Child Safety Seats
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS 3.7
Child Safety SeatsGuidelines for Seating Children
You must restrain infants and small children
using a child safety seat appropriate for the
child’s age, weight, and size. Carefully follow
the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat. Never use child safety
seats in the front row passenger seat. If your Model S is equipped with Tesla built in
rear facing child seats, these seats are child
safety seats and are designed only for children
within a specific height and weight range (see
page 3.11).
Refer to the tables below for guidelines on the type of seatbelt installed and ISOFIX installed child
restraint you should used based on the weight of the child.
Seatbelt Installed Child Restraints
ISOFIX Installed Child Restraints
NOTE: If the combined weight of the child and the child safety seat is over 29 kg, Tesla recommends
attaching the safety seat using the seat belt and upper tether strap. In addition to safety, this has
the added benefit of ensuring the seat belt reminder does not stay lit. Always follow the seat belt
manufacturer’s instructions when installing child safety seats.
Mass GroupFront
PassengerRear
OutboardRear
Centre
Group 0up to 10 kg L U U
Group 0+up to 13 kg L U U
Group 19 - 18 kg UF* U, UF U, UF
Group II15 - 25 kg UF* U, UF U, UF
Group III 22 - 36 kg UF* U, UF U, UF
U: Universal rear facing child restraint
UF: Universal forward facing child restraint
L: Suitable for these particular child restraints - Maxi-Cosi Cabrio/Cabriofix E4 04443517 or Takata Mini E4
04443717
*: Seat must be placed in rearmost highest position
Vehicle ISOFIX Position
Mass GroupSize ClassFixtureRear OutboardRear Centre
Group 0up to 10 kg E R1 IL IL
Group 0+up to 13 kg E R1 IL IL
DR2 IL IL
CR3 IL IL
Group 19 - 18 kg D R2 U, UF IL
CR3 U, UF IL
BF2 IUF IUF
B1 F2x IUF IUF
AF3 IUF IUF
IL: Suitable for any semi-universal child restraint (any rear or forward facing restraint with support leg)
IUF: Suitable for any universal child restraint (forward facing with tether)
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Child Safety SeatsChild Safety Seats
3.10MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Attaching Upper Tether Straps
If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its
hook to the anchor point located on the back of
the rear seats. Always position the strap so that
it runs over the center of the Model S head
support, except in cases where you are
installing a ISOFIX retained child safety seat in
the center position—in this case, run the strap
over the left hand side of the head support, as
shown. Tighten according to the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: To prevent the strap from moving from
side to side, the top of the head support
deforms.
Testing a Child Safety Seat
Before seating a child, always make sure the
child safety seat is not loose:
1.Hold the child safety seat by the belt path
and try to slide the safety seat from side to
side and front to back.
2.If the seat moves more than 2.5 cm, it is too
loose. Tighten the belt or reconnect the
ISOFIX retained child safety seat.
3.If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child
safety seat.
Warnings - Child Safety Seats
WARNING: Do not allow a baby or infant
to be held on a lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety seat at
all times.
WARNING: To ensure children are safely
seated, follow all instructions provided in
this document and by the manufacturer of the
child safety seat.
WARNING: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5 point harness for as long as
possible.
WARNING: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported
and the child’s seat belt is properly adjusted
and fastened. The shoulder portion of the belt
must be away from the face and neck, and the
lap portion must not be over the stomach.
WARNING: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,
one anchor point may not be strong enough to
secure both seats.
WARNING: Child safety seat anchors can
withstand loads resulting only from
correctly fitted child safety seats. Do not use
these anchors for any other purpose.
WARNING: Always check harnesses and
tether straps for damage and wear.
WARNING: Never leave a child
unattended in Model S, even if the child is
secured in a child safety seat.
WARNING: Never use a child safety seat
that has been involved in an accident.
Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
described in the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
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Tesla Built In Rear Facing Child Seats
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS 3.11
Tesla Built In Rear Facing Child SeatsUsage Restrictions
The Tesla built in rear facing child seats are child
restraint systems and are approved to United
Nations ECE Regulation R44.04 standards for
use by children in Mass Groups II and III,
weighing 15 - 36 kg. These seats must only be
used for children who are between 3 and 12
years old, and 98 - 135 cm tall.
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child is
seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the lap
belt. Follow all instructions provided and do
not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats.
NOTE: To draw more air into the rear seating
areas, it is recommended that whenever a child
is seated in the Tesla built in rear facing child
seats, you set the climate control system to
draw outside air into Model S, instead of
recirculating the air. See page 5.9.
Opening
1.Remove the cover from the trunk floor and
pull the strap to lift the seat assembly
upward:
2.Push the seat assembly into position:3.Undo the Velcro strap:
4.Pull the handle to release the head supports
from the seat back, then pull the head
supports toward you to unfold them:
5.Raise the seat back to the upright position
and push until it locks into position. Visually
check to ensure that the retaining catches
are engaged:
6.Check that the seat back and seat base are
securely retained in the upright position by
trying to pull the seat back toward you.
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Tesla Built In Rear Facing Child Seats
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS 3.13
Seating a Child
The Tesla built in rear facing child seats are child
restraint systems and are approved to United
Nations ECE Regulation R44.04 standards for
use by children in Mass Groups II and III,
weighing 15 - 36 kg. These seats must only be
used for children who are between 3 and 12
years old, and 98 - 135 cm tall.
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child is
seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. Follow all
instructions provided and do not use
supplemental child safety seats in these seats.
NOTE: To draw more air into the rear seating
areas, it is recommended that whenever a child
is seated in the Tesla built in rear facing child
seats, you set the climate control system to
draw outside air into Model S, instead of
recirculating the air. See page 5.9.
1.Position the child in the seat with arms
through the loops of the seat belts.
2.Connect the two halves of the seat belt
tongue.
3.Insert the seat belt tongue latch into the
buckle and ensure it is securely fastened.
4.Adjust the shoulder belts so they run over
the top of the child’s shoulders and away
from the face.
5.Adjust the length of the buckle to ensure
the lower straps sit low on the child’s pelvis.
The child’s pelvis must be held firmly in
place.
6.Pull the lower straps until the child is
securely held in the seat.7.Slide the shoulder clips into place to ensure
the upper portion of the belts remain
positioned over the child’s shoulders.
To release, press the button on the buckle, and
separate the two halves of the seat restraint.
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AirbagsAirbags
3.18MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Inflation Effects
When airbags inflate, a fine powder is released.
This powder can irritate the skin and should be
thoroughly flushed from the eyes and from any
cuts or abrasions.
After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a
gradual cushioning effect for the occupants
and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is not
obscured.
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has
been in an accident, always have the airbags,
seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated
components checked and, if necessary,
replaced by Tesla.
In a collision, in addition to the airbags inflating:
•Doors unlock and the door handles extend.
•Hazard warning lights turn on.
•Interior lights turn on.
•High voltage is disabled.
To restore Battery power, use the touchscreen
to manually power off Model S (see page 4.6),
then press the brake to power it back on again.
Airbag Warning Indicator
The airbag indicator on the instrument
panel remains lit if the airbag system is
malfunctioning. The only time this
indicator should light up is briefly when
Model S first starts up, in which case it turns off
within a few seconds. If it remains lit, contact
Tesla immediately and do not drive.
Airbag Warnings
All occupants, including the driver,
should always wear their seat belts
whether or not an airbag is also provided at
their seating position to minimize the risk of
severe injury or death in the event of a crash.
Front seat occupants should not place
their arms over the airbag module, as an
inflating bag can cause fractures or other
injuries.
WARNING: Do not use seat covers on
Model S. Doing so could restrict
deployment of the side air bags if an
accident occurs. It can also reduce the
accuracy of the occupant detection system.
WARNING: Airbags inflate with
considerable speed and force, which can
cause injury. To limit injuries, ensure that
occupants are wearing seat belts and are
correctly seated, with the seat positioned as far
back as possible.
WARNING: Do not use a child safety seat
or seat young children on a seat with an
operational airbag in front of it. Doing so can
cause injury or death if the airbag inflates.
WARNING: To ensure correct inflation of
the side airbags, maintain an
unobstructed gap between an occupant’s torso
and the side of Model S.
WARNING: Passengers should not lean
their heads against the doors. Doing so
can cause injury if a curtain airbag inflates.
WARNING: Do not allow passengers to
obstruct the operation of an airbag by
placing feet, knees or any other part of the
body on or near an airbag.
WARNING: Do not attach or place objects
on or near the front airbags, the side of
the front seats, the headliner at the side of the
vehicle, or any other airbag cover that could
interfere with inflation of an airbag. Objects can
cause serious injury if the vehicle is in a crash
severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
WARNING: Following inflation, some
airbag components are hot. Do not touch
until they have cooled.
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Instrument PanelInstrument Panel
4.8MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Instrument PanelInstrument Panel Overview
NOTE: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle
options, software version, and market region, the information displayed may be slightly different.
1.The center display changes depending on
whether Model S is off or ready to drive. If
Model S is off, the center displays shows
remaining estimated range and status of
doors. Pressing the brake powers Model S
on—the indicator lights flash on for a
second and the center display shows
speed, power, charge level, estimated
range (see item 9), and active gear. When
Model S is plugged in, the instrument
panel displays charging status (see
page 6.8).
2.Use the left steering wheel buttons to
operate the audio system. You can also
press and roll the scroll wheel to change
what displays on the left side of the
instrument panel (see page 4.3).
3.Pay attention to important status
messages that display here.
4.All indicator lights flash on briefly when
you press the brake to prepare to drive.
They should then turn off, unless the light
applies to a current situation (see
page 4.9).
5.Use the right steering wheel buttons for
voice commands, to handle telephone
calls, and to control some features of
Model S. You can customize what features
the scroll wheel can control (see
page 4.4).6.Door lock status
7.Odometer
8.Outside temperature
9.Range estimate
The estimated range based on the amount of energy remaining in the
Battery. You can specify how you want to display range by touching
Controls > Settings > Language & Units and choosing:
•Rated - based on ECE R101 testing.
•Ideal - assumes ideal driving conditions based on driving at a steady
speed of 89 km/h on a flat road, and using no additional energy (seat
heaters, air conditioning, etc).
NOTE: When anticipating when you need
to charge, use range estimates as a
general guideline only.
10.Pay attention to alert messages that
appear at the bottom center of the
instrument panel. If any alerts are in effect,
you can view information about them by
touching the alert icon (exclamation
mark) on the touchscreen’s status bar (the
topmost area of the touchscreen).
11.Currently selected gear Park, Reverse,
Neutral, or Drive.
12.Date and time
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LightsLights
4.12MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL 1.If DOME lights are set to AUTO, interior
dome (map) lights turn on when you unlock
Model S, open a door upon exiting, or shift
into Park. They turn off after 60 seconds,
when you lock Model S, or when you shift
into a driving gear.
You can also turn an individual dome light
on or off by pressing its lens. If you
manually turn a dome light on, it turns off
when Model S powers off. If Model S was
already powered off when you manually
turned the light on, it turns off after 60
minutes.
2.If you turn on AMBIENT lights, the lights on
the door armrests turn on whenever the
headlights are on.
3.To u c h FOG to turn the rear fog lights on or
off.
The Rear Fog indicator displays on
the instrument panel whenever rear
fog lights are on.
The fog lights operate only when the
headlights are on. Whenever headlights are
turned off, fog lights also turn off.
4.If your Model S is equipped with a coil
suspension system, you can adjust the
angle of the headlights to accommodate
the load you are carrying. You may need to
lower the angle of the headlights to avoid
blinding oncoming drivers in situations
when you are carrying a significant amount
of weight in the rear trunk. After touching
LEVEL, drag the slider to the desired
position:NOTE: Headlight adjustments are not
available if Model S is equipped with Active
Air Suspension because Model S levels
automatically.
5.Exterior lights are set to AUTO each time
you start Model S.
All exterior lights (headlights, tail
lights, position lights, and license
plate lights) automatically turn on
when driving in low lighting
conditions. These lights always
revert to AUTO on your next
drive, regardless of any other
setting that you selected when it
was previously driven.
NOTE: When set to AUTO,
headlights operate based on
lighting conditions, particularly at
dawn and dusk. A blue sky, with
the sun located low on the
horizon, can cause the lights to
switch on.
Touch one of these options to temporarily
change the exterior light setting:
Headlights, tail lights, and license
plate lights turn off until you
manually turn them back on or
until the next time you drive
Model S. Only the daytime running
lights (front) are on.
The daytime running lights, the
rear position lights, and the
license plate lights are on.
All exterior lights (headlights, tail
lights, position lights, and license
plate lights) turn on.
0Headlights are not lowered. No
change is needed when all front and
rear seats are occupied and only
the front trunk is laden.
1Headlights are lowered one or two
levels. Suitable when the front and
rear seats are occupied and the rear
trunk is laden. For more details on
vehicle loading, see page 8.3.
2
AUTO
OFF
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LightsLights
4.14MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Turn Signals
Move the left-hand steering column lever up
(before turning right) or down (before turning
left).
The turn signals stop operating when canceled
by the steering wheel, or when you return the
lever to the central position.
The corresponding turn signal
indicator displays on the
instrument panel when a turn
signal is operating. You also hear a clicking
sound.
Lane Change Flash
To indicate a lane change, quickly press the
lever up or down against the spring pressure,
then release. The corresponding turn signal
flashes three times.
Hazard Warning Flashers
Press the switch located to the left of the
touchscreen to turn on the hazard warning
flashers. All turn signals flash. Press again to
turn off.
NOTE: Hazard warning flashers operate even
without a recognized key nearby.
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