2008 TESLA ROADSTER warning

Airbag system3-6Seating and safety restra
ints
Airbag systemGeneral informationThe airbag for the driver is located in the
padded hub of the steering wheel. The airbag
for the passenger is located on the
dashboard. These are indicated by the word
AIRBAG on the trim.
Provided the occupants are correctly seated
and the seat belts are properly worn, the
airbags provide additional protection to the
chest and face of the occupants in the event
of a severe frontal impact.
Note: Airbags inflate and deflate very quickly
and will not protect occupants against the
effects of secondary impacts that may occur.
How the system works
WARNING: The airbags are a
supplemental restraint system
providing additional protection in certain
types of collisions only - they do not replace
the need to wear a seat belt.
S
Operation of the airbag system depends on
the rate at which your vehicle's passenger
compartment changes speed as a result of a
collision.
In the event of a collision, the airbag control
unit monitors the rate of deceleration
induced by the collision to determine
whether the airbags should be deployed.
When deployed, airbags inflate instantly, with
considerable force accompanied by a loud
noise. The inflated bag, together with the
seat belt restraint system, limit the movement
of the occupants, thereby reducing the risk of
injury to the head and upper torso.
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The airbag system is not designed to operate
as a result of:
• Rear collisions
• Minor front impacts
• Minor side impacts
• Heavy braking
• Driving over bumps or potholes
It follows, therefore, that significant superficial
damage can occur without the air bags
deploying or, conversely, that a relatively small
amount of structural damage can cause the
airbags to be deployed.Deployment effects
WARNING: Following inflation, some
airbag system components are hot. Do
not touch until they have cooled.
S
WARNING: The airbag module inflates
with considerable speed and force. An
inflating airbag can cause facial abrasions and
other injuries. To limit these injuries, ensure
that occupants are correctly seated, with the
seat as far back as is practical, and are
wearing seat belts.
S
WARNING: The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA)
recommends a minimum distance of 10 inches
(25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and the
driver’s airbag module.
S
When the airbags are deployed, a fine powder
is released. This is not a malfunction. However,
the powder may irritate the skin and should be
thoroughly flushed from the eyes and from
any cuts or abrasions on the skin.
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Airbag system
3-7
Seating and s afety restraints
After inflation, the airbags will deflate to
provide a gradual cushioning effect for the
occupants and to ensure the driver's forward
vision is not obscured.
If the airbags have been deployed, always
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and
any associated components checked and, if
necessary, replaced by Tesla Motors.
After any accident, always have the airbags,
seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated
components checked and, if necessary,
replaced by Tesla Motors.Obstruction of airbags
WARNING: Do not allow passengers to
obstruct the operation of the airbags
by placing feet, knees or any other part of the
body, or any other objects in contact with, or
in close proximity to, an airbag module.
S
WARNING: Do not attach or position
items on an airbag cover which could
interfere with the inflation of the airbag or be
propelled inside your vehicle and injure
occupants.
S
Airbag warning indicator
A warning indicator in the instrument
panel alerts you of any malfunction of
the airbag system.
The components of the system being
monitored include: the airbag modules, the
seat belt pre-tensioners, the airbag control
unit and the airbag wiring harness.
When the starter switch is turned to the ON
position, the airbag control unit monitors the
readiness of the system’s electrical circuits.
Contact Tesla Motors if:
• The warning indicator fails to illuminate
when the starter switch is turned to the
ON position.
• The warning indicator fails to extinguish
within approximately six seconds after
the starter switch is turned to the ON
position.
• The warning indicator illuminates while
your vehicle is being driven.
Airbag warning labels
WARNING: Extreme hazard! Do not use
a rearward facing child restraint on a
seat protected by an airbag in front of it.
Doing so increases the risk of death or
serious injury when the airbag deploys.
S
Airbag warning information is printed on the
driver’s and passenger’s sun visor.Using child seats
WARNING: Currently, child seats and
restraints are not approved for use in
your vehicle. Until these are available, Tesla
Motors strongly recommends that children
are not carried as passengers in your vehicle,
and that you do not fit any type of child seat
into your vehicle. Death or serious injury may
occur if the child is too close to the
dashboard when the airbag inflates.
S
Passenger airbag deactivation
WARNING: Your vehicle is fitted with an
airbag system that has no provision for
switching off or deactivating the passenger
airbag.S
!WARNING
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occurChildren 12 and under can be killed by the airbagNEVER put a rear facing child seat in the frontSit as far back as possible from the air bagALWAYS use SEAT BELTS and CHILD RESTRAINTS
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Airbag system3-8
Seating and safety restraints
Airbag service information
WARNING: The disposal of used airbag
units is subject to stringent regulations,
and should only be handled by Tesla
Motors.S
For your safety, a Tesla Motors technician,
who is familiar with your vehicle, must
perform the following tasks:
• Removal, replacement, repair, or
modification, of any wiring or component
in the vicinity of airbag system
components, including the steering
wheel, steering column, dashboard and
instrument panel.
• Modification to the front or side of your
vehicle, including the bumper and
chassis.
In addition, always seek the assistance of
Te s l a M o t o r s i f : • An airbag inflates
• A pre-tensioner activates
• The front or side of your vehicle is
damaged, even if the airbag has not
inflated
• Any part of an airbag module cover
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Keys4-2
Doors, locks, and security
Doors, Locks, and Security
KeysAbout your keys
Caution: The key fob contains delicate
electronic circuits and must be
protected from impact, water damage
and high temperatures. Avoid contact with
solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners.
You have been supplied with three keys. Two
of the keys are key fobs with three buttons:
1. Lock button
2. Unlock button
3. Programmable button. See
Programmable button, page 4-3 .
Keep one of the keys in a secure place for use
in emergencies. If you lose a key, contact
Tesla Motors for a replacement.
Using the key fobThe buttons on the key fob transmit a coded
radio signal to a receiver in your vehicle. It is
not necessary to point the key fob at your
vehicle, but you must be within operating
range and you must hold the button down for
two seconds. The operating range will vary
according to the key fob’s battery condition
and other physical factors.
If the vehicle can not be locked or unlocked
using the associated button on the key fob, it
may be necessary to change the battery in
the key fob. See Replacing the key fob’s
battery, page 4-3 .
Note: Interference from other radio
equipment operating on a similar frequency
may affect operation of the key fob. If this
happens, operate the key fob as close to your
vehicle as possible. If you are unable to unlock your vehicle with the key fob, use the
emergency key lock. See
Emergency
unlocking, page 4-5 .
Locking
WARNING: Never leave anyone in your
vehicle when it is locked using the key
fob. The interior door release handles will
operate, but because the car was locked
using the key fob, the alarm will sound. To
re-open the doors using the exterior door
release handles, you must first disarm the
alarm using the key fob.
S
Press the Lock button on the key fob to
lock the doors and arm the alarm.
The turn signals will flash once and the red
alarm indicator on the console (illustrated on
page 4-7) will illuminate and continue to flash
on and off while the vehicle is locked. If you
push the Lock button after the vehicle has
already been locked, you’ll hear a
confirmation beep.
If a door, the hood or the trunk are not fully
closed when the lock button is pressed, the
turn signals will not flash and your vehicle is
not armed. Check that the doors, hood and
trunk are fully closed, then re-lock your
vehicle.
If any attempt is made to open the doors or
the hood after the alarm has been set, the
horn will sound and the turn signals will flash
for one minute. See Alarm System, page 4-7 .
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General information about charging5-2
Charging your vehicle
Charging your vehicle
General information about chargingImportant!
Caution: If the Battery’s charge level
falls to 0%, it must be plugged in
immediately. Failure to do so can
permanently damage the Battery and this
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Also, if you allow the
Battery to fall to a critically low level it may
not be possible to charge the vehicle. If you
are unable to charge the vehicle, contact
Te s l a M o t o r s .
WARNING: The Battery has no parts
that an owner, or a non-Tesla authorized
technician can service. Under no
circumstances should you open or tamper
with the Battery. Always contact Tesla Motors
to arrange for Battery servicing
.S
At the end of its service life, the Battery
will be recycled. Contact Tesla Motors
for recycling arrangements.
The BatteryThe Tesla Roadster’s Battery provides power
to the motor as well as all the other electrical
systems on the vehicle, such as lights,
instruments, audio system, etc.
The Battery is one of the largest and most
advanced battery packs in the world,
consisting of several thousand lithium-ion
battery cells that store enough energy for the
vehicle to travel over 200 miles without
recharging.
Note: Actual range will vary based on driving
style. The vehicle consumes more energy if
you are driving aggressively, driving up hills, or are using more resources such as air
conditioning. Also, over time, the Battery
experiences a gradual loss of capacity,
inherent in all lithium-ion batteries. So, as
your vehicle ages, the ca
pacity of the Battery
declines.
As you drive your vehicle, the level of charge
in the Battery is depleted and you’ll need to
recharge it. The Roadster’s built-in charging
system allows you to easily recharge it by
connecting an electrical power supply to the
vehicle’s charging port.
Designed to be plugged inThe Tesla Roadster is de signed to be plugged
in when not in use. This ensures that the next
time you use the vehicle, it is fully charged
and ready to go. There is no advantage to
waiting until battery level is low before
charging. In fact, by plugging it in every night,
you eliminate the risk of damage that could
be caused by over-discharging the battery.
When plugged in, the vehicle takes care of
itself, preserving battery life by managing the
charge level and keeping the Battery at an
ideal temperature. The vehicle wakes up
every 24 hours and, if needed, automatically
initiates the charging process to keep the
Battery at an optimum charge level.
If you’re not driving your vehicle every day,
see Storing your vehicle, page 5-3 .
Leaving the vehicle unpluggedEven when you’re not driving the vehicle, the
Battery will slowly lose its charge. Therefore,
when you’re not using the vehicle, you should
leave it plugged in. However, situations may
arise in which you must leave the vehicle
unplugged for an extended time (for
example, at an airport when travelling for a
couple of weeks). If this is the case, it is your
responsibility to ensure that the Battery does
not become fully depleted. Charge the
Battery to a maximum level before leaving it,
and keep in mind that when the vehicle is left
unplugged, the Battery’s charge level will
drop to a level of approximately 50% within
the first week, and then decline at a rate of
approximately 5% each subsequent week.
Plan accordingly to ensure that the Battery
never approaches a level of 0%.
Over-discharge can permanently damage the
Battery.
If for some reason, you are unable to keep the
vehicle plugged in when it is not being used,
it is up to you to preserve battery life by
paying attention to the charge level and the
temperature (see bulleted list below). If
leaving your vehicle unplugged for more than
24 hours, follow these do’s and don’ts to
avoid prematurely decreasing the life of your
vehicle’s Battery:
• DO leave the vehicle plugged in whenever
possible.
• DO maintain at least a 15% charge level in
the Battery if leaving it unplugged for
more than 48 hours.
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6-1
Driving your vehicle
Driving basicsKey positions 6-2
Steering column lock 6-2
Starting the vehicle 6-3
Selecting gears 6-3
Driving tips 6-3
Hand brake 6-5
Braking 6-5
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) 6-5
Traction control 6-6
Switches and controls Exterior lights 6-7
Turn signals 6-8
Windshield wiper and washer 6-8
Cruise control 6-9
Hazard warning 6-10
Horn 6-10
Instruments LCD panel 6-11
Warning indicators 6-12
Gear position indicators 6-13
Instrument panel lighting 6-14
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Driving basics6-2
Driving your vehicle
Driving your vehicle
Driving basicsKey positionsThe starter switch is located on the
right-hand side of the steering column and
uses the following key positions to control
the electrical circuits and steering column
lock.OFF•Park mode active
• Interior and trunk lights operational
• Exterior and hazard warning lights
operational
• Central door locking master switch
operational
• Trunk release switch operational
Note: When turning the key to the OFF
position, the circuits that operate in ACC
continue to operate until the key is removed.
ACC• Park mode still active
• Audio and navigation systems
operationalON•All instruments, warning indicators and
electrical circuits operationalSTART•The vehicle initiates the start-up
sequence to prepare for driving (if the
brake pedal is pressed). The gear position
indicator illuminates green and park
mode is deactivated.Removing the keyTo remove the key, turn the key to the OFF
position. Exterior lights (except hazard
warning lights) automatically turn off when
the key is removed from the starter switch.
If the key has been left in the starter switch,
an audible alert sounds when the driver’s
door is opened.
WARNING: Never remove the key from
the starter switch while the vehicle is
moving. The steering column lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the
vehicle.
S
Steering column lockThe steering column lock is activated when
the key is removed from the starter switch,
but may not engage until the steering wheel
is turned and the mechanism aligned. To release the steering column lock, insert the
key into the starter switch and turn to the
ACC position. If it is difficult to turn the key, a
small movement of the steering wheel will
help to disengage the steering lock.
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ON
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Driving basics
6-5
Driving your vehicle
Hand brake
WARNING: Do not apply the hand
brake when the vehicle is moving. This
could result in a loss of control and may
damage the rear brakes.
S
The hand brake operates on the rear wheels
only, and is totally independent of the foot
operated hydraulic brake system.
To apply the hand brake, pull the lever fully
upwards.
If the starter switch is in the ON
position and the hand brake is
applied, the warnin g indicator in the
instrument panel illuminates and the Touch
Screen will display the main Parked screen.
Caution: If the hand brake is applied
when the brakes are hot (such as after
prolonged or frequent hard use), care should
be taken that the hand brake is securely
engaged. As the brake discs cool, the amount
of brake force applied by the lever will
reduce. To release the hand brake, pull the lever up
slightly, depress the button (shown in
illustration) and fully lower the lever. The
warning indicator will extinguish and the
Touch Screen will display a Drive screen.
Braking
WARNING: After driving through heavy
rain, some loss of braking response may
be experienced. As soon as safety permits,
apply the brakes to generate heat and dry the
brake components. Never drive the vehicle
through deep water - doing so can cause
damage and void the New Vehicle Limited
Wa r ra n t y.
S
The brakes operate through dual circuits. If
one circuit fails, the other continues to
function, but brakin g performance is
reduced. If greater pedal effort, or longer
stopping distances are experienced, the car
should not be driven and Tesla Motors should
be contacted as soon as possible. The brakes are servo-assisted, but only when
the starter switch is in the ON position and
the electrical systems are operating. Without
servo assistance, greater pedal effort is
required to control the vehicle, resulting in
longer stopping distances.
Regenerative brakingWhenever the vehicle is moving and your
foot is off the accelerator, regenerative
braking slows the vehicle and feeds energy
back to the battery. By anticipating your
stops and simply removing your foot from
the accelerator to slow down, you can take
advantage of the energy gains of
regenerative braking. A visual display on the
instrument panel provides real-time
feedback of the vehicle’s regenerative
braking. See
LCD panel, page 6-11 .Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS)
WARNING: ABS cannot overcome the
physical limitations such as stopping
the vehicle in too short a distance, turning the
vehicle at high speeds, or the lack of grip on
the road’s surface.
S
WARNING: Do not take risks when
driving in the hope that ABS will correct
errors of judgement. In all cases it is the
driver's responsibility to drive with due care
and attention.
S
Your vehicle is equipp ed with an anti-lock
braking system (ABS) that prevents the
wheels from locking when maximum brake
BRAKE
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