Interior OverviewInterior Overview
1.2MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
OVERVIEW
1.Interior doors (page 2.4)
2.High beams (page 4.12)
Turn signals (page 4.14)
Wipers and washers (page 4.15)
3.Cruise control (page 4.23)
4.Steering wheel buttons - left (page 4.3)
5.Instrument panel (page 4.8)
6.Steering wheel buttons - right (page 4.4)
7.Gear selector (page 4.7)
8.Touchscreen (page 5.2)
NOTE: Touch Controls in the bottom left
corner of the touchscreen to control
Model S features such as doors, locks, and
lights.9.Glove box button (page 2.13)
10.Power window switches (page 2.7)
11.Exterior mirror adjustment switches
(page 4.5)
12.Seats (page 3.2)
13.Steering column adjuster (page 4.3)
14.Horn (page 4.4)
15.Brakes (page 4.20)
16.Hazard warning lights (page 4.14)
17.Cabin climate control (page 5.8)
18.Cup holders (page 2.11)
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4.1
DRIVING
Driver Profiles
Creating a Driver Profile ............................... 4.2
Restoring a Driver’s Profile .......................... 4.2
Saved Driver Settings .................................... 4.2
Steering Wheel
Adjusting Position ........................................... 4.3
Adjusting Sensitivity ...................................... 4.3
Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons.......... 4.3
Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons ....... 4.4
Horn ...................................................................... 4.4
MirrorsAdjusting Exterior Side Mirrors.................. 4.5
Rear View Mirror .............................................. 4.5
Starting and Powering Off
Starting Model S .............................................. 4.6
Powering Off ..................................................... 4.6
Gears
Shifting Gears ................................................... 4.7
Leaving Model S in Neutral (Tow Mode) 4.7
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview ......................... 4.8
Indicator Lights ................................................ 4.9
LightsControlling Lights ............................................ 4.11
Headlight High Beams .................................. 4.12
Headlights After Exit..................................... 4.13
Cornering Lights ............................................. 4.13
Turn Signals ...................................................... 4.14
Hazard Warning Flashers ............................ 4.14
Wipers and WashersWipers................................................................. 4.15
Washers ............................................................. 4.15
Park Assist
How Park Assist Works ................................ 4.16
Visual and Audio Feedback ....................... 4.16
Controlling Audible Feedback .................. 4.17
Limitations and False Warnings ............... 4.17
Other Parking Aids ........................................ 4.17
Trip Information
Displaying Trip Information ....................... 4.18
Energy Usage
Displaying Energy Usage ............................ 4.19
Driving Tips to Maximize Range .............. 4.19
Brakes
Braking Systems............................................ 4.20
Brake Wear ..................................................... 4.20
Regenerative Braking.................................... 4.21
Parking Brake ................................................... 4.21
Traction Control
How It Works................................................... 4.22
Cruise ControlOperating Cruise Control ........................... 4.23
Changing the Cruising Speed ................... 4.23
Canceling and Resuming ............................ 4.23
Rear View CameraCamera Location ........................................... 4.24
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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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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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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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Media and Audio
USING THE TOUCHSCREEN5.13
AM and FM Radio Services
Model S provides AM and FM radio services.
These can be selected from the Browse tab or
using the Source Picker, located in the upper
right corner of the Media Player window.
You can manually tune the radio to any
frequency by touching and dragging the
channel selector bar on the Now Playing
screen. The channel selector bar allows you to
move from one available radio station to the
next.
For FM radio, you can also tune the radio to a
specific channel by selecting the FM radio
service on the Browse window, touching the
Direct Tune option, then entering the channel
using the number pad.
DA B Radio Se rvice s
If Model S is equipped with the sound studio
package, you can also select DAB radio from
the Browse tab or using the Source Picker,
located in the upper right corner of the Media
Player window.
You can manually tune the radio to any DAB
station by touching and dragging the selector
bar on the Now Playing screen.
When listening to a DAB radio channel, the
Browse tab includes the name of the currently
selected service. You can touch the service
name to choose from a popup that lists all
services available within the current DAB
channel, as shown below. You can also touch
the left (back) and right (forward) arrows
beside the service list to scroll through the list.
If you are listening to a DAB frequency that can
no longer receive an adequate signal, the radio
automatically switches to the equivalent FM
broadcast. You can disable this automatic
switching by turning off the Use Strongest
Frequency setting on the media settings
screen.
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Security SettingsSecurity Settings
5.22MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Security SettingsAbout the Security System
If Model S does not detect a key nearby and a
locked door or trunk is opened, the horn beeps
and headlights and turn signals flash. To
deactivate the alarm, press any button on the
key.
You can manually enable or disable the alarm
system by touching Controls > Settings >
Safety & Security > Alarm. When set to on,
Model S activates its alarm one minute after the
doors lock and a recognized key is no longer
detected nearby.
If Model S is equipped with the optional
security package, it includes a battery-backed
siren. If the Tilt/Intrusion setting is on, this siren
sounds when Model S detects motion inside the
cabin or if it is raised (for example, with a tow
truck or jack) when doors are locked and a
recognized key is not detected. To turn the tilt
and intrusion detection system on or off, touch
Controls > Settings > Safety & Security >
Tilt/Intrusion.
NOTE: If you plan to leave something that
moves, such as a dog, inside your locked
Model S, remember to turn off the tilt/intrusion
system. Any type of motion detected inside
Model S activates the siren.
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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.
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