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A WORD TO ROADSTER OWNERSThank you for choosing a Tesla Roadster. Not only have you chosen one of the finest sports cars on the road, you have also
chosen the most energy efficient sports car ever sold. You are participating in a revolution, demonstrating that kicking the oil
habit does not mean you have to give up performance and driving pleasure.
Take the time to get well acquainted with your Tesla Roadster by reading this manual. The more you know and understand
about your vehicle, the more safety and pleasure you’ll experience driving it.
Tesla’s cars are unique, and Tesla Motors knows your Tesla Roadster best. So when service or maintenance is required, Tesla
Motors is the place to go. Visit us regularly at www.teslamotors.com for more information about your Tesla Roadster. By signing
into the owners area of this web site, you can access all the information you need about your specific vehicle, including servi ce
information.
Enjoy your Tesla Roadster!
Te s l a M o t o r s
San Carlos, California, USA
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
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Trunk4-6Doors, locks, and securityTr u n kOpening the trunkTo open the trunk, press the trunk release
button on the dashboard, or insert the key in
the external lock and turn counter-clockwise.
You can also use the key fob if you have set
up the its programmable button to remotely
open the trunk. For details on programming
the key fob, refer to the Touch Screen Users
Manual provided in your owners package.The trunk release button is disabled when the
doors are locked with the key fob, or when
your vehicle’s speed exceeds 5 mph.
Closing the trunkClose the trunk one side at a time. Use both
hands to firmly but gently apply downward
pressure on one side of
the rear spoiler until
you hear it click into place. Repeat for the
other side.
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3 0
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7
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TR0108
To close the trunk,
use both hands
to firmly but gently
push down on one
side of the rear
spoiler until you
hear it “click”
into place. Repeat
for the other side.
Trunk interior release handleYour vehicle is equipped with a mechanical
trunk release handle that provides a means of
escape in the event that a person becomes
locked inside the trunk. Adults are advised to
familiarize themselves with the operation and
location of the release handle.
A T-shaped handle is located at the back of
the trunk towards the drivers side of the
vehicle. This handle is made using a
luminescent material that glows for hours
after a brief exposure to ambient light. To
open the trunk from the inside, pull the
T-shaped handle and push up on the trunk lid. TR0149
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Approved fluids and capacities11-14
Technical specifications
Approved fluids and capacitiesFluid specificationsBattery Coolant50% mix of water and Havoline Extended Life
antifreeze Coolant-PG (Havoline XLC-PG).
Note: The cooling system for your vehicle
contains a propylene glycol (PG) based
antifreeze.
Brake fluidAny proprietary brand of brake fluid (or brake
and clutch fluid) meeting DOT 4
specification.
Only use new fluid from sealed containers.
Transmission fluidDexron VI ATFAir conditioningThe air conditioning system is filled with
R134a refrigerant. If oil needs to be added to
the system, only use Daphne Hermetic Oil FV
Series.
Battery cooling system* 7.4 quarts (US)7.0 liters
Brake fluid* 1.6 quarts (US)1.5 liters
Transmission fluid 1.4 quarts (US)1.325 liters
Washer reservoir 2.3 quarts (US)2.2 liters
Air conditioning refrigerant 1.6 lbs725 g
*For instructions on topping up batt ery coolant and brake fluid, refer to Fluid reservoirs,
page 9-4 .
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Subsystem specifications11-18
Technical specifications
Front suspension
Rear suspension
BrakesTypeIndependent. Upper and lower unequal length wishbones.
Co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper. Sway bar.
Alignment optimum0.1 mm toe-in
tolerance 0.5 mm toe-out to 0.7mm toe-in. overall
Maximum side to side 0.3 mm
Camber optimum- 0.1°
tolerance + 0.1° to - 0.3°. Maximum side/side 0.2°
Castor optimum+ 3.8°
tolerance + 3.5° to 4.1°. Maximum cross castor 0.35°Type Independent. Upper and lower unequal length wishbones.
Co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper. Sway bar.
Alignment optimum3.0 mm toe-in
tolerance 2.4 mm toe-in, to 3.6 mm toe-in.
Maximum side to side 0.3 mm
Camber optimum- 1.8°
tolerance - 1.6° to - 2.0°. Maximum side to side 0.2°Type Hydraulically operated. Tandem master cylinder with vacuum servo and Anti-lock
Braking System.
Discs Ventilated front and rear discs.
Hand brake Cable operation of rear calipers. Self adjusting for pad wear.Roadster OHB.book Page 18 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM