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Charging Model S
CHARGING6.7
Changing Charge Settings
The charge settings screen displays on the
touchscreen whenever the charge port door is
open.
To display charge settings at any time,
touch the Battery icon on the top of the
touchscreen, or touch Controls > Charging
(located in the upper right portion of the
Controls screen).
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.Charge status messages (such as Charging
Scheduled, Charging In Progress) display
here.
2.Adjust the charge limit based on your
anticipated driving needs. Touch Set
Charge Limit, then drag the slider bar to the
desired charge level. You can charge to any
level from 50% to 100%. For daily driving,
charge between 50% and 90% to improve
battery longevity. Charge above 90% for
trips requiring maximum range. The setting
you choose applies to both immediate and
scheduled charging sessions.3.Location-specific schedule
With Model S in Park, set a specific time
when you want Model S to begin charging
at the current location. If, at the scheduled
time, Model S is not plugged in at the
location, it will start charging as soon as you
plug it in as long as you are plugging it in
within six hours of the scheduled time. If
you plug in after six hours, Model S does not
start charging until the scheduled time on
the next day. To override this setting, touch
Start Charging or Stop Charging (see
item 4). When you set a scheduled
charging time, Model S displays the set 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 charging cable, unless it was
previously reduced to a lower level.
For 3-phase charging, the available
current represents the current per
phase (up to 32 amps). During
charging, the right status flag
displays the 3-phase symbol in front
of the displayed current.
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,
you do not need to change it again.
NOTE: Reducing the current increases
charging time.
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Charging Model SCharging Model S
6.8MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
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.
2.Total estimated driving distance (or
energy) available. Instead of driving
distance as shown here, you can change
settings to display the amount of energy
available instead. To do so, touch Controls
> Settings > Language & Units.
3.Current being supplied/Total current
available from the connected power
supply (see page 6.7).
If connected to a 3-phase power
supply, the available current
represents the current per phase
and the 3-phase symbol is
displayed.
4.Estimated increase in driving distance (or
energy) achieved so far in this charging
session. Instead of driving distance as
shown here, you can change settings to
display the amount of energy achieved
instead. To do so, touch Controls >
Settings > Language & 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
a location, it displays when charging will
start.
6.Voltage being supplied by the charging
cable.
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7.1
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule
Service Intervals................................................ 7.2
Daily and Monthly Checks............................. 7.2
High Voltage Safety ........................................ 7.2
Tire Care and Maintenance
Maintaining Tire Pressures ............................ 7.3
Inspecting and Maintaining Tires .............. 7.4
Replacing Tires and Wheels ......................... 7.5
Using Tire Chains .............................................. 7.6
Tire Pressure Monitoring ............................... 7.6
Temporary Tire RepairTire Repair Kit .................................................... 7.8
Inflating with Sealant and Air ...................... 7.9
Inflating with Air Only................................... 7.10
Replacing the Sealant Canister .................. 7.11
Cleaning
Cleaning the Exterior .................................... 7.12
Cleaning the Interior ..................................... 7.13
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Repair... 7.14
Using a Car Cover .......................................... 7.14
Floor Mats ......................................................... 7.14
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades.. 7.15
Cleaning Washer Jets ................................... 7.15
Fluid ReservoirsRemoving the Maintenance Panel ........... 7.16
Checking Battery Coolant........................... 7.16
Checking Brake Fluid .................................... 7.17
Topping Up Washer Fluid ........................... 7.18
Fuses
Fuse Box Locations ....................................... 7.19
Replacing a Fuse ............................................ 7.19
Fuse Box 1 ........................................................ 7.20
Fuse Box 2......................................................... 7.21
Fuse Box 3 ....................................................... 7.22
Fuse Box 4 ....................................................... 7.22
Jacking and Lifting
Jacking Procedure ........................................ 7.23
Parts and Accessories
Parts, Accessories, and Modifications ... 7.24
Body Repairs ................................................... 7.24
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Maintenance ScheduleMaintenance Schedule
7.2MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance ScheduleService Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring the
continued reliability and efficiency of your
Model S.
Take Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduled
maintenance intervals of every 12 months, or
every 20,000 kms, whichever comes first.
Model S must be serviced by Tesla-certified
technicians. Damages or failures caused by
maintenance or repairs performed by non-Tesla
certified technicians are not covered by the
warranty.
Fluid Replacement
Do not change or top up Battery coolant and
brake fluid yourself. Tesla service technicians
replace fluids at the regularly scheduled service
intervals:
•Brake fluid - every 2 years or 40,000 kms,
whichever comes first.
•Battery coolant - every 4 years or
80,000 kms, whichever comes first.
NOTE: Any damage from opening the Battery
coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
Daily and Monthly Checks
In addition to the regularly scheduled
maintenance performed by Tesla, you should
carry out a few simple checks more frequently.
Daily Checks
•Check the Battery’s charge level, displayed
on the instrument panel.
•Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn
signals, and wipers and washers are
working.
•Check the operation of the brakes,
including the parking brake.
•Check the operation of the seat belts
(see page 3.5).
•Look for fluid deposits underneath Model S
that might indicate a leak. It is normal for a
small pool of water to form (caused by the
air conditioning system’s dehumidifying
process).
Monthly Checks
•Check the condition and pressure of each
tire (see page 7.3).
•Check washer fluid level and top up if
necessary (see page 7.18).
•Check that the air conditioning system is
operating (see page 5.9).
CAUTION: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice any significant or sudden drop
in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.
High Voltage Safety
Your Model S has been designed and built with
safety as a priority. However, be aware of these
precautions to protect yourself from the risk of
injury inherent in all high-voltage systems:
•Read and follow all instructions provided on
the labels that are attached to Model S.
These labels are there for your safety.
•The high voltage system has no
user-serviceable parts. Do not disassemble,
remove or replace high voltage
components, cables or connectors. High
voltage cables are colored orange for easy
identification.
•If an accident occurs, do not touch any high
voltage wiring, connectors, or components
connected to the wiring.
•In the unlikely event that a fire occurs,
immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.
WARNING: Always disconnect the charge
cable before working underneath
Model S, even if charging is not in progress.
WARNING: Keep your hands and clothing
away from cooling fans. Some fans
operate even when Model S is powered off.
WARNING: Some fluids (battery acid,
Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer additives, etc.) used in motor vehicles
are poisonous and should not be inhaled,
swallowed, or brought into contact with open
wounds. For your safety, always read and follow
instructions printed on fluid containers.
Dispose of used fluids and other
chemicals at authorized waste disposal
sites. It is illegal to pollute drains, waterways or
soil.
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Tire Care and Maintenance
MAINTENANCE7.3
Tire Care and MaintenanceMaintaining Tire Pressures
Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label located
on the driver’s door pillar (even if it differs from
the pressure printed on the tire itself).
The Tire Pressure indicator light on the
instrument panel alerts you if one or
more tires is under- or over-inflated.
The Tire Pressure indicator light does not
immediately turn off when you adjust tire
pressure. After inflating the tire to the
recommended pressure, you must drive over
40 km/h for more than 10 minutes to activate
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
which turns off the Tire Pressure indicator light.
If the indicator light flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S, a fault with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
detected (see page 7.6).
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures
Follow these steps when tires are cold and
Model S has been stationary for over three
hours:
1.Remove the valve cap.
2.Firmly press an accurate tire pressure
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. It can
cause a tire to overheat, resulting in severe tire
cracking, tread separation, or blowout, which
causes unexpected loss of vehicle control and
increased risk of injury. Under-inflation also
reduces Battery range and tire tread life.
WARNING: Check tire pressures using an
accurate pressure gauge when tires are
cold. It takes only one mile of driving to warm
up the tires sufficiently to affect tire pressures.
Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight or in hot
weather can also affect tire pressures. If you
must check warm tires, expect increased
pressures. Do not let air out of warm tires in an
attempt to match recommended cold tire
pressures. A hot tire at or below the
recommended cold 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.
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Tire Care and MaintenanceTire Care and Maintenance
7.4MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Inspecting and Maintaining Tires
Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), cuts or wear.
WARNING: Do not drive Model S if a tire
is damaged, excessively worn, or inflated
to an incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly
for wear, and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or
exposure of the ply/cord structure.
Tire Wear
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern.
When the tread has been worn down to 1.6 mm,
the indicators start to appear at the surface of
the tread pattern, producing the effect of a
continuous band of rubber across the width of
the tire.
Replace a tire as soon as an indicator band
becomes visible or the tread depth reaches the
minimum permitted by law.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
8000 kms. After rotating, always check and
adjust tire pressures.
NOTE: Do not rotate tires on the Performance
Plus models.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel) affect
vehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check
the alignment of wheels.
Punctured Tires
A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose
pressure, which is why it is important to check
tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair or
replace punctured or damaged tires as soon as
possible. Do not drive with a punctured tire,
even if the puncture has not caused the tire to
deflate. A punctured tire can deflate suddenly
at any time.
Your tubeless tires may not leak when
penetrated, provided the object remains in the
tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect a
tire is damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy
braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model S
transported to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair
center.
In some cases, you can temporarily repair small
tire punctures (under 6 mm) using an optional
tire repair kit available from Tesla. This allows
you to slowly drive Model S to Tesla or to a
nearby tire repair facility (see page 7.8).
WARNING: Do not drive Model S with a
punctured tire. Even if the punctured tire
has not deflated, it can suddenly deflate at any
time.
Flat Spots
If Model S is stationary for a long period in high
temperatures, tires can form flat spots. When
Model S is driven, these flat spots cause a
vibration which gradually disappears as the
tires get warm and regain their original shape.
To minimize the flat spots during storage,
inflate tires to the maximum pressure 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 reduces 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 until the
tires warm up. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.
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Tire Care and Maintenance
MAINTENANCE7.5
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your tires,
maintain tires at the recommended tire
pressures (see page 7.3), observe speed limits
and advisory speeds, and avoid:
•Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
•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.
Replacement tires must comply with the
original specification. If tires other than those
specified are used, ensure that the load and
speed ratings marked on the tire (see
page 8.10) equal or exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the
same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check
the alignment of wheels.
For the specification of the original wheels and
tires installed on Model S, see page 8.8.
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).
Asymmetric Tires
Model S tires are asymmetric and must be
mounted on the wheel with the correct sidewall
facing outward. The sidewall of the tire is
marked with the word OUTSIDE. When new
tires are installed, make sure that the tires are
correctly mounted on the wheels.
WARNING: Road holding is seriously
impaired if the tires are incorrectly
installed on the wheels.
Winter Tires
In snowy and icy conditions, consider installing
winter tires. Winter tires must be the same size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels. For recommendations on winter
tires, contact Tesla.
WARNING: On dry roads, winter tires
could have less traction than the
originally installed tires.
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Tire Care and MaintenanceTire Care and Maintenance
7.6MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Using Tire Chains
Tesla has tested and approved Security Chain
Company (SCC) Model Z-563 chains for use on
the rear wheels. These chains must only be
used if your Model S has 245/45R19 rear tires
installed. Do not use chains on 21” tires.
When installing tire chains, follow the
instructions provided by the tire chain
manufacturer. Mount them as tightly as
possible.
When using tire chains:
•Drive slowly—do not exceed 48 km/h.
•Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy loads
can reduce the clearance between the tires
and the body).
•Remove the tire chains as soon as
conditions allow.
NOTE: Tire chains are prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing
tire chains.
CAUTION: Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized
tires, can damage the suspension, body,
wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage caused by
using non-recommended tire chains is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure that tire chains cannot
touch suspension components or brake
lines. If you hear the chains making
unusual noises that would indicate contact with
Model S, stop and investigate immediately.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Each tire should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the recommended
pressures that are printed on the Tire and
Loading Information label located on the
driver’s door pillar (see page 7.3). If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that displays a low tire pressure
telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the Tire Pressure indicator light displays
on the instrument panel alerting you of low tire pressure, stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure (see page 7.3). Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
If Model S detects a fault with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
this indicator flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S.
NOTE: Installing accessories that are not
approved by Tesla can interfere with the TPMS
system.
WARNING: The TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, including
manually checking tire pressures and regularly
inspecting the condition of tires. It is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level for the TPMS to trigger the
Tire Pressure Warning on the instrument panel.
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 low tire pressure indicator light. When
the system detects a malfunction, the indicator
light 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
low tire pressure 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
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