Man Nearly Loses a Finger Testing Tesla Cybertruck’s Front Trunk Sensors
Most automatic tailgates in ICE vehicles have auto-pinch sensors for detecting resistance that stops the trunk from closing when it detects an object—not so with the Cybertruck.
In a series of videos that have circulated since the launch of the Cybertruck, users have demonstrated how the front trunk or frunk is lacking an auto-pinch sensor and the results have been many decimated cucumbers and bananas.
Tesla acknowledged this shortcoming and provided an over-the-air update to the sensors of the car that should have fixed the problem.
Well, for YouTuber Jeremy Judkins, the OTA update didn’t quite fix the issue.
After testing the sensor successfully with his arm and the back of his hand, he proceeded to insert his finger into the gap of the frunk.
You can guess what happens next as the frunk came down on his finger with full force before releasing automatically.
A representative from Tesla later informed the YouTuber that this was a feature not a bug as the software is instructed to close harder after sensing resistance the third time.
Presumably, the sensor would close down harder each time it feels resistance. This would be useful if say, a bag was in the way of it closing and you don’t want to get up and move your bag for the frunk to close.
The same software update was even highlighted by the BBC’s Top Gear in a video that hasn’t aged very well given the circumstances.
Additionally, a Cybertruck evangelist even broke his finger while attempting the finger test on his Cybertruck.
While it’s nice to dunk on a truck that goes out of its way to be futuristic but gets basic features like the accelerator pedal wrong, nobody should be putting fingers in automatic tailgates to test the auto-pinch sensors.
Even if you own an ICE vehicle from a reputable brand, just stop putting your digits in dangerous places. Be mindful of your members and that of your loved ones and be prepared for danger even if manufacturers have features that save you from yourself.
