On your commute this morning, did you see the dreaded “Driver Assistance Features Unavailable” alert? Whether it’s your Model 3 or Model Y, having Autopilot and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) stop working is frustrating.
While many owners wait for an overnight “deep sleep” cycle or a software update, there is a faster way to regain control. By using the Tesla Service Mode password, you can manually reset the DAS ECU (Driver Assistance System) in minutes.
Why is your Tesla Cruise Control Unavailable?
Usually, this isn’t a hardware failure. It’s often a software glitch where the Tesla DAS ECU loses sync with the cameras or sensors. Common symptoms include:
- The Autopilot steering wheel icon disappears from the UI.
- Cruise Control fails to engage or shows an alert.
- The car doesn’t visualize surrounding traffic or lane lines.
5 Common Reasons Why Tesla Autopilot & Cameras Fail
Before diving into the reset, it is helpful to understand why this happens. In the USA, Tesla drivers often report these specific triggers:
1. Environmental Factors
Heavy rain, snow, or direct blinding sunlight can “blind” the Tesla Vision cameras. If the car cannot see clearly, it will disable Autopilot for safety.
2. Blocked or Dirty Sensors
Even a small fingerprint or dirt on the B-pillar camera or the front windshield can trigger a “Camera Blocked” alert. Always ensure your lenses are clean.
3. Software “De-Sync”
After a recent OTA (Over-the-Air) update, the car’s hardware (cameras) and software (ECU) might get out of sync. This is the most common reason why a manual reset is needed.
4. Fragmented Dashcam/Sentry Drive
Sometimes a corrupted USB drive used for Sentry Mode can cause the car’s computer to lag, affecting driver assistance features.
5. Hardware Calibration Issues
If you recently had a windshield replacement or a camera repair, the car may need a fresh calibration drive to “re-learn” its surroundings.
Step-by-Step: How to Reset Tesla DAS via Service Mode
If a standard scroll-wheel reboot fails, follow this technical procedure used by Tesla technicians to force restart Tesla driver assistance systems.
1. Enter Tesla Service Mode
- Go to the Controls menu on your touchscreen.
- Select Software.
- Long-press the text that says your Model Name (e.g., Model 3) for 3 seconds.
- When the prompt appears, type the Tesla Service Mode password:
service.
2. Access the Camera & Driver Assist Menu
- Once in the red-bordered Service Mode, tap the Driver Assist tab.
- Select Cameras.
- At the bottom, locate the button labeled Reset DAS.
3. The “Handshake” Verification (Safety Step)
To prevent accidental resets, Tesla requires a physical “handshake” to unlock the command:
- Press and hold the Brake Pedal.
- Hold the Right Turn Signal stalk in the “up” position.
- Keep holding both for 10–15 seconds.
- The Reset DAS button will turn blue/active. Tap Run.
4. System Reboot & Recovery
The screen will show “ECU is shutting down.” All camera indicators (represented by dots) will turn gray. Wait about 30 to 60 seconds. Once the status icons for the Cameras, Radar, and ECU turn Green, the system is successfully rebooted.
5. Exit and Verify Autopilot
Exit Service Mode by long-pressing the Exit button at the top of the screen. Shift the car into Park, then Drive. If the steering wheel icon appears, your Tesla Autopilot glitch is fixed!
When to Contact Tesla Service?
If you have performed the DAS Reset and your camera icons still show Red or Gray, it might be time to schedule a service visit.
- Failed Pitch Calibration: If the cameras are physically misaligned.
- Failing HW3/HW4 Computer: Rare, but hardware does fail.
- Faulty Wiring: Especially in the trunk or side mirrors.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Tesla Driver Assistance Issues
Q: Is it safe to use the Tesla Service Mode password? A: Yes, as long as you only follow the DAS reset path. Do not modify battery or drivetrain settings as those are for advanced diagnostics.
Q: Will this fix “Camera Calibration” issues? A: No. If your car says “Calibrating,” you simply need to drive on well-marked highways. This reset is specifically for when the system is completely unresponsive.
Q: What if the Reset DAS button is grayed out? A: This is common. It means the “handshake” (Brake + Turn Signal) wasn’t held long enough. Try holding both firmly for at least 15 seconds.
Q: Does this work for Model Y autopilot glitches too? A: Yes, this procedure is identical for both the Model 3 and Model Y.
Conclusion
Don’t let a software glitch ruin your road trip. While Tesla’s “sleep” mode usually fixes things eventually, the Service Mode DAS reset is the most effective way to regain your Autopilot features immediately