
Starting and Powering OffStarting and Powering Off
4.6MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Starting and Powering OffStarting Model S
When you open a door, Model S powers on the
instrument panel and touchscreen. The center
circle on the instrument panel displays the
status of doors and the charge level, and you
can operate all controls.
To d r i v e :
•PRESS THE BRAKE - the center circle on
the instrument panel changes to display the
speedometer, power meter, charge level,
and selected gear (P, R, N, or D)
•SELECT A GEAR - all the way down for
Drive and all the way up for Reverse,
Everything you need to know when driving
Model S displays on the instrument panel.
Key Not Inside
If Model S does not detect a key when you
press the brake, the instrument panel displays a
message telling you that a key was not
detected.
Place the key in the center console cup holder
where Model S can best detect it.
If Model S still does not detect the key, try
holding it against the center console,
immediately below the 12V power socket (see
page 5.16). Or try using another key. If another
key does not work, contact Tesla.
A number of factors can affect whether
Model S can detect the key. These include a low
battery in the key, interference from other
devices using radio signals, and objects
between the key and receiver.Always keep the key with you. After driving,
you need it to restart Model S after it powers
off. And when you leave Model S, you must
bring it with you to lock Model S, either
manually or automatically (see page 2.5).
Powering Off
When you finish driving, shift into Park by
pressing the button on the end of the gear
selector. The parking brake automatically
engages and all systems keep operating. When
you leave Model S with the key, it powers off
automatically, turning off the touchscreen and
instrument panel.
Model S also powers off automatically after
being in Park for 15 minutes, even if you are
sitting in the driver’s seat.
To power off Model S while you are still sitting
in the driver’s seat, touch Controls > E-Brake &
Power Off > Power Off. Model S automatically
powers back on again if you press the brake or
touch anywhere on the touchscreen.
NOTE: Model S automatically shifts into Park
whenever you finish driving and exit, even if you
shift into Neutral before exiting. To keep
Model S in Neutral, see page 4.7.
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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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Instrument PanelInstrument Panel
4.10MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See page 4.20. Contact Tesla
immediately.
A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. See page 4.20. Contact
Tesla immediately.
Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is detected, the indicator flashes. For a TPMS
fault, contact Tesla. See page 7.3.
A door or trunk is open. See page 2.4.
Flashes green when the left turn signal is operating. Both turn signal indicators flash
green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.
Flashes green when the right turn signal is operating. Both turn signal indicators flash
green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.
Model S is in Tow mode and can roll freely. It does not automatically shift into Park
when you exit. See page 9.3.
Indicator Description
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Lights
DRIVING4.11
Lights Controlling Lights
To u c h Controls on the bottom left corner of the touchscreen to control most of the lights. In addition
to the lights that you can control from the touchscreen, Model S has convenience lights that turn on
and off automatically based on what you are doing. For example, you will notice interior lights,
marker lights, tail lights, door handle lights, and puddle lights that turn on when you unlock Model S,
when you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn off automatically after a minute or
two or when you shift into a driving gear or lock Model S.
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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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Lights
DRIVING4.13
Headlight High Beams
Push the left-hand steering column lever away
from you. To cancel, pull the lever toward you.
The high beam indicator displays on the
instrument panel whenever high beams
are on.
To flash the headlight high beams, pull the lever
fully toward you and release.
Headlights After Exit
When you stop driving and park Model S in low
lighting conditions, the exterior lights
automatically turn on. They automatically turn
off after two minutes or when you lock Model S.
You can turn this feature on and off using the
touchscreen. Touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Headlights After Exit.
Cornering Lights
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, LED cornering lights broaden the
beam of the headlights whenever you drive
through a corner at 40 km/h or slower.
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BrakesBrakes
4.20MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
BrakesBraking Systems
Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
that prevents the wheels from locking when
you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy braking
in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the ABS
constantly monitors the speed of each wheel
and varies the brake pressure according to the
grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a
pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. This
demonstrates that ABS is operating and is not
a cause for concern. Keep firm and steady
pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing
the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on the
instrument panel when you first start
Model S. If this indicator displays at any
other time, an ABS fault has occurred
and ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not affected by an
ABS failure. However, braking distances
may increase.
If the instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake fluid level is low.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
and maintain firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front of you
and be aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While ABS can improve stopping distance, it
cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also
does not prevent the danger of hydroplaning
(where a layer of water prevents direct contact
between the tires and the road).
Brake Wear
Model S brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal strip
attached to the brake pad that squeals as it
rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
service life and require replacement. To stop
the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually
by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed
specifications and service limits for rotors and
brake pads, see page 8.6.
WARNING: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads will result in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
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Touchscreen Overview
USING THE TOUCHSCREEN5.3 1.Status bar
The top line displays status symbols and
provides shortcuts to Charging, HomeLink,
Driver Profiles, vehicle information (the
Tesla “T”), software update notifications,
Bluetooth
® and the passenger airbag
setting. The status symbols show current
temperature, network signal strength,
Bluetooth, passenger airbag status, and
time. If an alert icon (exclamation mark) is
displayed, touch it to see warning messages
that are in effect.
NOTE: Time is automatically set over the
mobile network. To change the units used
to display temperature (C
o or Fo) and time
(12- or 24- hour format), touch Controls >
Settings > Language & Units.
2.Apps
There are several ways to display an app in
the main viewing area:
•Tap the app’s icon to display it in the top
viewing area. If the app is already
displayed, a second tap displays it in
full-screen view (only some apps have a
full-screen mode).
•Drag the app’s icon directly onto the top
or bottom viewing area.
•Touch and hold the app’s icon to display
a popup that lets you choose whether to
display the app in the top or bottom of
the main viewing area. 3.Main viewing area
The main viewing area changes depending
on the app you have chosen (in the
example, the Nav and Media apps are
displayed). For some apps (such as Nav and
Web), you can zoom in and out using
standard touchcreen finger gestures.
4.Maximize/minimize app
Touch the small rectangle to expand the
associated app to fill the entire main
viewing area (some apps are not
expandable). Touch again to display two
apps in half-screen view.
5.Controls
Touch to access all Model S controls and
settings (doors, locks, lights, etc).
6.Climate controls (see page 5.9).
7.Vo l u m e co n t r o l
Touch the up and down arrows to increase
or decrease the volume of the speakers.
You can also adjust the volume using the
scroll wheel on the left side of the steering
wheel.
NOTE: When you open a door to enter
Model S, Media Player begins playing
whatever was playing when you exited. The
volume is low until you sit down and close
the driver’s door, at which point, the volume
ramps up to the previously set level. Then
again, when you open the door to exit, the
volume lowers. When the last door is
closed, Media Player stops playing.
8.Reverse the position of the two currently
displayed apps.
WARNING: Do not read the touchscreen
while driving. Doing so increases the
likelihood of a collision. Everything you need to
know when driving is displayed on the
instrument panel. Media. See page 5.12.
Nav. See page 5.20.
Energy. See page 4.19.
Web. Access the Internet using
the web browser.
Camera. Display the area
behind Model S. This area also
displays automatically
whenever you shift into
Reverse. See page 4.24.
Phone. See page 5.18.
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