Interesting topic (for those of us in earthquake areas--I live in California). Some observations:
- As far as I know, there is no way to use Sentry Mode without also having the Security Alarm setting turned on.
- As you probably know, Sentry Mode does four things: (1) monitors the surroundings with the car's sensors and cameras (Stage 1); (2) issues warnings using the car's headlights and turn signals (Stage 2); (3) sets off the alarm (Stage 3); and (4) messages the owner/driver of a security problem via the Tesla App (also Stage 3).
- EVRider-FL makes a good point: The basic security system (that comes on North American cars) sounds the alarm when an otherwise locked door/lift-gate is opened and the key/fob is not present, but not due solely to motion of the car. So an alarm of a Tesla car with just the basic security system should not be triggered in an earthquake, if I understand things correctly.
- In order to have that feature (motion detection) North American drivers must purchase the optional Enhanced Anti-Theft System ($350) from Tesla ("Shop" webpage). HOWEVER...
- Tesla vehicles in some markets (Europe, for example) automatically come with both standard and enhanced security systems. Is Japan one of those markets? I don't know.
- flvnsqrl, to see if your car has the enhanced (motion-detection) security system, look for the "Tilt / Intrusion" on-off control slider setting on the Safety & Security screen of your car's central touchscreen.
- Like the Security Alarm setting, the Tilt / Intrusion setting is automatically turned on (and cannot be turned off) if Sentry Mode is active. However, Security Alarm and Tilt / Intrusion settings are not turned off automatically if Sentry Mode is shut off.
Conclusions: I believe that if you want to use
Sentry Mode you must have the
Security Alarm turned on. However, if your car is not outfitted with motion detection ("
Tilt / Intrusion" setting), the alarm should not go off due to earthquake or any other motion,
But if your car does have motion detection, then the alarm probably will go off (for ~30 seconds) if you have
Sentry Mode turned on and there is a significant earthquake. Remember that even if you manually turn
Sentry Mode off, you must also be sure to turn
Tilt / Intrusion off, as well.
For more on the somewhat bewildering interplay among the three primary Tesla security systems/mechanisms--basic security, Enhanced Anti-Theft System, and Sentry Mode--see Post #4 of
Enhanced Anti-Theft System Control Settings.