With Tesla’s Boombox mode, you can kick back and enjoy your favorite tunes from your Tesla’s external PWS speakers. While this fun feature was once used for fun sounds on the road, safety concerns by the NHTSA led to a recall. These days, Boombox mode can only be used when your Tesla is in Park.

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What is Tesla Boombox mode?

Boombox is an app in Tesla’s Toybox that uses PWS external speakers to play audio outside your car–but only when your Tesla is in Park.

According to Tesla, Boombox mode allows you to “turn your car into a boombox and entertain a crowd through a media player when parked.”

When Boombox is enabled, you can control the volume–and even use customized sounds through a specifically-formatted USB drive. Boombox mode comes with a drop-down menu with preprogrammed sound options, but you can add up to five custom sounds with your USB.

Originally, Boombox mode could be used in Drive, Neutral, and Reverse in addition to Park–but due to safety concerns by the NHTSA, a recall was issued. Through an over-the-air free software update, Tesla changed Boombox so that it can only be used in Park. Keep scrolling for more details on the recall.

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How to turn on Tesla Boombox mode

Using Boombox mode on your Tesla is easy. All you have to do is click on the Application Launcher icon at the bottom of your Tesla screen. From there, select the “Toybox” folder. You’ll see the Boombox option and a drop-down menu of built-in sounds. To upload your own custom sounds, follow the instructions

here.

Does Tesla still have Boombox mode?

While a recall was issued for over 500k vehicles on account of Boombox mode, you can still use the Tesla Boombox mode.

The initial problem surrounded pedestrian safety. Because electric vehicles are so much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts, Federal law requires electric vehicles to make a sound to warn pedestrians that a vehicle is approaching. This is referred to as a Pedestrian Warning System (PWS).

The recall was issued because NHTSA determined that Boombox mode could prevent Pedestrian Warning Systems (PWS) from being heard. As a result, Tesla issued a free software update so that Boombox mode could only be used in Park.

Regardless, it’s still a good idea to check your local laws before using Boombox in a public place.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about the Tesla self-driving car

Which Teslas have Boombox mode?

The only Tesla models with Boombox mode are the Model S, 3, X, and Y.

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FAQs

Is Tesla Boombox mode legal?

As long as your car is in Park, it is legal to use Tesla’s Boombox mode. A recall was issued prohibiting the use of Boombox mode in Reverse, Drive, or Neutral. Luckily, Tesla issued a software update that prevents drivers from using Boombox mode outside of Drive, so provided you’ve done all of your updates you shouldn’t have to worry about it.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have Boombox mode?

Yes—the Tesla Model 3 has Boombox mode. Boombox mode is available on the Tesla Model S, 3, X, and Y.

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