Table of Contents
For information on how to use the Touch Screen, the High Power Connector, and the audio and
navigation systems, refer to the separate manuals provided in your owners package.Introduction and consumer information
Important notes about your vehicle 1-2
Important notes about this manual 1-3
Consumer information 1-4
Your vehicle at a glance Exterior 2-2
Interior 2-4
Seating an d safety restraints
Seats 3-2
Seat belts 3-3
Airbag system 3-6
Doors, locks, and s ecurity
Keys 4-2
Do ors
4-4
Trunk 4-6
Vehicle security 4-7
Charging your vehicle General information about charging 5-2
Charge settings 5-4
Charging components 5-6
Driving your vehicle Driving basics 6-2
Switches and controls 6-7
Instruments 6-11
Comfort and convenience Power windows 7-2
Rear view mirrors 7-3
Interior temperature control 7-4
Interior accessories 7-7
Removable roof 7-9
HomeLink® 7-15Audio and navigation systems
8-1
Maintenance and care Maintenance 9-2
Fluid reservoirs 9-4
Windshield wiper and washer 9-6
Cleaning and vehicle care 9-7
Roadside emergencies Tool kit 10-2
Energy Depletion 10-3
Tire repair 10-4
Wheels 10-6
Fuse replacement 10-7
Bulb replacement 10-9
Raising the vehicle 10-11
Vehicle recovery 10-13
Technical specifications Vehicle identification 11-2
Wheels and tires 11-4
Approved fluids and capacities 11-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights 11-15
Subsystem specifications 11-17
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Important notes about this manual
1-3
Introduction and consumer information
Important notes about this manualRead this manual firstThis owners manual contains a great deal of
information you need to know about a Tesla
Roadster. We urge you to read it carefully and
familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
driving.
For your own safety, follow the instructions
and warnings contained in this manual.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the
vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow
instructions is not covered by the New
Ve h i c l e L i m i t e d Wa r ra n t y.
Keep this manual in your Roadster as a
reference for the safe and enjoyable use of
your Tesla Roadster. Should you sell your
vehicle, be sure to provide this manual to the
new owner.
All specifications and descriptions are
accurate at the time of printing. Because
improvement is a constant goal at Tesla
Motors, we reserve the right to make changes
at any time, without notice and without
obligation.
This manual applies to all 2008 Tesla
Roadsters. As a result, you may find some
explanations for equipment or options not
installed on your vehicle. When required,
Tesla Motors distributes an addendum to
provide updated information.
An effective way to find the information you
need is to use the index at the back of this
manual. If you are unable to find the
information you need, note that the following additional documents are included in your
owners package and therefore the content
may be elsewhere:
• Audio and Navigation Guides - describes
how to use the audio and navigation
systems
• Touch Screen Users Manual - describes
how to use the screens to display
important information while parking,
driving, and char ging the vehicle
• Charging Your Vehicle - describes how to
use the High Power Connector to charge
your vehicle.
• High Power Connector Installation
Manual - provides pla nning guidelines for
the installation of the High Power
Connector as well as step-by-step
installation instructions. This manual is
included with the delivery of the High
Power Connector.
• Roadside Assistance Guide - describes
the Tesla Motors Roadside Assistance
program and provides instructions on
how to transport the vehicle
• Warranty Booklet - details the New
Ve h i c l e L i m i t e d Wa r ra n t y
• Tire Warranty - details the warranty for
the vehicle’s tires
In addition to these documents, Tesla Motors
may include an addendum in your owners
package if your vehicle specifications differ
from those in this manual. If you are missing a
document, contact Tesla Motors.
Copyright and trademarks© 2008 TESLA MOTORS INC. All rights re-
served. This material may not be reproduced
or copied, in whole or in part, without the
written permission of Tesla Motors, Inc.
“Tesla MotorsTM” and “Tesla RoadsterTM” are
trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. “HomeLink®”
is a registered trademark of Johnson
Controls, Inc. iPod® is a registered trademark
of Apple Computer, Inc. Havoline® is a
registered trademark of Chevron or its
affiliates. TORX® is a registered trademark of
Textron, Inc. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. Symbols glossaryThe following symbols used within this
manual call your attention to specific types of
information:
WARNING: Indicates a situation in
which serious bodily injury or death
could result if the warning is ignored.
S
Caution: Indicates a situation in which
bodily injury or damage to your vehicle,
or both, could result if the caution is ignored.
Identifies items that must be disposed
of safely to prevent unnecessary
damage to the environment.
Note: A note provides useful supporting
information and sometimes suggests how to
make better use of your vehicle.
Roadster OHB.book Page 3 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Keys
4-3
Doors, locks, and security
Unlocking
Press the Unlock button on the key fob
to unlock the doors and disarm the
alarm.
The turn signals flash twice and the red alarm
indicator on the console extinguishes.
Note: If neither door or trunk are opened
within one minute, the doors will
automatically re-lock and the alarm will arm.
Programmable button
This button can be programmed to
perform one of the following functions:
• Alarm
The horn sounds and the exterior lights
flash for one minute. Press again to cancel
the alarm.
• Trunk release
Opens the trunk.
• Open or close a HomeLink
® device
Operates devices such as a garage door
or gate.
To program this button, use the Touch
Screen. Refer to the Touch Screen Users
Manual, provided in your owners package.
To activate the programmed function, press
and hold the button for two seconds.
Replacing the key fob’s batteryThe key fob’s battery should last for
approximately one year depending on use.
When the battery needs replacing, you’ll notice a deterioration in performance. For
example, you’ll gradually need to be closer to
the vehicle to operate the key fob.
To replace the battery:
1. Remove the securing screw on the rear of the key fob and carefully separate the two
halves. Avoid damaging the seal between
the two halves.
2. Remove the batteries, taking care to avoid touching the circuit board or the
contact surfaces of the battery holder.
3. Fit two new batteries (type CR1616) with the ‘+’ sides facing upwards.
If possible, avoid touching the flat
surfaces of the battery because finger
marks will reduce battery life. Wipe the
battery clean before fitting.
4. Assemble the two halves of the key fob.
ComplianceThe key fob complies with Title 47 CFR Part
15 Subpart C rules for intentional radiators.
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 key fob
not expressly approved by the manufacturer
or Tesla Motors could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Transmitter FCC ID: L2M001004
TR0156
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7-1
Comfort and convenience
Power windowsDriver’s door window controls 7-2
Operating the windows 7-2
Rear view mirrors Exterior rear view mirrors 7-3
Interior rear view mirror 7-3
Interior temperature control General information 7-4
Control panel 7-4
Operating the system 7-4
Ventilation 7-5
Windshield defrosting 7-5
Seat heaters 7-6
Interior accessories Interior light 7-7
Sun visors 7-7
Accessory power socket 7-7
USB Port 7-7
Cup holder 7-8
Removable roof Hard-top and soft-top 7-9
Installing the soft-top 7-10
Removing the soft-top 7-11
Installing the hard-top 7-13
Removing the hard-top 7-14
HomeLink® HomeLink® Universal Transceiver 7-15 7-16
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
HomeLink®
7-15
Comfort and convenience
HomeLink
®
HomeLink
® Universal
Transceiver
Your vehicle is equipped with a HomeLink
®
Universal Transceiver that you can use to
operate most Radio Frequency (RF) devices
such as garage doors, gates, lights and
security systems. Your transceiver can be
programmed using the Touch Screen to
operate up to three individual devices.
Devices can be operated by touching a
button on the Touch Screen. You can also set
up the third button on the key fob to operate
a device. For details on how to program
HomeLink, refer to the Touch Screen Users
Manual, provided in your owners package.
For security purposes, when you sell your
vehicle, you should erase your HomeLink
settings.
WARNING: Do not use the HomeLink
Universal Transceiver with any garage
door opener that la cks safety stop and
reverse features as required by federal safety
standards. A garage door opener which
cannot detect an object in the path of a
closing garage door and then automatically
stop and reverse, does not meet current
federal safety standards. Using a garage door
opener without these features increases the
risk of injury or death.
S
You’re vehicle should be turned off
while programming the HomeLink
Universal Transceiver.
S
During programming, your garage
door or gate may open or close. Make
sure that people and objects are clear of the
garage door or gate that you are
programming.
S
FCC ComplianceThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Roadster OHB.book Page 15 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
IndexDirectional tires ................................................ 11-10
DoorsAutomatic locking when driving .......... 4-5
Exterior door release ................................ 4-4
Interior door release .................................. 4-4
Locking ........................................................... 4-4
Mislocking...................................................... 4-7
Unlocking with key .................................... 4-5
Driving .................................................................... 6-3EEconomical driving............................................ 6-3
Electrical current display ................................ 6-11
Electrical specifications ................................. 11-19
Emergency braking ........................................... 6-6
Emergency unlocking ...................................... 4-5
Exterior Dimensions.................................................. 11-15
Overview........................................................ 2-3
Exterior lights ...................................................... 6-7
Exterior mirrors................................................... 7-3FFan speed control.............................................. 7-4
Fault indicator .................................................... 6-12
Flat tire repair.................................................... 10-4
Flatbed transporting ..................................... 10-14
Fluid reservoirs ................................................... 9-4
Fluid specifications ......................................... 11-14
Front suspension specifications................. 11-18
Frost warning indicator light ........................ 6-12
Fuse Colors ............................................................ 10-7
Location ....................................................... 10-7
Specifications............................................. 10-8
GGarage door opener.........................................7-15
Gear position indicators ................................ 6-13
Gear selector........................................................ 6-3
Ground clearance ............................................. 11-15HHand brake ........................................................... 6-5
Hard-topInstalling ........................................................7-13
Removing..................................................... 7-14
Hauling your vehicle ..................................... 10-14
Hazard warning lights .................................... 6-10
Headlight high beam ........................................ 6-7
Heated seats ........................................................ 7-6
Heater controls ................................................... 7-4
Heating and ventilation ................................... 7-4
High beam headlights ...................................... 6-7
High beam indicator light ............................. 6-12
High Power Connector Overview ........................................................ 5-6
High voltage .......................................................... 1-2
HomeLink .............................................................7-15
Hood opening and closing ............................. 9-3
Horn ....................................................................... 6-10IIdentification numbers .....................................11-2
Instrument panel ............................................... 6-11
Instrument panel lighting .............................. 6-14
Interior Door release handle ...................................4-4
Light ................................................................. 7-7
Overview ........................................................ 2-5
Temperature ................................................. 7-4
JJacking the vehicle ..........................................10-11KKey fobBattery replacement ..................................4-3
Compliance ...................................................4-3
Programming................................................4-3
Replacing the battery ...............................4-3
Using ................................................................4-2
Key fob battery ...................................................4-3
Key positions........................................................6-2
Keys .........................................................................4-2 Programming the key fob .......................4-3
Unlocking driver’s door ............................4-5LLabelAirbags ............................................................ 3-7
Safety compliance certification............ 11-3
Tire................................................................... 11-7
Lashing ............................................................... 10-14
LCD panel ............................................................. 6-11
License plate light bulb ................................ 10-10
Lifting the vehicle............................................10-12
Lights Bulb replacement...................................... 10-9
Exterior ........................................................... 6-7
Hazard warning ......................................... 6-10
Headlight high beam ................................. 6-7
Instrument panel ....................................... 6-14
Interior............................................................. 7-7
Replacing interior light bulb ................. 10-9
Replacing license plate bulb............... 10-10
Replacing trunk light bulb ................... 10-10
Warning indicators ................................... 6-12
Load limit calculation....................................... 11-7
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