Tesla Alert: Automatic Emergency Braking Is Disabled (Solved)
Updated: May 24
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a vital safety feature found in many modern vehicles, including Tesla cars.
Utilising advanced sensors, this technology predicts potential collisions and initiates automatic braking to slow down or bring the vehicle to a complete stop, mitigating or avoiding the impact altogether.
For Tesla drivers, receiving an alert that reads "Automatic Emergency Braking is Disabled" can be a cause for concern.
This notification indicates that the AEB system is not functioning correctly and is inactive. Fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue, which we'll explore in this article.
Alongside explaining the AEB warning message, we will also dive into the functionality of this crucial safety system.
By understanding how AEB works, drivers can appreciate its importance and take necessary measures to ensure it is operating correctly.
Table of Contents:
Tesla "Automatic Emergency Braking Is Disabled" Meaning
If a Tesla driver receives an alert stating that "Automatic Emergency Braking is disabled," it means that the AEB system is inactive and will not engage in the event of an anticipated collision, which could pose a safety risk.
The notification doesn't indicate that the brakes are faulty; rather, it suggests that the AEB system in the Tesla car has been disabled for a particular reason.
Causes of an AEB Disabled Alert
There are a few reasons why the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system may be disabled, including software updates, sensor issues, and user settings.
Software Updates
Tesla cars receive regular software updates, which may temporarily disable the AEB system. However, this is a normal process, and the system should be re-enabled once the update is completed.
Sensor Issues
The AEB system relies on sensors and cameras to function accurately. If these sensors or cameras become dirty or obstructed, the system may not operate correctly.
Cleaning the sensors and cameras or removing any obstruction can help rectify the issue.
User Settings
Tesla car settings offer the option to turn off or modify the AEB system. If the owner accidentally switches off AEB or modifies the settings, they can quickly turn it back on by accessing the car's settings.
To turn AEB back on, go to Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Emergency Braking and switch it back on.
Requires Re-Calibration
Another reason for an AEB warning message could be that the system needs re-calibration. This is typically the case if a camera, sensor, or windshield has been replaced recently.
In rare cases, the AEB system itself may malfunction, requiring a visit to a Tesla service center for repair.
A malfunction could be caused by issues in the system's software or hardware, and it may need to be diagnosed and fixed by a trained technician.
Like any mechanical or electrical parts, the AEB system can occasionally fail, resulting in an AEB failure.
Fixing Teslas AEB Disabled Issue
The reason for the Automatic Emergency Braking system being disabled on a Tesla can vary, and the solution will depend on the specific cause of the problem.
Here are some possible solutions for fixing the fault in the automatic emergency brake system.
Clean the car and sensors
Manually power off
Soft reset
Recalibrate the cameras
Speak with customer service
1. Clean the Car
To prevent the automatic braking system from disabling, it is advisable to clean your Tesla, including the sensors and cameras, to ensure that no obstructions are present.
Often, the problem is as simple as dirt and debris obstructing the cameras and sensors, leading to the disabling of the automatic braking system.
2. Manually Power Off (using the touchscreen)
If you encounter an emergency braking issue, a possible initial fix is to manually power off your Tesla using the following method.
On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety > Power Off.
Wait for a few minutes.
Turn the power back on either by touching the screen or pressing the brake pedal.
3. Tesla 2-Button Soft Reset (using the steering wheel scroll wheels)
The "soft reset" solution is a classic troubleshooting technique that has been in use since the days of PC computers, where restarting the machine was often the first step when issues like freezing or hanging occurred.
This same principle applies to Tesla vehicles, where performing a soft reset can be a helpful initial step when encountering errors or unusual behavior on the display screen.
To perform a soft reset on a Tesla, follow these simple steps:
Locate the two scroll buttons on the steering wheel of the Tesla vehicle.
Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
The screen will go blank and then begin to restart.
The Tesla "T" logo will appear, signaling that the vehicle's system is back online.
While this technique may not be a surefire solution for all errors, it is a quick and easy fix to try before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting methods.
If the error message or odd behavior persists even after a soft reset, it may be necessary to refer to the vehicle's owner manual or contact Tesla customer service for further assistance.
4. Recalibrate the Cameras
If soft resetting or powering off your Tesla does not fix the automatic emergency braking disabled alert, recalibrating the cameras may be a possible solution.
Recalibrating the cameras may cause some features such as autopilot and self-driving to become unavailable until the process is complete.
The touchscreen will display a progress indicator while the camera self-calibration is in progress.
Follow the steps below to recalibrate the cameras:
Delete the calibration memory by going to Controls > Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration.
Drive for 25-30 miles to allow the cameras to recalibrate.
Check if the issue is resolved and if the warning message still appears.
A camera recalibration is often a successful solution to fix the automatic braking issue.
5. Speak With Tesla Customer Service
If the "Automatic Emergency Braking is Disabled" alert continues to appear even after attempting the solutions mentioned above, contacting Tesla customer service and scheduling a service appointment is likely necessary.
In rare instances, the issue could be related to faulty autopilot hardware or software, and specialized assistance may be required.
To book an appointment directly from the Tesla app, follow these steps:
Go to Service in the app.
Click Request Service.
Select Driver Assistance Features under Vehicle System and then Other - Driver Assistance Features.
Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment.
Tesla's customer service team is always available to provide assistance and ensure that your vehicle is functioning correctly.
It's important to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle's safety features are working correctly.
What Is Teslas Automatic Emergency Braking?
Tesla's Automatic Emergency Braking system is a crucial safety feature that utilizes a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to identify potential collisions.
When an imminent collision is detected, the system applies the brakes automatically to slow or stop the vehicle, helping to prevent or lessen the impact.
While this technology can provide a valuable layer of safety, drivers must be aware of its limitations and maintain control of their vehicle at all times.
The AEB system is active by default on all Tesla vehicles and operates within a specific speed range of 3 mph (5 kph) to 90 mph (150 kph), ensuring comprehensive protection for drivers in any situation.
AEB capabilities are available on all Tesla models, guaranteeing full compliance with the latest safety standards.
Studies have shown that the automatic emergency braking system can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 43% and frontal collisions by up to 27%, highlighting the importance of this feature in enhancing the safety of drivers and passengers.
Whether you choose a Model S, Model 3, Model X, or Model Y, you can be confident that your Tesla vehicle comes equipped with the latest in safety technology, providing you with the peace of mind that you and your passengers are well-protected.
How Does Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Work?
Automatic Emergency Braking systems rely on a sophisticated blend of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to identify potential collisions on the road ahead.
These sensors work together to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects that may pose a hazard to the driver.
When a potential collision is detected, the system instantly calculates the distance and closing speed between the vehicle and the object and determines whether or not braking is necessary.
If the system decides that braking is required, it will automatically apply the brakes to slow down or stop the vehicle, helping to prevent or minimize the impact of the collision.
This advanced safety technology is a valuable feature that provides drivers with an extra layer of protection on the road, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
By working tirelessly in the background, the Automatic Emergency Braking system ensures that drivers can stay focused on the road ahead, confident in the knowledge that their vehicle is equipped with the latest in safety technology.
How to Turn on Tesla Emergency Braking?
Activating the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) feature on a Tesla requires the owner to navigate through the vehicle settings and ensure that the feature is enabled.
The precise steps to enable the AEB feature may vary based on the Tesla model, but it can typically be found in either the "Safety & Security" or "Autopilot" settings.
If the owner needs assistance in finding the settings, they can refer to the Tesla owner's manual or reach out to Tesla customer service for help.
Can Automatic Emergency Braking Be Turned Off?
While it is possible for vehicle owners to disable the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) feature through the settings, it's important to note that doing so may reduce the vehicle's overall safety capabilities.
As such, it is recommended that the AEB feature is only turned off in specific situations, such as racing or track events.
To temporarily disable the AEB feature, navigate to the Automatic Emergency Braking setting by going to Controls > Settings > Driver Assistance > Collision Avoidance Assist.
It's worth noting that the AEB system is enabled by default and will automatically re-activate the next time the Tesla vehicle is driven.
In most cases, it's advisable to leave the AEB feature enabled and allow the system to work in potentially dangerous situations.
By keeping the AEB system active, Tesla drivers can benefit from the additional safety features that this technology provides, reducing the risk of accidents and helping to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road.
Conclusion
Automatic Emergency Braking is a critical safety feature that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect drivers and passengers from harm.
However, Tesla owners may receive an alert indicating that this feature is disabled, which can be caused by various issues such as software updates, sensor problems, or user settings.
In such cases, it's essential to resolve the issue using the steps outlined in this article or by contacting Tesla's customer service for assistance.
It's important to keep in mind that the Automatic Emergency Braking feature is designed to enhance safety and should only be turned off if necessary.
If the Automatic Emergency Braking system is disabled, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to ensure that the vehicle's safety capabilities are fully restored.
By following the recommended steps and seeking assistance when needed, Tesla owners can enjoy the full benefits of this critical safety feature and drive with confidence.
