To stop or slow down the car via regenerative braking automatically, folks often use the Vehicle Hold. But, this feature can be unavailable when dealing with issues.
If you see Vehicle Hold Feature Unavailable or similar error alerts, it can mean a lot of things. Mostly, this alert signals a system bug, firmware issue, or the car is set to Creep/Roll. Then again, some aspects like bulky vehicle load, shift to Neutral gear, and so on can disable it.
As this topic can’t be covered in 3 lines, I’ll share the reasons and solutions for this alert in this guide. Let me lift the veil for you!
Cause and Fixes of Tesla Vehicle Hold Feature Unavailable!
To fix the Tesla Hold mode not working issue, you need to figure out the root reasons for it. Let me break these down here in the simplest way so you can later debug them:
Cause #1: System Malfunction
The Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled in Tesla alerts to indicate an internal system bug. It can cause other features like Tesla Traction Control or Autopilot to get disabled. You can resolve the issue by doing a basic reset process and powering off the car.
How to Troubleshoot?
After getting inside the car, try the 2-button reset by pressing the steering wheel’s left and right scroll buttons for 10 seconds. Then, wait for the screen to return.
If the error alert doesn’t go from the touchscreen or instrumental panel, then go to the Controls > Safety > Power Off option.
Next, click on the Power Off to reboot the system, and do not touch any parts for 5 minutes. Thereupon, press the brake pedal to wake up the car.
Cause #2: Firmware Bug
Tesla can temporarily turn off some features including Vehicle Hold when it detects mismatched firmware. In that case, you’ll need to wait for the following update and then download the software on the car’s screen.
How to Troubleshoot?
Once you get the latest update to your car, use the touchscreen and go to Controls > Software > Update Available section.
Then, hit on the Software Update option that you’ll see on the screen. Wait for it to download completely and then you’ll be able to use the Vehicle Hold.
Also, download the latest firmware using the Tesla app. To do that, open the app and click on Software Update > Install or Yes and let the car do its work.
If you don’t get the latest update, be sure to reboot the car and then check for the software.
Cause #3: Stopping Mode Is Set to Creep or Roll
Sometimes this alert can pop on the screen when you set the Stopping Mode to Creep or Roll setting instead of Hold. You can resolve the issue by pressing the brake using a little force or changing the setting to Hold.
How to Troubleshoot?
For the instant solution, check which setting your car is using. If it’s on Creep or Roll, just lightly press the brake pedal when you want to stop the car.
However, I recommend changing the setting to Hold by clicking on Controls > Pedals and Steering or Driving > Stopping Mode > Hold.
Cause #4: Other Factors
There are some aspects that can trigger the Vehicle Hold feature and cause it to turn off or get unavailable for a while. Such as:
- Driving with a heavy vehicle load or on a long hill.
- Driving on a road that is wet or snowy.
- Forget to close the doors.
- Shifting the gear to N (Neutral).
- Actively braking for 10 minutes cause the car to shift to P (Park).
- Tesla Valet Mode is turned on and it restricts this feature.
How to Troubleshoot?
- Avoid driving on a tall hill or when you carry bulky stuff inside the car.
- Do not drive on a road that is terribly wet or snowy unless you are ready to use the brake pedal.
- Open the door and again close it with a little force.
- When trying to use the Hold feature, do not shift the gear to N (Neutral).
- Do not use the brake pedals actively for 10 minutes which causes the Hold feature to cancel. Plus, it can cause the car to think the driver is not inside the car.
- Turn off the Valet Mode using the Tesla app (Controls > Valet Mode) when using the Vehicle Hold feature.
Wrapping Up
You’ll need to use the brake pedal to stop the ride after getting the Tesla Vehicle Hold Feature Unavailable alert on the screen or instrumental panel.
Be sure to try the above fixes before going to the service center. And if nothing works, you can schedule a meeting for service and get the issue resolved via expert help.
Plus, don’t get a mini heart attack from this, and stay calm when driving on the road. Hope this guide helps you to understand this topic well. See Ya!
