Phantom Braking while using Autopilot

[Petra]

False positives have been an issue ever since the introduction of the first version of the Autopilot suite. Like with the old Hardware 1 Autopilot, the current Autopilot system will continue to improve over time via software updates and false positives will occur much less often. If you're paying attention, it's not hard to counter false positive braking with a quick jab of the accelerator.

 

[brobinson]

Something similar happened twice to me while driving a 100D loaner w/ AP a couple of weeks ago. Never happened while I had the EAP trial on my model 3.

 

[usofrob]

I've had my car for like 700 miles so far, but most of it has been with AP engaged. I think I've had it happen at least 3 times. All times when nothing was in front of me. Sometimes in the dark. It's really quite a good reminder to keep paying attention with you hands and feet.

 

[Richard L Miller]

I wonder if this erratic AP behavior will be corrected in the new software update to be released supposedly with the next few weeks.

 

[Richard L Miller]

I wonder if this erratic AP behavior will be corrected in the new software update Musk says will be released supposedly with the next few weeks.

 

[iwannam3]

In these situations, you should always do a bug report. Press the mic button and say "bug report" and the issue (all as one sentence).

By doing the bug report, Tesla can pull the car log to see the exact issue.

Is "bug report" documented in the manual anywhere? I've seen discussions that just mentioned Play, Navigate and Call as the only voice commands available.

 

[Yuri_G]

I wonder if this erratic AP behavior will be corrected in the new software update to be released supposedly with the next few weeks.

You have to consider the opposite behavior, where the software ignores some obstruction in front of you and runs into it. The phantom braking is being overly cautious in order to prevent frontal collisions. It will hopefully get better at recognizing false positives over time.

 

[MP3Mike]

Is "bug report" documented in the manual anywhere? I've seen discussions that just mentioned Play, Navigate and Call as the only voice commands available.

Yes it is. From the manual:

Contacting Tesla
For detailed information about your Model 3,
go to www.tesla.com, and log on to your Tesla
Account, or sign up to get an account.
If you have any questions or concerns about
your Model 3, call 1-877-79TESLA
(1-877‑798-3752).
Note: You can also use voice commands to
provide feedback to Tesla. Say "Note",
"Report", "Bug note", or "Bug report" followed
by your brief comments. Model 3 takes a
snapshot of its systems, including your current
location, vehicle diagnostic data, and screen
captures of the touchscreen. Tesla periodically
reviews these notes and uses them to
continue improving Model 3.

 

[iwannam3]

Yes it is. From the manual:

Thanks, that is pretty deep in the fine print weeds.

 

[Raechris]

Known issue - happened a few times on a road trip two months ago, in heavier traffic while driving underneath overpasses. Since then, when I approach an underpass I have my foot on the accelerator pedal and apply light pressure, just to the point where the car starts to recognize you're speeding up intentionally.

Hasn't happened again since - over 6000 miles later. I've read somewhere that Tesla is collecting information about specific bridges/areas (via bug report or otherwise) that the phantom braking occurs in order to study how to incorporate into Autopilot while still keeping aware. Not sure how much truth there is into that but hopefully they figure it out.

+1 but I just hover foot prepared to intervene. This happens but not a lot and is usually direct camera sun, overpass or tree shading from low angle sun. It is surprising but more an annoyance than dangerous. I m always keeping an eye on autopilot and ready to flick it off and resume manual operation. I prefer a cautious AP to one that is not.

 

[SailinSlow]

Were you passing under a bridge that cast a shadow on the road in front of you? In most cases that’s what causes these sudden braking events.

I just returned to New Hampshire from a driving trip to visit family in Wisconsin and Michigan. I had several instance of sudden slowing while in cruise control when passing under bridges during the days and when certain on coming bright lights encountered. That might be blue police lights at a construction site or headlight reflections off a billboard or large highway sign.
Is there a fix?

 

[roblab]

I've pretty much quit trying to use AP. TACC plus my hand lightly on the wheel is just about the same as AP since you're supposed to keep your hand on the wheel in that instance, too, and TACC holds it in the lane.

 

[Padelford]

I've pretty much quit trying to use AP. TACC plus my hand lightly on the wheel is just about the same as AP since you're supposed to keep your hand on the wheel in that instance, too, and TACC holds it in the lane.

TACC is only speed control, NOT auto-steering.

 

[Padelford]

Thanks, that is pretty deep in the fine print weeds.

All Tesla owners should have the 1-877-79TESLA on their cell phones and use it whenever one experiences AP/NoA/FSD Beta problems. Unfortunately, the call does not work 24-7. No one answers on Sundays or after 7 PM PST.