2014 TESLA MODEL S airbag disable

AirbagsAirbags
3.16MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
How the Airbags Work
Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at
which the vehicle’s cabin changes speed in a
collision. The rate of deceleration determines
whether airbags inflate.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable
force accompanied by a loud noise. The inflated
bag, together with the seat belts, limits
movement of occupants to reduce the risk of
injury.
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to
inflate in rear collisions, rollovers, minor front or
side collisions, heavy braking, or driving over
bumps and potholes. Therefore, significant
superficial damage can occur to the vehicle
without the airbags inflating or, conversely, a
relatively small amount of structural damage
can cause airbags to inflate.
If you are planning to modify your vehicle for a
person with disabilities in a way that may affect
the airbag system, contact Tesla.
Types of Airbags
Advanced
front
airbagsThe front airbags are advanced
airbags designed to reduce airbag
related injuries to children or small
adults who ride in front. On the
driver’s side, the front airbag
works with a seat position sensor
that adjusts the inflation level
based on the seating position of
the occupant. For safety of infants
and small children, the front
passenger airbag can be disabled
as described on page 3.17.
Knee
airbagsKnee airbags and the front airbags
work together. The knee airbags
limit the forward motion of the
front seat occupants by restricting
leg movement, thereby positioning
the occupants so that the front
airbags work more effectively.
Side
airbagsSide airbags protect the thorax
region of the torso and the pelvis
and inflate only if a severe side
impact occurs. Airbags on the
non-impacted side do not inflate.
Curtain
airbagsCurtain airbags help protect the
head and ordinarily inflate only if a
severe side impact occurs or if the
vehicle rolls over. The airbags on
the non-impacted side do not
inflate.
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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 Panel
DRIVING4.9
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights flash on briefly when you press the brake pedal to prepare for driving. Unless an
indicator light applies to a current situation, they should turn off. If an indicator light fails to turn on
or off, contact Tesla.
In addition to indicator lights, alerts display on the top or bottom center of the instrument panel. If
alerts are in effect, an alert icon (exclamation mark) displays on the top of the touchscreen. Touch
this icon to display a description of the alert.
Indicator Description
Airbag safety. If this indicator does not flash on briefly when Model S prepares to
drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See page 3.18.
A seat belt is not fastened. See page 3.4.
The front passenger’s air bag has been turned off using the touchscreen.
Seepage3.17.
Rear fog lights. See page 4.11.
Parking lights (side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) are on.
Headlight low beams are on.
Headlight high beams are on. See page 4.12.
Electronic stability control systems are applying the brake to the relevant wheel to
prevent slippage (light flashes).
The traction control system has been disabled. See page 4.22.
An Active Air Suspension fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See page 5.11.
Active Air Suspension’s automatic self-leveling is disabled. In other words, Model S is
i n J a c k m o d e a n d i s r e a d y t o b e l i f t e d o r pulled onto a transporter. Jack mode cancels
when Model S is driven over 7 km/h. See page 5.11.
The parking brake is manually applied. See page 4.21.
A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See page 4.21.
TC
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