or smoke, hear popping or hissing, or feel heat, we move away and call first responders.

Each Unable to charge alert names a cause. Charge station not powered (CP_a053): we try other equipment. Vehicle connection issue (CP_a133): we push the handle fully in until it latches, or try other equipment. Maximum charge level reached (BMS_a079): charging only works below 50%; it is OK to drive, but we schedule service. Service required (BMS_a123): we do not charge, schedule service, and call Roadside Assistance if we notice unusual smells, sounds or damage.

Alert APP_w396 means hazy residue on the windshield may be limiting the front camera and Self-Driving features. We check the windshield, and if the alert shows again on the next planned drive, we schedule service to clean the inside of the windshield camera area (see Controls > Service > Maintenance). A related alert, APP_w222, makes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer unavailable; it is OK to drive, and we clean the top center of the windshield.

These alerts point to the high voltage battery. With BMS_a027, isolation has dropped over several drives, and Tesla says to schedule service right away and not drive further until it is inspected. BMS_a035 and BMS_a151 mean reduced isolation was found while driving or charging; with a151 we do not charge. BMS_a059 means pack voltage does not match the cell readings; it is OK to drive, but we schedule service if it persists.

Alert APP_w207 usually means outside conditions, such as faded lane markings, narrow or winding roads, poor visibility, glare or extreme temperatures, are stopping Autosteer. It also appears if we exceeded the Autosteer speed limit while it was on. It is OK to drive. If it continues into the next drive, we check for mud, ice or snow, mounted objects, paint, wraps or stickers, and bumper damage, then schedule service if we find damage or no cause.

Alert ICR_a137 means that, with all doors closed, the in-cabin radar is blocked, which can make occupant detection, the automatic parking brake and the display status inaccurate. Common causes are objects attached to the headliner above the rear view mirror and large objects near the front of the cabin. We move whatever is near the dome lights and the alert clears by itself; if it stays, we schedule service.