Doors
OPENING AND CLOSING2.5
Child-protection Locks
Model S has child-protection locks on the rear
doors and liftgate to prevent them from being
opened using interior handles. Use the
touchscreen to turn child protection locks on or
off. Touch Controls > Settings > Child
Protection Locks.
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn
child-protection locks on whenever children are
seated in the rear seats.
Drive-away Locking
Model S can automatically lock all doors
(including the trunks) whenever your driving
speed exceeds 8 km/h. To turn this feature on
or off, touch Controls > Settings > Drive-Away
Door Lock.
Walk-away Locking
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, Model S doors and trunks can
automatically lock whenever you walk away
carrying the key.
To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls >
Settings > Walk-Away Door Lock.
NOTE: If all doors are closed and you
double-click the key to unlock Model S,
walk-away locking is temporarily suspended
until the next time you use the key to lock
Model S. This allows you to keep Model S
unlocked in your garage.
Unlocking with a Dead Key Battery
If Model S does not unlock when you walk up to
it, or when you press the unlock button on your
key, the key’s battery may be dead. If this is the
case, you can still unlock and drive Model S.
To unlock Model S (and disable the security
alarm), position the key near the base of the
passenger side windshield wiper, as shown.
To drive Model S, place the key against the
center console, immediately below the 12V
power outlet, then press the brake pedal to turn
Model S on.
For instructions on how to replace the key’s
battery, see page 2.3.
NOTE: Unlocking Model S using this method
disables walk-away locking. You must manually
re-enable walk-away locking after replacing the
key’s battery.
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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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Media and AudioMedia and Audio
5.16MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
USB Connections
Your Model S has two USB connections located
on the front of the center console. Use these
connections to connect USB flash drives and
portable audio devices to the touchscreen. You
can also use these connections to charge USB
devices.
To play audio files stored on a connected
device, see page 5.15.
NOTE: Do not connect multiple devices using a
USB hub. This can prevent connected devices
from charging or from being recognized by the
touchscreen.
12V Power Socket
Your Model S has a power socket located on
the front of the center console. Power from the
socket is available whenever the instrument
panel and touchscreen are on.
The 12V power socket is suitable for accessories
requiring up to 15A or a maximum of 180 watts.
NOTE: In situations where Model S is unable to
detect the key (low battery, interference, etc),
place it immediately below the 12V power
socket where Model S can best detect it.
WARNING: The power socket and an
accessory’s connector can become hot.
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Temporary Tire Repair
MAINTENANCE7.9
Inflating with Sealant and Air
If you have a Tesla tire repair kit as described on
page 7.8, follow these steps to temporarily
repair a small tire puncture (less than 6 mm).
1.Stop Model S in a safe place away from
traffic and ask passengers to wait in a safe
area.
2.Turn on the hazard warning flashers to alert
other road users.
3.If possible, position the wheel with the
puncture at the bottom.
4.Detach the power supply connector from
the back of the compressor and plug it into
the 12V power socket located on the front
of the center console.
5.Release the clear plastic hose from the tire
compressor.6.Remove the red cap and screw the end of
the hose onto the tire’s valve.
7.Attach the sealant kit’s black air hose to the
sealant valve and press the lever down to
secure it in place.
8.Ensure the compressor is lying on a level
surface with the pressure gauge facing to
the side as shown above.
9.Tu r n o n t h e c o m p r e s s o r.
NOTE: The pressure gauge initially shows a
high pressure while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once the sealant is
completely dispersed into the tire, the
pressure quickly drops and starts to rise
again as the tire inflates with air only.
10.Inflate the tire to the recommended
pressure.
CAUTION: If you cannot reach the
required pressure within 8 minutes,
stop! The tire is too severely
damaged to be temporarily repaired using
sealant. Do not drive. Call Roadside
Assistance to have Model S transported.
11.Turn off the compressor and disconnect the
hose from the tire’s valve. Wipe any excess
sealant from the tire valve and wheel rim.
12.Immediately drive for 8 km to distribute the
sealant around the tire. Do not exceed
48 km/h.
13.Stop and check the tire’s pressure. If
necessary, inflate using the black air hose.
14.Have the tire repaired or replaced as soon
as possible.
15.Replace the tire repair sealant canister (see
page 7.11).
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Temporary Tire RepairTemporary Tire Repair
7.10MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Inflating with Air Only
If you have a Tesla tire repair kit as described in
page 7.8, follow these steps to inflate a tire with
air:
1.Detach the power supply connector from
the rear of the compressor and plug it into
the 12V power socket located in Model S on
the front of center console.
2.Release the black air hose from the
compressor.
3.Attach the air hose to the valve and press
the lever down to secure it in place.
4.Ensure the compressor is lying on a level
surface with the pressure gauge facing to
the side where you can read it.
5.To add air, turn on the compressor and
inflate until the desired pressure is reached.
6.To release air, turn off the compressor, then
press and hold the red button until the
desired pressure is reached.NOTE: For your convenience, the tire repair kit
includes a selection of adapters that allow you
to inflate other items. These adapters are
located in a compartment on the back of the
compressor.
CAUTION: To avoid overheating, do not
use the compressor continuously for
more than eight minutes. Allow the
compressor to cool for 15 minutes
between uses.
CAUTION: The compressor runs slowly
when overheated from excessive use.
Turn it off and allow it to cool.
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