Cover - North America 5.8.2.

fm Page 1 Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:10 PM

MODEL S
OWNER’S MANUAL

V6.0_DAS
 Cover - North America 5.8.2.fm Page 2 Thursday, January 16, 2014 3:10 PM

The Model S Owners Manual is available on the touchscreen.

To view it, touch CONTROLS > SETTINGS > MANUAL
(located in the lower left corner).

More information about your Model S is available at

www.teslamotors.com/mytesla.

To contact Tesla, call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).

DOCUMENT APPLICABILITY
Features released in the most recent versions of software may not be described in this document but are
described in Release Notes. Display Release Notes on the touchscreen by touching the Tesla “T” at the top
center of the touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes link. If information provided in this document
conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release Notes take precedence.

ILLUSTRATIONS
The illustrations provided in this document are for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options,
software version and market region, the information displayed on the touchscreen in your Model S may appear
slightly different.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications and descriptions contained in this document are verified to be accurate at the time of printing.
However, because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make product
modifications at any time.

ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, please send an email to:
ownersmanualfeedback@teslamotors.com.

©2012-2014 TESLA MOTORS, INC. All rights reserved.

All information in this document and all MODEL S® software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property
rights of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the prior written permission of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available
upon request. The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and
other countries:

TESLA TESLA MOTORS TESLA MODEL S

ROADSTER

HOMELINK® and the HOMELINK® house icon are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. Bluetooth® is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Android™ and
Google Maps™ are trademarks of Google, Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM
Radio Inc. Pandora is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc. Spotify is a registered trademark of the Spotify
Group. All other trademarks contained in this document are the property of their respective owners and their use
herein does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of their products or services. The unauthorized use of any
trademark displayed in this document or on the vehicle is strictly prohibited.
 Contents

Overview............................................ 2 Charging.......................................... 92
Interior Overview........................................................................ 2 Electric Vehicle Components.............................................. 92
Exterior Overview.......................................................................3 Battery Information.................................................................94

Equipment93
Components92Charging
Voltage
High
Charging Model S..................................................................... 95

Care94
Battery94Battery
the
About
Status98
Settings97Charging
Charge
Light96Changing
Port
Charging96Charge
Charging96Stopping
In95During
Port95Plugging
Charge
the
Opening
Opening and Closing.....................4
Doors............................................................................................... 4 Maintenance...................................99
Windows........................................................................................ 9 Maintenance Schedule........................................................... 99
Power8
No
with
Doors
Interior
Work7Opening
Doesn't
Key
the
When
Locking7Unlocking
Locking7Walk-away
Lock7Drive-away
Unlocking6Child-protection
and
Locking
Handles6Interior
Door
Interior
Handles6Using
Door
Exterior
Key4Using
the
Unlocking4Using
and
Locking
Keyless
Rear Trunk................................................................................... 10 Tire Care and Maintenance.................................................100
Windows9
Rear
Closing9Locking
and
Opening
Safety99
Voltage
Intervals99High
Replacement
Checks99Fluid
Checks99Monthly
Intervals99Daily
Service
Front Trunk.................................................................................. 12 Temporary Tire Repair......................................................... 105
Power11
No
with
Release11Opening
Height10Interior
Opening
the
Opening10Closing10Adjusting
Monitoring103
Pressure
Chains103Tire
Tire
Wheels102Using
and
Tires
Tires101Replacing
Maintaining
and
Pressures100Inspecting
Tire
Maintaining
Glove Box..................................................................................... 14 Cleaning..................................................................................... 109
Power13
No
with
Release13Opening
Emergency
Opening12Closing12Interior
Canister108
Sealant
the
Only107Replacing
Air
with
Air106Inflating
and
Sealant
with
Kit105Inflating
Repair
Tire
Sunroof.......................................................................................... 15 Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.......................................... 112
Closing14
and
Opening
Mats111
Cover111Floor
Car
a
Repair111Using
Body
and
Up,
Touch
Interior110Polishing,
the
Exterior109Cleaning
the
Cleaning
Cup Holders.................................................................................16 Fluid Reservoirs........................................................................114
Closing15
and
Opening
Jets112
Washer
Blades112Cleaning
Wiper
Replacing
and
Checking
Fuses............................................................................................. 117
Closing16
and
Opening
Fluid116
Washer
Up
Fluid115Topping
Brake
Coolant114Checking
Battery
Panel114Checking
Maintenance
the
Removing
Jacking and Lifting.................................................................124

4123
Box
3122Fuse
Box
2120Fuse
Box
1118Fuse
Box
Fuse117Fuse
a
Locations117Replacing
Box
Fuse
Parts and Accessories........................................................... 125

Procedure124
Jacking
Seating and Safety Repairs125
Modifications125Body
and
Accessories,
Parts,
Restraints..........................................17
Front and Rear Seats............................................................... 17 Specifications............................... 126
Seat Belts......................................................................................19
Covers18
Supports18Seat
Seats18Head
Rear
Seats18Raising
Rear
Seat17Folding
Driver’s
the
Position17Adjusting
Driving
Correct
Identification Labels.............................................................. 126
Child Safety Seats.................................................................... 22
Warnings20
Belt
Belts20Seat
Seat
Pre-tensioners20Testing
Belt
Pregnant19Seat
When
Belts
Seat
Belts19Wearing
Seat
Wearing
Vehicle Loading....................................................................... 127
Label126
Control
Number126Emission
Identification
Vehicle
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats............................. 27
Seats26
Safety
Child
-
Seat26Warnings
Safety
Child
a
Straps25Testing
Tether
Upper
Seats25Attaching
LATCHChild
Seats24Installing
Child
Retained
Belt
Seat
Seats24Installing
Safety
Child
Children24Installing
Larger
Seat23Seating
Safety
Child
a
Children22Choosing
Seating
for
Guidelines
Dimensions and Weights.....................................................130
Racks129
Trailer129Roof
a
Limits128Towing
Load
Labeling127Calculating
Capacity
Load
Airbags.......................................................................................... 31
Seats29
Child
Tesla
-
Child29Warnings
a
Restrictions27Opening27Folding27Seating
Usage
Subsystems............................................................................... 132
Dimensions130Weights131
Exterior
Warnings34
Indicator34Airbag
Warning
Effects34Airbag
Airbag33Inflation
Front
Airbags32Passenger
of
Work32Types
Airbags
the
Airbags31How
of
Location
Wheels and Tires.....................................................................135
Voltage134
High
-
12V133Battery
-
Motor132Transmission132Steering132Brakes133Suspension133Battery
Glossary140
Tires
and
Grading139Wheels
Quality
Tire
Markings137Uniform
Tire
Specifications136Understanding
Values135Tire
Alignment
Specifications135Wheel
Wheel
Driving.............................................. 35
Driver Profiles............................................................................ 35 Roadside Assistance.................. 141
Steering Wheel..........................................................................36
Settings35
Driver
Profile35Saved
Driver’s
a
Profile35Restoring
Driver
a
Creating
Contacting Roadside Assistance....................................... 141
Mirrors...........................................................................................39
Commands37Horn38
Voice
Buttons37Using
Wheel
Steering
Right
Buttons36Using
Wheel
Steering
Left
Sensitivity36Using
Position36Adjusting
Adjusting
Instructions for Transporters............................................. 142
Starting and Powering Off................................................... 40
Mirror39
View
Mirrors39Rear
Side
Exterior
Adjusting
Wheels144
the
Secure
and
Trailer
the
Onto
Chain143Pull
Tow
the
Mode142Connect
Tow
only)142Activate
vehicles
suspension
(air
Self-Leveling
Only142Disable
Flatbed
a
Use
Gears.............................................................................................. 41
Off40
S40Powering
Model
Starting
Instrument Panel.......................................................................42
Mode41
Tow
-
Neutral
in
S
Model
Gears41Leaving
Shifting
Lights............................................................................................ 46
Lights43
Overview42Indicator
Panel
Instrument
Wipers and Washers...............................................................50 Consumer Information..............145
Flashers49
Warning
Signals49Hazard
Lights48Turn
Exit48Cornering
After
Beams48Headlights
High
Lights46Headlight
Controlling
Speed Assist................................................................................ 51 About this Owner Information.......................................... 145
Wipers50Washers50
Disclaimers................................................................................ 147
Trademarks146
and
Applicability145Copyrights
Components145Document
of
Inaccuracies145Location
or
Illustrations145Errors
Lane Departure Warning.......................................................53
Inaccuracies52
and
Assist52Limitations
Speed
Works51Controlling
Assist
Speed
How
Reporting Concerns...............................................................148
65147
Proposition
Control147California
Recorders147Quality
Telematics/Data
Vehicle
Park Assist.................................................................................. 54
Inaccuracies53
and
Warning53Limitations
Departure
Lane
Works53Controlling
Warning
Departure
Lane
How
Declarations of Conformity................................................ 149
Canada148
-
Defects
Safety
US148Reporting
-
Defects
Safety
Tesla148Reporting
Contacting
Trip Information........................................................................ 56
Aids55
Parking
Warnings55Other
False
and
Feedback54Limitations
Audible
Feedback54Controlling
Audio
and
Works54Visual
Assist
Park
How
Information151
Frequency
Unit150HomeLink151Radio
Control
System150Media
Monitoring
Pressure
System149Tire
Unlocking
Passive
and
Key
Getting Maximum Range.......................................................57
Information56
Trip
Displaying
Brakes........................................................................................... 58
Energy57
Range57Saving
Maximize
to
Tips
Driving
Traction Control....................................................................... 60
Brake59
Braking59Parking
Wear58Regenerative
Systems58Brake
Braking
Cruise Control.............................................................................61
Works60
It
How
Hill Start Assist.......................................................................... 63
Resuming61
and
Speed61Canceling
Cruising
the
Control61Changing
Cruise
Operating
Rear View Camera................................................................... 64
Location64
Camera
Using the Touchscreen.............. 65
Touchscreen Overview.......................................................... 65
Controls........................................................................................67
Picture65
Big
The
Settings........................................................................................ 69
Features67
S
Model
Controlling
Climate Controls....................................................................... 72
S69
Model
Customizing
Smart Air Suspension..............................................................75
Tips74
Operating
Control
Control73Ventilation74Climate
Climate
Controls72Customizing
Climate
of
Overview
Media and Audio.......................................................................77
Mode76
Lowering76Jack
Suspension75Automatic
Adjustments75Location-Based
Height
Manual
Maps and Navigation............................................................... 81
Socket80
Power
Connections7912V
Devices79USB
&
Music
Settings78Favorites78My
Radio77Media
Radio77Internet
Services77XM
Radio
FM
and
Overview77AM
Phone............................................................................................ 83
Maps82
Destinations82Updated
Navigation82Favorite
Navigation81During
Maps81Starting
Overview81Using
Calendar.......................................................................................85
Options84
Call
Call84In
Phone
a
Call84Receiving
Phone
a
Phone84Making
Paired
a
to
Phone83Connecting
Bluetooth
a
Contacts83Unpairing
Phone83Importing
Bluetooth
a
Bluetooth®Compatibility83Pairing
Security Settings...................................................................... 86
Navigation85
and
Overview85Calendar
®
HomeLink Universal Transceiver....................................... 87
System86
Security
the
About
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................89
HomeLink87
HomeLink87Troubleshooting
HomeLink87Programming
About
Software Updates.................................................................... 90
Mobile App...................................................................................91
Notes90
Release
Software90Viewing
New
Loading
App91
Mobile
S
Model
 Interior Overview

1. Interior doors (Using Interior Door 10. Power window switches (Opening and
Handles on page 6) Closing on page 9)
2. Cruise control (Cruise Control on page 11. Exterior mirror adjustment switches
61) (Mirrors on page 39)
3. High beams (Headlight High Beams on 12. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page
page 48), Turn signals (Turn Signals on 17)
page 49), Wipers and washers (Wipers 13. Steering column adjuster (hidden from
and Washers on page 50). view in the above image) (Steering Wheel
4. Steering wheel buttons - left (Using Left on page 36)
Steering Wheel Buttons on page 36) 14. Horn (Horn on page 38)
5. Instrument panel (Instrument Panel 15. Brakes (Brakes on page 58)
Overview on page 42) 16. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning
6. Steering wheel buttons - right (Using Flashers on page 49)
Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page 17. Cabin climate control (Climate Controls
37) on page 72)
7. Gear selector (Shifting Gears on page 18. Cup holders (Cup Holders on page 16)
41)
8. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on Note: On RHD (Right Hand Drive) vehicles, the
page 65) controls illustrated above are arranged
similarly, but are mirrored on the right side of
9. Glove box button (Glove Box on page
the vehicle.
14)

2 Model S Owner's Manual

 Exterior Overview

1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 46)

2. Door handles (Using Exterior Door
Handles on page 6)
3. Sunroof (Sunroof on page 15)
4. Charge port (Charging Model S on page
95)
5. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 39)
6. Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 12)
7. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on
page 135)
8. Rear view camera (Rear View Camera on
page 64)
9. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page
10)
10. Parking sensors (Park Assist on page
54)

Overview 3
 Doors

Keyless Locking and Unlocking Using the Key

Model S has sensors that can recognize the To quickly familiarize yourself with the key,
presence of a key. The sensors have a range think of the key as a miniature version of
of approximately three feet (one meter). Model S, with the Tesla badge representing
the front. The key has three buttons that feel
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
like softer areas on the surface.
package, walking up to Model S when you
have your key with you automatically unlocks
the doors. Similarly, open the trunk by just
walking up to Model S with your key, then
pressing the switch located under the trunk’s
exterior handle.
Press a door handle, and it extends. Or, if the
AUTO-PRESENT HANDLES setting is turned
on (see Using Exterior Door Handles on page
6), door handles extend automatically.
If you turn on the walk-away locking setting
using the touchscreen, Model S locks when
you walk away carrying your key with you
(see Walk-away Locking on page 7).
Warning: To avoid any possibility of
interference between a pacemaker and
the keyless system's antennas, people
with implanted pacemakers should
ensure their pacemaker is kept at least 1. Trunk
nine inches (22 cm) away from any
keyless drive antenna mounted in • Double-click to open the rear trunk.
Model S. Antenna locations are shown • If Model S is equipped with a powered
below: liftgate, double-click to close the rear
trunk. You can also single-click to
stop the liftgate when it is moving.
2. Lock/Unlock All
• Double-click to unlock doors and the
rear trunk. Hazard warning lights flash
twice and door handles extend.
• Single-click to lock doors and trunks
(all doors and trunks must be closed).
Hazard warning lights flash once and
1. Center of the rear bumper.
door handles retract.
2. Under the rear seats.
3. Front trunk (also called the "frunk")
3. Center console.
4. Leftmost side of the dashboard. • Double-click to open the front trunk.
5. Rightmost side of the dashboard. You do not need to point the key at Model S,
6. Right Hand Drive vehicles only - at but you must be within operating range
the base of the left (passenger side) (which varies depending on the strength of
windshield wiper. the key’s battery). If Model S is unable to
7. Left Hand Drive vehicles only - at the detect the key, the touchscreen displays a
base of the right (passenger side) message indicating that a key is not inside.
windshield wiper. Place the key where Model S can best detect
it, which is below the 12V power socket (see
8. Center of the front trunk.
Key Not Inside on page 40).

4 Model S Owner's Manual

 Doors

Radio equipment on a similar frequency can 5. Align the battery, then press the key and
affect the key. If this happens, move the key battery together until they snap into
at least one foot (30 cm) away from other place.
electronic devices (phone, laptop, etc). If the
key does not work, you may need to change Getting More Keys
its battery. If the key’s battery is discharged,
you can open Model S by following the If you lose a key or require an additional one,
unlocking procedure. See Unlocking When the contact Tesla. Model S can recognize up to
Key Doesn't Work on page 7. three keys.

Caution: Remember to bring the key with When ordering a new key for Model S, take all
you when you drive. Although you can available keys with you for reprogramming.
drive Model S away from its key, you will
be unable to power it back on after it
powers off.
Caution: Protect the key from impact,
high temperatures, and damage from
liquids. Avoid contact with solvents,
waxes and abrasive cleaners.

Replacing the Key Battery

The key’s battery lasts for approximately a
year. When the battery is low, a message
displays on the instrument panel. Follow these
steps to replace it:
1. Place the key, button side down, on a soft
surface.

2. Release the battery using a small flat

bladed tool.

3. Remove the battery by pushing it toward

the center of the key to release it from the
front retaining clips.
4. Insert the new battery (type CR2032) with
the ‘+’ side facing up. Avoid touching the
flat surfaces of the battery, and wipe the
battery clean before fitting. Finger marks
can reduce battery life.

Opening and Closing 5

 Doors

Using Exterior Door Handles Using Interior Door Handles

A light press on a door handle extends it, Pull the interior door handle toward you to
provided Model S detects a valid key nearby. open the door.
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you can set the door handles to
extend automatically whenever you approach
the driver’s side carrying the key. On the
touchscreen, touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Auto-Present Handles > On.

Note: To prevent children from opening rear

doors using the interior handles, use the
touchscreen, Controls > Settings > Vehicle >
Insert your hand into the handle and pull to Child Protection Lock, to turn on the child-
open the door. protection locks (see Child-protection Lock on
page 7).
Door handles retract if you do not use them
within one minute after they extend. Just
press a handle to extend it again. Door Interior Locking and Unlocking
handles also retract a minute after the last
From inside Model S, you can use the
door closes, when Model S begins moving,
touchscreen to lock or unlock doors and
and when you lock Model S.
trunks, provided a valid key is inside the
Note: To preserve battery life, Model S is vehicle. Touch Controls > Lock/Unlock. The
designed to temporarily disable the Auto- current lock status displays on the bottom left
Present Handles feature when: of the instrument panel.
• The key has been out of range for more Note: If a door or trunk is still open when you
than 48 hours. lock Model S, it locks when you close it.
• The key remains within range for five
minutes after all doors have been closed.
In these cases, extend the handles by
touching the driver’s door handle or pressing
the unlock button on the key. There is no need
to reset the setting. The next time you
approach Model S, provided the above
conditions do not apply, handles automatically
extend.

Whenever a door is open, the Door

Open indicator displays on the
instrument panel. The image of the
Model S on the touchscreen Controls
window also shows which door or
trunk is open.

6 Model S Owner's Manual

 Doors

Child-protection Lock Unlocking When the Key Doesn't

Model S has child-protection locks on the rear Work
doors and liftgate to prevent them from being If Model S does not unlock when you walk up
opened using interior handles. Use the to it, or when you press the unlock button on
touchscreen to turn child protection locks on your key, the key’s battery may be dead. If
or off. Touch Controls > Settings > Vehicle > this is the case, you can still unlock and drive
Child Protection Lock. Model S.
Note: It is recommended that you turn child- To unlock Model S (and disable the security
protection locks on whenever children are alarm), first position the key near the base of
seated in the rear seats. the passenger side windshield wiper, as
shown. Then press the passenger door handle.
Drive-away Locking It is important to position the key in the
correct position. If Model S doesn't unlock, try
Model S can automatically lock all doors adjusting the position of the key.
(including the trunks) whenever your driving
speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h). To turn this
feature on or off, touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Drive-Away Door Lock.

Walk-away Locking
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, Model S doors and trunks can
automatically lock whenever you walk away
carrying the key.
To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > To drive Model S, place the key against the
Settings > Vehicle > Walk-Away Door Lock. center console, immediately below the 12V
power outlet, then press and hold the brake
Note: If all doors are closed and you double- pedal to turn Model S on.
click the key to unlock Model S, walk-away
locking is temporarily suspended until Model S Note: Unlocking Model S using this method
powers on (such as when you press the Brake disables walk-away locking. You must
pedal to put the car in a driving gear), or until manually re-enable walk-away locking after
you use the key to lock Model S. This allows replacing the key’s battery.
you to keep Model S unlocked in your garage. For instructions on how to replace the key’s
battery, see Replacing the Key Battery on
page 5.

Opening and Closing 7

 Doors

Opening Interior Doors with No

Power
If Model S has no electrical power, front doors
open as usual using the interior door handles.
To open the rear doors, fold back the edge of
the carpet below the rear seats to expose the
mechanical release cable. Pull the mechanical
release cable toward the center.

8 Model S Owner's Manual

 Windows

Opening and Closing Locking Rear Windows

Press down on a switch to lower the To prevent passengers from using the rear
associated window all the way down. Window window switches, press the rear window lock
switches operate at two levels. To lower a switch. The switch light turns on. To unlock
window partially, hold the switch and release rear windows, press the switch again.
when the window is at the desired position.

Warning: To ensure safety, it is

Similarly, pull a switch to raise the associated
recommended that you lock the rear
window. This also operates at two levels—
windows whenever children are seated in
when raising, hold the switch and release
the rear seats.
when the window is at the desired position.
Warning: Never leave children
Warning: Before closing a power window,
unattended in Model S.
it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure
that all occupants, especially children, do
not have any body parts extended
through the window’s opening. Failure to
do so can cause serious injury.
Warning: When leaving Model S, always
take your key with you. Leaving the key
in Model S allows all doors, windows, and
controls to be fully operational and can
cause hazardous, unauthorized or
unintentional use of Model S.

Opening and Closing 9

 Rear Trunk

Opening Closing
To open the rear trunk, do one of the To close the trunk, pull down on the liftgate
following: and push firmly, ensuring it is fully closed.
• Touch Controls > Trunk on the If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
touchscreen. package, you can close the powered liftgate
• Double-click the Trunk button on the key. by:
• Press the switch located under the • Double-clicking the trunk button on the
exterior handle (if not equipped with the key.
optional tech package, you must first • Touching Controls > Trunk on the
unlock Model S). touchscreen.
• Pressing the switch located on the
underside of the liftgate (see Adjusting
the Opening Height on page 10).
If a powered liftgate senses an obstruction
when closing, it automatically opens and
sounds two chimes. Remove the obstruction
and try closing it again. If it cannot close the
second time, powered operation is
temporarily disabled. Manually closing it
restores powered operation.
Note: The power closing feature is also
temporarily disabled if you leave the powered
liftgate open for more than an hour.

Adjusting the Opening Height

If Model S is equipped with a powered liftgate,
you can adjust its opening height to make it
easier to reach:
When the liftgate is open, the
instrument panel displays the Door 1. Open the liftgate, then lower it to the
Open indicator light. The image of desired opening height.
the Model S on the touchscreen
Controls window also displays the
open trunk.

To stop a powered liftgate while it is moving,

single-click the Trunk button on the key. Then,
when you double-click the Trunk button, it
moves again, but in the opposite direction
(provided it was not almost entirely open or
closed when you stopped it). For example, if
you single-click to stop the liftgate while it is
opening, when you double-click, it closes.
To open the trunk in the unlikely situation in 2. Press and hold the button on the
which Model S has no electrical power, see underside of the liftgate for two seconds
Opening with No Power on page 11. until you hear a confirmation beep.
3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired
height by closing the liftgate, then
reopening it.

10 Model S Owner's Manual

 Rear Trunk

Interior Release Opening with No Power

To open the trunk from inside Model S, press If Model S has no electrical power, you can
the interior release switch located inside the open the rear trunk from inside. Use the
rear trunk and push the liftgate up. mechanical release cable located on the
underside of the liftgate, next to the interior
light.

1. Remove the cover by pulling its lower

edge very firmly toward you.
2. Pull the cable to release the latch.
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you do not need to push it up. When 3. Push the liftgate open.
you press the release switch, it opens, and
when you pull the switch, it closes.
Note: The interior release switch is disabled if
child-protection locks are turned on (see
Child-protection Lock on page 7), or if
Model S is moving.

Opening and Closing 11

 Front Trunk

Opening Closing
To open the front trunk: The Model S body is made of lightweight
aluminum. Therefore, the hood is not heavy
• Touch Controls > Front Trunk on the
enough to latch under its own weight and
touchscreen, or double-click the front
applying pressure on the front edge or center
trunk button on the key.
of the hood can cause damage. To close the
• Pull the hood up. hood:
• Lower the hood fully until it touches the
latch.
• Place both hands on the front of the hood
in the areas shown, then press down
firmly to engage the latches.
• Lift the front edge of the hood to ensure it
is fully closed.

The door open indicator displays on

the instrument panel when the front
trunk is open. The image of the
Model S on the touchscreen Controls
window also displays the open trunk.

To open the front trunk in the unlikely

situation in which Model S has no electrical
power, see Opening with No Power on page
13.
Caution: To prevent damage:
• Apply pressure only to the green
areas illustrated above. Applying
pressure to the red areas can cause
damage.
• Do not close the hood with one hand.
Doing so applies concentrated force
in one area and can result in a dent or
crease.
• Do not apply pressure to the leading
edge of the hood because this can
crease the edge.
• Do not slam or drop the hood.
Warning: Do not drive with the hood
secured by the secondary catch alone.

12 Model S Owner's Manual

 Front Trunk

Interior Emergency Release Opening with No Power

An interior release button inside the front If Model S has no electrical power, or if you
trunk allows a person locked inside to get out. are unable to open the front trunk using the
This release button is active whenever touchscreen or key, pull the mechanical
Model S is stationary. release lever located below the glove box (not
available on newer models). This releases the
primary catch.

Press the interior release button to open the

front trunk, then push up on the hood.
Note: The button glows for several hours after
a brief exposure to ambient light.
Then push down on the secondary catch lever
and lift the hood. You may need to push the
hood down slightly to release the pressure
against the secondary catch.

Opening and Closing 13

 Glove Box

Opening and Closing

To open the glove box, press the switch
located on the side of the touchscreen. If you
leave the glove box open for five minutes, its
light automatically turns off.

Note: The glove box locks whenever Model S

is locked externally, using the key or walk-
away locking. It does not lock when Model S is
locked using the touchscreen.
Warning: When driving, keep the glove
box closed to prevent injury to a
passenger if a collision or sudden stop
occurs.

14 Model S Owner's Manual

 Sunroof

Opening and Closing Caution: Remove snow and ice before

opening the sunroof. Opening a sunroof
If your Model S is equipped with a sunroof, covered in snow and ice can cause
touch Controls > Sunroof on the touchscreen damage.
to operate it. Drag, or tap on, the sunroof
slider bar, or touch the image of the sunroof Caution: Do not carry an object that
and drag it. The sunroof moves to the protrudes through the sunroof. Doing so
selected position. can damage the sunroof’s seals and anti-
trap mechanism.

Touch OPEN once to open the sunroof to its

comfort position (75% open to minimize wind
noise). Or, move the sunroof to the comfort
position by dragging the slider bar to the
indent position. If you find wind noise (which
varies depending on driving speed) excessive,
even with the sunroof in the comfort position,
open a window slightly.
Touch OPEN twice to open the sunroof fully.
Touch CLOSE to fully close the sunroof.
If the sunroof’s safety mechanism detects any
obstruction, it does not close. If, after
removing the obstruction, it still does not
close, touch and hold CLOSE to override the
sunroof’s anti-trap mechanism.
Touch VENT to open the sunroof slightly.
To stop the sunroof from moving at any time,
touch the image of the sunroof.
Warning: Do not allow occupants to
extend any part of their body through the
sunroof. Doing so can cause serious injury
from flying debris, tree branches, or other
obstructions.
Warning: Before closing the sunroof,
ensure that occupants, especially
children, do not have any body part
extended through the sunroof opening.
Failure to do so can cause serious injury.

Opening and Closing 15

 Cup Holders

Opening and Closing

To expose a cup holder, slide back the
armrest.

16 Model S Owner's Manual

 Front and Rear Seats

Correct Driving Position Adjusting the Driver’s Seat

The seat, head support, seat belt and airbags
work together to maximize your safety. Using
these correctly ensures greater protection.

Position the seat so you can wear the seat belt

correctly, while being as far away from the
front airbag as possible:
1. Sit upright with both feet on the floor and
the seat back reclined no more than 30
degrees.
2. Make sure you can easily reach the pedals
and that your arms are slightly bent when
holding the steering wheel. Your chest
should be at least 10 inches (25 cm) from
the center of the airbag cover.
3. Place the shoulder section of the seat belt
mid-way between your neck and your
shoulder. Fit the lap section of the belt
tightly across your hips, not across your
stomach.
Model S seats include integrated head
supports that cannot be adjusted or removed.
1. Adjust lumbar support.
2. Adjust backrest.
3. Move seat forward/backward.
4. Adjust the seat’s height and tilt angle.
Warning: Do not adjust seats while
driving. Doing so increases the risk of a
collision.
Warning: Riding in a moving vehicle with
the seat back reclined can result in
serious injuries in a collision, as you could
slide under the lap belt or be propelled
into the seat belt. Ensure your seat back
is reclined no more than 30 degrees when
the vehicle is moving.

Seating and Safety Restraints 17

 Front and Rear Seats

Folding Rear Seats Raising Rear Seats

Model S has a split rear seat that can fold Before raising a rear seat, make sure that the
forward. seat belts are not trapped behind the
backrest.
Before folding, remove items from the seats
and the rear foot well. To allow the rear seat Pull the seat back upward until it locks into
backs to fold completely flat, you may need to place.
move the front seats forward.
To confirm that the seat back is locked in the
upright position, try pulling it forward.
Warning: Always ensure the seat backs
are locked in their upright position.
Failure to do so increases the risk of
injury.

Head Supports
Seats include integrated head supports that
cannot be adjusted or removed.

Seat Covers
To fold a rear seat, press the corresponding Do not use seat covers on Model S. Doing so
lever and fold the seat forward. could restrict deployment of the side air bags
if an accident occurs. It can also reduce the
accuracy of the occupant detection system.

18 Model S Owner's Manual

 Seat Belts

Wearing Seat Belts 2. Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the pelvis, chest and
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the mid-point of your collar bone, between
most effective way to protect occupants if a the neck and shoulder.
collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt 3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and
is required by law in most jurisdictions. press together until you hear a click
Both the driver and passenger seats are indicating it is locked in place.
equipped with three-point inertia reel seat 4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically fastened.
tensioned to allow occupants to move 5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward
comfortably during normal driving conditions. the reel to remove excess slack.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
To Release a Belt
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the belt from retracting too quickly, then press
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled the button on the buckle. The belt retracts
(see Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
on page 24). that prevents the belt from fully retracting.
The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt
The seat belt reel automatically locks to
does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
prevent movement of occupants if Model S
experiences a force associated with hard
acceleration, braking, cornering, or an impact Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant
in a collision.
Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
The seat belt reminder on the seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
instrument panel alerts you if a seat lap section of the belt as low as possible
belt for an occupied front seat is not across the hips, not the waist. Position the
fastened. If the belt remains shoulder portion of the belt between the
unfastened, the reminder flashes and breasts and to the side of the abdomen.
an intermittent chime sounds. If all Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
occupants are buckled up and the
reminder stays on, re-fasten seat
belts to ensure they are correctly
latched. Also remove any heavy
objects (such as a briefcase) from an
unoccupied seat. If the reminder
light continues to stay on, contact
Tesla.

To Fasten a Belt
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat.

Warning: Never place anything between

you and the seat belt to cushion the
impact in the event of an accident.

Seating and Safety Restraints 19

 Seat Belts

Seat Belt Pre-tensioners Testing Seat Belts

The front seat belts are equipped with To confirm that seat belts are operating
pre‑tensioners that work in conjunction with correctly, perform these three simple checks
the airbags in a severe frontal collision. The on each seat belt.
pre‑tensioners automatically retract both the
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the
seat belt anchor and the seat belt webbing,
webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull.
reducing slack in both the lap and diagonal
The buckle should remain securely locked.
portions of the belts, resulting in reduced
forward movement of the occupant. 2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling
is free from snags, and visually check the
webbing for wear. Allow the webbing to
retract, checking that retraction is smooth
and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the
tongue plate and pull forward quickly. The
mechanism should lock automatically and
prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact
Tesla immediately.

Seat Belt Warnings

Warning: Seat belts should be worn by all
If the pre-tensioners and airbags did not occupants at all times, even if driving for
activate in an impact, this does not mean they a very short distance. Failure to do so
malfunctioned. It usually means that the increases the risk of injury or death if an
strength or type of force needed to activate accident occurs.
them was not present. Warning: Secure small children in a
Warning: Once the seat belt pre- suitable child safety seat. Always follow
tensioners have been activated, they the child safety seat manufacturer's
must be replaced. After any accident, instructions when installing.
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners Warning: Ensure that all seat belts are
and any associated components checked worn correctly. An improperly worn seat
and, if necessary, replaced. belt increases the risk of injury or death if
an accident occurs.
Warning: Do not wear seat belts over
hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing,
such as pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. The
pressure from the seat belt on such items
can cause injury.
Warning: Seat belts should not be worn
with any part of the strap twisted.
Warning: Each seat belt assembly must
be used by one occupant only. It is
dangerous to put a seat belt around a
child being carried on an occupant’s lap.
Warning: Seat belts that have been worn
in an accident must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage to the
assembly is not obvious.
Warning: Seat belts that show signs of
wear (such as fraying), or have been cut
or damaged in any way, must be replaced
by Tesla.
20 Model S Owner's Manual
 Seat Belts

Warning: Avoid contaminating a seat

belt’s components with any chemicals,
liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning products. If a
seat belt fails to retract or latch into the
buckle, it must be replaced immediately.
Contact Tesla.
Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can prevent a seat belt
mechanism from taking up slack, or that
can prevent a seat belt from being
adjusted to remove slack. A slack belt
greatly reduces occupant protection.
Warning: Do not make modifications that
can interfere with the operation of a seat
belt, or that can cause a seat belt to
become inoperable.
Warning: When seat belts are not in use,
they should be fully retracted and not
hanging loose. If a seat belt does not fully
retract, contact Tesla.

Seating and Safety Restraints 21

 Child Safety Seats

Guidelines for Seating Children

Your Model S seat belts in the front and second row seats are designed for adults and larger
children. You must restrain infants and small children in the second row seats only, and you must
use a suitable child safety seat appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and size. Never use child
safety seats in the front row passenger seat. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the child safety seat.
If your Model S is equipped with the optional Tesla built-in rear facing child seats, these seats are
child safety seats and are designed only for children within a specific height and weight range
(see Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats on page 27).

22 Model S Owner's Manual

 Child Safety Seats

Choosing a Child Safety Seat

All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear (second row) seats. Always use a child safety
seat suitable for a young child’s age and weight.

Infants Toddlers Young

children

Age Birth to 1 year* Over 1 year* 4 years and

older, and
less than 57
in. (145 cm)
tall

Weight Up to at least 20 lbs (9 kg)* Over 20 lbs (9 kg) (minimum) Over 40 lbs
and up to 40 lbs (18 kg)* (18 kg)

Type of child Rear facing (or convertible) Forward facing (or Seat belt
safety seat convertible)* retained
booster
seat

Seat position Rear facing only* Forward facing* Forward

facing

Recommended If combined weight of child If combined weight of child Attach

attachment and safety seat is up to 65 lbs and safety seat is up to 65 lbs booster
method (29 kg), attach using either (29 kg), attach using either seats using
LATCH** (lower anchor only) LATCH** (both lower anchors the seat
or the seat belt only.*** If and top tether anchor), or the belt only.
combined weight of child and seat belt and upper tether
safety seat is over 65 lbs strap.*** If combined weight of
(29 kg), attach using the seat child and safety seat is over
belt only.*** 65 lbs (29 kg), attach using the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.***

* Many child safety seats currently available allow children to ride rear-facing using the child
safety seat’s integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS. Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible.
CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND CAREFULLY
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
** LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, this is also called Lower
Universal Anchorage System (LUAS), or CANFIX.
*** Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.

Warning: Laws that govern how and where children should be carried when traveling in a
vehicle are subject to change. It is the driver’s responsibility to keep up to date on, and
comply with, all current regulations in the region(s) where Model S is driven.To check the
child passenger safety laws for your state, go to: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/
childsafety_laws.html.

Seating and Safety Restraints 23

 Child Safety Seats

Seating Larger Children To securely hold child safety seats, all

passenger seating positions are equipped with
If a child is too large to fit into a child safety an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
seat, but too small to safely fit into the pulling the seat belt beyond the length
standard seat belts, use a booster seat needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
appropriate for the child’s age and size. belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s and the webbing is fully retracted. The ALR
instructions to secure the booster seat using mechanism operates as a ratchet, winding in
the seat belts. Do not use the LATCH system slack and preventing the seat belt from
to secure booster seats, even in situations extending any further until it has been
where the booster seat is equipped with the completely rewound. When installing a child
LATCH system. safety seat, engage the belt's automatic
locking retractor by pulling the seat belt
webbing until it is fully extended. The ALR
Installing Child Safety Seats
system engages only when the seat belt is at
There are two general methods used to install its maximum extension point.
child safety seats:
Note: An automatic locking retractor
• Seat belt retained - these seats are disengages only when the seat belt is
secured using the vehicle’s seat belts (see unbuckled and fully retracted. The belt can
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats then be worn as a normal belt, sliding freely in
on page 24). and out and locking tight only in an
• LATCH retained - these seats can attach emergency. Once disengaged, the belt must
to anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear be fully extended to re-engage the locking
seats (see Installing LATCH Child Seats on mechanism whenever you install a child safety
page 25). seat.

Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s Always follow the detailed instructions
instructions and the table on Child Safety provided by the child safety seat
Seats on page 22 to determine which manufacturer. General guidelines are provided
installation method to use. Some child safety below.
seats can be installed using either method. 1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and
Always follow the child safety seat fully extend the seat belt. Route and
manufacturer’s instructions. buckle the seat belt in accordance with
the child safety seat manufacturer’s
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child instructions.
Seats
First, make sure that the child falls into the
correct weight range for the seat.
Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing and
do not place any objects between the child
and the restraint system.
Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.

2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove

all slack in the seat belt while firmly
pushing the child safety seat into the
Model S seat.
3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat
has an upper tether, attach it to the back
of the seat (see Attaching Upper Tether
Straps on page 25).

24 Model S Owner's Manual

 Child Safety Seats

Installing LATCH Child Seats Attaching Upper Tether Straps

Lower LATCH anchor positions are provided If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its
in the second-row outboard seating positions hook to the anchor point located on the back
and are located between the seat's back rest of the rear seats. Always position single-strap
and rear cushion. The exact location of each tethers so that it runs over the center of the
anchor is identified by a child safety seat Model S head support. Tighten dual-strap
identification button, illustrated below. The tethers to run on each side of the head
button is located on the seat back, directly support. Tighten according to the child safety
above its associated anchor. seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: To prevent single-strap tethers from
moving from side to side, the top of the head
support deforms.

Install LATCH seats in the outboard seating

positions only. Use only a seat belt retained
seat in the center position.

To install a LATCH retained child safety seat,

slide the safety seat latches onto the anchor
bars until they click into place. Carefully read
and follow the instructions provided by the
child safety seat manufacturer.

Once installed, test the security of the

installation before seating a child. Attempt to
twist the child safety seat from side to side
and try to pull it away from the seat, then
check that the anchors are still securely in
place.

Seating and Safety Restraints 25

 Child Safety Seats

Testing a Child Safety Seat one anchor point may be incapable of

securing both seats.
Before seating a child, always make sure the
child safety seat is not loose: Warning: Child restraint anchorages are
designed to withstand only those loads
1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path imposed by correctly fitted child
and try to slide the safety seat from side restraints. Under no circumstances are
to side and front to back. they to be used for adult seatbelts,
2. If the seat moves more than one inch harnesses, or for attaching other items or
(2.5 cm), it is too loose. Tighten the belt equipment to the vehicle.
or reconnect the LATCH retained child
Warning: Always check harnesses and
safety seat.
tether straps for damage and wear.
3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
safety seat. on a seat belt that is being used to install
a child safety seat or booster seat.

Warnings - Child Safety Seats Warning: Never leave a child unattended,

even if the child is secured in a child
Warning: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a safety seat.
child on the front passenger seat even if
you are using a child safety seat. This seat Warning: Never use a child safety seat
has an airbag in front of it. Although this that has been involved in an accident.
airbag is disabled when Model S detects a Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
lightweight passenger, do not rely on described in the child safety seat
technology to protect your child. manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning: Do not use a forward facing

child safety seat until your child weighs
over 20 lbs (9 kg) and can sit
independently. Up to the age of two, a
child's spine and neck are not sufficiently
developed to avoid injury in a frontal
impact.
Warning: Do not allow a baby or infant to
be held on a lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety
seat at all times.
Warning: To ensure children are safely
seated, follow all instructions provided in
this document and by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat.
Warning: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for as long as
possible.
Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
when installing a child safety seat or
booster seat.
Warning: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported
and the child’s seat belt is properly
adjusted and fastened. The shoulder
portion of the belt must be away from the
face and neck, and the lap portion must
not be over the stomach.
Warning: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,

26 Model S Owner's Manual

 Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats

Usage Restrictions
The optional Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37" (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the
lap belt. Follow all instructions provided and
do not use supplemental child safety seats in 4. Pull the handle to release the head
these seats. supports from the seat back, then pull the
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla head supports toward you to unfold them.
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.

Opening
1. Remove the cover from the trunk floor
and pull the strap to lift the seat assembly
upward.

5. Raise the seat back to the upright position

and push until it locks into position.
Visually check to ensure that the retaining
catches are engaged.

2. Push the seat assembly into position.

6. Check that the seat back and seat base

are securely retained in the upright
position by trying to pull the seat back
toward you.

Folding
Caution: Before folding the seats, fasten
the seat belts to prevent them from
getting trapped in the seat mechanism
3. Undo the Velcro strap. and being damaged.
1. Pull the handle to release the seat back
and pull the seat back fully forward.
Seating and Safety Restraints 27
 Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats

2. Push the lever to release the head

supports from the seat back, then fold
back onto the seat.

3. Secure the Velcro strap.

4. Pull the strap at the rear of the seat to

fold the seat assembly into the trunk floor.

5. Replace the cover on the trunk floor.

28 Model S Owner's Manual

 Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats

Seating a Child
The Tesla built-in rear facing child seats are
child restraint systems and must only be used
for children over 37" (94 cm) tall and
weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2
kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the
lap belt. Follow all instructions provided and
do not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
1. Position the child in the seat with arms
through the loops of the seat belts.
2. Connect the two halves of the seat belt
tongue.
3. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle
and ensure it is securely fastened.
7. Slide the shoulder clips into place to
ensure the upper portion of the belts
remain positioned over the child’s
shoulders.

4. Adjust the shoulder belts so they run over

the top of the child’s shoulders and away
from the face.
5. Connect the chest clip and adjust it to be
as high as possible without causing the
shoulder belts to touch the child’s neck.
6. Pull the lower straps until the child is
securely held in the seat. To release, press the button on the buckle,
release the chest clip, and separate the two
halves of the seat restraint.

Warnings - Tesla Child Seats

Warning: The Tesla built-in rear facing
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37"

Seating and Safety Restraints 29

 Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats

(94 cm) tall and weighing between 35

and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2 kg).
Warning: Do not use supplemental child
restraint systems, including booster seats,
in the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats.
Warning: Always ensure that the top of
the child’s head cannot touch the vehicle
and that the child is seated comfortably
with the seat belts correctly fastened.
Warning: Follow all instructions and heed
all warnings related to the Tesla built-in
rear facing child seats. Failure to do so
can compromise occupant safety.
Warning: Read all safety warnings and
labels attached to the seats.
Warning: Do not leave children
unattended in Model S, even if the child is
secured in a child safety seat or a Tesla
built-in rear facing child seat. In hot
weather, the interior temperature can
reach dangerous levels that can result in
dehydration, serious injury or death.
Warning: Do not remove or replace the
fabric on a Tesla built-in rear facing child
seat. The covers are an integral part of
the restraint’s performance and should
not be removed or replaced with any
other type than those supplied by Tesla.
Warning: If the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats have been worn in an
accident, they must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage is not
obvious.
Warning: Before allowing a child to ride in
the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats,
check that the seat is securely held in the
upright position by trying to pull the seat
back toward you.
Warning: Do not remove the built-in rear
facing child seats for any reason,
including cleaning. To ensure safety of
occupants, removal and installation must
be performed by qualified Tesla service
technicians.
Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can interfere with the
operation of the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats.
Warning: To prevent injury, ensure all
loose items (bags, luggage, etc.) are
secured. In an accident, or during hard
braking and sharp turns, loose items
could cause injury.

30 Model S Owner's Manual

 Airbags

Location of Airbags
Airbags are located in the approximate areas shown here. Airbag warning information is printed
on the sun visors.

1. Passenger knee airbag

2. Passenger front airbag
3. Side airbags
4. Curtain airbags
5. Driver’s knee airbag
6. Driver’s front airbag

Seating and Safety Restraints 31

 Airbags

How the Airbags Work Types of Airbags

Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at
Advanced The front airbags are
which the vehicle’s cabin changes speed in a
front advanced airbags designed to
collision. The rate of deceleration determines
airbags reduce airbag related injuries
whether airbags inflate.
to children or small adults who
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable ride in the front seats. On the
force accompanied by a loud noise. The driver’s side, the front airbag
inflated bag, together with the seat belts, works with a seat position
limits movement of occupants to reduce the sensor that adjusts the
risk of injury. inflation level based on the
seating position of the
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to
occupant. On the passenger’s
inflate in rear collisions, rollovers, minor front
side, the airbag responds to a
or side collisions, heavy braking, or driving
sensing system in the seat
over bumps and potholes. Therefore,
that determines whether or
significant superficial damage can occur to
not the passenger side front
the vehicle without the airbags inflating or,
airbag inflates, and optimizes
conversely, a relatively small amount of
the inflation level based on the
structural damage can cause airbags to
weight of the occupant
inflate.
(described below).
If you are planning to modify your vehicle for
a person with disabilities in a way that may Knee Knee airbags and the front
affect the airbag system, contact Tesla. airbags airbags work together. The
knee airbags limit the forward
motion of the front seat
occupants by restricting leg
movement, thereby
positioning the occupants so
that the front airbags work
more effectively.

Side Side airbags protect the

airbags thorax region of the torso and
the pelvis. They inflate only if
a severe side impact occurs.
Side airbags on the non-
impacted side do not inflate.

Curtain Curtain airbags help protect

airbags the head and typically inflate
only if a severe side impact
occurs, or if the vehicle rolls
over. Curtain airbags on the
non-impacted side do not
inflate.

32 Model S Owner's Manual

 Airbags

Passenger Front Airbag • Heavy objects sitting on the seat

(briefcase, large purse).
Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front • Objects wedged between the seat back
passenger seat that controls the status of the and seat cushion.
airbags based on the weight of the occupant.
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
Passenger airbag status displays in the top
right corner of the touchscreen to indicate • After market items attached to, or sitting
whether the airbag will inflate (on) or not on, the seat (covers, mats, blankets, etc.).
inflate (off) if a collision occurs. These conditions can interfere with the
occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the
above possibilities, and the airbag status is
still incorrect, ask passengers to ride in the
rear seats and contact Tesla to have the
airbag system checked.
Note: The front passenger seat’s sensing
system affects the operation of the passenger
front and side airbags only. Other passenger
curtain airbag is not affected.
Warning: Never seat a child in a child
safety seat or a booster seat on the front
passenger seat when the airbags are
activated.
Note: The occupancy sensor system meets the
regulatory requirement of FMVSS 208 and Warning: Do not use seat covers on
automatically detects when inflating the Model S. Doing so could restrict
passenger front airbags would be unnecessary deployment of the side air bags if an
or potentially harmful. accident occurs. It can also reduce the
accuracy of the occupant detection
Front passenger seat Passenger airbag system.
occupancy* status

Empty OFF

Infant in child safety OFF

seat (up to 20 lbs/
9kg)

Child or small ON or OFF

occupant
(20-100 lbs/9-45 kg)

Heavy object/ ON
occupant

*Values are approximate. Occupants whose

weight is close to the low weight threshold
can cause the status to occasionally turn on
and off depending on seating position and
physique.

If the status shows the airbag as permanently

on, even when the seat is empty and the seat
belt is unbuckled, contact Tesla immediately.
To make sure the sensing system can
correctly detect occupancy status, eliminate
the following:
• Objects lodged under the seat.

Seating and Safety Restraints 33

 Airbags

Inflation Effects accuracy of the occupant detection

system.
When airbags inflate, a fine powder is
released. This powder can irritate the skin and Warning: Airbags inflate with
should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes considerable speed and force, which can
and from any cuts or abrasions. cause injury. To limit injuries, ensure that
occupants are wearing seat belts and are
After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a correctly seated, with the seat positioned
gradual cushioning effect for the occupants as far back as possible. The National
and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is not Highway Traffic Safety Administration
obscured. (NHTSA) recommends a minimum
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has distance of 10" (25 cm) between an
been in an accident, always have the airbags, occupant’s chest and an airbag.
seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated Warning: Do not use a child safety seat or
components checked and, if necessary, seat young children on a seat with an
replaced by Tesla. operational airbag in front of it. Doing so
In a collision, in addition to the airbags can cause injury or death if the airbag
inflating: inflates.

• Doors unlock and the door handles Warning: To ensure correct inflation of
extend. the side airbags, maintain an
unobstructed gap between an occupant’s
• Hazard warning lights turn on.
torso and the side of Model S.
• Interior lights turn on.
• High voltage is disabled. Warning: Passengers should not lean their
heads against the doors. Doing so can
To restore Battery power, use the touchscreen cause injury if a curtain airbag inflates.
to manually power off Model S, then press the
brake to power it back on again. Warning: Do not allow passengers to
obstruct the operation of an airbag by
placing feet, knees or any other part of
Airbag Warning Indicator the body on or near an airbag.
Warning: Do not attach or place objects
The airbag indicator on the
on or near the front airbags, the side of
instrument panel remains lit if the
the front seats, the headliner at the side
airbag system is malfunctioning. The
of the vehicle, or any other airbag cover
only time this indicator should light
that could interfere with inflation of an
up is briefly when Model S first starts
airbag. Objects can cause serious injury if
up, in which case it turns off within a
the vehicle is in a collision severe enough
few seconds. If it remains lit, contact
to cause the airbag to inflate.
Tesla immediately and do not drive.
Warning: Following inflation, some airbag
components are hot. Do not touch until
Airbag Warnings they have cooled.
Warning: All occupants, including the
driver, should always wear their seat
belts, whether or not an airbag is also
provided at their seating position, to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death
in the event of a collision.
Warning: Front seat occupants should
not place their arms over the airbag
module, as an inflating bag can cause
fractures or other injuries.
Warning: Do not use seat covers on
Model S. Doing so could restrict
deployment of the side air bags if an
accident occurs. It can also reduce the

34 Model S Owner's Manual

 Driver Profiles

Creating a Driver Profile

If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you only need to adjust Model S
once. When you first adjust the driver’s seat,
steering wheel, or driver’s side mirror, the
touchscreen prompts you to create a driver
profile to save these adjustments. Your profile
also saves several other preferences you make
using the touchscreen’s Settings window.
A new driver can also add a driver profile by
touching Controls > Settings > Driver Profiles
(or by touching the driver icon on the
touchscreen's status bar, and touching Create
Driver Profile). Enter the driver name and
touch Create Profile.
If you change the position of the steering
wheel, driver’s seat, or driver’s side mirror
after you have saved a profile, the
touchscreen prompts you to save the new
position or restore the previously saved
position (other preferences are automatically
saved). To use a setting without saving or
restoring, just ignore the prompt.

Restoring a Driver’s Profile

To adjust Model S based on a
driver’s profile, touch the driver
profile icon, located to the left side
of the Tesla “T” on the touchscreen’s
status bar. Then choose the driver
and the saved adjustments are
automatically made.

Saved Driver Settings

To see what settings are associated with your
driver profile, touch Controls > Settings >
Driver Profiles. Then touch See what’s saved.
A popup window lists the settings that are
associated with a driver profile. These settings
vary depending on the version of software
currently running in Model S.

Driving 35
 Steering Wheel

Adjusting Position window on the touchscreen (see Using Maps

on page 81).
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired
driving position by moving the control on the
left side of the steering column.

1. Next
If you are listening to local or satellite
radio and you have defined more than one
radio preset, press to play the next preset
in the radio band that is currently playing.
If you have not defined more than one
Warning: Do not make adjustments while preset, press to go to the next available
driving. frequency.
If you are listening to Internet radio, or to
Adjusting Sensitivity an audio file on a connected Bluetooth or
USB device, press to skip to the next song
You can adjust the feel and sensitivity of the or station.
steering system to suit your personal
2. Scroll Wheel
preference:
• To adjust the media volume, roll up or
1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls.
down.
2. Choose a steering option:
• To mute the media volume, or to
• Comfort - reduces the effort required pause/play an audio file, tap the
to turn the wheel. In town, Model S wheel.
feels easier to drive and park. • To choose what displays on the left
• Standard - Tesla believes that this side of the instrument panel, press
setting offers the best handling and and hold the scroll wheel to display
response in all conditions. the available options. Then roll the
• Sport - Increases the effort required scroll wheel to browse through the
to turn the wheel. When driving at options. Tap the scroll wheel when the
higher speeds, Model S feels more option you want is highlighted.
responsive. 3. Previous
The only way to really know which option you Same as described above for Next, except
like best is to try them. it skips to the previous song or station.
Note: Regardless of how you customize the
Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons left side of the instrument panel, it
automatically changes to display navigation
Use the buttons on the left side of the steering instructions (if applicable), or to let you know
wheel to change radio stations, control the if a door or trunk is open when Model S is in a
media player’s volume, and control what driving gear.
displays on the left side of the instrument
panel (whenever the Navigation app is not
displaying instructions).
Note: The volume control on the steering
wheel does not adjust spoken navigation
instructions. To control the volume of
navigation instructions, use the navigation

36 Model S Owner's Manual

 Steering Wheel

Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons Press, then use the scroll wheel to select
Customize to choose the Model S feature
Use the buttons on the right side of the that you want to control whenever you
steering wheel to control the phone, to roll the wheel when a menu is not
choose and control a Model S feature by displayed. You can choose from:
tapping the scroll wheel, to use voice
commands, and to choose what displays on • All. Allows you to roll the wheel and
the right side of the instrument panel. choose from all available functions
(listed next).
Note: Regardless of how you customize the • Climate Temps. Roll the wheel to
right side of the instrument panel, it change the temperature, or press the
automatically displays the phone menu to wheel to turn the climate control
help you easily handle phone calls on your system on and off.
Bluetooth connected phone.
• Fan Speed. Roll the wheel to adjust
the speed of the fan used to cool or
heat the cabin.
• Display Brightness. Roll the wheel to
change the brightness level of the
displays, or press the wheel to restore
default settings.
• Sunroof (if equipped). Roll the wheel
to adjust the position of the sunroof.
• Media Source. Roll the wheel to
control what Media Player is playing,
or press the wheel to add/remove the
currently playing station or audio
1. Phone Menu or Voice Commands track as a Favorite.
During a phone call, press to display the Press the lower right button at any time to
phone menu, which gives you the option either exit a menu, or go back one level in the
to mute, hold, or end the call. menu structure.
Press and hold to use voice commands to
call a contact, navigate, or listen to Using Voice Commands
Internet music. When you hear the tone,
speak your command. Release the button You can use voice commands to call a
when you finish speaking. For details, see contact, navigate, or listen to Internet music.
Using Voice Commands on page 37. Press and hold the voice button on the upper
2. Scroll Wheel right side of the steering wheel. When you
hear the tone, speak your command while
• To choose what displays on the right continuing to hold down the voice button.
side of the instrument panel, press Release the button when you finish speaking.
and hold the scroll wheel to display
the available options. Then roll the • To call a contact on your Bluetooth-
scroll wheel to browse through the connected phone, say “Call” or “Dial,”
options. Tap the scroll wheel when the followed by the contact’s first and/or last
option you want is highlighted. name(s). For example, “Call Eric” or “Call
Mike Phillips.”
• When the right side of the instrument
panel displays a menu, rolling the • To search for, or navigate to, a location,
wheel highlights the next item in a say “Where is,” “Drive,” or “Navigate,”
menu and tapping the wheel selects followed by an address, business name,
the highlighted item. When a menu is business category, or landmark. For
not displayed, rolling the wheel example, “Drive to Tesla in Menlo Park,”
adjusts your chosen controllable “Drive to Starbucks on Homestead in
feature (see Item 3 below). Cupertino,” or “Where is Stanford
University?” If you have defined a
3. Customize the Scroll Wheel/Exit a Menu
navigation address for your home or work
Press, then use the scroll wheel to select locations, you can use a voice command
Phone to browse through and select to "Navigate home" or "Navigate to work."
contacts and recent calls.

Driving 37
 Steering Wheel

• To listen to an Internet music service, say

“Listen to,” or “Play,” followed by the
name of the song, album, artist or
combination. To improve voice
recognition accuracy, provide multiple
cues in your command, such as artist plus
song (for example, “Play Honky Chateau
by Elton John” or “Listen to Boogie
Wonderland”).
Note: You can also use voice commands to
provide feedback to Tesla. Say "Note",
"Report", "Bug note", or "Bug report" followed
by your brief comments. Model S takes a
snapshot of its systems, including screen
captures of the touchscreen and instrument
panel. Tesla periodically reviews these notes
and uses them to continue improving Model S.

Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on
the steering wheel.

38 Model S Owner's Manual

 Mirrors

Adjusting Exterior Side Mirrors Mirror Auto-tilt When Reversing

Press the button associated with the mirror If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
you want to adjust (left or right). The button's package, both exterior mirrors can
light turns on and you can then press the dial automatically tilt downward when backing up.
to move the mirror to the desired position. To adjust the auto-tilt position, shift into
Repeat for the other side mirror. If Model S is Reverse, then adjust the mirrors as described
equipped with the optional tech package, you above (press the button associated with the
may need to touch SAVE on the touchscreen mirror you want to adjust, then press the dial
to save the mirror adjustment in your driver to move the mirror to the desired position).
profile. Touch SAVE on the touchscreen to save the
mirror adjustment in your driver profile.
When you shift back into Drive, the mirrors tilt
back to their normal (upward) position. But
now that you have adjusted them for backing
up, they automatically tilt to the selected
downward position whenever you shift into
Reverse.
You can turn the auto-tilt feature on or off
using the touchscreen, Touch Controls >
Settings > Vehicle > Mirror Auto-Tilt.

Rear View Mirror

Except when in Reverse gear, the rear view
mirror automatically dims in proportion to the
To fold exterior mirrors, press the center level of glare from the headlights of a vehicle
button. behind you.

If Model S is equipped with the optional tech

package, the driver’s side mirror automatically
dims at night, in proportion to the level of
glare from the headlights of a vehicle behind
you (except when in Reverse gear). Also, both
exterior side mirrors have heaters that turn on
and off with the rear window heater.

Driving 39
 Starting and Powering Off

Starting Model S Always keep the key with you. After driving,
you need it to restart Model S after it powers
When you open a door, Model S powers on off. And when you leave Model S, you must
the instrument panel and touchscreen. The bring it with you to lock Model S, either
center circle on the instrument panel displays manually or automatically (see Walk-away
the status of doors and the charge level, and Locking on page 7).
you can operate all controls.
To drive: Powering Off
• PRESS THE BRAKE - the center circle on
When you finish driving, shift into Park by
the instrument panel changes to display
pressing the button on the end of the gear
the speedometer, power meter, charge
selector. The parking brake automatically
level, and selected gear (P, R, N, or D).
engages and all systems keep operating.
• SELECT A GEAR - all the way down for When you leave Model S with the key, it
Drive and all the way up for Reverse. powers off automatically, turning off the
Everything you need to know when driving touchscreen and instrument panel.
Model S displays on the instrument panel. Model S also powers off automatically after
being in Park for 15 minutes, even if you are
Key Not Inside sitting in the driver’s seat.
If Model S does not detect a key when you Although usually not needed, you can power
press the brake, the instrument panel displays off Model S while you are still sitting in the
a message telling you that a key was not driver’s seat. Touch Controls > E-Brake &
detected. Power Off > Power Off. Model S automatically
powers back on again if you press the brake
Place the key in the center console cup holder
or touch anywhere on the touchscreen.
where Model S can best detect it.
Note: Model S automatically shifts into Park
whenever you leave the vehicle, even if you
shift into Neutral before exiting. To keep
Model S in Neutral, see Leaving Model S in
Neutral - Tow Mode on page 41.

If Model S still does not detect the key, try

holding it against the center console,
immediately below the 12V power socket (see
12V Power Socket on page 80). Or try using
another key. If another key does not work,
contact Tesla.
A number of factors can affect whether
Model S can detect the key. These include a
low battery in the key, interference from other
devices using radio signals, and objects
between the key and receiver.

40 Model S Owner's Manual

 Gears

Shifting Gears Park

When Model S is in Park, you must press the With Model S stopped, press the end of the
brake to shift to another gear. gear selector. Whenever Model S is in Park,
the parking brake is applied.
Move the lever up or down to change gears.

Model S automatically shifts into Park

whenever you:
• Leave the vehicle.
• Connect a charge cable.

If you try to shift into a gear that the current

Leaving Model S in Neutral - Tow
driving speed prohibits, you will hear a chime Mode
and the gear does not change.
Model S automatically shifts into Park
whenever you finish driving and leave
Reverse Model S. To keep Model S in Neutral when you
Push the lever all the way up and release. You exit, allowing it to roll freely (for example,
can only shift into Reverse when Model S is pulling onto a transporter, etc.), activate Tow
stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h). mode:
If moving less than 1 mph (1.6 km/h), you must 1. Shift into Park.
press the brake.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Touch Controls > E-Brake & Power Off >
Neutral Tow Mode.
Push the lever up or down to the first position Model S beeps, and shifts into Neutral (which
and release to shift into Neutral. Neutral releases the parking brake).
allows Model S to roll freely.
If Model S is in Park and you use the When Tow mode is active, Model S
touchscreen to release the parking brake displays this indicator light on the
(Controls > E-Brake & Power Off), Model S instrument panel, along with a
shifts into Neutral (see Parking Brake on page message telling you that Model S will
59). remain free rolling.
Model S automatically shifts into Park when
you exit. To leave Model S in Neutral, use the Note: In Tow mode, Model S does not shift
touchscreen to engage Tow mode (see into a driving gear. To cancel Tow mode, shift
Leaving Model S in Neutral - Tow Mode on into Park or touch Tow mode again. Tow
page 41). mode also cancels if you use the touchscreen
to apply the parking brake (Controls > E-
Drive Brake & Power Off > Parking Brake).

Push the lever all the way down and release.

You can shift into Drive when Model S is
stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
in Reverse. If Model S is moving less than
1 mph (1.6 km/h), you must press the brake to
shift into Drive.

Driving 41
 Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version, and market region, the information displayed may be slightly
different.

1. The center display changes depending on whether Model S is off or ready to drive. If Model S
is off, the center displays shows remaining estimated range and status of doors. Pressing the
brake powers Model S on—the indicator lights flash on for a second and the center display
shows speed, power, charge level, estimated range (see item 9), and active gear. When
Model S is plugged in, the instrument panel displays charging status (see Charging Status on
page 98).
2. Use the left steering wheel buttons to operate the audio system. You can also press and roll
the scroll wheel to change what displays on the left side of the instrument panel (see Steering
Wheel on page 36).
3. Pay attention to important status messages that display here.
4. All indicator lights flash on briefly when you press the brake to prepare to drive. They should
then turn off, unless the light applies to a current situation (see Indicator Lights on page
43).
5. Use the right steering wheel buttons for voice commands, to handle telephone calls, and to
control some features of Model S. You can customize what features the scroll wheel can
control (see Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page 37).
6. Door lock status
7. Odometer
8. Outside temperature
9. Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance as shown
here, you can display the percentage of battery energy remaining. To do so, touch Controls >
Settings > Units & Format > Charging Units (see Settings on page 69).
Note: When anticipating when you need to charge, use range estimates as a general guideline
only.
Note: In cold weather, some of the stored energy in the Battery may not be available on your
drive because the Battery is too cold. When this happens, a portion of the Battery meter is
blue and the driving distance value has a snowflake image next to it. If Model S is plugged in,
you can heat your Battery using wall power by turning on climate control using the mobile
app. When the Battery warms up, the blue portion on the meter and the snowflake image are
no longer displayed.

42 Model S Owner's Manual

 Instrument Panel

10. Pay attention to alert messages that appear at the bottom center of the instrument panel. If
any alerts are in effect, you can view information about them by touching the alert icon
(exclamation mark) on the touchscreen’s status bar (the topmost area of the touchscreen).
11. Currently selected gear: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive.
12. Dashed lines appear on the power meter if Model S is limiting power. The dashed lines appear
on the top portion when power available for acceleration is being limited, and on the bottom
portion when power that can be gained by regenerative braking is limited. Model S limits
power for many reasons. Here are just a few examples:
•
Acceleration may be limited when the Battery is reaching a low state of charge or if the
powertrain is hot.
• Both acceleration and regenerative braking may be limited when the ambient
temperature is either very high or very low.
• Regenerative braking may be limited when the Battery is fully charged.
13. Date and time

Indicator Lights
Indicator lights flash on briefly when you press the brake pedal to prepare for driving. Unless an
indicator light applies to a current situation, they should turn off. If an indicator light fails to turn
on or off, contact Tesla.
In addition to indicator lights, alerts display on the top or bottom center of the instrument panel.
If alerts are in effect, an alert icon (exclamation mark) displays on the top of the touchscreen.
Touch this icon to display a description of the alert.

Indicator Description

Airbag safety. If this indicator does not flash on briefly when Model S
prepares to drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See Airbag
Warning Indicator on page 34.

A seat belt for an occupied seat is not fastened. Note: Depending on the
date of manufacture, rear seating positions may not be equipped with a seat
belt reminder. See Seat Belts on page 19.

Front fog lights (optional). See Lights on page 46.

Parking lights (side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) are on.
See Lights on page 46.

Headlight low beams are on.

Headlight high beams are on. See Headlight High Beams on page 48.

Driving 43
 Instrument Panel

Indicator Description

Electronic stability control systems are applying the brake to the relevant
wheel to prevent slippage (light flashes). See Traction Control on page 60.

The traction control system has been disabled. See Traction Control on page
60.

A Smart Air Suspension fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Smart Air
Suspension on page 75.

Smart Air Suspension’s automatic self-leveling is disabled. In other words,

Model S is in Jack mode and is ready to be lifted or pulled onto a
transporter. Jack mode cancels when Model S is driven over 4.5 mph
(7 km/h). See Smart Air Suspension on page 75.

The parking brake is manually applied. See Parking Brake on page 59.

A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Parking Brake on page
59.

An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See Brakes on page

58. Contact Tesla immediately.

A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. See Brakes
on page 58. Contact Tesla immediately.

Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is detected, the indicator
flashes. For a TPMS fault, contact Tesla. See Tire Care and Maintenance on
page 100.

A door or trunk is open. See Using Exterior Door Handles on page 6.

Flashes green when the left turn signal is operating. Both turn signal
indicators flash green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.

44 Model S Owner's Manual

 Instrument Panel

Indicator Description

Flashes green when the right turn signal is operating. Both turn signal
indicators flash green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.

Model S is in Tow mode and can roll freely. It does not automatically shift
into Park when you exit. See Instructions for Transporters on page 142.

Driving 45
 Lights

Controlling Lights
Touch Controls on the bottom corner of the touchscreen to control most of the lights.
In addition to the lights that you can control from the touchscreen, Model S has convenience
lights that turn on and off automatically based on what you are doing. For example, you will
notice interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, door handle lights, and puddle lights that turn on
when you unlock Model S, when you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn off
automatically after a minute or two or when you shift into a driving gear or lock Model S.

46 Model S Owner's Manual

 Lights

1. If you turn on DOME lights, interior dome OFF All exterior lights
(map) lights turn on when you unlock (headlights, tail lights, side
Model S, open a door upon exiting, or shift marker lights, parking
into P (Park). They turn off after 60 lights, and license plate
seconds, when you lock Model S, or when lights) turn off until you
you shift into a driving gear. manually turn them back
You can also turn an individual dome light on or until the next time
on or off by pressing its lens. If you you drive Model S.
manually turn a dome light on, it turns off
PARKING Only the side marker
when Model S powers off. If Model S was
lights, parking lights, tail
already powered off when you manually
lights and license plate
turned the light on, it turns off after 60
lights turn on.
minutes.
ON All exterior lights
(headlights, tail lights, side
marker lights, parking
lights, and license plate
lights) turn on.

AUTO All exterior lights

(headlights, tail lights, side
marker lights, parking
lights, and license plate
lights) turn on
2. If you turn on AMBIENT lights, the lights
automatically when
on the door armrests turn on whenever
driving in low lighting
the headlights are on.
conditions. If you change
3. DRL (Daytime Running Lights) operate to a different setting,
only when driving with the headlights off. lights always revert to this
In jurisdictions where required by law AUTO setting on your
(Canada), daytime running lights can not next drive.
be turned off.
4. If Model S is equipped with optional front
fog lights, touch to turn them on or off. Note: Optional fog lights operate
automatically whenever the headlights are
The Front Fog indicator displays on. When headlights are off, fog lights are
on the instrument panel also off.
whenever the optional front fog
lights are on.

The fog lights operate only when the

headlights are on. Whenever headlights
are turned off, fog lights also turn off.
5. Exterior lights are set to AUTO each time
you start Model S. Touch these options to
temporarily change the exterior light
setting:

Driving 47
 Lights

Headlight High Beams Cornering Lights

Push the left-hand steering column lever away If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
from you. To cancel, pull the lever toward you. package, LED cornering lights broaden the
beam of the headlights whenever you drive
through a corner.

The high beam indicator lights up on

the instrument panel whenever high
beams are on.

To flash the headlight high beams, pull the

lever fully toward you and release.

Headlights After Exit

When you stop driving and park Model S in
low lighting conditions, the exterior lights
automatically turn on. They automatically turn
off after two minutes or when you lock
Model S.
You can turn this feature on and off using the
touchscreen. Touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Headlights After Exit.

48 Model S Owner's Manual

 Lights

Turn Signals Hazard Warning Flashers

Move the left-hand steering column lever up To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press
(before turning right) or down (before turning the switch located on the side of the
left). touchscreen closest to the steering wheel. All
turn signals flash. Press again to turn off.
Note: Hazard warning flashers operate even
without a Model S key nearby.

The turn signals stop operating when

canceled by the steering wheel, or when you
return the lever to the central position.

The corresponding turn signal

indicator lights up on the instrument
panel when a turn signal is
operating. You also hear a clicking
sound.

Lane Change Flash

To indicate a lane change, quickly press the
lever up or down against the spring pressure,
then release. The corresponding turn signal
flashes three times.

Driving 49
 Wipers and Washers

Wipers De-icing Wipers

To wipe the windshield, rotate the end of the To make wiper blades easy to access so you
left-hand steering column lever away from can remove any ice and snow, shift Model S
you. You can choose from four levels: into Park, then use the touchscreen to move
them to the service position. Touch Controls >
• 1st: Auto with low rain sensitivity.* Settings > Vehicle > Service Mode > ON.
• 2nd: Auto with high rain sensitivity.* When parking in cold outdoor climates, it is
• 3rd: Continuous, slow. helpful to leave Model S with the wipers in the
• 4th: Continuous, fast. service position. In this position, they are
closer to the defrost vent, allowing you to
thaw them by directing air from the climate
control system towards the windshield.
If Model S is equipped with the cold weather
option, you can de-ice wipers by touching
Controls > Cold Weather > Heated Wipers.
This control heats the wipers for 15 minutes
and then automatically turns off.
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
For a single wipe, press and release the end of normal position when you shift Model S out of
the lever. Park.
If the wipers are set to Auto and the sensor
detects no water, the wipers do not wipe. Washers
When you operate the wipers, headlights Press the button on the end of the left
automatically turn on (if they are not on steering column lever to spray washer fluid
already). onto the windshield. You can press this button
*Model S has a rain sensor located on the at two levels. Press partially for a single wipe,
inside of the windshield at the base of the without any washer fluid. Press fully for both
interior mirror. When wipers are set to Auto, wipe and wash. When washing the windshield,
the frequency at which they wipe depends on the wipers will perform two wipes after you
how much water the sensor detects. When release the button, then a third wipe a few
wipers are set to the 2nd level, the sensor is seconds later.
more sensitive.
To extend the life of wiper blades, remove ice
from the windshield before turning wipers on.
Ice has sharp edges that can damage the
rubber on the blades.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the
wiper blade. If damaged, replace the blade
immediately. For details on checking replacing
Periodically top up washer fluid (see Topping
wiper blades, see Wiper Blades and Washer
Up Washer Fluid on page 116).
Jets on page 112.
Caution: In harsh climates, ensure that the De-icing Washer Nozzles
wiper blades are not frozen or adhered to
the windshield. If Model S is equipped with the cold weather
option, washer nozzles have de-icers that turn
on whenever the ambient temperature nears
freezing, or when you turn on the heated
wipers (Controls > Cold Weather > Heated
Wipers). The washer de-icers turn off when
the heated wipers turn off (after 15 minutes),
provided the temperature is warm enough to
prevent freezing.

50 Model S Owner's Manual

 Speed Assist

How Speed Assist Works

If Model S is equipped with Driver Assistance
features, a camera mounted on the windshield
behind the interior rear view mirror detects
speed limit signs. The signs are then analyzed
and compared against GPS data to determine
the speed limit at your current driving
location. For routes where no signs are
present, speed limits are determined using
GPS data (if available). Instead of determining
the speed limit based on signs and GPS data,
you can also manually enter an arbitrary
speed limit.
When you turn on Speed Assist, the
speedometer displays a gray line to indicate
the speed limit. Warnings (described below)
take effect when you exceed this limit.

If you set the assistance level to Display (see

Controlling Speed Assist below), a speed limit
sign displays in the center of the instrumental
panel whenever you exceed the speed limit
and the speedometer displays the excess
speed in gray.

In situations where the system does not have

confidence in the acquired speed limit, the
speedometer displays a dashed line instead,
and warnings do not take effect. The system
may be uncertain about a speed limit if a
speed, although initially detected, is no longer
known or may no longer apply. In some cases,
the dashed line displays at the originally Note: A speed limit sign also displays in the
detected speed, whereas in other cases it center of the instrumental panel when an
displays at 0 mph. automatically detected speed limit changes.
If you set the assistance level to Chime (see
Controlling Speed Assist) and exceed the
speed limit, the speedometer displays excess
speed in gray, and you also hear a warning
chime.
Note: Speed limit warnings go away
automatically after 10 seconds, or when Model
S slows down below the specified limit.
Warning: Do not rely on Speed Assist to
determine the appropriate speed limit.

Driving 51
 Speed Assist

Always drive at a safe speed based on • Bright light (oncoming headlights or

traffic and road conditions. direct sunlight) is interfering with the
camera's view.
Caution: If your Model S is equipped with
Speed Assist, you must take your vehicle • Model S is being driven very close to a
to Tesla Service if a windshield vehicle in front of it which is blocking the
replacement is needed. Failure to do so camera's view.
can cause Speed Assist to malfunction. • The windshield area in the camera's field
of view is obstructed (fogged over, dirty,
covered by a sticker, etc.).
Controlling Speed Assist • Speed limit signs are concealed by
To turn Speed Assist on or off, and control objects.
how it works, touch Controls > Settings > • The speed limits stored in the GPS
Driver Assistance > Assistance Level, then database are incorrect or outdated.
choose an assistance level: • Model S is being driven in an area where
• Off. The speed limit is not displayed. GPS data is not available.
• Display. Speed limit information visually • Traffic signs do not conform to standard
displays on the speedometer and when recognizable formats.
you exceed the limit, a speed limit sign • A road or a speed limit has recently
displays in the center of the instrument changed.
panel, and the speedometer displays the
excess speed in gray.
• Chime. In addition to the visual display, an
audible chime sounds whenever you
exceed the speed limit.
You can also specify how the speed limit is
determined:
• Relative. The speed limit is determined
automatically based on detected traffic
signs and GPS data. If desired, you can set
a speed limit offset (+ or -) if you want to
be alerted only when you exceed the
speed limit by a specified amount. For
example, you would increase the offset to
+10 mph if you only want to be alerted
when you exceed the speed limit by
10 mph.
• Absolute. Manually specify any speed limit
between 20 and 140 mph (30 and
240 km/h).
Note: GPS data is not always accurate. The
GPS can misjudge the road's location and
provide the speed limit for a directly adjacent
road that may have a different speed limit. For
example, The GPS can assume Model S is on a
freeway when it’s actually on a nearby surface
street, and vice versa.

Limitations and Inaccuracies

Speed Assist may not be fully functional or
may provide inaccurate information in these
situations:
• Visibility is poor and speed limit signs are
not clearly visible (due to heavy rain,
snow, fog, etc.).

52 Model S Owner's Manual

 Lane Departure Warning

How Lane Departure Warning Controlling Lane Departure

Works Warning
If Model S is equipped with Driver Assistance To turn Lane Assist on or off, touch Controls >
features, a camera mounted on the windshield Settings > Driver Assistance > Lane Departure
behind the interior rear view mirror monitors Warning.
the markers on the lane you are driving in. If a
front wheel passes over a lane marking and
the associated turn signal is off, you feel three Limitations and Inaccuracies
slight vibrations in the steering wheel. Lane Departure Warning can not always
Lane Departure Warning operates only when clearly detect lane markings and you may
Model S is traveling over approximately experience unnecessary or invalid warnings in
30 mph (50 km/h). these situations:

Warning: Never depend on Lane • Visibility is poor and lane markings are not
Departure Warning to inform you of clearly visible (due to heavy rain, snow,
unintentionally driving outside of the fog, etc.).
boundaries of the driving lane. Several • Bright light (oncoming headlights or
external factors can reduce the direct sunlight) is interfering with the
performance of Lane Departure Warning, camera's view.
causing either no readings or false • Model S is being driven very close to a
readings. Therefore, depending on this vehicle in front of it which is blocking the
system to stay within the boundaries of camera's view.
the driving lane can result in serious injury • The windshield area in the camera's field
or death. Lane Departure Warning is for of view is obstructed (fogged over, dirty,
guidance purposes only. Always keep covered by a sticker, etc.).
your eyes on the road when driving. It is
• Lane markings are excessively worn or
the driver's responsibility to stay alert,
have been adjusted due to road
drive safely, ensure the vehicle stays in
construction.
the traveling lane, and be in control of the
vehicle at all times. • Lane markings are changing quickly (for
example, lanes branching off, crossing
Caution: If your Model S is equipped with over, or merging).
Lane Departure Warning, you must take • The road is narrow or winding.
your vehicle to Tesla Service if a
• Objects or landscape features are casting
windshield replacement is needed. Failure
strong shadows on lane markers.
to do so can cause Lane Departure
Warning to malfunction.

Driving 53
 Park Assist

How Park Assist Works damage to the vehicle and/or objects,

and can potentially cause serious injury.
If Model S is equipped with the Park Assist Always inspect the area with your own
option, both the front and rear bumpers eyes. When reversing, perform shoulder
include several sensors. When moving slowly checks and use all mirrors. Park assist
in Drive or Reverse, the sensors alert you if an does not detect children, pedestrians,
object is detected close to the front or rear bicyclists, animals, or objects that are
bumper, respectively. moving, protruding, located too far above
Warning: The Park Assist images or below the sensors, or too close or too
provided below are representative only. far from the sensors. Park Assist is for
The exact number and location of Park guidance purposes only and is not
Assist sensors may vary depending on intended to replace your own direct
the date your Model S was manufactured. visual checks. It is not a substitute for
careful driving.

Visual and Audio Feedback

Whenever Model S is moving slowly in
Reverse or Drive at a speed of less than 3 mph
(4.8 km/h) , the left side of the instrument
panel provides feedback to alert you if an
object is detected near the corresponding
back or front bumper. When reversing, visual
feedback also displays on the touchscreen,
immediately below the camera view (see Rear
View Camera on page 64).
If chimes are turned on (see Controlling
Audible Feedback on page 54), an audible
beep sounds as you approach an object. You
can temporarily mute the chime by pressing
the scroll wheel on the left side of the steering
wheel.
Note: If a sensor is unable to provide
feedback, the instrument panel displays an
alert message.
Caution: Keep sensors clean from dirt,
debris, snow, and ice. Avoid using a high
When driving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h), the pressure power washer on the sensors
sensors are activated. and do not clean a sensor with a sharp or
abrasive object that can scratch or
damage its surface.
Caution: Do not install accessories or
stickers on or near the parking sensors.

Controlling Audible Feedback

You can use Park Assist with or without
Warning: Never depend on Park Assist to audible feedback. To turn chimes on or off,
inform you if an area you are approaching touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
is free of objects and/or people. Several Security > Park Assist Chimes.
external factors can reduce the You can also mute the chimes temporarily by
performance of Park Assist, causing pressing the scroll wheel on the left side of
either no readings or false readings (see the steering wheel. The chimes are muted
Limitations and False Warnings on page until you shift into a different gear or drive
55). Therefore, depending on Park over 3 mph (4.8 km/h).
Assist to determine if Model S is
approaching an obstruction can result in

54 Model S Owner's Manual

 Park Assist

Limitations and False Warnings

The parking sensors may not function
correctly in these situations:
• One or more of the parking sensors is
damaged, dirty, or covered (such as mud,
ice, or snow).
• Object is located below approximately
8 inches (20 cm) (such as a curb or low
barrier).
• Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or
fog) are interfering with sensor operation.
• Object is thin (such as a sign post).
• A sensor’s operating range has been
exceeded.
• Object is sound-absorbing or soft (such as
powder snow).
• Object is sloped (such as a sloped
embankment).
• Model S has been parked in, or being
driven in, extremely hot or cold
temperatures.
• The sensors are affected by other
electrical equipment or devices that
generate ultrasonic waves.
• Object is located too close to the bumper.
• A bumper is misaligned or damaged.
• An object that is mounted to Model S is
interfering with and/or obstructing the
sensor (such as a bike rack or a bumper
sticker).

Other Parking Aids

In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into
Reverse gear, the backup camera displays a
view of the area behind Model S. See Rear
View Camera on page 64.

Driving 55
 Trip Information

Displaying Trip Information

Trip information displays on the touchscreen
when you touch Controls > Trips. There are
two trip meters available, A and B. To reset a
particular trip meter, touch its associated
RESET.
Note: You can also display range and trip
information on the instrument panel (see
Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons on page
36).

56 Model S Owner's Manual

 Getting Maximum Range

Driving Tips to Maximize Range Model S more quickly, and provides

immediate 3G internet access when
You can maximize your driving range using entering the car. Slightly more energy is
the same driving habits that you use to consumed.
conserve fuel in a gasoline-powered vehicle. In
addition to driving habits, energy
consumption depends on environmental
conditions (such as cold weather and hilly
roads). To get the maximum mileage from a
charge:
• Avoid frequent and rapid acceleration.
• Instead of using the brake to slow down,
move your foot off the accelerator.
Whenever Model S is moving and your
foot is off the accelerator, regenerative
braking slows down Model S and feeds
surplus energy back to the Battery (see
Regenerative Braking on page 59).
• Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures (see Tire Care and Maintenance
on page 100).
• Lighten your load by removing any
unnecessary cargo.
• Limit the use of resources such as heating
and air conditioning. Using seat heaters to
keep warm is more efficient than heating
the cabin. You can turn on Range mode to
automatically limit the power of the
climate control system (see Settings on
page 69).
The power meter on the instrument panel and
the Energy app provide feedback on energy
usage. With this feedback, you will soon
become familiar with how driving habits and
environmental conditions impact how much
energy Model S is using.

Saving Energy
Model S has an energy-saving feature that
reduces the amount of energy being
consumed when Model S is not in use. Touch
Controls > Displays > Energy Saving and
choose from the following options:
• OFF. All display systems remain powered
when Model S is not in use, providing the
most responsive experience. More energy
is consumed.
• NIGHTLY. Model S shifts to the energy-
saving mode at night (10 pm to 5 am).
• ON. Significantly less energy is consumed
whenever Model S is not in use. The start-
up time of the instrument panel and
Bluetooth could be slower.
• Always Connected. Preserves cell
connectivity when energy saving is active.
This allows the mobile app to connect to

Driving 57
 Brakes

Braking Systems Emergency Braking

Model S has an anti-lock braking system In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
(ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking and maintain firm pressure, even on low
when you apply maximum brake pressure. traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
This improves steering control during heavy pressure to each wheel according to the
braking in most road conditions. amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you
During emergency braking conditions, the stop as safely as possible.
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
to the grip available. Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating from the vehicle in front of you and be
and is not a cause for concern. Keep firm and aware of hazardous driving conditions.
steady pressure on the brake pedal while While the ABS can improve stopping
experiencing the pulsing. distance, it cannot overcome the laws of
physics. It also does not prevent the
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
the instrument panel when you first water prevents direct contact between
start Model S. If this indicator lights the tires and the road).
up at any other time, an ABS fault
has occurred and the ABS is not Brake Wear
operating. Contact Tesla. The
braking system remains fully Model S brake pads are equipped with wear
operational and is not affected by an indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
ABS failure. However, braking strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as
distances may increase. it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
If the instrument panel displays this service life and require replacement. To stop
indicator at any time other than the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
displaying briefly when you first start
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
Model S, a brake system fault is
brake pads results in damage to the
detected or the brake fluid level is
braking system and can create a braking
low. Contact Tesla immediately.
hazard.

58 Model S Owner's Manual

 Brakes

Regenerative Braking • Standard. Provides the maximum

amount of regenerative braking.
Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is When you release the accelerator,
off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows Model S slows down faster, reducing
down Model S and feeds any surplus energy the need to use the brakes.
back to the Battery. • Low. Limits the amount of
By anticipating your stops and simply regenerative braking. When you
removing your foot from the accelerator to release the accelerator, Model S takes
slow down, you can take advantage of longer to slow down and coasts
regenerative braking to increase driving further.
range. Of course, this is no substitute for
regular braking when needed for safety.
Parking Brake
Note: If regenerative braking is aggressively
slowing Model S, such as on a steep descent, The parking brake automatically engages
brake lights turn on to alert other road users whenever you shift Model S into Park, and
that you are slowing down. releases whenever you shift into any other
gear.
The power meter on the instrument panel
displays real-time feedback on the amount of
energy being gained by regenerative braking.
The amount of energy fed back to the Battery
using regenerative braking can depend on the
current state of the Battery and the charge
level setting that you are using. If regenerative
braking is limited, a dashed yellow line
displays on the power meter. For example,
Note: The parking brake operates on the rear
regenerative braking may be limited if the
wheels only, and is independent of the foot-
Battery is already fully charged or if the
operated brake system.
ambient temperature is low.
Use the touchscreen to manually release the
parking brake (which also shifts Model S into
Neutral):
1. Touch Controls > E-Brake & Power Off.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking
Brake. If Model S was previously in Park, it
shifts into Neutral.

The parking brake indicator lights up

on the instrument panel whenever
you use the touchscreen to manually
apply the parking brake.

If an electrical issue occurs with the

parking brake, an amber parking
brake fault message displays at the
top center of the touchscreen.

Caution: In the unlikely event that

To Set the Regenerative Braking Level Model S loses electrical power, you
You can use the touchscreen to change the cannot release the parking brake.
level of regenerative braking:
1. Touch Controls > Driving > Regenerative
Braking.
2. Choose from two levels:

Driving 59
 Traction Control

How It Works
The traction control system constantly
monitors the difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels. If Model S experiences a
loss of traction, the traction control system
minimizes wheel spin by controlling brake
pressure and motor power.

The electronic stability control

indicator displays on the instrument
panel whenever the traction control
system is actively controlling brake
pressure and motor power.

Warning: Traction control does not

prevent accidents caused by driving
dangerously or turning too sharply at
high speeds.

Turning Off
Under normal conditions, you should leave
traction control on. Turn it off only in
circumstances where you deliberately want
the wheels to spin, such as:
• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel
or snow.
• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.
• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.
To turn traction control off, touch Controls >
Driving > Traction Control > Off.

The Traction Control Off indicator

displays at the top center of the
touchscreen whenever the traction
control system is turned off.

Although traction control turns on again

automatically the next time you start Model S,
turn it on using the touchscreen as soon as
the circumstances that required you to turn it
off have passed.

60 Model S Owner's Manual

 Cruise Control

Operating Cruise Control Changing the Cruising Speed

Cruise control makes it easy for you to Move the cruise control lever up (increase) or
maintain a consistent speed without holding down (decrease) until your desired speed is
your foot on the accelerator. This is useful reached.
when driving at the same speed over a long
distance.
You must be driving over 17 mph (27 km/h) to
operate cruise control.
Warning: Do not use cruise control on
winding or slippery road surfaces, or
when traffic conditions make it unsafe to
drive at a consistent speed.
To operate cruise control:
1. When driving over 17 mph (27 km/h),
touch the end of the cruise control lever.
The light on the lever turns on.

Note: It may take a few seconds for Model S

to reach the new cruising speed. If you
decrease the set speed to less than 17 mph
(27 km/h), cruise control cancels and the set
speed clears.
2. Accelerate until you reach your desired
cruising speed. Canceling and Resuming
3. Move the cruise control lever up or down,
then release. Cruise control cancels automatically if you do
either of the following:
• Press the brake.
• Drive below 17 mph (27 km/h).
• Shift out of Drive.
To cancel cruise control manually, briefly push
the cruise control lever away from you. The
message on the instrument panel turns off,
but the set speed remains displayed until
Model S powers off.
The instrument panel displays the Cruise On
message above the speedometer and a white
arrow on the speedometer shows your set
speed.
You can accelerate at any time when driving
at a set speed in cruise control. But when you
release the accelerator, your speed returns to
the set speed.
Warning: Driving downhill can increase
driving speed, causing Model S to exceed To resume cruising at the previously set
your set speed. speed, briefly pull the cruise control lever
toward you. Cruise control resumes only if
driving over 17 mph (27 km/h).

Driving 61
 Cruise Control

62 Model S Owner's Manual

 Hill Start Assist

Hill Start Assist automatically engages the

brakes for approximately one second when on
a hill. This prevents Model S from rolling
during the time it takes for you to move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator
pedal. Hill Start Assist engages the brakes
only if Model S is in Drive and facing uphill, or
in Reverse and facing downhill.
Warning: After approximately one
second, Hill Start Assist no longer brakes
your vehicle and it could roll. Therefore,
quickly move your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never rely
on Hill Start Assist to prevent Model S
from rolling for more than one second.
Failure to do so can result in a collision.

Driving 63
 Rear View Camera

Camera Location Cleaning the Camera

Model S is equipped with a rear view camera To ensure a clear picture, keep the camera
located above the rear license plate. lens clean, and free of obstructions. Remove
any buildup of dirt by occasionally wiping the
camera lens with a soft damp cloth.
Caution: Do not use chemical-based or
abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage
the surface of the camera lens.

Whenever you shift into Reverse, the

touchscreen displays the view from the
camera.

Note: If Model S is equipped with the optional

Park Assist feature, visual feedback from the
parking sensors displays below the camera
image. See Park Assist on page 54.
Warning: Never depend on the rear view
camera to inform you if the area behind
you is free of objects and/or people when
reversing. The camera may not detect
objects or barriers that can potentially
cause damage or injury. In addition,
several external factors can reduce the
performance of the camera, including a
dirty or obstructed lens. Therefore,
depending on the rear view camera to
determine if Model S is approaching an
obstruction can result in damage to the
vehicle and/or objects, and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always
inspect the area with your own eyes.
When reversing, perform shoulder checks
and use all mirrors. Use the camera for
guidance purposes only. It is not intended
to replace your own direct visual checks
and is not a substitute for careful driving.

64 Model S Owner's Manual

 Touchscreen Overview

The Big Picture

The main components of the touchscreen are shown here. To manually control the brightness and
contrast, touch Controls > Displays. When set to Auto, the touchscreen changes between the Day
(light background) and Night (dark background) setting depending on ambient lighting
conditions.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version and market region, your touchscreen may appear slightly
different.

Using the Touchscreen 65

 Touchscreen Overview

1. Status bar The main viewing area changes

depending on the app you have chosen
The top line displays provides shortcuts to
(in the example, the Nav and Media apps
Charging, HomeLink, Driver Profiles,
are displayed). For some apps (such as
vehicle information (the Tesla “T”),
® Nav and Web), you can zoom in and out
software updates, Bluetooth , and Wi-Fi
using standard touchscreen finger
settings. The status symbols show outside
gestures.
temperature, network signal strength,
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi settings, passenger 4. Maximize/minimize app
airbag status, and time. If an alert icon Touch the small rectangle to expand the
(exclamation mark) is displayed, touch it associated app to fill the entire main
to see warning messages that are in viewing area (some apps are not
effect. expandable). Touch again to display two
Note: The airbag status symbol displays apps in half-screen view.
only when Model S is powered on. 5. Controls
2. Apps Touch to access all Model S controls and
There are several ways to display an app settings (doors, locks, lights, etc).
in the main viewing area: 6. Climate controls (see Climate Controls on
page 72).
• Tap the app’s icon to display it in the
7. Volume control
top viewing area. If the app is already
displayed, a second tap displays it in Touch the up and down arrows to
full-screen view (only some apps have increase or decrease the volume of the
a full-screen mode). speakers. You can also adjust the volume
• Drag the app’s icon directly onto the using the scroll wheel on the left side of
top or bottom viewing area. the steering wheel.
• Touch and hold the app’s icon to 8. Reverse the position of the two currently
display a popup that lets you choose displayed apps.
whether to display the app in the top Warning: Paying attention to road and
or bottom of the main viewing area. traffic conditions must always be the
driver's highest priority. To ensure the
Media. See Media and Audio on safety of vehicle occupants as well as
page 77. other road users, using the touchscreen
should be done only when road and
Maps/Navigation (if equipped). traffic conditions permit.
See Using Maps on page 81.

Calendar. See Calendar on page

85.

Energy. See Getting Maximum

Range on page 57.

Web. Access the Internet using

the web browser (if equipped).

Camera. Display the area behind

Model S. This area also displays
automatically whenever you shift
into Reverse. See Rear View
Camera on page 64.

Phone. See Phone on page 83.

3. Main viewing area

66 Model S Owner's Manual

 Controls

Controlling Model S Features

Touch Controls on the bottom corner of the touchscreen to control and customize all main
features of Model S.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version and market region, the options available on the Controls screen
may be different.

Using the Touchscreen 67

 Controls

1. Close When on, Model S slowly moves

forward when in Drive and backward
Touch the circled X in the top left corner
in Reverse when you release the brake
of a window to close it (or you can touch
(similar to a conventional vehicle with
anywhere outside the window).
an automatic transmission). You can
2. Sunroof adjust this setting only when Model S
If Model S is equipped with a sunroof, is in Park.
touch to adjust its position (see Sunroof 4. Cold Weather
on page 15).
If Model S is equipped with the cold
3. Driving weather option, you can control all seat
• Suspension heaters and the heated wipers. Note that
you can also control the front driver and
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air passenger seats using the main climate
Suspension, touch to manually raise or control panel located on the bottom of
lower Model S (see Smart Air the touchscreen (see Climate Controls on
Suspension on page 75). Model S page 72).
must be powered on, or you must
5. Trips
press the brake pedal before you can
change suspension settings. Smart Air View and reset the trip meters that
Suspension causes Model S to self- summarize how far you have driven (see
level, even when powered off. Trip Information on page 56).
Therefore, when lifting or towing, you 6. Displays
must disable self-leveling (see Jack
Mode on page 76 and Jacking and Manually control the touchscreen’s
Lifting on page 124). brightness and control its Day (light
background) or Night (dark background)
• Steering mode
setting. When set to Auto, the
Adjust the amount of effort required touchscreen automatically changes
to turn the steering wheel. Sport feels between the Day and Night setting
more responsive whereas Comfort depending on the ambient lighting
feels easier to drive and park (see conditions. You can also put Model S into
Steering Wheel on page 36). an energy saving mode so it consumes
• Regenerative braking less energy when not in use (see Getting
Maximum Range on page 57). Note that
When you release the accelerator the Displays settings can also be accessed
when driving, regenerative braking from the Settings screen.
slows Model S and feeds any surplus
7. E-Brake & Power Off
energy back to the Battery. If set to
Low, Model S does not slow down as You can manually:
quickly, but you may experience less
• Apply and release the parking brake
range (see Regenerative Braking on
(see Parking Brake on page 59).
page 59).
• Power off (see Powering Off on page
Note: Regardless of the setting, the 40).
energy gained by regenerative • Keep Model S in Neutral by activating
braking is reduced if the Battery is Tow Mode (see Leaving Model S in
full, or if it is extremely cold or hot Neutral - Tow Mode on page 41).
(the surplus energy is used to heat or
8. Doors & locks (see Using Interior Door
cool the Battery).
Handles on page 6)
• Traction Control
9. Lights (see Lights on page 46)
If you turn off Traction Control, a
Warning: Do not read the touchscreen
warning message displays on the
while driving. Doing so increases the
instrument panel. The off setting stays
likelihood of a collision. Everything you
in effect for the current drive only
need to know when driving is displayed
(see Traction Control on page 60).
on the instrument panel.
• Creep

68 Model S Owner's Manual

 Settings

Customizing Model S
Touch the Settings tab on the Controls window to adjust Model S to suit your preferences.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version, and market region, the options available on the Settings screen
may be different. For example, in many regions, the “Language & Units” tab is called “Units &
Format.”

Using the Touchscreen 69

 Settings

1. Adjust settings associated with installed • Auto-Present Handles: If on, door

apps (applications). Apps that have no handles extend automatically
settings that you can adjust at this time whenever you approach Model S
are grayed out. carrying a key, whether locked or
2. Manage driver profiles (see Driver Profiles unlocked (see Using Exterior Door
on page 35). Handles on page 6). Note that to
3. Units & Format preserve battery life, Model is
designed to temporarily disable the
Adjust how Model S displays: Auto-Present Handles feature when
• Distance: Miles or km can be shown the key has been out of range for
on the range display, speedometer, more than 48 hours, or if the key
energy chart, trip meters, Google map remains within range for five minutes
searches and navigation routes. after all doors have been closed.
• Time: 12 or 24 hour format. • Headlights After Exit: If on, headlights
stay on for two minutes after you exit,
• Temperature: oF or oC.
or until you lock Model S (see
• Charging Units: Display charging units Headlights After Exit on page 48).
as either the percentage of battery
• Tire Pressure Monitor: Touch Reset
energy remaining, or distance
Sensors to reset the TPMS sensors
remaining.
after replacing a wheel (see Resetting
• Range Display: Display estimated the TPMS Sensors on page 103).
range as either:
• Range Mode: If on, Model S conserves
• Rated - based on EPA testing. energy by limiting the power of the
• Ideal - assumes ideal driving climate control system. Cabin heating
conditions based on driving at a and cooling may be less effective, but
steady speed of 55 mph seat heaters turn on to compensate.
(89 km/h) on a flat road, and • Service Mode: If on, moves wiper
using no additional energy (seat blades to the service position to make
heaters, air conditioning, etc). them easier to access when replacing
them. Model S must be in Park. See
Note: When anticipating when you
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets on
need to charge, use range estimates
page 112.
as a general guideline only.
• Mirror Auto-Tilt: If on, exterior mirrors
4. Vehicle
tilt downward when reversing (see
• Drive-away Door Lock: If on, all doors Mirrors on page 39). Available only if
automatically lock whenever you Model S is equipped with the optional
drive Model S over 5 mph (8 km/h) tech package.
(see Drive-away Locking on page 7). • Mirror Auto-Fold: If on, exterior
• Walk-away Door Lock: If on, all doors mirrors fold when you lock Model S
automatically lock when you walk with the key or walk-away locking.
away from Model S, carrying the key They extend automatically when you
with you (see Walk-away Locking on return to Model S. Available only if
page 7). Available only if Model S is Model S is equipped with both folding
equipped with the optional tech mirrors (newer models) and the
package. optional tech package. For newer
• Child-Protection Lock: If on, safety Model S vehicles, you can also fold
locks prevent the rear doors and the mirrors manually by touching the
liftgate from being opened from center mirror control button (see
inside Model S. Mirrors on page 39).
• Automatic Lowering: If Model S is
equipped with Smart Air Suspension,
you can set the speed at which the
suspension automatically transitions
to a lower ride height (see Smart Air
Suspension on page 75).
5. Safety & Security
Turn various safety and security features
on and off:
70 Model S Owner's Manual
 Settings

• Active safety devices Model S is

equipped with, such as Park Assist
Chimes (see Park Assist on page 54).
• Alarm, and security options Model S is
equipped with (see Security Settings
on page 86).
• Remote access by Tesla’s mobile
applications (see Mobile App on page
91).
6. Displays
Manually control the touchscreen’s
brightness and control its day (light
background) or night (dark background)
setting. When set to Auto, the
touchscreen automatically changes
between Day and Night brightness
depending on the ambient lighting
conditions. You can also put Model S into
an energy saving mode so it consumes
less energy when not in use (see Getting
Maximum Range on page 57). Note that
the Displays settings can also be accessed
from the Controls window.
7. Driver Assistance
If your vehicle is equipped with Driver
Assistance features, you can control
features that can provide a safer driving
experience, such as Speed Assist (see
Speed Assist on page 51) and Lane
Departure Warning (see Lane Departure
Warning on page 53).
8. HomeLink
If the HomeLink feature is available in
your region, use it to control RF-enabled
garage doors, lights, or security systems
(see HomeLink® Universal Transceiver on
page 87).
9. Manual
Display this owners manual.
Warning: Do not read the touchscreen
while driving. Doing so increases the
likelihood of a collision.

Naming Model S
To further personalize your Model S, you can
name it. The name you give your Model S will
appear in the mobile app. To name your
Model S, touch the Tesla “T” at the top center
of the touchscreen, then touch Name Your
Vehicle.

Using the Touchscreen 71

 Climate Controls

Overview of Climate Controls

The climate controls are always available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate
control is set to Auto On, which maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather
conditions. When you adjust the temperature, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air
conditioning, air distribution, air circulation, and fan speed to maintain your selected temperature.
To override these settings, touch Auto On (see Customizing Climate Control on page 73).
The fan, heating, and air conditioning systems are powered by the Battery. Therefore, prolonged
use decreases driving range.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version, market region, and settings, the information displayed may be
slightly different.

1. The front seats are equipped with heating 4. The windshield defroster distributes air
pads that operate at three levels from 3 flow to the windshield and operates the
(highest) to 1 (lowest). heating and fan at their maximum level.
Touch once for Normal Defrost and twice
When operating, the indicator turns red
for Max Defrost. When on, touch again to
and displays the setting number.
turn off and restore the air distribution,
Note: If Model S is equipped with the heating, and fan to their previous settings.
optional cold weather package or 5. Turn climate control system on/off.
executive seats, you can also control seat 6. The rear window defroster warms up the
heaters in the rear seats as well as heated rear window* for 15 minutes, then
wipers by touching Controls > Cold automatically shuts off.
Weather (see Controls on page 67). When
equipped with executive seats, you can *If Model S is equipped with the optional
control the seat and the backrest tech package, exterior side mirrors are
separately in each second row passenger also heated.
seat. Warning: To avoid burns resulting from
2. Touch the up or down arrow to set the prolonged use, individuals who have
cabin temperature (from LO, 63° F to peripheral neuropathy, or whose capacity
HI, 90° F/LO, 17° C to HI, 32° C). To apply to feel pain is limited because of diabetes,
a temperature setting to both the driver age, neurological injury, or some other
and passenger side at the same time, condition, should exercise caution when
touch SYNC TEMP on the temperature using the climate control system and seat
popup that appears when you touch an heaters.
arrow.
3. Automatic/Manual climate control (see
Customizing Climate Control on page
73).

72 Model S Owner's Manual

 Climate Controls

Customizing Climate Control

The climate control system is designed to automatically provide optimum comfort in most
situations. All you need to do is set the desired temperature, and the air conditioning, air
recirculation, air distribution, and fan speed automatically maintain your selected temperature.
To override the automatic setting, touch AUTO ON to view the individual settings. Then touch the
setting you want to change. When you change a setting, the AUTO ON icon turns from blue to
gray and RESET AUTO displays instead.
Outside air is drawn into
Model S (see Ventilation on
page 74). Although less
efficient than recirculating the
air in very hot or low climate
conditions, this setting draws
more air into the rear seating
areas, and is recommended
when occupants are seated in
the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats.

Air inside Model S is

recirculated. This prevents
outside air (traffic fumes) from
entering but reduces
dehumidifying and cooling
performance. Recirculating the
air is the most efficient way to
cool the front cabin area but it
is also the loudest. To prevent
the windshield from fogging in
some conditions, briefly change
the setting every hour to draw
in outside air.
4. Touch one of these icons to select where
air flows. You can choose more than one
1. Touch RESET AUTO to change all settings location:
back to the their default values.
Foot-level vents
2. Touch A/C ON or A/C OFF to turn the air
conditioning on and off, respectively.
Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves Face-level vents
energy.
Because Model S runs much quieter than a
Windshield vents
gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice
the sound of the compressor as it is
operating. To minimize noise, reduce the 5. Touch and drag the slider to set the speed
fan speed or recirculate the air. of the fan.
3. Touch to specify how air is drawn into
Model S:

Using the Touchscreen 73

 Climate Controls

Ventilation Climate Control Operating Tips

Outside air is drawn into Model S through the • To conserve energy, you can limit the
grill in front of the windshield. Keep the grill power of the climate control system by
clear of obstructions such as leaves and snow. turning on Range Mode. Cabin heating
and cooling may be less effective, but
To direct the flow of air inside Model S, move
seat heaters turn on to compensate.
the interior vents up, down, or from side to
Touch Controls > Settings > Vehicle >
side.
Range Mode.
• If the climate control system operates
more loudly than you prefer, reduce the
fan speed or adjust the air flow to draw in
outside air (instead of recirculating).
• In addition to cooling the interior, the air
conditioning system also cools the
Battery. Therefore, in hot weather, the air
conditioning system can turn on even if
you turned it off. This is normal because
the system’s priority is to cool the Battery
to ensure it stays within an optimum
temperature range to support long life
and optimum performance.
• To ensure the climate control system
operates efficiently, close all windows and
Note: You can direct the outer face level vents ensure that the exterior grill in front of the
toward the side windows to help defrost or windshield is free of ice, snow, leaves, and
defog them. other debris.
• To reduce the time it takes to reach a
Cabin Air Filter comfortable temperature in hot weather,
drive with the windows slightly open for a
Model S has an air filter that prevents pollen,
few minutes when you first start driving.
industrial fallout, road dust and other particles
from entering through the vents. Tesla • In very humid conditions, it is normal for
replaces the air filter at the regularly the windshield to fog slightly when you
scheduled maintenance intervals of every first turn on the air conditioning. This fog
12 months, or every 12,500 miles (20,000 km). clears within a few seconds.
• It is normal for a small pool of water to
form under Model S when parked. Extra
water produced by the dehumidifying
process is drained underneath.

74 Model S Owner's Manual

 Smart Air Suspension

Note: If Model S is equipped with Smart Air example, the suspension does not lower if a
Suspension, you may hear the sound of the door is open.
compressor when Model S starts, as the
system’s reservoir fills with air.
Location-Based Suspension
Smart Air Suspension has both manual and
automatic modes of operation. Location-Based suspension saves you from
manually having to raise the suspension every
time you arrive at a frequently-used location
Manual Height Adjustments where a higher suspension is needed (steep
driveways or ramps, deep snow, speed
Caution: Before adjusting the suspension
bumps, etc).
height, ensure Model S is clear of all
obstacles, above and below. Whenever you raise the suspension to High or
Very High, Model S saves the location. A
Manually raising the height of Model S is
status message displays to indicate that an
useful when you need extra ground clearance,
auto-raising location is being saved:
such as steep driveways or ramps, deep snow,
speed bumps, etc.
With Model S powered on, or the brake pedal
pressed, use the touchscreen to manually
change the ride height. Touch Controls >
Driving, then choose from:
• Very High. When set to Very High, the
suspension automatically lowers to High
when driving speed reaches 22 mph
(35 km/h).
• High. When set to High, the suspension
automatically lowers to Standard when
driving speed reaches 34 mph (55 km/h).
• Standard. The Standard setting ensures
optimum comfort and handling under all
loading conditions.
• Low. Lowering the height can make it
easier to load or unload cargo and
passengers.
Then, when you return to the saved location,
Model S raises the suspension and the
instrument panel displays this message:

Note:
• To raise the suspension to High, you must
be driving slower than 34 mph (55 km/h).
To raise it to Very High, you must be
driving slower than 22 mph (35 km/h).
Also, if you are driving faster than these
speeds when returning to a saved
location, the suspension does not raise
until Model S slows down.
• After leaving a saved location, the
Note: Available settings depend on your suspension may not lower based on an
driving speed and other conditions. For automatic lowering speed that you have
set (Controls > Settings > Vehicle >

Using the Touchscreen 75

 Smart Air Suspension

Automatic Lowering) until you are driving You can set the speed at which the Air
faster than the auto-raising speed Suspension automatically transitions to the
thresholds described above. LOW ride height by touching Controls >
• If Model S reaches a saved location and Settings > Vehicle > Automatic Lowering on
the existing suspension setting is higher the touchscreen. This setting is saved to your
than the level that has been saved for that Driver Profile.
location, the suspension is not adjusted. Note: You can temporarily override the ride
height by pressing the brake pedal, touching
To remove an auto-raising location an air suspension control in Controls > Driving,
If you do not want the suspension to auto- and then manually choosing a ride height.
raise at a saved location, touch the X in the Your suspension's automatic lowering setting
touchscreen message that displays at a saved is restored the next time you drive.
location. Doing so removes the auto-raise
location and the suspension will not If a fault is detected with the air
automatically rise when you arrive at the suspension system, a yellow
destination in the future. indicator lights up on the instrument
panel. If the problem persists,
contact Tesla.

Jack Mode
Before jacking or lifting, set the suspension to
Jack mode to prevent the self-leveling that
occurs even when Model S is powered off.
Press the brake pedal, then touch Controls >
Driving > Jack.

When Model S is in Jack mode, a red

air suspension indicator lights up on
the instrument panel.

To deactivate, touch Jack again.

Note: Jack mode automatically cancels when
you drive over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
Note: Manually lowering the suspension to
Standard or Low while at a saved location also
removes the auto-raising location.

Automatic Lowering
When Model S is moving above typical
driveway or parking lot speeds, Smart Air
Suspension automatically lowers ride height
to improve aerodynamics and handling. For
most average speed driving, the suspension is
automatically set to Standard. As described
above, when you make manual height
adjustments, the suspension automatically
lowers at increased driving speeds.
When carrying loads, Smart Air Suspension
also maintains a level height between the
front and rear.

76 Model S Owner's Manual

 Media and Audio

Overview Internet Radio

Touch the Media icon to listen to the radio or Internet radio services are accessed over a
play audio files. The touchscreen displays the data connection. To use Internet radio, touch
Media Player. Media Player has two tabs. Use Media > Browse > Internet.
the Browse tab to select what you want to
Choose your desired Internet radio service
play and use the Now Playing tab to view and
(for example, TuneIn), then browse through
control what is currently playing. You can play
the available categories and/or stations. When
AM, FM radio (including HD), and XM satellite
you select a specific station or episode, Media
radio (if Model S is equipped with the optional
Player starts playing it and displays the Now
sound package). You can also play Internet
Playing screen.
radio (such as TuneIn), and audio files from a
Bluetooth-connected device or a USB- To play the next (and in some cases previous)
connected flash drive. available station, episode, or track being
provided by the Internet radio service, touch
the arrows on the Now Playing screen, or use
AM and FM Radio Services the left steering wheel (see Using Left
Model S provides AM and FM radio services. Steering Wheel Buttons on page 36). The
These can be selected from the Browse tab or exact function of these controls vary
using the Source Picker, located in the upper depending on the specific Internet service you
right corner of the Media Player window. are listening to.

You can manually tune the radio to any You can also use voice commands to play a
frequency by touching and dragging the specific song, artist, or album from an Internet
channel selector bar on the Now Playing radio service. For details, see Using Voice
screen. The channel selector bar allows you to Commands on page 37.
move from one available radio station to the
next. Internet Radio Account Registration
Model S provides you with one or more
XM Radio Internet radio services. To enter your log in
information, touch Controls > Settings >
If Model S is equipped with the optional sound Apps > Media Player. Enter your user name
studio package, you can listen to XM radio, a and password, for the Internet radio
subscription-based satellite radio service. To account(s) you want to use, then touch Log
receive XM radio channels, you must provide In.
the radio service provider with the radio ID for
your touchscreen.
Slacker
To view the radio ID:
You can use your own Slacker account or the
1. Select the XM radio source. one that Tesla has already set up for you. To
2. Tune it to channel 0. use your own account, log in as described
3. The Radio ID displays in the station above.
information area.
TuneIn
To select an XM radio channel, you can either
manually scroll through the channel numbers, TuneIn does not require an account for it to
or you can browse the channels by category. work. But if you have a TuneIn account (go to
To browse by category, touch Browse > www.tunein.com), you can log in as described
Radio > XM Satellite Radio. above.

Using the Touchscreen 77

 Media and Audio

Media Settings Favorites

To adjust settings for your radio stations, and
To add a currently playing radio
to log into your Internet radio account(s),
station or audio file to your Favorites
touch Controls > Settings > Apps > Media
list, touch the Favorites icon on the
Player.
Now Playing screen. The icon turns
blue to show that it is a favorite. To
remove a favorite, touch the icon
again.

Note: Adding a radio station to your Favorites

list also assigns it to one of the six presets, if
an empty preset is available.
Note: To select a favorite radio station or
audio file, you can browse your list of
Favorites by touching Browse > Favorites. As
shown below, the Favorites are sorted by their
source.

To play the previous or next song or station in

your Favorites list, touch the previous or next
icon on the Now Playing screen, or use the
controls on the left side of the steering wheel
(see Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons on
page 36).
To remove a favorite from the list, touch the
associated X.
Note: If you remove a favorite radio station or
channel that is assigned to a preset, it is also
removed from the preset.

78 Model S Owner's Manual

 Media and Audio

My Music & Devices USB Connections

To play audio files from a USB-connected Your Model S has two USB connections
flash drive or a Bluetooth-connected device, located on the front of the center console. Use
touch Media > Browse > My Music & Devices. these connections to connect USB drives. You
The name of the device will be displayed. can also use these connections to charge USB
Touch the song, album, or playlist you want to devices.
play and Media Player starts playing and
displays the Now Playing screen.
To play the next song in the selected playlist
or album, touch the previous or next arrows
on the touchscreen, or use the left steering
wheel (see Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons
on page 36).

USB Connected Flash Drives

Connect a flash drive to one of the USB
connections (see USB Connections on page
79). Touch Media > Browse > My Music &
Devices, then touch the name of the flash
drive and the song you want to play.
Note: To play media from a USB connection, To play audio files stored on a connected USB
Model S recognizes flash drives only. To play drive, see My Music & Devices on page 79.
media from other types of devices (such as an
iPod), connect using Bluetooth (if supported Note: Do not connect multiple devices using a
by the device). USB hub. This can prevent connected devices
from charging or from being recognized by
® the touchscreen.
Bluetooth Connected Devices
If you have a Bluetooth-capable device such
as a phone, that is paired and connected to
Model S (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on
page 83), you can play audio files stored on
it, and you can stream a music service (for
example, Pandora or Spotify). Touch Media >
Browse > My Music & Devices, then touch the
name of your Bluetooth-connected device.
Your Bluetooth device begins playing the
audio file that was currently active on your
device, and the touchscreen displays the Now
Playing screen.
To change the track playing, touch the
previous or next icons on the touchscreen, or
use the left steering wheel controls.
Note: To play media from a Bluetooth-
connected device, ensure that access to the
device’s media is turned on. See Phone on
page 83.

Using the Touchscreen 79

 Media and Audio

12V Power Socket

Your Model S has a power socket located on
the front of the center console. Power from
the socket is available whenever the
instrument panel and touchscreen are on.

The 12V power socket is suitable for

accessories requiring up to 15A or a maximum
of 180 watts.
Note: In situations where Model S is unable to
detect the key (low battery, interference, etc),
place it immediately below the 12V power
socket where Model S can best detect it.
Warning: The power socket and an
accessory’s connector can become hot.

80 Model S Owner's Manual

 Maps and Navigation

Overview Whenever the map is in the

Heading Up orientation (where
Touch the Map (or Nav) icon to view and
North is not at the top), a compass
search for a location on Google MapsTM. If
appears on the map. The arrow on
Model S is equipped with the navigation
the compass points North and the
option, the app is labeled Nav and onboard
text on the compass indicates the
maps are available. Onboard maps allow you
direction you are driving. You can
to navigate to any location, even if a data
touch the compass to switch to
connection is not available. When you specify
North Up (described above).
a location, the touchscreen displays the route
and provides turn-by-turn instructions. If
Model S is not equipped with the navigation
option, onboard maps are not available, but if
Starting Navigation
you have a data connection, you can find and 1. Touch the Nav icon to display the map.
display any location. 2. Touch the search bar to enter the
destination, then touch GO. You can also
Using Maps use voice commands to specify the
destination (for details, see Using Voice
Touch the search field, or speak a voice Commands on page 37). If you have a
command to specify a location (for details on data connection, you can start entering
how to use voice commands, see Using Voice the destination, then choose one of the
Commands on page 37). You can enter or auto-complete entries that appear. For
speak an address, landmark, business, etc. You example, you can enter just the street,
can also touch PLACES and choose from a list business name, or category (such as
of recent locations and searches, favorite hotels, coffee, etc). If you don’t have a
destinations, Supercharger locations, and data connection, you must enter complete
charging stations you've visited. To mark a and exact location information.
destination as a Favorite, select its “pin” (from
search results or “Recents”), and then touch A list of matching destinations appears on
the heart icon. the left, and their corresponding pins
(with letters A, B, C, etc) appear on the
Touch the North/Heading Up icon to the right map.
of the search bar to center the map on your
car and have the map track your position as Note: You can also touch PLACES and
you drive. The icon is blue when the map is choose a location from the list of Recent
tracking your position and by touching the locations and searches, Favorite locations,
icon, you can change the orientation of the Supercharger locations, or Visited
map: Chargers.
3. Touch any destination in the list to
immediately start navigation, or touch the
North Up - North is always at the lettered pin on the map to view the
top of the screen. destination popup, which also allows you
to place a phone call to the destination (in
Heading Up - The direction you are situations where a phone number is
heading is always at the top of the available).
screen. The map rotates when you Note: If you have set up your phone's calendar
change direction. to work with Model S, and a calendar event
includes a specific location, you are given the
option to navigate to the location (see
You can rotate the map in any direction.
Calendar on page 85.
When you rotate the map you’ll notice the
icon turn gray, indicating the map is no longer
tracking your position. Touch the icon again
to track your position.

Using the Touchscreen 81

 Maps and Navigation

During Navigation Add any destination to your list of

Favorites by either touching its flag
During navigation, the touchscreen displays
while navigating to it, or by
the navigation route on the map, and a turn-
displaying it on the map then
by-turn direction list that includes estimated
touching its pin. Then, in the popup
driving time, mileage, and arrival time.
dialog that appears, touch the
Depending on the map’s zoom level, you
Favorites icon. When a destination is
might not be able to see the entire route. But
on your Favorites list, the icon is
as you drive, the map shows your location on
blue. To remove a favorite
the map.
destination, touch the Favorites icon
The instrument panel also displays directions again.
to your destination and you hear spoken
instructions.
Model S detects real-time traffic conditions
Updated Maps
and automatically adjusts the estimated Be sure to periodically connect Model S to a
driving and arrival times based on traffic Wi-Fi network to receive new maps (see
conditions. In situations where traffic Connecting to Wi-Fi on page 89). As
conditions will delay your estimated time of updated maps become available, they are sent
arrival and an alternate route is available, to Model S over Wi-Fi only. The touchscreen
Model S reroutes you to your destination. You displays a message informing you when new
can turn this feature off by touching maps are installed.
Controls > Settings > Apps > Maps &
Navigation > Traffic-Based Routing.
Note: Traffic-based navigation is a BETA
feature in Release 6.0.
When you display the traffic layer on the map,
green traffic lines display under the route line,
whereas yellow and red traffic lines display on
top of the route line to ensure that heavy
traffic areas are easy to identify.
Model S can also monitor traffic to your work
location (on weekday mornings) and to your
home location (on weekday evenings) and
advise you if there is a better route in
situations where traffic conditions will cause a
delay. You can set the time savings required
before the advice is given by touching
Controls > Settings > Apps > Maps &
Navigation > Min Improvement for Commute
Advice.
Note: Commute advice is available only if you
have saved a Home and Work Location
(described below).

Favorite Destinations
If you frequently navigate to a destination,
you may want to add it as a Favorite to avoid
having to enter the location's name or address
each time. When you add a destination as a
Favorite, you can easily navigate to it by
touching PLACES, then selecting it from the
list of Favorites. The Favorites list has
placeholders for your Home and Work
locations. In fact, Model S may prompt you to
save a current location as Home or Work
based on your usage pattern.
82 Model S Owner's Manual
 Phone

®
Bluetooth Compatibility When paired, Model S automatically connects
to the phone, and the touchscreen displays
You can use your Bluetooth-capable phone the Bluetooth symbol next to the phone’s
hands-free in Model S provided your phone is name to show that the connection is active.
within operating range. Although Bluetooth
typically supports wireless communication
over distances of up to approximately 30 feet Importing Contacts
(9 meters), performance can vary based on
Once paired, you can use the Bluetooth
the phone you are using.
settings screen to specify whether you want
Before using your phone with Model S, you to allow access to your phone’s contacts and
must pair it. Pairing sets up Model S to work recent calls.
with your Bluetooth-capable phone (see
If access is turned on, you can see your list of
Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on page 83).
contacts on the Model S touchscreen. Touch
You can pair up to ten Bluetooth phones. Phone > Contacts. You can then touch a
Model S always automatically connects to the contact to dial its phone number or navigate
last phone that was used (provided it is within to its address.
range). If you want to connect to a different
Note: Before contacts can be imported, you
phone, see Connecting to a Paired Phone on
may need to either set your phone to allow
page 84.
syncing, or respond to a popup on your phone
Note: On many phones, Bluetooth turns off if to confirm that it is OK to sync contacts. This
the phone’s battery is low. varies depending on the type of phone you
are using. For details, refer to the owner
Note: In addition to phones, you can also pair
documentation provided with your phone.
Bluetooth-enabled devices with Model S. For
example, you can pair an iPod Touch or an If access is turned on, imported information is
iPad or Android tablet to stream music. displayed when you touch the contacts tab on
the Phone app.

Pairing a Bluetooth Phone

Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone
Pairing sets up Model S to work with your
Bluetooth-capable phone. Once a phone is If you want to disconnect your phone and use
paired, Model S can connect to it whenever it again later, simply touch Disconnect on the
the phone is within range. Bluetooth settings screen. If you do not want
to use your phone with Model S again, touch
To pair a phone, follow these steps while
Forget This Device. Once you forget a device,
sitting inside Model S:
you need to pair it again if you want to use it
1. Ensure both the touchscreen and the with Model S (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone
phone are powered on. on page 83).
2. On the touchscreen’s status bar, touch the Note: Your phone automatically disconnects
Bluetooth icon. whenever you leave Model S.
3. On your phone, enable Bluetooth and set
it to discoverable.
4. On the Model S touchscreen, touch Start
Search. The touchscreen searches then
displays the list of all available Bluetooth
devices within operating distance.
5. On the Model S touchscreen, touch the
phone with which you want to pair. Within
a few seconds, the touchscreen displays a
randomly generated number, and your
phone should display the same number.
6. Check that the number displayed on your
phone matches the number displayed on
the touchscreen. Then, on your phone,
confirm that you want to pair.

Using the Touchscreen 83

 Phone

Connecting to a Paired Phone Receiving a Phone Call

Model S automatically connects with the last When your phone receives an incoming call,
phone to which it was connected, provided it both the instrument panel and the
is within operating range and has Bluetooth touchscreen display the caller’s number or
turned on. If the last phone is not within range, name (if the caller is in your phone’s contact
it attempts to connect with the next phone list and Model S has access to your contacts).
that it has been paired with.
Touch one of the options on the touchscreen,
To connect to a different phone, touch the or use the scroll wheel on the right side of the
Bluetooth icon on the touchscreen's status steering wheel to Answer or Ignore the call
bar. The Bluetooth window displays a list of (see Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons on
paired phones. Choose the phone you want to page 37).
connect to, then touch Connect. If the phone
you want to connect to is not listed, follow the
instructions on Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on In Call Options
page 83. When a call is in progress, you can display the
When connected, the Model S touchscreen call menu on the instrument panel by pressing
displays the Bluetooth symbol next to the the top button on the right side of the
phone name to show that the connection is steering wheel. Then use the scroll wheel to
active. scroll through and choose an option (see
Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page
37).
Making a Phone Call
You can make a phone call by:
• Speaking a voice command. For details,
see Using Voice Commands on page 37.
• Choosing a contact from your contact list
(described above).
• Using the Model S on-screen dialer.
To make a phone call using the on-screen
dialer:
1. Touch the Phone app on the touchscreen,
then touch Dialer.
2. Enter the phone number on the dialer.
3. Touch Call. The touchscreen displays the
call screen and the number you are
calling.
To make a phone call by choosing a contact:
1. Touch the Phone app on the touchscreen,
then touch Contacts.
Note: Ensure that access to the phone’s
contacts is turned on.
2. Touch the name of the contact you want
to call to display details about the
contact.
3. Touch the number you want to dial (there
may be more than one). The touchscreen
displays the call screen and the name of
the contact you are calling.
Note: If it is safe and legal to do so, you can
also initiate a call by dialing the number or
selecting the contact directly from your
phone.

84 Model S Owner's Manual

 Calendar

Overview
Note: Calendar is a BETA feature in Release
6.0.
The Calendar app allows you to view your
phone’s (iPhone or Android) calendar for the
current and next day. The Calendar app
requires that:
• The Tesla Model S mobile app is running
and you are logged in. When prompted on
your phone, you must grant calendar
access to the mobile app. The mobile app
can then periodically (and automatically)
send calendar data from your phone to
Model S. Also, whenever you display the
mobile app on your phone, updated
calendar data is sent to Model S.
• Your phone is connected to Model S via
Bluetooth.
• Remote access to Model S is enabled
(touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
Security > Remote Access > On).
• Both Model S and the phone have good
connectivity.
Note: For privacy reasons, calendar data
displays only from the phone that Model S is
connected to via Bluetooth.
You can customize when you want Model S to
display a reminder of the day's events by
touching Controls > Settings > Apps >
Calendar > Show Calendar Upon Entry.

Calendar and Navigation

If Model S is equipped with the navigation
feature, and a calendar event has a location
specified, you will be given the option to
navigate to that location. Also, when an event
on your Calendar takes place within the next
hour and has a uniquely specified location, the
Model S navigation system notifies you if
there is a better route due to traffic, even if
you’re not using navigation.

Using the Touchscreen 85

 Security Settings

About the Security System

If Model S does not detect a key nearby and a
locked door or trunk is opened, an alarm
sounds and headlights and turn signals flash.
To deactivate the alarm, press any button on
the key.
To manually enable or disable the alarm
system, touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
Security > Alarm. When set to on, Model S
activates its alarm one minute after the doors
lock and a recognized key is no longer
detected nearby.

86 Model S Owner's Manual

 ®
HomeLink Universal Transceiver

About HomeLink When headlights flash, Model S has

learned the remote and you can touch
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech Continue on the touchscreen . If the
package, you can program the HomeLink® headlights do not flash, refer to the
Universal Transceiver to operate up to three guidelines below.
garage doors, gates, lights, and security • Next, the device's receiver learns Model S.
systems that can transmit Radio Frequency The touchscreen instructs you to press
(RF) signals. the LEARN button on the garage door or
gate's receiver. If training the receiver
Programming HomeLink does not work, refer to the guidelines
below.
1. Park Model S in front of the device you
want to program, and have the device’s NOTE: Only devices that are equipped
remote control ready. with a “rolling code” remote need to learn
Model S. If you have a very old device that
2. Touch Controls > Settings > HomeLink on
is not equipped with a rolling code
the touchscreen.
remote, the device does not need to learn
3. Touch Add New HomeLink, then use the Model S and you can skip this part. You
onscreen keyboard to enter a name for can also skip this step if your receiver is
your HomeLink device. Quick-Train compatible. The opener
4. Touch Program. should work.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Once programmed, you can operate the Headlights do not flash
device by touching its corresponding • Check the batteries in the remote. It is a
HomeLink icon on the touchscreen’s status good idea to replace the batteries before
bar. HomeLink remembers the location of you start programming.
your programmed devices. When you • Hold the remote against the nose cone,
approach a known location, the HomeLink with the button pressed, about 6 inches to
control on the touchscreen automatically the left of the Tesla emblem. In some
drops down. When you drive away, it cases you must hold the remote for up to
disappears. three minutes.
Note: For security reasons, erase your • Check compatibility of the remote by
HomeLink settings if you sell Model S. contacting the HomeLink manufacturer
(www.homelink.com).
Warning: Your device might open or
close during programming. Before
programming, make sure that the device After programming, the device does not work
is clear of any people or objects. • Park Model S with its front bumper as
Warning: Do not use the HomeLink close as possible to the HomeLink device
Universal Transceiver with a garage door (garage door, gate, etc).
that does not meet safety standards. A • Make sure you haven’t reached the device
garage door opener that cannot detect receiver's limit of learned remotes/cars.
an object in its path and then Most receivers can learn up to five
automatically stop and reverse, does not remotes/cars. If the receiver's memory is
meet these standards. Using a garage full, you must clear the memory and
door opener without these features restart the programming process. For
increases the risk of injury or death. instructions on how to clear the receiver's
memory, refer to the owner
documentation provided with the
Troubleshooting HomeLink HomeLink device.
When programming a HomeLink device, the • Make sure you are pressing the receiver's
touchscreen steps you through a two-part LEARN button. Most receivers have two
programming process: buttons and a LED. One button is a RESET
button and the other is a LEARN button.
• First, Model S records the signal from the Pressing the LEARN button usually causes
remote. The touchscreen instructs you to the LED to flash. For instructions on how
stand in front of the car, point the remote to put the receiver into learning mode,
at the front bumper and press and hold refer to the owner documentation
the button until the headlights flash. provided with the HomeLink device.

Using the Touchscreen 87

 ®
HomeLink Universal Transceiver

• Most devices stay in learning mode for

only three to five minutes. Immediately
after pressing the device's LEARN button,
follow the instructions displayed on the
touchscreen.

88 Model S Owner's Manual

 Connecting to Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available as a data connection

method and is often faster than cellular data
networks. Connecting to Wi-Fi is especially
useful in areas with limited or no cellular
connectivity. To ensure fast, reliable delivery
of Model S updates (see Software Updates on
page 90), Tesla recommends leaving Wi-Fi
turned on and connected to a Wi-Fi network.
To connect to a Wi-Fi network:
1. Touch the 3G icon in the touchscreen
status bar. Model S will start scanning and
display the Wi-Fi networks that are within
range.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use,
enter the password (if necessary), then
touch Connect.
You can also connect to a hidden network
that isn't shown on the list of scanned
networks. Just touch Wi-Fi Settings and enter
the name of the network in the resulting
dialog box.
Once you have connected to a network,
Model S auto-connects whenever the network
is within range. If more than one previously
connected network is within range, Model S
connects to the one most recently used.
Note: You can also use a mobile hotspot or
your phone's Internet connection via Wi-Fi
tethering.
Note: At Tesla service centers, Model S
automatically connects to a Tesla Service Wi-
Fi access point.

Using the Touchscreen 89

 Software Updates

Loading New Software Viewing Release Notes

Model S updates its software wirelessly, When a software update is complete, learn
providing new features throughout your term about the new features by displaying the
of ownership. The first time you enter Model S release notes. To display release notes at any
after an update is made available, a time touch the Tesla “T” at the top center of
scheduling window displays on the the touchscreen, then touch Release Notes.
touchscreen.
Note: Some software updates can take from
two to three hours to complete. Model S must
be in P (Park) when the new software is being
installed. To ensure the fastest and most
reliable delivery of software updates, leave
the Wi-Fi turned on and connected whenever
possible (see Connecting to Wi-Fi on page
89).
When a software update is available, a yellow
clock icon appears on the touchscreen’s
status bar.

1. Touch the up and down arrows to change

the time you want the update to begin (if
necessary). Then touch Set For This Time
to schedule the update. Once scheduled,
the yellow clock icon on the touchscreen’s
status bar becomes white.
2. Touch Install Now to immediately start the
update process.
You can reschedule the update any time
before it begins. To do so, touch the clock
icon on the touchscreen’s status bar to display
the update window.
If Model S is charging when the software
update begins, charging stops. Charging
resumes automatically when the update is
complete. If you are driving Model S at the
scheduled update time, the update is canceled
and you need to reschedule.
If the touchscreen displays a message
indicating that a software update was not
successfully completed, contact Tesla.

90 Model S Owner's Manual

 Mobile App

Model S Mobile App

The Tesla Model S mobile app allows you to
communicate with Model S remotely using
®
your iPhone or Android™ phone. With this app,
you can:
• Check charging progress and receive
notifications when charging has started,
has been interrupted, or is complete.
• Heat or cool Model S before driving (even
if it's in a garage).
• Locate Model S with directions, or track
its movement across a map.
• Flash lights or honk the horn to find
Model S when parked.
• Vent or close the sunroof.
• Lock or unlock Model S from afar.
• Start Model S.
• Support the Model S Calendar app by
allowing the mobile app to send your
phone's calendar data to Model S.
• Receive notifications when the car alarm
has been triggered, or a new Model S
software update is available.
Simply download the Tesla Model S mobile
app to your phone and enter your MY TESLA
login credentials. You must also ensure that
Model S is ready to communicate with the
mobile app by turning on its remote access
setting. Touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
Security > Remote Access > On (see Settings
on page 69).

Using the Touchscreen 91

 Electric Vehicle Components

High Voltage Components

1. Battery Warning: The high voltage system has no

2. DC-DC converter and junction box user serviceable parts. Do not
3. High voltage cabling (colored orange) disassemble, remove or replace high
voltage components, cables or
4. 10 kW on-board master charger
connectors. High voltage cables are
5. OPTIONAL: 10 kW on-board charger colored orange for easy identification.
6. Charge port
Warning: Read and follow all instructions
7. Drive unit
provided on the labels that are attached
to Model S. These labels are there for
your safety
Warning: In the unlikely event that a fire
occurs, immediately contact your local
fire emergency responders.

92 Model S Owner's Manual

 Electric Vehicle Components

Charging Equipment
Charging equipment designed specifically to
charge your Model S is available from Tesla. A
Tesla Wall Connector, which installs in your
garage, is the fastest way to charge Model S
at home.
In several market regions, Model S is equipped
with a Mobile Connector and the adapter(s)
you need to plug into commonly used power
outlets. When using the Mobile Connector,
first plug the Mobile Connector into the power
outlet, then plug in Model S. For more
information about your Mobile Connector, see
the Mobile Connector Owner’s Manual.
Additional adapters can be purchased from
Tesla.
Tesla also provides various types of adapters
(including J1772, Mennekes Type 2, and
CHAdeMO) that allow you to plug Model S
into the most commonly used public charging
stations in your region. Connect the adapter
to the charging station’s charge cable, open
the charge port door using the touchscreen
(see Charging Model S on page 95), then
plug in Model S.
For more information on the charging
equipment available for your region, go to
www.teslamotors.com, choose your region,
then view the available charging options.

Charging 93
 Battery Information

About the Battery Temperature Limits

Model S has one of the most sophisticated For better long-term performance, avoid
battery systems in the world. The most exposing Model S to ambient temperatures
important way to preserve the Battery is to above 140° F (60° C) or below -22° F (-30° C)
LEAVE YOUR MODEL S PLUGGED IN when for more than 24 hours at a time.
you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive Energy Saving Feature
Model S for several weeks. When plugged in, Model S has an energy-saving feature that
Model S wakes up when needed to reduces the amount of energy being
automatically maintain a charge level that consumed when Model S is not in use. Touch
maximizes the lifetime of the Battery. Controls > Displays > Energy Saving. For more
There is no advantage to waiting until the information on maximizing range and saving
Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact, energy, see Getting Maximum Range on page
the Battery performs best when charged 57.
regularly.
Note: If the Model S Battery becomes Battery Warnings and Cautions
completely discharged in a situation in which Warning: The Battery has no parts that an
towing is required, the owner is responsible owner or a non-Tesla authorized service
for towing expenses. Discharge-related technician can service. Under no
towing expenses are not covered under the circumstances should you open or
Roadside Assistance policy. tamper with the Battery. Always contact
Tesla to arrange for Battery servicing.
Battery Care Caution: If the Battery’s charge level falls
to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave it
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge. unplugged for an extended period, it may
Even when Model S is not being driven, its not be possible to charge Model S or use
Battery discharges very slowly to power the the vehicle without jump starting or
onboard electronics. On average, the Battery replacing the 12V battery. Leaving
discharges at a rate of 1% per day. Situations Model S unplugged for an extended
can arise in which you must leave Model S period can also result in permanent
unplugged for an extended period of time (for Battery damage. If you are unable to
example, at an airport when traveling). In charge Model S, contact Tesla
these situations, keep the 1% in mind to ensure immediately.
that you leave the Battery with a sufficient
charge level. For example, over a two week Caution: The Battery requires no owner
period (14 days), the Battery discharges by maintenance. Do not remove the filler cap
approximately 14%. and do not add fluid. If the instrument
panel warns you that the fluid level is low,
Discharging the Battery to 0% may contact Tesla immediately.
permanently damage the Battery. To protect
against a complete discharge, Model S enters
a low-power consumption mode when the
charge level drops to 5%. In this mode, the
Battery stops supporting the onboard
electronics to slow the discharge rate to
approximately 4% per month. Once this low-
power consumption mode is active, it is
important to plug in Model S within two
months to avoid Battery damage.
Note: When the low-power consumption
mode is active, the auxiliary 12V battery is no
longer being charged and can completely
discharge within 12 hours. In the unlikely event
that this occurs, you may need to jump start
or replace the 12V battery before you can
charge. In this situation, contact Tesla.

94 Model S Owner's Manual

 Charging Model S

Opening the Charge Port Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped
The charge port is located on the driver’s side onto Model S.
of Model S, behind a door that is part of the
rear tail light assembly. Caution: Do not attempt to force the
charge port door open. Doing so can
Park Model S so that the charge cable easily damage the latch. A damaged latch
reaches the charge port. cannot hold the door closed.
With Model S unlocked, or a recognized key
nearby, press and release the button on a Plugging In
Tesla charge cable.
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the
If the cable you are using does not have this
charge limit and the charging current.
button, touch Controls > Charge Port. Or, you
can touch the battery icon at the top of the If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug it
touchscreen, then from the Charging screen, into the power outlet before plugging it into
touch Open Charge Port. Model S.
Align the connector to the charge port and
insert fully. When the connector is properly
inserted, charging begins automatically after
Model S:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector
in place.
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other
gear).
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If
the Battery requires heating or cooling,
you may notice a delay before charging
begins.
Note: Whenever Model S is plugged in but not
actively charging, it draws energy from the
wall instead of using energy stored in the
Battery. For example, if you are sitting in
Model S and using the touchscreen while it’s is
parked and plugged in, the energy being used
is drawn from the power outlet instead of the
Battery.

To charge at a public charging station, attach

an adapter to the station’s charging
connector. The most commonly used
adapter(s) for each market region are
supplied with Model S. Depending on the
charging equipment you are using, you may
need to start and stop charging using a
control on the charging equipment.
Note: The charge port lights up white when
you open the charge port door. If you do not
connect a charge cable, the light eventually
turns off.
Note: If you do not insert the charge cable
into the charge port within a few minutes after
opening the charge port door, the latch
closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to
open the charge port door.

Charging 95
 Charging Model S

During Charging Charge Port Light

During charging, the charge port pulses green
White The light is white when you open
and charging status displays on the
the charge port door and charge
instrument panel. The frequency at which the
mode is initiated.
charge port’s light pulses slows down as the
charge level approaches full. When charging is Green The light pulses green when
complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid charging is in progress and is solid
green. green when charging is complete.
Note: If Model S is locked, the light around the
Red The light flashes red when a fault is
charge port does not light up.
detected and charging has
If the light around the charge port lights up stopped. Check the instrument
red while charging, a fault is detected. Check panel or touchscreen for a
the instrument panel or touchscreen for a message describing the fault.
message describing the fault. A fault can
occur due to something as common as a
power outage. If a power outage occurs,
charging resumes automatically when power
is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and the
fan operate as needed to keep the Battery
cool. Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds
during charging.

Stopping Charging
You can stop charging at any time by
disconnecting the charge cable or touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on a Tesla
connector to release the latch.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
3. Push the charge port door closed.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, Model S must be unlocked
or able to recognize a key before you can
disconnect the charge cable.
Note: Model S stops charging whenever you
double-click the key. If you do not unplug
within 60 seconds, charging resumes.
Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model S plugged in when not in
use. This maintains the Battery at the
optimum level of charge.

96 Model S Owner's Manual

 Charging Model S

Changing Charge Settings 3. Location-specific schedule. With Model S

in Park, set a specific time when you want
The charge settings screen displays on the Model S to begin charging at the current
touchscreen whenever the charge port door is location. If, at the scheduled time, Model S
open. is not plugged in at the location, it will
To display charge settings at any time, touch start charging as soon as you plug it in as
the Battery icon on the top of the long as you are plugging it in within six
touchscreen, or touch Controls > Charging hours of the scheduled time. If you plug in
(located in the upper right portion of the after six hours, Model S does not start
Controls screen). charging until the scheduled time on the
next day. To override this setting, touch
Note: The following illustration is provided for Start Charging or Stop Charging (see
demonstration purposes only and may vary item 4). When you set a scheduled
slightly depending on the software version charging time, Model S displays the set
and market region of your Model S. time on the instrument panel and the
touchscreen.
4. Touch to open the charge port door or to
start (or stop) charging.
5. The current automatically sets to the
maximum current available from the
attached charge cable, unless it was
previously reduced to a lower level.
If needed, touch the up/down arrows to
change the current (for example, you may
want to reduce the current if you are
concerned about overloading a domestic
wiring circuit shared by other equipment).
It is not possible to set the charging
current to a level that exceeds the
maximum available from the attached
charge cable.
When you change the current, Model S
remembers the location. So if you
subsequently charge at the same location,
1. Charge status messages (such as
you do not need to change it again.
Charging Scheduled, Charging In
Progress) display here. Note: If Model S automatically reduced a
2. To adjust the charge limit, touch Set charging location's current because of
Charge Limit, then drag the slider bar. You fluctuations in input power (see the note
can charge to any level from 50% to 100% in Charging Status on page 98), Tesla
based on your driving needs. The setting recommends charging at the lower
you choose applies to both immediate current until the underlying problem is
and scheduled charging sessions. resolved and the charging location can
provide consistent power.

Charging 97
 Charging Model S

Charging Status
The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only and may vary slightly
depending on the software version and market region of your Model S.

1. Charging rate per hour. a location, it displays when charging will

2. Total estimated driving distance (or start.
energy) available. Instead of driving 6. Voltage being supplied by the charge
distance as shown here, you can display cable.
the percentage of battery energy
Note: If Model S is charging and detects
remaining. To do so, touch Controls >
unexpected fluctuations in the input power, it
Settings > Units & Format > Charging
automatically reduces the charging current by
Units.
25%. For example, a 40 amp current is
Note: A portion of the battery image may reduced to 30 amps. This automatic current
appear blue. This indicates that a small reduction increases robustness and safety in
portion of the energy stored in the battery situations when a problem exists outside of
is not available on your drive because the Model S or its charging electronics. For
battery is cold. This is normal and no example, a home wiring system, receptacle,
reason for concern. When the battery adapter or cord is unable to meet its rated
warms up, the blue portion is no longer current capacity. When Model S automatically
displayed. reduces a location's charging current, it
3. Current being supplied/Total current retains the reduced current for that location
available from the connected power as a precaution. Although you can manually
supply (see Changing Charge Settings on increase it, Tesla recommends charging at the
page 97). lower current until the underlying problem is
4. Estimated increase in driving distance (or resolved and the charging location can
energy) achieved so far in this charging provide consistent power.
session. Instead of driving distance as
illustrated above, you can change settings
to display the amount of energy achieved.
To do so, touch Controls > Settings >
Units & Format > Charging Units.
5. Charging status information displays here.
For example, if Model S is charging, it
displays the time remaining until fully
charged at the currently selected charge
level. When scheduled charging is set for

98 Model S Owner's Manual

 Maintenance Schedule

Service Intervals Fluid Replacement Intervals

Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring Do not change or top up Battery coolant and
the continued reliability and efficiency of your brake fluid yourself. Tesla service technicians
Model S. replace fluids at the regularly scheduled
service intervals:
Rotate the tires every 5000 miles (8000 km),
maintain the correct tire pressures, and take • Brake fluid. Every 2 years or 25,000 miles
Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduled (40,000 km), whichever comes first.
maintenance intervals of every 12 months, or • Battery coolant. Every 5 years or
every 12,500 miles (20,000 km), whichever 62,500 miles (100,000 km), whichever
comes first. It is also important to perform the comes first.
daily and monthly checks described below.
Note: Any damage from opening the Battery
Model S must be serviced by Tesla-certified coolant reservoir is excluded from the
technicians. Damages or failures caused by warranty.
maintenance or repairs performed by non-
Tesla certified technicians are not covered by
the warranty. High Voltage Safety
Your Model S has been designed and built
Daily Checks with safety as a priority. However, be aware of
these precautions to protect yourself from the
• Check the Battery’s charge level, risk of injury inherent in all high-voltage
displayed on the instrument panel. systems:
• Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn
• Read and follow all instructions provided
signals, and wipers and washers are
on the labels that are attached to Model S.
working.
These labels are there for your safety.
• Check the operation of the brakes,
• The high voltage system has no user-
including the parking brake.
serviceable parts. Do not disassemble,
• Check the operation of the seat belts remove or replace high voltage
(see Seat Belts on page 19). components, cables or connectors. High
• Look for fluid deposits underneath voltage cables are colored orange for
Model S that might indicate a leak. It is easy identification.
normal for a small pool of water to form • If an accident occurs, do not touch any
(caused by the air conditioning system’s high voltage wiring, connectors, or
dehumidifying process). components connected to the wiring.
• In the unlikely event that a fire occurs,
Monthly Checks immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.
• Check the mileage to determine if the
tires need to be rotated (every Warning: Always disconnect the charge
5000 miles/8000 km), and check the cable before working underneath
condition and pressure of each tire (see Model S, even if charging is not in
Tire Care and Maintenance on page 100). progress.
• Check washer fluid level and top up if Warning: Keep your hands and clothing
necessary (see Topping Up Washer Fluid away from cooling fans. Some fans
on page 116). operate even when Model S is powered
• Check that the air conditioning system is off.
operating (see Climate Controls on page
Caution: Some fluids (battery acid,
72).
Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield
Warning: Contact Tesla immediately if washer additives, etc.) used in motor
you notice any significant or sudden drop vehicles are poisonous and should not be
in fluid levels or uneven tire wear. inhaled, swallowed, or brought into
contact with open wounds. For your
safety, always read and follow
instructions printed on fluid containers.

Maintenance 99
 Tire Care and Maintenance

Maintaining Tire Pressures Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures

Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on Follow these steps when tires are cold and
the Tire and Loading Information label, even if Model S has been stationary for over three
it differs from the pressure printed on the tire hours:
itself. The Tire and Loading Information label 1. Remove the valve cap.
is located on the center door pillar and is 2. Firmly press an accurate tire pressure
visible when the driver’s door is open. gauge onto the valve to measure
pressure.
3. If required, add air to reach the
recommended pressure.
4. Re-check pressure by removing and re-
attaching the tire gauge.
5. If you added too much air, release air by
pressing the metal stem in the center of
the valve.
6. Recheck the pressure with the tire gauge
and adjust if necessary.
7. Replace the valve cap to prevent dirt from
entering. Periodically check the valve for
damage and leaks.
Warning: Under-inflation is the most
common cause of tire failures and can
The Tire Pressure indicator light on cause a tire to overheat, resulting in
the instrument panel alerts you if severe tire cracking, tread separation, or
one or more tires is under- or over- blowout, which causes unexpected loss of
inflated. vehicle control and increased risk of
injury. Under-inflation also reduces
Battery range and tire tread life.
The Tire Pressure indicator light does not
immediately turn off when you adjust tire Warning: Check tire pressures using an
pressure. After inflating the tire to the accurate pressure gauge when tires are
recommended pressure, you must drive over cold. It takes only about one mile (1.6 km)
25 mph (40 km/h) for more than 10 minutes of driving to warm up the tires sufficiently
to activate the Tire Pressure Monitoring to affect tire pressures. Parking the
System (TPMS), which turns off the Tire vehicle in direct sunlight or in hot
Pressure indicator light. weather can also affect tire pressures. If
you must check warm tires, expect
If the indicator light flashes for one minute
increased pressures. Do not let air out of
whenever you power on Model S, a fault with
warm tires in an attempt to match
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
recommended cold tire pressures. A hot
detected (see TPMS Malfunction on page
tire at or below the recommended cold
104).
tire inflation pressure is dangerously
under-inflated.
Warning: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the type provided in a Tesla
tire repair kit. Other types can cause tire
pressure sensors to malfunction. If your
Model S did not include a tire repair kit,
you can purchase one from Tesla Motors.

100 Model S Owner's Manual

 Tire Care and Maintenance

Inspecting and Maintaining Tires Punctured Tires

Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose
any sign of distortion (bulges), cuts or wear. pressure, which is why it is important to check
tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair
Warning: Do not drive Model S if a tire is or replace punctured or damaged tires as
damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to soon as possible. Do not drive with a
an incorrect pressure. Check tires punctured tire, even if the puncture has not
regularly for wear, and ensure there are caused the tire to deflate. A punctured tire
no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/ can deflate suddenly at any time.
cord structure.
Your tubeless tires may not leak when
penetrated, provided the object remains in the
Tire Wear
tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern. a tire is damaged, immediately reduce your
When the tread has been worn down to 1/16” speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy
(1.6 mm), the indicators start to appear at the braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do
surface of the tread pattern, producing the so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model S
effect of a continuous band of rubber across transported to a Tesla service center, or to a
the width of the tire. nearby tire repair center.
Replace a tire as soon as an indicator band Note: In some cases, you can temporarily
becomes visible or the tread depth reaches repair small tire punctures (under 1/4”/6 mm)
the minimum permitted by law. using an optional tire repair kit available from
Tesla. This allows you to slowly drive Model S
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair facility.

Tesla recommends rotating the tires every Warning: Do not drive Model S with a
5000 miles (8000 km). punctured tire. Even if the punctured tire
has not deflated, it can suddenly deflate
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as at any time.
vibration through the steering wheel) affect
vehicle handling and tire life. Even with
Flat Spots
regular use, wheels can get out of balance.
Therefore, they should be balanced as If Model S is stationary for a long period in
required. high temperatures, tires can form flat spots.
When Model S is driven, these flat spots cause
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
a vibration which gradually disappears as the
only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check
tires warm up and regain their original shape.
the alignment of wheels.
To minimize the flat spots during storage,
Note: When replacing only two tires, always
inflate tires to the maximum pressure
install the new tires on the rear.
indicated on the tire wall. Then, before driving,
release air to adjust tire pressure to the
recommended levels.

Driving in Low Ambient Temperatures

Tire performance is reduced in low ambient
temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and an
increased susceptibility to damage from
impacts. Performance tires can temporarily
harden when cold, causing you to hear
rotational noise for the first few miles (kms)
until the tires warm up. Contact Tesla for
winter tire recommendations.

Maintenance 101
 Tire Care and Maintenance

Improving Tire Mileage Asymmetric Tires

To improve the mileage you get from your Model S tires are asymmetric and must be
tires, maintain tires at the recommended tire mounted on the wheel with the correct
pressures, observe speed limits and advisory sidewall facing outward. The sidewall of the
speeds, and avoid: tire is marked with the word OUTSIDE. When
new tires are installed, make sure that the tires
• Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
are correctly mounted on the wheels.
• Fast turns and heavy braking.
• Potholes and objects in the road.
• Hitting curbs when parking.
• Contaminating tires with fluids that can
cause damage.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Tires degrade over time due to the effects of
ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high
loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every
six years, or sooner if required.
Wheel rims and tires are matched to suit the
handling characteristics of the vehicle. Warning: Road holding is seriously
Replacement tires must comply with the impaired if the tires are incorrectly
original specification. If tires other than those installed on the wheels.
specified are used, ensure that the load and
speed ratings marked on the tire equal or
Winter Tires
exceed those of the original specification.
In snowy and icy conditions, consider
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the
installing winter tires. Winter tires must be the
same time. If this is not possible, replace the
same size, brand, construction and tread
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
pattern on all four wheels. For
replacing tires, always re-balance and check
recommendations on winter tires, contact
the alignment of wheels.
Tesla.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire
Warning: On dry roads, winter tires could
Pressure Monitoring System) sensors need to
have less traction than the originally
be reset to ensure they provide accurate
installed tires.
warnings when tires are under- or over-
inflated (see Resetting the TPMS Sensors on
page 103).
Warning: For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification. Tires that do not match the
original specification can affect the
operation of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS).

102 Model S Owner's Manual

 Tire Care and Maintenance

Using Tire Chains As an added safety feature, your vehicle has

been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
Tesla has tested and approved Security Chain system (TPMS) that displays a tire pressure
Company (SCC) Model Z-563 chains for use telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
on the rear wheels. These chains must only be instrument panel when one or more of your
used if your Model S has 245/45R19 rear tires tires is significantly under- or over-inflated.
installed. Do not use chains on 21 inch tires. Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure indicator
When installing tire chains, follow the light displays on the instrument panel alerting
instructions provided by the tire chain of tire pressure, stop and check your tires as
manufacturer. Mount them as tightly as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
possible. proper pressure (see Maintaining Tire
Pressures on page 100). Driving on a
When using tire chains: significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
• Drive slowly. Do not exceed 30 mph to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
(48 km/h). inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
• Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy
handling and stopping ability.
loads can reduce the clearance between
the tires and the body).
If Model S detects a fault with the
• Remove the tire chains as soon as Tire Pressure Monitoring System
conditions allow. (TPMS), this indicator flashes for one
Note: Tire chains are prohibited in some minute whenever you power on
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing Model S.
tire chains.
Caution: Using non-recommended tire Note: Installing accessories that are not
chains, or using tire chains on other sized approved by Tesla can interfere with the
tires, can damage the suspension, body, TPMS system.
wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage Warning: The TPMS is not a substitute for
caused by using non-recommended tire proper tire maintenance, including
chains is not covered by the warranty. manually checking tire pressures and
Caution: Ensure that tire chains cannot regularly inspecting the condition of tires.
touch suspension components or brake It is the driver's responsibility to maintain
lines. If you hear the chains making correct tire pressure, even if under- or
unusual noises that would indicate over-inflation has not reached the level
contact with Model S, stop and for the TPMS to trigger the Tire Pressure
investigate immediately. Warning on the instrument panel.

Resetting the TPMS Sensors

Tire Pressure Monitoring
After replacing one or more wheels, the TPMS
Each tire should be checked monthly when sensors must be reset to ensure tire pressure
cold and inflated to the recommended warnings are accurate. However, note that the
pressures that are printed on the Tire and TPMS sensors do not need to be reset after
Loading Information label located on the replacing a tire or rotating wheels.
driver’s door pillar (see Maintaining Tire
Pressures on page 100). If your vehicle has Note: When changing to 21" wheels
tires of a different size than the size indicated (Performance Plus models), the TPMS may
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure generate false tire pressure warnings. Bring
label, determine the proper tire inflation Model S to a Tesla Service center for further
pressure for those tires. adjustment.
Note: Do not reset the TPMS sensors in an
attempt to clear tire pressure warnings.

Maintenance 103
 Tire Care and Maintenance

To reset TPMS sensors: been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the

fault repaired as soon as possible.
1. Inflate all tires to their recommend
pressures, as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label located on the
driver’s door pillar.
2. Get ready to drive for ten minutes, then,
on the Model S touchscreen, touch
Controls > Settings > Vehicle > Tire
Pressure Monitor > Reset Sensors.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Replacing a Tire Sensor

If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays
frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. Tire sensors
must be replaced by a Tesla service technician
who can perform a brief setup procedure. If a
non-Tesla service center repairs or replaces a
tire, the tire sensor will not work until Tesla
performs the setup procedure.

TPMS Malfunction
Model S has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.

The TPMS malfunction indicator is

combined with the tire pressure
indicator light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the indicator
flashes for approximately one
minute after Model S powers on, and
then remains continuously lit. This
sequence continues upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the
TPMS malfunction indicator is on,
the system might not be able to
detect or signal under- and over-
inflated tires as intended.

TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of

reasons, including installing replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction indicator
light after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Note: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has

104 Model S Owner's Manual

 Temporary Tire Repair

Tire Repair Kit Tire Sealant Canister

Your Model S has no spare tire. Depending on The tire sealant provided in the Tesla tire
the legislations that apply to the region in repair kit is approved for use with Model S and
which you purchased Model S, a tire repair kit is designed not to damage the TPMS (Tire
may or may not be included. If a tire repair kit Pressure Monitoring System) sensors.
was not provided in Model S upon delivery, Therefore, you must replace it only with one
you can purchase one from Tesla. of the same type and capacity (see Replacing
the Sealant Canister on page 108). Tire
Note: Although Model S does not have a spare sealant canisters can be purchased from Tesla.
tire, in the event of a flat tire, Roadside
Assistance provides towing coverage for up The tire sealant has an expiration date printed
to 50 miles. on the outside of the canister. If the expiration
date has passed, the sealant might not work
The tire repair kit consists of a compressor as expected. Always replace an expired tire
and a canister of tire sealant (enough to repair sealant canister.
one tire). When injected into a tire, the sealant
can penetrate a small puncture up to 1/4" Warning: Do not use any tire sealant
(6 mm) to form a temporary repair. other than the one available from Tesla.
Doing so could cause tire pressure
sensors to malfunction.
Warning: Always read and follow the
safety and handling instructions printed
on the sealant canister.
Warning: Keep tire sealant out of the
reach of children.
Warning: Tire sealant can be harmful if it
contacts the eyes or if swallowed or
inhaled. If the sealant comes into contact
with your eyes, immediately flush with
Note: For punctures larger than 1/4” (6 mm), water and seek medical attention if
severe tread damage, a damaged sidewall, irritation persists. If swallowed, do not
ripped tires or tires that have come off the induce vomiting and seek medical
rim, call Roadside Assistance. assistance immediately. If inhaled,
breathe fresh air. Inhalation can cause
Warning: The tire repair kit is a temporary
drowsiness and dizziness. If breathing is
repair only. You must repair or replace a
affected, seek medical assistance
damaged tire as soon as possible.
immediately.
Warning: Do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h) when driving with a tire that
has been temporarily repaired with
sealant.
Warning: Follow all directions and
warnings on the tire repair kit before
starting a repair.
Caution: Do not drive on a deflated tire as
this can cause serious damage.

Maintenance 105
 Temporary Tire Repair

Inflating with Sealant and Air

If you have a Tesla tire repair kit, follow these
steps to temporarily repair a small tire
puncture (less than 1/4” (6 mm)).
1. Stop Model S in a safe place away from
traffic and ask passengers to wait in a safe
area.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers to
alert other road users.
3. If possible, position the wheel with the
puncture at the bottom.

7. Attach the sealant kit’s black air hose to

the sealant valve and press the lever
down to secure it in place.
8. Ensure the compressor is lying on a level
surface with the pressure gauge facing to
the side as shown in Step 5.
9. Turn on the compressor.
10. Inflate the tire to the recommended
pressure.
11. Turn off the compressor and disconnect
the hose from the tire’s valve. Wipe any
excess sealant from the tire valve and
wheel rim.
12. Immediately drive for 5 miles (8 km) to
distribute the sealant around the tire. Do
not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
4. Detach the power supply connector from 13. Stop and check the tire’s pressure. If
the back of the compressor and plug it necessary, inflate using the black air hose.
into the 12V power socket located on the 14. Have the tire repaired or replaced as soon
front of center console. as possible.
5. Release the clear plastic hose from the 15. Replace the tire repair sealant canister
tire compressor. (see Replacing the Sealant Canister on
page 108).

6. Remove the red cap and screw the end of

the hose onto the tire’s valve.

106 Model S Owner's Manual

 Temporary Tire Repair

Inflating with Air Only

If you have a Tesla tire repair kit, follow these
steps to inflate a tire with air:
1. Detach the power supply connector from
the rear of the compressor and plug it into
the 12V power socket located in Model S
on the front of center console.

Caution: To avoid overheating, do not use

the compressor continuously for more
than eight minutes. Allow the compressor
to cool for 15 minutes between uses.
Caution: The compressor runs slowly
when overheated from excessive use.
Turn it off and allow it to cool.
2. Release the black air hose from the
compressor.
3. Attach the air hose to the valve and press
the lever down to secure it in place.

4. Ensure the compressor is lying on a level

surface with the pressure gauge facing to
the side where you can read it.
5. To add air, turn on the compressor and
inflate until the desired pressure is
reached.
6. To release air, turn off the compressor,
then press and hold the red button until
the desired pressure is reached.
Note: For your convenience, the tire repair kit
includes a selection of adapters that allow you
to inflate other items. These adapters are
located in a compartment on the back of the
compressor.

Maintenance 107
 Temporary Tire Repair

Replacing the Sealant Canister

If you have a Tesla tire repair kit, you can
purchase additional or replacement canisters
of tire sealant from Tesla.
Follow these steps to replace the canister in
your Tesla tire repair kit:
1. Unwrap the clear hose from the
compressor. This hose is included with the
tire repair sealant canister.
2. Remove the canister cover by sliding it
upward to release it from the compressor.

3. Remove the canister.

4. Insert the new canister and replace the

cover.

108 Model S Owner's Manual

 Cleaning

Cleaning the Exterior Cautions for Exterior Cleaning

To prevent damage to the paint, immediately Caution: Do not use windshield treatment
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, friction and cause a chattering sound.
industrial fallout, etc). Do not wait until Caution: Do not use hot water and
Model S is due for a complete wash. If detergents.
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then Caution: In hot weather, do not wash in
immediately wash the area with water and a direct sunlight.
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the Caution: If using a pressure washer,
alcohol. maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm)
Follow these steps when washing the exterior between the nozzle and the surface of
of Model S: Model S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one
1. Rinse Thoroughly area.
Before washing, flush grime and grit from Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away at window, door or hood seals, or through
accumulations of mud in areas where wheel apertures onto brake components.
debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams). If salt has been Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
used on the highways (such as during rough cloths, such as washing mitts.
winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces Caution: If washing in an automatic car
of road salt from the underside of the wash, use Touchless car washes only.
vehicle. These car washes have no parts (brushes,
2. Hand Wash etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.
Using any other type of car wash could
Hand wash Model S using a soft cloth and
cause damage that is not covered by the
cold or lukewarm water containing a mild,
warranty.
good quality car shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water Caution: Do not used chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
After washing, rinse with clean water to finish on the wheels.
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the rear view camera or
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
with a chamois. clean a sensor or camera lens with a
Clean windows and mirrors using an sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or damage its surface.
or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.

Maintenance 109
 Cleaning

Cleaning the Interior Seat Belts

Frequently inspect and clean the interior to Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type
maintain its appearance and to prevent of detergent or chemical cleaning agent.
premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe Allow the belts to dry naturally while
up spills and remove marks. For general extended, preferably away from direct
cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft sunlight.
cloth (such as micro fiber) dampened with a
mixture of warm water and mild non- Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a Vacuum the seats to remove any loose dirt.
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks, Wipe the seats with a soft cloth dampened
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth. with warm water. You can also use an
upholstery cleaner designer for automotive
Interior Glass use. Extend the belts to wipe. Allow the belts
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning to dry naturally, preferably away from direct
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can sunlight.
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window. Touchscreen and Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel
Airbags using a soft lint-free cloth specifically
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag designed to clean monitors and displays. Do
cover. This could affect correct operation. not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and
do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically-
charged cloth (such as a recently washed
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen without
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the activating buttons and changing settings, you
dashboard. Polished surfaces are reflective can enter screen cleaning mode. Touch
and could interfere with your driving view. Controls > Displays > Enter Screen Cleaning.
The display darkens to make it easy to see
Leather Seats dust and smudges.

Leather is prone to dye-transfer which can

Chrome and Metal Surfaces
cause discoloration, particularly on light
colored leather. White and tan leather is Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can
coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Wipe damage the finish on chrome and metal
spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth surfaces.
moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular Cautions for Interior Cleaning
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Using detergents or commercially Warning: If you notice any damage on an
available leather cleaners and conditioners is airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
not recommended because they can discolor immediately.
or dry out the leather. Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
Cloth Seats mechanism.
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft Caution: Using solvents (including
cloth moistened with warm water and non- alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular silicone based products or additives on
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free interior components can cause damage.
cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove
any loose dirt.

Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled
areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.

110 Model S Owner's Manual

 Cleaning

Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Using a Car Cover

Repair To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body when Model S is not being used, use a
body, you can occasionally treat the paint genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be
surfaces with an approved polish containing: purchased from Tesla.

• Very mild abrasive to remove surface

contamination without removing or
damaging the paint.
• Filling compounds that fill scratches and
reduce their visibility.
• Wax to provide a protective coating
between the paint and environmental
elements.
Caution: Use only a Tesla-approved car
Regularly inspect the exterior paint for
cover when Model S is plugged in. Using
damage. Treat minor chips and scratches
a non-Tesla car cover can prevent the
using a paint touch up pen (available for
Battery from being adequately cooled
purchase from Tesla). Use the touch-up pen
during charging.
after washing but before polishing or waxing.
Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches. Body
repairs should be performed only by a Tesla Floor Mats
approved body repair facility. Contact Tesla To extend the life of your carpet and make
for a list of approved facilities. them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla floor
Caution: Do not use cutting pastes, color mats. Maintain mats by cleaning them
restoration compounds, or polishes regularly and replacing them if they become
containing harsh abrasives. These can excessively worn.
scour the surface and permanently Warning: To avoid potential interference
damage the paint. with a foot pedal, ensure that the driver’s
Caution: Do not use chrome polish or floor mat is securely fastened, and never
other abrasive cleaners. place an additional floor mat on top of it.

Maintenance 111
 Wiper Blades and Washer Jets

Checking and Replacing Wiper 3. Hold the wiper arm (the wiper arm does
not lock into a lifted position) and press
Blades the locking tab while sliding the blade
Caution: Wiper blades do not lock into a down the arm.
lifted position. When cleaning or 4. Align the new blade on the wiper arm and
replacing a wiper blade, lift the wiper arm slide it toward the hooked end of the arm
only a short distance from the windshield, until it locks into place.
just far enough to access the blade. Do 5. Place the wiper arm against the
not lift a wiper arm beyond its intended windshield.
position. Doing so can cause damage that
is not covered by the warranty.
To make wiper blades easy to access, turn off
the wipers, shift Model S into Park, then use
the touchscreen to move them to the service
position. Touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Service Mode > ON.
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
normal position when you shift Model S out of
Park.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the
wiper blade and check the rubber for cracks,
splits and roughness. If damaged, replace the
blade immediately to prevent damage to the If the problem persists with new blades, clean
glass. the windshield and wiper blades using a soft
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the cloth or sponge and warm water with non-
wiper blades, can reduce the effectiveness of detergent soap. Then, rinse the windshield
the wiper blades. Contaminants include ice, and wiper blades with clean water. The
wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with windshield is clean when water beads do not
bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings, form.
tree sap, and other organic substances. Caution: Only use cleaning products
Follow these guidelines for cleaning: approved for use on automotive glass
and rubber. Inappropriate products can
• Clean the windshield using non-abrasive cause damage or smears, and create
glass cleaner. glare on the windshield.
• Lift the wiper arm a short distance away
Caution: Only install replacement blades
from the windshield, just far enough to
that are identical to the original blades.
access the wiper blade, then wipe the
Using inappropriate blades can damage
blade clean using isopropyl (rubbing)
the wiper system and affect the operation
alcohol or washer fluid.
of the rain sensor.
If the wipers remain ineffective after cleaning,
replace the wiper blades.
Cleaning Washer Jets
For optimum performance, wiper blades
should be replaced at least once a year. The position of the windshield washers is set
at the factory and should never need
To replace wiper blades: adjusting.
1. Turn off the wipers, shift Model S into If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a
Park, then use the touchscreen to move thin strand of wire to clear any blockages
the wipers to the service position. Touch from the nozzle.
Controls > Settings > Vehicle > Service
Mode > ON.
Note: Wipers must be in the OFF position
before turning on Service Mode.
2. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away
from the windshield, just far enough to
access the wiper blade.

112 Model S Owner's Manual

 Wiper Blades and Washer Jets

Warning: Do not operate the washers

while cleaning Model S. Windshield
washer fluid can irritate eyes and skin.
Read and observe the washer fluid
manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintenance 113
 Fluid Reservoirs

Removing the Maintenance Panel Checking Battery Coolant

To access fuses and check fluid levels, remove If the quantity of fluid in the cooling system
the maintenance panel: drops below the recommended level, the
instrument panel displays a warning message.
1. Pull the rear edge of the maintenance
Stop Model S as soon as safety permits and
panel upward to release the five clips that
contact Tesla.
hold the panel in place.
2. Maneuver the maintenance panel toward
Fluid Level Check
the windshield to remove.
Tesla checks the Battery coolant level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 114).

Caution: The maintenance panel protects

the front trunk from water. When re-
attaching, make sure it is fully seated.

Check the fluid level visually by looking at the

outside marks on the side of the reservoir. DO
NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT
ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage
not covered by the warranty.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
the MAX marks. If you notice that the fluid
level has dropped significantly, contact Tesla
before using Model S.

Topping Up the Battery Coolant

Under no circumstances should you add
coolant. If the instrument panel warns you
that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla
immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the
Battery, the cooling system uses a specific
type of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT).
Contact Tesla for more specific information
about the coolant.

114 Model S Owner's Manual

 Fluid Reservoirs

Checking Brake Fluid 1. Clean the filler cap before removing to

prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
Warning: Contact Tesla immediately if 2. Unscrew the cap and remove.
you notice increased movement of the
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
brake pedal or a significant loss of brake
using brake fluid meeting DOT3 or DOT4
fluid. Driving under these conditions can
specifications.
result in extended stopping distances or
complete brake failure. 4. Replace the filler cap.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a
The Brake indicator on the sealed air-tight container. Never use
instrument panel alerts you if the previously used fluid or fluid from a
quantity of fluid in the brake previously opened container—fluid
reservoir drops below the absorbs moisture which decreases
recommended level. If it displays braking performance.
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the Warning: Brake fluid is highly toxic. Keep
brakes. Do not continue driving. containers sealed and out of the reach of
Contact Tesla immediately. children. In the event of accidental
consumption, seek medical attention
immediately.
Fluid Level Check
Caution: Brake fluid damages painted
Tesla checks the brake fluid level at the surfaces. Immediately soak up any spills
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To with an absorbent cloth and wash the
check it yourself, park Model S on level area with a mixture of car shampoo and
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the water.
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 114.

Check the fluid level visually by looking at the

outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the filler cap.
The brake fluid level should always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad
wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.

Topping Up the Brake Fluid

Do not top up your brake fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for
regular servicing. The following instructions
are provided for information purposes and
future reference only:

Maintenance 115
 Fluid Reservoirs

Topping Up Washer Fluid Warning: In temperatures below

40° F (4° C), use a washer fluid with
The only reservoir into which you can add antifreeze. In cold weather, using a
fluid is the washer fluid reservoir located washer fluid without antifreeze can impair
under the front trunk. When the level is low, a visibility through the windshield.
message displays on the instrument panel. Fill
this reservoir until the fluid level is visible just
below the filler neck.
Do not use formulated washer fluids that
contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and
squeaking or other noises.
Operate the washers periodically to check
that the nozzles are clear and properly
directed.
To top up washer fluid:
1. Clean the filler cap before opening to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Open the filler cap.

3. Fill the reservoir until the fluid is visible

just below the filler neck.
4. Replace the filler cap.
Note: Some national or local regulations
restrict the use of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly
used as antifreeze in washer fluid. Use a
washer fluid with limited VOC content only if
it provides adequate freeze resistance for all
climates in which you drive Model S.
Caution: Under no circumstances do you
need to inspect or top up other fluid
reservoirs. Two additional fluid reservoirs
are located next to the washer fluid, but
underneath the maintenance panel. In the
unlikely event that you see a message on
the instrument panel that one of these
fluid levels is low, stop Model S as soon as
safe to do so, and contact Tesla.
Caution: Do not spill washer fluid on body
panels. Doing so can cause damage. Wipe
up spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
116 Model S Owner's Manual
 Fuses

Fuse Box Locations Replacing a Fuse

Three fuse boxes are located under the To remove a fuse box cover, press the plastic
maintenance panel, located in the front trunk. tabs on either side.
For instructions on how to remove this panel,
see Removing the Maintenance Panel on page
114.

Identify the fuse protecting the affected

circuit. Refer to the label on the inside of the
fuse box cover or the fuse tables provided in
1. Fuse box 1 (see Fuse Box 1 on page 118). this section.
DO NOT replace these fuses. If one of Pull the fuse to remove it. A break in the wire
them fails, contact Tesla. inside the fuse indicates that the fuse has
2. Fuse box 2 (see Fuse Box 2 on page 120). blown.
3. Fuse box 3 (see Fuse Box 3 on page 122). Note: Do not replace fuses in fuse boxes
If Model S is equipped with the cold weather 1 and 4, and do not remove or replace any
option, an additional fuse box (4) is located relays. If one of these fails, contact Tesla.
under the driver’s side trim panel. Warning: Always manually power Model S
off before replacing a fuse (see Powering
Off on page 40).
Caution: Only use Tesla-approved
replacement fuses of the same rating and
specification. Using an incorrect fuse can
damage the electrical system and result
in a fire.
Caution: If a replacement fuse blows after
installation, contact Tesla to have the
electrical system checked.

Maintenance 117
 Fuses

Fuse Box 1
Note: Access to fuse box 1 requires removal of components that must be performed by a Tesla
service technician. The following fuse list is provided only to assist you in determining if a fuse in
this box needs to be replaced. Contact Tesla Service if one of these fuses needs to be replaced.

Fuse Rating Circuit Protected

1 5A Accessory sensor, radio, USB hub

2 5A Headlight leveling system (EU/China Coil Suspension vehicles only)

3 5A Vanity lights, rear view mirror

4 30 A Outboard rear seat heaters (cold weather option)

5 15 A Seat heater (driver’s seat)

6 20 A Base audio amplifier

7 15 A Seat heater (front passenger seat)

8 20 A Premium audio amplifier

9 25 A Sunroof

10 5A Passive safety restraints

11 5A Steering wheel switches

12 5A Sensor for Drive mode and Yaw Rate (Stability/Traction Control)

13 15 A Wiper park

14 5A Drive inverter

15 20 A Electric parking brake

16 5A Parking sensors

17 20 A Electric parking brake

118 Model S Owner's Manual

 Fuses

Fuse Rating Circuit Protected

18 5A Not used

19 5A In-vehicle HVAC sensor

20 5A Cabin air heater logic

21 15 A Coolant pump 1

22 5A Inlet actuators

23 15 A Coolant pump 2

24 5A Cabin climate control

25 15 A Coolant pump 3

26 - Not used

27 10 A Thermal controller

Maintenance 119
 Fuses

Fuse Box 2

Fuse Rating Circuit Protected

28 25 A Window lift motor (right rear)

29 10 A Contactor power

30 25 A Window lift motor (right front)

31 - Not used

32 10 A Door controls (right side)

33 - Not used

34 30 A Rear center seat heaters, washer/wiper de-ice (cold weather option)

35 15 A 12V power socket

36 25 A Air suspension

37 25 A Window lift motor (left rear)

38 5A Driver's seat memory

39 25 A Window lift motor (left front)

40 5A Rear door handles

41 10 A Door controls (left side)

42 30 A Powered liftgate

43 5A Perm. power sensor, brake switch

44 5A Charger (charge port)

45 20 A Passive entry (horns)

46 30 A Body controls (group 2)

47 5A Glove box light

48 10 A Body controls (group 1)

120 Model S Owner's Manual

 Fuses

Fuse Rating Circuit Protected

49 5A Instrument panel

50 5A Siren, intrusion/tilt sensor (Europe only)

51 20 A Touchscreen

52 30 A Heated rear window

53 5A Battery management system

54 - Not used

55 30 A Left front electric seat

56 30 A Right front electric seat

57 25 A Cabin fan

58 - Not used

59 - Not used

Maintenance 121
 Fuses

Fuse Box 3

Fuse Rating Circuit Protected

71 40 A Condenser fan (left)

72 40 A Condenser fan (right)

73 40 A Vacuum pump

74 20 A 12V drive rail (cabin)

75 5A Power steering

76 5A ABS

77 25 A Stability control

78 20 A Headlights - high/low beam

79 30 A Light - exterior/interior

122 Model S Owner's Manual

 Fuses

Fuse Box 4
If Model S is equipped with the cold weather option, an additional fuse box (4) is located under
the driver’s side trim panel. Access to fuse box 4 requires removal of several components that
must be performed by a Tesla service technician. The following fuse list is provided only to assist
you in determining if a fuse in this box needs to be replaced. Contact Tesla Service if one of these
fuses needs to be replaced.

Fuse Rating Circuit Protected

101 15 A Left rear seat heater

102 15 A Right rear seat heater

103 5A Middle rear seat heater control

104 15 A Middle rear seat heater

105 15 A Wiper de-icer

106 - Not used

Maintenance 123
 Jacking and Lifting

Jacking Procedure
Follow the steps below to lift Model S. Ensure
that any non-Tesla repair facility is aware of
these lifting points.
1. Position Model S centrally between the lift
posts.
2. If your Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, it automatically self-levels,
even when power is off. Use the
touchscreen to set the suspension as
follows:
• Touch Controls > Driving.
• Press the brake pedal, then touch
Very High to maximize the height of
the suspension.
• Touch Jack to disable self-leveling.

When Jack mode is active,

Model S displays this indicator
light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling
you that active suspension is
disabled. Note: Jack mode cancels when Model S is
3. Position the lift arm pads under the body driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
rails at the locations illustrated. DO NOT Warning: If your Model S is equipped with
position the lift arm pads under the Smart Air Suspension, it automatically
Battery. self-levels, even when power is off. You
4. Adjust the height and position of the lift MUST disable this system by engaging
arm pads to ensure they are correctly Jack mode before lifting or jacking. If you
located. do not disable Smart Air Suspension,
5. With assistance, raise the lift, ensuring the Model S can attempt to self-level, causing
lift arm pads remain in their correct serious damage, bodily injury, or death.
positions. Warning: Never raise Model S when the
charge cable is connected, even if
charging is not in progress.
Warning: Do not work on an incorrectly
support vehicle. Doing so can cause
serious damage, bodily injury, or death.
Caution: DO NOT lift from under the
Battery. Place the lift arm pads under the
body rails only. The locations illustrated
are the only approved lifting points for
Model S. Lifting at any other points can
cause damage. Damage caused by lifting
Model S is not covered by the warranty.

124 Model S Owner's Manual

 Parts and Accessories

Parts, Accessories, and

Modifications
Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories.
Tesla performs rigorous testing on parts to
ensure their suitability, safety, and reliability.
Purchase these parts from Tesla, where they
are professionally installed and where you can
receive expert advice about modifications to
Model S.
Tesla is unable to assess parts manufactured
by other distributors and therefore accepts no
responsibility if you use non-Tesla parts on
Model S.
Warning: Installing non-approved parts
and accessories, or performing non-
approved modifications, can affect the
performance of Model S and the safety of
its occupants. Any damage caused by
using or installing non-approved parts, or
by performing non-approved
modifications, is not covered by the
warranty.
Warning: Tesla does not accept liability
for death, personal injury or damage that
occurs if you use or install non-approved
accessories or make non-approved
modifications.

Body Repairs
If Model S is in a collision, contact Tesla to
ensure that it is repaired with genuine Tesla
parts. Tesla has selected and authorized body
shops that meet strict requirements for
training, equipment, quality, and customer
satisfaction.
Some repair shops and insurance companies
might suggest using non-original equipment
or salvaged parts to save money. However,
these parts do not meet Tesla's high
standards for quality, fit and corrosion
resistance. In addition, non-original equipment
and salvaged parts (and any damage or
failures they might cause) are not covered by
the warranty.

Maintenance 125
 Identification Labels

Vehicle Identification Number

You can find the VIN at the following
locations:
• Stamped on a plate located at the top of
the dashboard. Can be seen by looking
through the windshield.
• Stamped on the chassis. Can be seen by
removing the maintenance panel (see
Removing the Maintenance Panel on page
114).
• Printed on the Vehicle Certification label,
located on the driver’s side door pillar.
Can be seen when the driver’s door is
open.
Printed on the vehicle certification label,
located on the driver’s side door pillar.
Can be seen when the driver’s door is
open.

Emission Control Label

The emission control label is located on the
opening face of the liftgate.

126 Model S Owner's Manual

 Vehicle Loading

Load Capacity Labeling Tire and Loading Information Label

It is important to understand how much The Tire and Loading Information label
weight your Model S can safely carry. This provides:
weight is called the vehicle capacity weight • The maximum number of occupant
and includes the weight of all occupants, seating positions.
cargo and any additional equipment added to • The maximum vehicle capacity weight.
your Model S since it was manufactured.
• The size of the original tires.
There are two labels attached to Model S that • The cold inflation pressures for the
state how much weight it can safely carry. original front and rear tires. These
These labels are located on the center door pressures are recommended to optimize
pillar and are visible when the driver’s door is ride and handling characteristics.
open:
United States:

Canada:

1. Tire and Loading Information label

2. Vehicle Certification label
Warning: Overloading Model S has an
adverse effect on braking and handling, Never change this label, even if you use
which can compromise your safety or different tires in the future.
damage Model S. Note: If Model S is loaded to its full capacity,
Caution: Never load more than 300 lbs double check all tires to ensure they are
(136 kg) in the front trunk. Doing so can inflated to their recommended pressure levels.
cause damage.
Caution: Never store large amounts of
liquid in Model S. A significant spill can
cause electrical components to
malfunction.

Specifications 127
 Vehicle Loading

Vehicle Certification Label 4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load
The Vehicle Certification label provides:
capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
• GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The amount equals 1400 lbs (635 kg) and
maximum allowable total mass of Model S. there will be five 150 lb (68 kg)
This is calculated as the weight of passengers in the vehicle, the amount of
Model S, all passengers, fluids, and cargo. available cargo and luggage capacity is
• GAWR FRT and GAWR RR - Gross Axle 650 lbs (1400 ‑ 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or
Weight Rating for the front and rear axles. 295 kg (635 ‑ 340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.
The GAWR is the maximum distributed 5. Determine the combined weight of cargo
weight that each axle can support. and luggage being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight must not exceed the available
United States:
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
Warning: The front and rear trunks are
the preferred places to carry objects. In
an accident, or during hard braking and
sharp turns, loose items in the cabin
could injure occupants.

Example Load Limit Calculations

How much cargo you can carry in Model S
Canada: depends on the number and weight of
passengers. The following are typical
examples of calculated load limits. These
examples assume passengers weighing 150 lbs
(68 kg). If the passengers weigh more or less,
the available cargo and luggage load capacity
decreases or increases respectively.

Example 1: Driver and one passenger

Description Total
Caution: To prevent damage, never load
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs
Model S so that it is heavier than GVWR
(433 kg)
or exceeds the individual GAWR weights.
Subtract occupant weight 300 lbs
(2 x 150 lbs/68 kg) (136 kg)
Calculating Load Limits
1. Locate the statement “The combined Available cargo weight 654 lbs
weight of occupants and cargo should (297 kg)
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s “Tire and Loading Information” Example 2: Driver and four passengers
label.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in Description Total
the vehicle.
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs
3. Subtract the combined weight of the (433 kg)
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs (see Step 1). Subtract occupant weight (5 x 750 lbs
150 lbs/68 kg) (340 kg)

Available cargo weight 204 lbs

(93 kg)

128 Model S Owner's Manual

 Vehicle Loading

The available cargo or luggage weight should

then be distributed between the front and
rear trunks.
Caution: Do not exceed the maximum
front trunk load weight of 300 lbs
(136 kg).

Towing a Trailer
Warning: Do not use Model S for towing
purposes. Model S does not support a
trailer hitch. Installing one could cause
damage and increase the risk of an
accident.
Caution: Using Model S for towing may
void the warranty.

Roof Racks
If Model S is equipped with the all glass
panoramic roof, you can carry up to 75 kg
using a Tesla-approved roof rack (see Parts
and Accessories on page 125). A Model S
equipped with a solid aluminum roof is
incompatible with roof racks.
Caution: Damage caused by roof racks is
not covered by the warranty.
Caution: Do not use roof racks, or place
any load, on the roof of a Model S that is
equipped with a solid aluminum roof.
Doing so can cause significant damage.

Specifications 129
 Dimensions and Weights

Exterior Dimensions

A Overall Length 196 in 4,970 mm

Overall Width (including mirrors) 86.2 in 2,189 mm

B
Overall Width (excluding mirrors) 77.3 in 1,963 mm

C Overall Height 56.5 in 1,427 mm

D Wheel Base 116.5 in 2,960 mm

E Overhang - Front 37 in 929 mm

F Overhang - Rear 42.5 in 1080 mm

G Ground Clearance 6 in 155 mm

Track - Front 65.4 in 1,661 mm

H
Track - Rear 66.9 in 1,699 mm

130 Model S Owner's Manual

 Dimensions and Weights

Weights
Curb Weight* (85 kWh Battery) 4,630 lbs 2,100 kg

Curb Weight* (60 kWh Battery) 4,407 lbs 1,999 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 5,710 lbs 2,590 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Distribution - Front: 2,425 lbs Front: 1,100 kg

19" wheels Rear: 3,285 lbs Rear: 1,490 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Distribution - Front: 2,612 lbs Front: 1,185 kg

21" wheels Rear: 3,097 lbs Rear: 1,405 kg

Gross Axle Weight Rating- Front 2,813 lbs 1,276 kg

Gross Axle Weight Rating- Front

2,723 lbs 1,235 kg
(Performance Plus models)

Gross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 19"

3,307 lbs 1,500 kg
wheels

Gross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 21"

3,131 lbs 1,420 kg
wheels

Trailer Towing Not permissible

*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo

Specifications 131
 Subsystems

Motor
Type AC induction motor, liquid-cooled, with
variable frequency drive

Rating 375 Volts

Maximum Speed 16000 rpm

Transmission
Type Single speed fixed gear

Overall Final Drive Ratio 9.73:1

Reverse Gear Reverse direction of motor, limited to

24 km/h

Steering
Type Rack and pinion with electronic power
steering

Variable ratio and speed sensitive

Number of turns lock to lock 2.45

Turning Circle (curb to curb) 11.3 metres

132 Model S Owner's Manual

 Subsystems

Brakes
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
with Electronic Brake Force Distribution,
Type Integrated Advanced Stability Control
and Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated
regenerative braking system

Calipers Four piston fixed

Front: 13.98”/355 mm
Rotor Diameters (ventilated)
Rear: 14.37”/365 mm

New: 1.26”/32 mm
Front Rotor thickness
Service limit: 1.18”/30 mm

New: 1.10”/28 mm
Rear Rotor thickness
Service limit: 1.02”/26 mm

New: 0.354”/9.0 mm
Front Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mm

New: 0.315”/8.0 mm
Rear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mm

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Pad Thickness New: 0.216”/5.5 mm

(excluding back plate). Electronic calipers self-
adjust for pad wear. Service limit: 0.039”/1 mm

Electrically actuated parking brake

Parking brake
calipers

Suspension
Front Independent, double wishbone, air spring
or coil spring/telescopic damper, sway bar

Rear Independent, multi-link, air spring or coil

spring/telescopic damper, sway bar (air
suspension vehicles only)

For alignment values, see Wheel Alignment Values on page 135.

Battery - 12V
Rating 33 amp-hr or higher

Voltage and Polarity 12V negative (-) ground

Specifications 133
 Subsystems

Battery - High Voltage

Type Liquid-cooled lithium ion (Li-ion)

Rating 60 or 85 kWh (at beginning of life)

Voltage and Polarity 366V DC negative (-) ground

Temperature Range Do not expose Model S to ambient

temperatures above 140° F (60° C) or
below -22° F (-30° C) for more than 24
hours at a time.

134 Model S Owner's Manual

 Wheels and Tires

Wheel Specifications
Wheel Type Location Size Offset

1.575"
Front 8.0J x 19
40 mm
19"
1.575"
Rear 8.0J x 19
40 mm

1.575"
21" - Silver (standard) Front 8.5J x 21
40 mm

1.575"
21" - Grey (standard) Rear 8.5J x 21
40 mm

21" - Silver and Grey (optional) Performance 1.575"

Rear 9.0J x 21
Plus vehicles 40 mm

Road Wheel Nut Torque 129 lb. ft (175 Nm)

Requirements for dynamic wheel balance .49 ounces (14 grams)

Note: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model S, see Jacking and Lifting on page 124.

Wheel Alignment Values

Location Air Suspension Coil Suspension

Front Rear Front Rear

Camber -0.75 +/- 0.35 -1.75 +/- 0.35 -.53 +/- 0.35 -1.55 +/- 0.35

Camber Split -0.00 +/- 0.20 -0.00 +/- -0.00 +/- 0.20 -0.00 +/-
0.50 0.50

Caster 4.00 +/- 0.50 n/a 3.70 +/- 0.50 n/a

Caster Split 0.00 +/- 0.20 n/a 0.00 +/- 0.20 n/a

Single Wheel Toe OUT 0.05 IN 0.20 +/- IN 0.02 OUT IN 0.19 +/-
OUT 0.15 0.05 0.08 (limit) IN 0.05
(limit) IN 0.05 0.12 (limit)
(limit)

Thrust Angle n/a 0.00 +/- 0.30 n/a 0.00 +/- 0.30

Suspension Bolt Height (at 213.5 +/- Standard 230 mm 158 mm

design) 5 mm models: 144 (nominal) (nominal)
+/- 5 mm
Performance
Plus: 151 +/-
5 mm

Specifications 135
 Wheels and Tires

Tire Specifications
Tire Type Location Size

19" wheels (85 kWh vehicles): Michelin All P245/45R19

19" wheels (60 kWh vehicles): All P245/45R19

Standard - Goodyear
Optional - Michelin

21" wheels: Continental All P245/35R21

21" wheels on Performance Plus vehicles: Front P245/35R21

Michelin
Rear P265/35R21

Tire pressures vary depending on the type of tires fitted on Model S. Refer to the tire pressures
printed on the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the driver’s door pillar
and is visible when the driver’s door is open (see Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 100).

Winter tires (Pirelli P245/45R19) can be purchased from a Tesla store.

136 Model S Owner's Manual

 Wheels and Tires

Understanding Tire Markings

Laws require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire.It also provides the
tire identification number (TIN) for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

Specifications 137
 Wheels and Tires

1 Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.

2 Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge.

3 Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread
width. So, if the tread width is 205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is
102 mm.

4 Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.

5 Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.

6 Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is
not always shown.

7 Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire
can be used for extended periods. Q=99 mph (160 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h),
S=112 mph (180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h), H=130 mph
(210 km/h), V=149 mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h).

8 Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area and the
sidewall area indicates how many layers of rubber coated material make up the
structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type of materials used.

9 Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.

10 Maximum permissible inflation pressure. This pressure should not be used for normal
driving.

11 U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN). Begins with the letters DOT and indicates
that the tire meets all federal standards. The next 2 digits/letters represent the plant
code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits represent the week and year of
manufacture. For example, the number 1712 is used to represent the 17th week of 2012.
The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s discretion. This
information can be used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.

12 Treadwear grade. This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the treadwear
number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. A tire rated at 400, for
example, lasts twice as long as a tire rated at 200.

13 Traction grade. Indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet roads. A higher graded tire
should allow you to stop your vehicle in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower
grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C.

14 Temperature grade. The tire’s resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A indicating

the greatest resistance. This grading is provided for a correctly inflated tire, which is
being used within its speed and loading limits.

138 Model S Owner's Manual

 Wheels and Tires

Uniform Tire Quality Grading acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or

peak traction characteristics.
The following information relates to the tire
grading system developed by the National Temperature
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by tread wear, The temperature grades are A (the highest),
traction and temperature performance. Tires B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
that have deep tread, and winter tires, are the generation of heat and its ability to
exempt from these marking requirements. dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
Where applicable, quality grades are found on test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
the tire’s sidewall between the tread shoulder cause the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
and maximum section width. For example: life, and excessive temperature can lead to
• TREADWEAR 180 sudden tire failure.
• TRACTION AA The grade C corresponds to the minimum
• TEMPERATURE A level of performance that all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
The quality grades are descibed next.
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
Note: In addition to the marking requirements, represent levels of performance on the
passenger car tires must conform to Federal laboratory test wheel that exceed the
Safety Requirements. minimum requirements.
Warning: A tire’s temperature grade is
Treadwear established for a tire that is properly
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested speed, under-inflation, or excessive
under controlled conditions on a specified loading, either separately or in
government test course. combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
For example, a tire graded 150 wears one and
a half times better on a government test
course than a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends on the actual
conditions of their use, however, and can
depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices,
road characteristics, and climate.

Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are: AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent a
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C might have poor traction
performance.
Warning: Defective tires are dangerous.
Do not drive if a tire is damaged,
excessively worn, or is inflated to an
incorrect pressure. The safety of the
vehicle and occupants can be adversely
affected. Check tires regularly for wear
and to ensure there are no cuts, bulges or
exposure of the ply/cord structure.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to
the tire is based on straight-ahead
braking tests, and doesn’t include:

Specifications 139
 Wheels and Tires

Wheels and Tires Glossary

Accessory Weight The combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of
items available as factory installed equipment.

Bead The inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form
an air tight seal. The bead is constructed of steel wires which
are wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.

Cold Tire Pressure The air pressure in a tire that has been standing in excess of
three hours, or driven for less than one mile.

Curb Weight The weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional

equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.

Gross Vehicle Weight The maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver,
passengers, load, luggage, and equipment.

kPa (kilo pascal) A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals
approximately 0.145 psi.

Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated.
This pressure is given on the tire side wall in psi (lbf/in).
Caution: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum
allowed by the tire manufacturer. It is not the pressure
Tesla recommends using for Model S.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
Weight weight, and production options weight.

Production Options Weight The combined weight of options installed which weigh in
excess of 3 lb more than the standard items that they replaced,
and are not already considered in curb or accessory weights.

PSI (lbf/in) Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tire
pressure).

Recommended Tire Inflation Tire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on
Pressure the type of tires that are mounted on the vehicle at the factory.
This information can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information label located on the door pillar.

Rim The metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the
tire beads are seated.

Vehicle Capacity Weight The number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs plus the rated
amount of load/luggage.

140 Model S Owner's Manual

 Contacting Roadside Assistance

Tesla Roadside Assistance is available to you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the duration of
your warranty period.
To contact Roadside Assistance, call:
1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
Advise the representative of the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number,
mileage, your location, and the nature of the problem. The VIN is on the upper dashboard on the
driver’s side of your vehicle and is visible through the windshield.
Roadside Assistance covers transportation of Model S for up to 50 miles (80 kms) in the event of
a flat tire. However, owners are responsible for transportation expenses if the Battery is over-
discharged. For a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Tesla Roadside
Assistance Program, refer to the policy that was provided to you by Tesla when you purchased
Model S.
It is your responsibility to provide vehicle transporters with instructions on how to transport
Model S (see Instructions for Transporters on page 142).

Roadside Assistance 141

 Instructions for Transporters

Use a Flatbed Only Activate Tow Mode

Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise Model S may automatically shift into Park
specified by Tesla. Do not transport Model S when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle,
with the tires directly on the ground. even if it has previously been shifted into
Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which
disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the
touchscreen, touch Controls > E-Brake &
Caution: Damage caused by transporting Power Off > Tow Mode.
is not covered by the warranty.
When Tow mode is active, Model S
Caution: To transport Model S, follow the
displays this indicator light on the
instructions exactly as described next.
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
Disable Self-Leveling (air free-rolling.
suspension vehicles only)
Note: Tow mode cancels when Model S is
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
shifted into Park.
Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even
when power is off. To prevent damage, you Caution: If the electrical system is not
must activate Jack mode to disable self- working, and you therefore cannot
leveling: release the electric parking brake,
attempt to quick start the 12V battery.
1. Touch Controls > Driving on the
For instructions, call Tesla. If a situation
touchscreen.
occurs where you cannot disengage the
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very parking brake, use tire skids or transport
High to maximize height. Model S for the shortest possible distance
3. Touch Jack. using wheeled dollies. Before doing so,
always check the dolly manufacturer’s
When Jack mode is active, specifications and recommended load
Model S displays this indicator capacity.
light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you
that active suspension is
disabled.

Note: Jack mode cancels when Model S is

driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can result in the vehicle
becoming loose during transport, which
may cause significant damage.

142 Model S Owner's Manual

 Instructions for Transporters

Connect the Tow Chain If equipped with a towing eye:

The method used to connect the tow chain 1. Remove the nose cone.
depends on whether Model S is equipped with Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
a towing eye (located in the front trunk). corner, and gently pry the nose cone
If not equipped with a towing eye: toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three
remaining clips.

2. Insert the towing eye.

Fully insert the towing eye (found in the
front trunk) into the opening on the right
side, then turn it counter-clockwise until
securely fastened.
1. Attach the tow chains to the large hole on
each of the rearmost lower suspension
arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any
damage that could be caused by the tow
chains, place a 2" x 4" piece of wood
between the tow chains and the
underbody.
Caution: Before pulling, position the
wood between the tow chain and the
underbody to ensure the underbody is
protected from any damage that could
be caused by the tow chain.

3. Attach the tow chain to the towing eye.

Caution: Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.

Roadside Assistance 143

 Instructions for Transporters

Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the

Wheels
Secure wheels using chocks and tie-down
straps:
• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down
straps do not contact painted surfaces or
the face of the wheels.
• Do not place straps over body panels or
through the wheels.

Caution: Attaching straps to the chassis,

suspension or other parts of the vehicle's
body may cause damage.
Caution: To prevent damage, do not
transport Model S with the tires directly
on the ground.

144 Model S Owner's Manual

 About this Owner Information

Illustrations Document Applicability

Illustrations are provided for demonstration Owner information is updated on a regular
purposes only. Depending on vehicle options, basis to reflect updates to your Model S.
software version, region of purchase, and However, in some cases, recently released
specific vehicle settings, your Model S may features may not be described. To display
appear slightly different. information about recently released features,
view the Release Notes on the Model S
Although the owner information is applicable
touchscreen. Release Notes are displayed on
to both right-hand drive and and left-hand
the touchscreen after a software update, and
drive vehicles, many illustrations show only
can be displayed at any time by touching the
left-hand drive vehicles. However, the
Tesla "T" at the top center of the touchscreen,
essential information that the illustrations are
then touching the Release Notes link. If
providing is correct.
information related to how to use the Model S
touchscreen conflicts with information in the
Errors or Inaccuracies Release Notes, the Release Notes take
precedence.
All specifications and descriptions are known
to be accurate at time of publishing. However,
because continuous improvement is a goal at
Tesla, we reserve the right to make product
modifications at any time. To communicate
any inaccuracies or omissions, or to provide
general feedback or suggestions regarding
the quality of this owner information, send an
email to:
ownersmanualfeedback@teslamotors.com

Location of Components
The owner information may specify the
location of a component as being on the left
or right side of the vehicle. As shown here, left
(1) and right (2) represent the side of the
vehicle when sitting inside Model S in a front-
facing seat.

Consumer Information 145

 About this Owner Information

Copyrights and Trademarks

All information in this document and all
®
Model S software is subject to copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Tesla
Motors, Inc. and its licensors. This material
may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in
whole or in part, without the prior written
permission of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its
licensors. Additional information is available
upon request. The following are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in
the United States and other countries:

All other trademarks contained in this

document are the property of their respective
owners and their use herein does not imply
sponsorship or endorsement of their products
or services. The unauthorized use of any
trademark displayed in this document or on
the vehicle is strictly prohibited.

146 Model S Owner's Manual

 Disclaimers

Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders In addition, Tesla does not disclose the data
recorded to an owner unless it pertains to a
This vehicle is equipped with electronic non-warranty repair service and in this case,
modules that monitor and record data from will disclose only the data that is related to
various vehicle systems, including the motor, the repair.
Battery, braking and electrical systems. The
electronic modules record information about
various driving and vehicle conditions, Quality Control
including braking, acceleration, trip and other
You might notice a few miles/km on the
related information regarding your vehicle.
odometer when you take delivery of your
These modules also record information about
Model S. This is a result of a comprehensive
the vehicle’s features such as charging events
testing process that ensures the quality of
and status, the enabling/disabling of various
your Model S.
systems, diagnostic trouble codes, VIN, speed,
direction and location. The testing process includes extensive
inspections during and after production. The
The data is stored by the vehicle and may be
final inspection takes place at Tesla Motors
accessed, used and stored by Tesla service
and includes a road test conducted by a
technicians during vehicle servicing or
technician.
periodically transmitted to Tesla wirelessly
through the vehicle’s telematics system. This
data may be used by Tesla for various California Proposition 65
purposes, including, but not limited to:
providing you with Tesla telematics services; Warning: Certain vehicle components
troubleshooting; evaluation of your vehicle’s contain or emit chemicals known to the
quality, functionality and performance; State of California to cause cancer and
analysis and research by Tesla and its partners birth defects or other reproductive harm.
for the improvement and design of our In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and systems; and as otherwise may vehicles and certain products of
be required by law. In servicing your vehicle, component wear contain or emit
we can potentially resolve issues remotely chemicals known to the State of
simply by reviewing your vehicle’s data log. California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Tesla’s telematics system wirelessly transmits
vehicle information to Tesla on a periodic Warning: Certain components of this
basis. The data is used as described above vehicle such as airbag modules and seat
and helps ensure the proper maintenance of belt pre-tensioners may contain
your vehicle. Additional Model S features may Perchlorate Material. Special handling
use your vehicle’s telematics system and the may be required for service or vehicle
information provided, including features such end of life disposal. See http://
as charging reminders, software updates, and www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
remote access to, and control of, various perchlorate.
systems of your vehicle. Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and
Tesla does not disclose the data recorded in related accessories contain lead and lead
your vehicle to any third party except when: compounds. Wash hands after handling.

• An agreement or consent from the

vehicle’s owner (or the leasing company
for a leased vehicle) is obtained.
• Officially requested by the police or other
authorities.
• Used as a defense for Tesla in a lawsuit.
• Ordered by a court of law.
• Used for research purposes without
disclosing details of the vehicle owner or
identification information.
• Disclosed to a Tesla affiliated company,
including their successors or assigns, or
our information systems and data
management providers.

Consumer Information 147

 Reporting Concerns

Contacting Tesla
For detailed information about your Model S,
go to www.teslamotors.com, click the
MY TESLA link, then enter your login
credentials (or sign up to get these
credentials).
If you have any questions or concerns about
your Model S, call 1-877-79TESLA
(1-877‑798-3752).
Note: You can also use voice commands to
provide feedback to Tesla. Say "Note",
"Report", "Bug note", or "Bug report" followed
by your brief comments. Model S takes a
snapshot of its systems, including screen
captures of the touchscreen and instrument
panel. Tesla periodically reviews these notes
and uses them to continue improving Model S.
For details, see Using Voice Commands on
page 37).

Reporting Safety Defects - US

If you believe that Model S has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Tesla Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation. If it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer,
or Tesla Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://
www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
National Highway Traffic Safety, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from http://
www.safercar.gov.

Reporting Safety Defects - Canada

If you believe that your Model S has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform Transport Canada, in addition to
notifying Tesla. To contact Transport Canada,
call their toll-free number: 1-800-333-0510.

148 Model S Owner's Manual

 Declarations of Conformity

Key and Passive Unlocking System CE Certification

Model # Mfr MHz Tested

FCC Certification
For
Model Mfr MHz Tested A-0749G01 Pektron 433
Number For Europe
Australia
A-0749G02 Pektron 315 USA
New
Canada Zealand

Singapore
The devices listed above comply with Part 15
of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the Taiwan
following two conditions: Malaysia
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and A-0749G05 Pektron 433 China
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may Hong
cause undesired operation. Kong

Changes or modifications not expressly

approved by Tesla could void the user's The devices listed above comply with CE
authority to operate the equipment. standards. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
MIC Certification 1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
Model Mfr MHz Tested
2. This device must accept any interference
Number For
received, including interference that may
A-0749G04 Pektron 315 Japan cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
IC Certification approved by Tesla could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
The following device is used in vehicles in
Canada: NCC Certification
• Keyfob Model Number: A-0749G02 • Keyfob Model Numbers: A-0749G01
(315 MHz) (433 MHz)
• Keyfob Manufacturer: Pektron • Keyfob Manufacturer: Pektron
Per IC 10176A-002, this device complies with According to NCC low-power radio wave
Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS radiation rate of motor management
standard(s). Operation is subject to the measures:
following two conditions:
Article XII of the type certified by the low
1. This device may not cause harmful power radio, non-licensed, company, firm or
interference, and user is not allowed to change the frequency,
2. This device must accept any interference increase the power or change the
received, including interference that may characteristics of the original design and
cause undesired operation. function.

Consumer Information 149

 Declarations of Conformity

Article XIV: The use of low-power radio- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
frequency devices shall not influence aircraft
security and interfere with legal FCC IDs: TZSTPMS201, Z9F-201FS43X
communications; interference phenomenon IC ID: 11852A-201FS4X
discovered over time, should be immediately
suspended, and improved to no interference The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
before use can continue. Legal complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
communications, referring to the provisions of RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
the Telecommunications Act of radio subject to the following two conditions:
communications operations. Low-power radio 1. This device may not cause harmful
communications shall tolerate radio wave interference, and
interference from radiated devices, legal or
2. This device must accept any interference
industrial, scientific and medical.
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Device Approval - Australia
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by Tesla could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.

Device Approval - Japan

Device Approval - Hong Kong

Media Control Unit

Device Approval - Japan

Device Approval - Japan

Device Approval - Australia

150 Model S Owner's Manual

 Declarations of Conformity

HomeLink
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
rules and IC-RSS-210 Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful
interference.
• This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications to the device
not expressly approved by the manufacturer
or Tesla Motors could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

Radio Frequency Information

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.

Consumer Information 151

 Index

A C
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 58 cabin temperature control 72
access panel, removing 114 calendar 85
accessories California Proposition 65 147
installing 125 camera (rear view) 64
plugging into power socket 80 car cover 111
air circulation 73 car washes 109
air conditioning 72 carpets, cleaning 110
air distribution 73 CE certifications 149
air filter 74 CHAdeMO 93
air suspension 76 chains 103
air vents 74 charge port 95
airbags 31 charge port light 96
alarm 86 charging
anti-lock braking (ABS) 58 charge settings 97
audio components and equipment 92
playing files 77 instructions 95
steering wheel buttons 36 public charging stations 93
auto-raising suspension 75 scheduling 97
status of 98
child protection
B disabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9
backup camera 64 child seats
battery (12V) cleaning 110
complete discharge 94 installing and using 22
specifications 133 Tesla built-in rear facing 27
Battery (high voltage) cleaning 109
care of 94 climate controls 72
coolant 114 console
specifications 134 12V power socket 80
temperature limits 94 cup holders 16
battery (key), replacing 5 USB ports 79
Bluetooth contact information
devices, playing audio files from 79 roadside assistance 141
general information 83 Tesla 148
phone, pairing and using 83 coolant
body repairs 125 Battery, checking level of 114
body touch up 111 Battery, replacement interval 99
brake fluid replacement 99 copyrights 145, 146
brakes cornering lights 48
fluid level 115 cruise control 61
overview of 58 cup holders 16
specifications 133 customizing Model S 69

D
dashboard overview 2
data recording 147
delivery mileage 147
devices

152 Model S Owner's Manual

 Index

Bluetooth, playing audio files 79 replacement intervals 99

connecting 79 reservoirs, checking 114
playing audio files from 79 fog lights 46
dimensions 130 front passenger detection 33
dome (map) lights 46 front trunk 12
door handles 6 fuses
door labels 127 location of 117
doors 4 removing access panel 114
Drive gear 41
drive-away locking 7
driver G
profiles 35
seat adjustment 17 garage doors, opening 87
driver assistance gates, opening 87
staying inside lane markings 53 GAWR 128
staying within speed limits 51 gears 41
driving glove box 14
seating position 17 Gross Axle Weight Rating 128
starting Model S 40 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 128
tips to maximize range 57 ground clearance 130
GVWR 128

E
H
electric parking brake 59
emergency flashers 49 hazard warning flashers 49
emergency rear door opening 8 head supports 18
emission label 126 headlights
energy after exit 48
gained from regenerative braking 59 cornering lights 48
range information 42 heated wipers 50
tips to minimize usage of 57 heating 72
energy saving mode 57 height adjustments (suspension)
event data recording 147 auto-raising 75
exterior automatic and manual settings 76
car cover 111 disabling (Jack mode) 76
cleaning 109 high voltage
dimensions 130 Battery specifications 134
lights 46 components 92
overview 3 safety 99
polishing, touch up, & repair 111 Hill Start Assist 63
hitches 129
HomeLink
F FCC certification 151
programming and using 87
fan speed, interior 73 hood 12
favorites, adding and removing 78 horn 38
FCC certifications 149
features, downloading new 90
firmware (software) updates 90 I
flash drives, playing audio files from 79
flashers, warning 49 IC certifications 149
flat tire repair 105 Ideal range 69
floor mats 111 identification labels 126
fluids indicator lights, summary of 43
instrument panel
charging status 98
cleaning 110
overview of 42

Index 153
 Index

interior brake fluid, checking 115

cleaning 110 cleaning 109
lights 46 daily and monthly checks 99
overview 2 fluid replacement intervals 99
temperature control 72 panel, removing 114
Internet radio 77 replacing fuses 117
intrusion detection 86 replacing wiper blades 112
service intervals 99
tires 100
J washer fluid, topping up 116
washer jets, cleaning 112
J1772 93 maps 81
Jack mode 76 mats 111
jacking Model S 124 media 77
mileage upon delivery 147
mirrors 39
K mobile app 91
Mobile Connector
description 93
key
using 95
FCC and IC certifications 149
modifications 125
how to use 4
motor specifications 132
key not inside 40
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4 N
navigation 81
L NCC certifications 149
Neutral gear 41
NHTSA, contacting 148
label
Tire and Loading Information 127
vehicle certification 128
lane change flash 49 O
lane departure warning 53
LATCH child seats, installing 25 occupancy sensor 33
liftgate odometer
adjust opening height 10 on instrument panel 42
opening 10 resetting trip odometer 56
lifting Model S 124 overhang dimensions 130
lights Owner Information, about 145, 146
cornering lights 48
hazard warning 49
headlights after exit 48 P
turn signals 49
load limits 127 Park Assist 54
location-based suspension 75 Park gear 41
lock/unlock status 42 parking brake 59
locking and unlocking doors 4 parts replacement 125
lumbar support 17 passenger detection 33
passenger front airbag 33
phone
M
maintenance

154 Model S Owner's Manual

 Index

steering wheel controls for 37 adjusting 17

using 83 heaters 72
power management 57 Tesla built-in rear facing 27
power socket 80 security settings 86
power windows 9 service data recording 147
powering on and off 40 service intervals 99
preferences, setting 69 Settings 69
Proposition 65 147 shifting gears 41
public charging stations 93 Slacker 77
software updates 90
specifications
R dimensions 130
exterior 130
radio 77 subsystems 132
radio frequency, FCC information 151 tires 136
rain sensor 50 weights 131
range wheels 135
displayed on instrument panel 42 speed assist 51
driving tips to maximize 57 stability control 60
regenerative braking 59 starting Model S 40
Rated range 69 steering specifications 132
rear seats, folding and raising 18 steering wheel 36
rear view camera 64 sunroof 15
rear window switches, disabling 9 suspension 76
regenerative braking 59 suspension specifications 133
release notes 90
Reverse gear 41
roadside assistance 141 T
roof racks 129
rotating tires 101 telematics 147
telephone
steering wheel controls for 37
S using 83
temperature
safety defects Battery (high voltage), limits 94
reporting (Canada) 148 cabin, controls for 72
reporting (U.S.) 148 outside 42
safety information tires 139
airbags 34 tie-down straps 144
child seats 26 tilt detection 86
rear facing child seats 29 Tire and Loading Information label 127
seat belts 20 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
seat belts FCC certification 150
cleaning 110 overview of 103
in a collision 20 tire pressures, checking 100
overview of 19 tire repair kit
pre-tensioners 20 inflating with air only 107
wearing when pregnant 19 inflating with sealant 106
seat covers 18 replacing the sealant canister 108
seat heaters 72 tires
seating capacity 127
seats

Index 155
 Index

balancing 101 connecting 79

chains 103 playing audio files from 79
industry glossary of terms 140 USB ports 79
inspecting and maintaining 101
pressures, how to check 100
quality grading 139 V
replacing 102
replacing a tire sensor 104 vehicle certification label 128
rotation 101 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 126
specification 136 vehicle loading 127
temperature grades 139 vent, sunroof 15
tire markings 137 ventilation 74
tire sealant 105 VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 126
traction grade 139 volume control 65
treadwear grade 139
winter 102
touch up body 111
touchscreen
W
cleaning 110
walk-away locking 7
Controls 67
Wall Connector 93
overview 65
warning flashers 49
Settings 69
warning lights, summary of 43
software updates 90
washer fluid, topping up 116
tow chain, connecting 143
washer jets, cleaning 112
Tow mode 142
washers, using 50
towing 142
weight specifications 131
towing a trailer 129
wheel chocks 144
towing instructions 142
wheels
TPMS
alignment 101
FCC certification 150
replacing 102
overview of 103
specifications 135
traction control 60
Wi-Fi, connecting to 89
trademarks 145, 146
windshield washer fluid, topping up 116
traffic alerts 78
winter tires 102
trailer hitches 129
wiper blades, replacing 112
transmission specifications 132
wipers and washers 50
Transport Canada, contacting 148
wipers, de-icing 50
transporting 142
trip information 56
trunk, front 12
trunk, rear X
child protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7 XM radio 77
TuneIn 77
turn signals 49

U
uniform tire quality grading 139
Units & Format 69
unlocking
trunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn't work 7
USB devices

156 Model S Owner's Manual

Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 2 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM

3500 Deer Creek Road

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