
Active Air Suspension
USING THE TOUCHSCREEN5.11
Active A ir SuspensionAutomatic Height Adjustments
If Model S is equipped with Active Air
Suspension, the system adjusts the height
based on driving speed. It also maintains a level
height between the front and rear when
carrying loads.
NOTE: When Model S starts, you might hear the
sound of a compressor as the system’s
reservoir fills with air.
If Model S is moving, Active Air Suspension
adjusts height as follows:
•Whenever you drive between 90 and 115
km/h, the suspension lowers to Low to
improve aerodynamics and handling. When
your driving slows to less than 65 km/h, the
suspension raises back to Standard.
•Whenever you drive over 115 km/h, the
suspension immediately lowers to Low.
•Whenever you drive at a speed less than
40 km/h, the suspension immediately
raises to Standard.
•If you set the suspension to Low, then drive
over 7 km/h, the suspension reverts to
Standard.
•If you set the suspension to Very High, then
drive over 15 km/h, the suspension lowers
to High.
•If you set the suspension to High, then drive
over 30 km/h, the suspension lowers to
Standard.
After driving, the height of the suspension
periodically levels, even when Model S is
powered off.
If a fault is detected with the air
suspension system, a yellow indicator
displays on the instrument panel. If the
problem persists, contact Tesla.
Manual Height Adjustments
CAUTION: Before adjusting the
suspension height, ensure Model S is
clear of all obstacles above and below.
Use the touchscreen to manually change the
height of Model S. Press the brake pedal and
touch Controls. Then choose from:
•Very High - The suspension raises 33 mm
above its normal height. Useful for extra
ground clearance (ramps, speed bumps,
etc).•High - The suspension raises 23 mm above
its normal height. Useful for extra ground
clearance (ramps, speed bumps, etc).
•Standard - The default height. This setting
ensures optimum comfort and handling
under all loading conditions.
•Low - The suspension lowers 20 mm below
its normal height. Useful for loading or
unloading cargo and passengers.
NOTE: Available settings depend on your
driving speed and other conditions. For
example, the suspension does not lower if a
door is open.
Jack Mode
Before jacking or lifting, set the suspension to
Jack mode to prevent the self-leveling that
occurs even when Model S is powered off.
Press the brake pedal, then touch
Controls > Jack.
When Model S is in Jack mode, a red air
suspension indicator displays on the
instrument panel.
To deactivate, touch Jack again.
NOTE: Jack mode automatically cancels when
you drive over 7 km/h.
book.book Page 11 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

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
book.book Page 1 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

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.
book.book Page 2 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

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
book.book Page 6 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

CleaningCleaning
7.12MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
CleaningCleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings,
tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc). Do not wait until Model S
is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use
denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and
stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash
the area with water and a mild, non-detergent
soap to remove the alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model S:
1.Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where debris
easily collects (such as wheel arches and
panel seams). If salt has been used on the
highways (such as during winter months),
thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from
the underside of the vehicle.
2.Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a soft cloth and
cold or lukewarm water containing a mild,
good quality car shampoo.
3.Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4.Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or
use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or
mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior Cleaning
CAUTION: Do not use hot water and
detergents.
CAUTION: In hot weather, do not wash in
direct sunlight.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 30 cm
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses
d i r e c t l y a t w i n d o w, d o o r o r h o o d s e a l s , o r
through wheel apertures onto brake
components.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only.
These car washes have no parts (brushes,
etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.
CAUTION: Do not used chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
CAUTION: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the rear view camera or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.
Some cleaning products contain
chemicals that are hazardous to the
environment. Always take precautions to
prevent spilling. It is illegal to pollute
drains, rivers and waterways. Used toxic
chemicals must be disposed of at
authorized waste disposal sites only.
book.book Page 12 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

Fluid Reservoirs
MAINTENANCE7.17
Checking Brake Fluid
WARNING: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the
brake pedal or a significant loss of brake fluid.
Driving under these conditions can result in
extended stopping distances or complete
brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the instrument
panel alerts you if the quantity of fluid in
the brake reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays while driving,
stop as soon as safety permits by gently
applying the brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately for assistance.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level ground.
When Model S is cool, remove the maintenance
panel (see page 7.16).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the filler cap.
The brake fluid level should be between the MIN
and the MAX marks.
NOTE: The brake fluid level drops slightly
during normal use, as a result of brake pad
wear, but should not be allowed to drop below
the MIN mark.
To p p i n g U p t h e B r a k e F l u i d
Do not top up your brake fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for regular
servicing. The following instructions are
provided for information purposes and future
reference only:
1.Clean the filler cap before removing to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2.Unscrew the cap and remove.
3.Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using
brake fluid meeting DOT3 or DOT4
specifications.
4.Replace the filler cap.
WARNING: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use
previously used fluid or fluid from a previously
opened container—fluid absorbs moisture
which decreases braking performance.
WARNING: Brake fluid is highly toxic.
Keep containers sealed and out of the
reach of children. In the event of accidental
consumption, seek medical attention
immediately.
CAUTION: Brake fluid damages painted
surfaces. Immediately soak up any spills
with an absorbent cloth and wash the
area with a mixture of car shampoo and
water.
book.book Page 17 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

FusesFuses
7.20MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Fuse Box 1
Access to fuse box 1 requires removal of components that must be performed by a Tesla service
technician. The following fuse list is provided only to assist you in determining if a fuse in this box
needs to be replaced. Contact Tesla Service if one of these fuses needs to be replaced.
Fuse RatingCircuit Protected
NOTE: THESE FUSES MUST BE REPLACED BY A TESLA SERVICE TECHNICIAN
1 5 A Accessory sensor, radio, USB hub
2 5 A Headlight leveling system (EU/China Coil Suspension vehicles only)
3 5 A Vanity lights, rear view mirror
4 30 A Outboard rear seat heaters (cold weather option)
5 15 A Seat heater (driver’s seat)
6 20 A Base audio amplifier
7 15 A Seat heater (front passenger seat)
820 APremium audio amplifier
9 25 A Sunroof
10 5 A Passive safety restraints
11 5 A Steering column controls
12 5 A Sensor for Drive mode and Yaw Rate (Stability/Traction Control)
13 15 A Wiper park
14 5 A Drive inverter
15 20 A Electric parking brake
16 5 A Parking/blind spot sensors
17 20 A Electric parking brake
18 5 A Not used
19 5 A In-vehicle HVAC sensor
20 5 A Cabin air heater logic
21 15 A Battery coolant pump 1
22 5 A Inlet actuators
23 15 A Powertrain coolant pump
24 5 A Cabin climate control
25 15 A Battery coolant pump 2
26 - Not used
27 10 A Thermal controller
book.book Page 20 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM

Fuses
MAINTENANCE7.21
Fuse Box 2
Fuse RatingCircuit Protected
28 25 A Window lift motor (right rear)
29 10 A Contactor power
30 25 A Window lift motor (right front)
31 - Not used
32 10 A Door controls (right side)
33 - Not used
34 30 A Rear center seat heaters, washer/wiper de-ice (cold weather option)
35 15 A 12V power socket
36 25 A Air suspension
37 25 A Window lift motor (left rear)
38 5 A Driver's seat memory
39 25 A Window lift motor (left front)
40 5 A Rear door handles
41 10 A Door controls (left side)
42 30 A Powered liftgate
43 5 A Perm. power sensor, brake switch
44 5 A Charger (charge port)
45 20 A Passive entry (horns)
46 30 A Body controls (group 2)
47 5 A Glove box light
48 10 A Body controls (group 1)
49 5 A Instrument panel
50 5 A Siren, intrusion/tilt sensor (Europe only)
51 20 A Touchscreen
52 30 A Heated rear window
53 5 A Battery management system
54 - Not used
55 30 A Left front electric seat
56 30 A Right front electric seat
57 25 A Cabin fan
58 - Not used
59 - Not used
book.book Page 21 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM