Tesla has made a significant improvement to a notification about blocked or dirty cameras in a recent software update. In 2024.33.5 (or later), drivers are now alerted when their cameras are obstructed by dirt or debris, just like before, but the notification now provides more details, and is less annoying.
For Tesla owners familiar with previous notifications for blocked or dirty cameras, this rework is a significant improvement. While the traditional alert merely informed drivers of something blocking one or more of the on-board cameras, the new Camera Status feature offers a detailed view, letting users see exactly which camera(s) have reduced visibility.
The new notification, which reads “Camera Visibility Limited – Clean all dirt and debris from camera,” now also has a “View” button. By tapping this option on the in-vehicle notification, drivers are taken to a new ‘Camera Status’ display, which outlines which of the vehicle’s cameras have any dirt, debris, or other obstructions that may impact camera functionality.
In the example below, the front camera is pushing the alert, with specifically the right-most camera of the three cameras in the housing causing the issue. The display also says drivers should “remove dirt and debris from the camera view by cleaning the windshield or washing your vehicle. If condition persists after cleaning, contact Service.”
Not only does this new notification mark a significant enhancement over previous alert systems, it is also more user friendly. Before 2024.33.5, alerts for dirty or blocked cameras were repetitive, popping up repeatedly during a drive. The revamped alert system, however, provides a one-time notification that persists in the Camera Status menu without repeatedly popping up on the screen, according to third-party software tracker Teslascope.
Clean, unobstructed cameras are crucial for Autopilot and FSD to function optimally. With this new feature, which arrived just in time for winter driving, Tesla is making it easier for drivers to keep their cameras clear, and allows them to easily understand which camera is affected without needing to inspect each one manually.
Is this new? I’ve never received this notification before. Kinda cool @WholeMarsBlog @DirtyTesLa @teslascope @WifeDirtyTesla @Teslaconomics @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/bNg8VH1gmU
— Jeff (@juztenough) November 13, 2024
