Netizens discovered that Tesla FSD has hidden the "Tesla mode", which can activate "fully autonomous driving" with one click?

Tesla's hidden "super secret" in the FSD autopilot system has been exposed by netizens.

Recently, a hacker known for exposing hidden content in Tesla's programs, @Greentheonly, discovered that the FSD test software contains a secret feature called "Elon Mode", which allows the vehicle to be driven without hands on the wheel.

The hacker tested the feature for a long 600-mile (about 1000 km) drive and recorded the experience on video.

As we all know, Tesla's driver monitoring system (DMS) is known for its "nagging" function. It reminds drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and focus on the road by vibrating the steering wheel.

Due to the high frequency of reminders, it is often criticized by drivers. The system also requires the driver to lightly push the steering wheel to confirm their attention during use. If the force is not well controlled, the system may be accidentally turned off.

In addition, the reminder to ensure that the driver is looking ahead is also often complained about. For example, once the system detects that the driver is wearing a baseball cap, it will keep reminding "please pay attention to the road conditions". Sometimes it will even issue a warning that if the user makes the same mistake four times, they will lose their FSD privileges.

The so-called "Elon Mode" brings a paradigm shift to this system.

The hacker found that when "Elon Mode" is enabled, the system will turn off the steering wheel prompt function and will not vibrate the steering wheel when hands are off the wheel. Instead, it will completely monitor the driver's status through the in-car camera to ensure that the driver is focused on driving.

"Elon Mode" will also change the strength of the brakes, so that the vehicle will not brake too hard when encountering sudden deceleration.

In addition, under "Elon Mode", Tesla vehicles may randomly change lanes or drive at a slower speed, but this mode may cause other drivers to become road rage.

It is worth noting that in the video, Greentheonly seems to be driving an old Model X, which may be too old to have a built-in camera. It is currently unclear whether this model is equipped with a camera, or how GreenTheOnly accessed the vehicle system.

For many years, Greentheonly has been studying Tesla's software and has discovered some secrets, such as how Tesla prevents users from using the electric seat or center camera before activating Tesla. FSD is Tesla's vision-based advanced driver assistance system, which is currently in the testing phase. Last month, an internal leaked report showed that Tesla had received thousands of customer complaints about sudden braking and acceleration of FSD.

In early June, Tesla announced the opening of FSD to other car companies, which was seen by the outside world as the "ChatGPT moment" of autonomous driving.