Driving basics
6-3
Driving your vehicle
Starting the vehicleFollow these steps to prepare the vehicle for
driving:
1. Tesla recommends selecting the N gear position.
2. Press and hold down the brake pedal.
3. Insert the key into the starter switch, turn it to the START position, and release.
When released, the key automatically
returns to the ON position and, if the
start-up sequence is successful, the N
indicator will illuminate green and you’ll
hear an audible tone. .
Note: If the brake pedal is not pressed, a
message is displayed on the Touch
Screen. Press the brake pedal and turn
the key to the START position again.
The vehicle is now ready to be driven.
Selecting gearsThe transmission has two selectable drive
positions - forward (D) and reverse (R). In the
neutral (N) position the gear selector rests
between gears D and R.
Indicator lights in the instrument panel
illuminate to show the currently engaged
gear.
The vehicle can be driven away from
stationary with the gear selector in position D
or R. • R (Reverse). Selectable whenever the
vehicle’s forward speed is less than 5
mph. The maximum speed in reverse is
limited to 15 mph. An audible tone will be
heard when reverse gear is selected.
• N (Neutral). Select th is position and apply
the hand brake if the vehicle needs to be
stationary for a period of time. •
D (Drive). Can be selected whenever the
vehicle is stationary.
Note: P (Park) is not a gear you can select. It
is a state the vehicle is in when the
transmission is locked and the rear wheels
cannot turn. When the key is turned to the
ACC position, this state is activated
automatically, regardless of the position of
the gear selector. In the event that the
vehicle needs to hauled on a flatbed truck, P
must be deactivated before the vehicle can
be pulled onto the truck. See Ve h i c l e
recovery, page 10-13 .
Driving tipsDriving an electric vehicle is similar to driving
a gasoline-powered vehicle. Here are a few
guidelines you should be aware of to help you
maximize range.Drive sensibly to maximize rangeEnergy consumption depends on driving
habits and operating condition. Your vehicle
is designed to travel over 200 miles on a
charge.
To get the maximum mileage from a charge,
you should:
• Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
• Anticipate stops and instead of using the
brake pedal to slow down, move your foot
off the accelerator. Whenever the vehicle
is moving and your foot is off the
accelerator, regenerative braking slows
the vehicle and feeds energy back to the
battery.
EST.
PIN Code Chang brakedWhile starting, foot
brake must be pressed
ID:881 Data:0x00000002 1:03AM
TR0304
TR0008
Roadster OHB.book Page 3 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Vehicle recovery
10-13
Roadside emergencies
Vehicle recoveryTransporting the vehicleThe only approved method of transporting
your vehicle is using a flatbed trailer or
transporter. Towing the vehicle will cause
serious damage to the power train. This
damage will not be covered by the New
Ve h i c l e L i m i t e d Wa r ra n t y.
Caution: Serious damage to the vehicle
and transmission can occur if the
vehicle is towed with the wheels on the
ground or on a suspended lift.
Caution: The transmission lock will only
retract when the vehicle is in Tow Mode
or when the electrical systems are functional
and the starter switch is in the ON position.
Before pulling the vehicle onto a flatbed
trailer or transporter, the following steps
must be performed:
• activate Tow Mode
• attach the vehicle recovery eye
Activating Tow ModeTow Mode disengages the transmission lock
so the vehicle can roll freely.
Note: In the unlikely situation in which
electrical systems are not functioning and
therefore Tow Mode can not be activated,
wheeled dollies or skid pads must be used.
1. Turn OFF the vehicle and apply the hand brake. The Touch Screen displays the
main Parked screen.
TR0164
2. Touch to display the first settings screen.
3. Touch to display the third settings screen.
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11-1
Technical specifications
Vehicle identificationVehicle Identification Number 11-2
Safety compliance certification label 1 1-3
Wheels and tires Specifications and tire pressures 11-4
Tire markings 11-5
Tire placard/label 11-7
Uniform tire quality grading 11-7
Tire care 11-8
Tire Pressure Monitoring System 11 -11
Dynamic tire pressure monitoring 11-12
Wheels and tires glossary 11-13
Approved fluids and capacities Fluid specifications 11-14
Capacities 11-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights Exterior dimensions 11-15
Vehicle weights 11-16
Subsystem specifications Motor 11-17
Transmission 11-17
Steering 11-17
Front suspension 11-18
Rear suspension 11-18
Brakes 11-18
Electrical 11-19
Battery 11-19
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
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 .
Roadster OHB.book Page 14 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Subsystem specifications
11-17
Technical specifications
Subsystem specificationsMotor
TransmissionSteeringType AC induction motor, air-cooled, with variable frequency drive
Rating 375 Volts
Maximum speed 14,000 rpm
Maximum net power 248 HP (185 kW) @ 5500-6800 rpm
Maximum net torque 277 ft/lb (376 Nm) @ 0-4500 rpm
Efficiency 92% peak, 85% at max powerType Single speed fixed gear with electrically-actuated parking lock mechanism and
mechanical lubrication pump
Overall final drive ratio 8.27:1
Reverse gear Reverse direction of motor, limited to 15 mph
Final drive ratio 2.65:1TypeRack and pinion
Number of turns lock to lock 2.8
Turning circle (curb to curb) 36’ 3” (11.05 metres)
Roadster OHB.book Page 17 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM
Index
Steering ........................................................ 11-17
Tires .................................................................11-4
Transmission............................................... 11-17
Wheels ............................................................11-4
Standard charge setting ................................. 5-4
Starter switch ...................................................... 6-2
Starting the vehicle ........................................... 6-3
Steering column lock........................................ 6-2
Steering specifications .................................. 11-17
Stereo system ...................................................... 8-1
Storage charge setting .................................... 5-4
Storing your vehicle .......................................... 5-3
Sun visors .............................................................. 7-7
Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) ... 3-6
TTemperature control ........................................ 7-4
Theft prevention................................................. 4-7
Tie Down Straps .............................................. 10-14
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ................. 11-6
Tire placard/label............................................... 11-7
Tire pressure checking..................................... 11-9
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Malfunction .................................................. 11-11
Operation...................................................... 11-11
Tire repair............................................................ 10-4
Tire sealant replacement .............................. 10-5
Tires......................................................................... 11-5 Care.................................................................. 11-8
Chains............................................................ 11-10
Changing pressure settings................... 11-11
Degradation ................................................ 11-10
Directional ................................................... 11-10
Grading ........................................................... 11-7
Markings ......................................................... 11-5
Pressure monitoring ................................. 11-11
Pressures.............................................. 11-4, 11-8
Quality ............................................................ 11-7 Replacement of ......................................... 11-10
Replacing a tire sensor ............................ 11-11
Specification ................................................ 11-4
Tire sealant .................................................. 10-4
Wear ............................................................... 11-9
Winter ...........................................................11-10
Winter specification.................................. 11-4
Tool kit Components ............................................... 10-2
Location........................................................ 10-2
Towing.................................................................10-13
TPMS ...................................................................... 11-11
Traction control .................................................. 6-6
Traction control indicator light................... 6-12
Transmission ........................................................ 6-3
Transmission specifications ......................... 11-17
Transporting......................................................10-13
Trip display ......................................................... 6-12
Trunk Interior release handle ..............................4-6
Light replacement .................................. 10-10
Opening and closing .................................4-6
Turn signal indicator light ............................. 6-12
Turn signals .......................................................... 6-8
UUniform tire quality grading ..........................11-7
Unlocking your vehicle..................................... 4-2
USB port ................................................................ 7-7VValet mode .......................................................... 4-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..........11-2
Vehicle loading....................................................11-7
Vehicle recovery eye .................................... 10-14
Ventilation............................................................. 7-5
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) ..........11-2 Voltage warning .................................................. 1-2
WWarning indicator
ABS ...................................................................6-6
Airbags ............................................................ 3-7
Anti-theft alarm ...........................................4-7
Brake ................................................................6-5
Cruise control ...............................................6-9
Fault ............................................................... 6-12
Frost ............................................................... 6-12
Headlights ...................................................... 6-7
Seat belt .........................................................3-4
Traction control ...........................................6-6
Turn signals ...................................................6-8
Warning light summary ................................. 6-12
Washer fluid .........................................................9-5
Washing the soft-top ........................................ 9-7
Washing the vehicle .......................................... 9-7
Weekly checks.....................................................9-2
Weights ................................................................ 11-16
Wheel nut tightening ...................................... 10-6
Wheel removal .................................................. 10-6
Wheel replacement .........................................11-10
Wheel specifications ........................................ 11-4
Wheelbase .......................................................... 11-15
Windows ................................................................ 7-2
Windshield defrosting ...................................... 7-5
Windshield washer
Fluid top-up ..................................................9-5
Jets ...................................................................9-6
Operation .......................................................6-8
Windshield wiper Checking blade ............................................9-6
Operation .......................................................6-8
Winter tires .......................................................... 11-4
Wiper.......................................................................6-8
Wiper blade inspection ....................................9-6
Part Number 02-003729-00 Rev AA
Roadster OHB.book Page 4 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM