I’m very new to Model 3 ownership. One of the things I was looking forward to is automatic parking. So far, I’ve had no success getting the car to even suggest doing so. Is there some setting I’m missing? As I read the manual, it should always be enabled and is independent of Autopilot. Suggestions? Thanks.
First of all, congratulations on your Model 3!! I hope you love it as much as I love mine.
So —- please done take what I’m about to say as an indictment of Model 3. I adore mine, and am glad I also bought the FSD Package. I use auto-lane-change and navigate-on-Autopilot quite a lot.
You are right, there’s no settings for it and has nothing to do with Autopilot modes. It either detects a spot and offers to autopark, or not.
That said ... not so much Autopark. Here’s why:
It only works in VERY limited situations.
Are you trying to parallel or perpendicular park?
Parallel parking, only works between cars (ie not at the end of a block or such) that are spaced no more than about 20 feet apart. The way to activate is to drive past the spot, almost an entire car length. Once the little “P in a circle” shows up (if it shows up) - put it in reverse and press the “Start parking” button that shows up.
For perpendicular parking, same kinda thing - pass the spot - almost 2 cars away and hope the P comes up.
Both are finicky and for me, those right scenarios only appear very infrequently.
To be honest, Autopark is the only real disappointing feature on Model 3 for me. It’s finicky, unavailable more often than it’s available, slow slow slow and makes me all sorts of nervous. Gets too close to other cars for my comfort.
I can do a MUCH better job parking, in a fraction of the time.
Auto park, for me, is a parlor trick. Much like Summon today.
Both are cool, but the current implementation are of very limited practical use for me.