Photo: Tesla, via @Tslachan
Tesla released FSD V12.4 to employees along with the 2024.9.5 software update. As Elon Musk promised last week, the new version of FSD removes the tormentor of the steering wheel in favor of monitoring the driver via a camera in certain conditions. The new software also comes with an updated warning system for drivers who abuse the FSD software.
Last week, Elon Musk offered the necessary updates regarding the FSD software at X.com (formerly Twitter). The Tesla CEO promised that V12.4 will be rolled out to Tesla employees this week, while customers are expected to receive it next week. THE VE The manufacturer has fulfilled its part of the contract as FSD V12.4 has started internal testing as planned. Unless there is something seriously wrong with this release, regular customers should receive it by the end of the month.
One of the biggest changes made by the new version of the FSD was the removal of the header on the steering wheel, which annoyed most owners and did not provide much safety. Some Tesla owners have complained that they are required to apply a small amount of torque to the steering wheel every few minutes. For new FSD buyers, this was not optimal, as moving the steering wheel a little more than necessary could turn the FSD off completely. This could surprise newcomers and even lead to dangerous situations as they try to figure out what happened.
That’s why experienced FSD testers asked Tesla to remove the puzzle. Elon Musk promised that FSD V12.4 would achieve this, and Tesla delivered. Although it didn’t completely eliminate the problem, its implementation was much improved. For starters, the in-cab camera is now becoming increasingly important for driver monitoring. However, some restrictions may cause the system to revert to checking the steering wheel.
This includes situations where the cabin camera is blocked, the light is dim, and the driver’s eyes are covered by sunglasses or low-brimmed hats. The steering wheel sound is also activated when the driver is not looking ahead. Of course, don’t expect the steering wheel to be removed if you’re driving an old Tesla EV without a dash cam.
Tesla also changed the way its suspension (damping) system works when drivers aren’t paying attention. The pilot is currently launched from autopilot and FSD after five “scratches”. When this happens, I cannot use these automated driving features for a week. The new system will continue to issue payouts if you don’t pay attention, but each withdrawal will expire after a week if you don’t get another one within that time.
According to the release notes, Autopilot withdrawals will be forgiven for each seven-day period in which you receive no new withdrawals. Each time you receive a strikeout, the timer restarts. Once you reach five withdrawals, the FSD feature will be removed for about a week, just like before. Tesla fans welcomed the changes on social media.