Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the driver’s side of Model S, behind a door that is part of therear tail light assembly.
Park Model S so that the charge cable easily
reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked, or a recognized key
nearby, press and release the button on a
Tesla charge cable.
If the cable you are using does not have this
button, touch Controls > Charge Port . Or, you
can touch the battery icon at the top of the
touchscreen, then from the Charging screen,
touch Open Charge Port .
To charge at a public charging station, attach
an adapter to the station’s chargingconnector. The most commonly usedadapter(s) for each market region aresupplied with Model S. Depending on thecharging equipment you are using, you may
need to start and stop charging using a control on the charging equipment.
Note: The charge port lights up white when
you open the charge port door. If you do not
connect a charge cable, the light eventually
turns off.
Note: If you do not insert the charge cable
into the charge port within a few minutes after
opening the charge port door, the latch
closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to
open the charge port door.
Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped onto Model S.Caution: Do not attempt to force the
charge port door open. Doing so can
damage the latch. A damaged latch
cannot hold the door closed.
Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the
charge limit and the charging current.
If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug it into the power outlet before plugging it into
Model S.
Align the connector to the charge port and
insert fully. When the connector is properly
inserted, charging begins automatically after Model S:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector in place.
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other gear).
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling,
you may notice a delay before charging begins.
Note: Whenever Model S is plugged in but not
actively charging, it draws energy from the wall instead of using energy stored in the
Battery. For example, if you are sitting in
Model S and using the touchscreen while it’s is
parked and plugged in, the energy being used
is drawn from the power outlet instead of the
Battery.
Charging Model S
Charging95
During ChargingDuring charging, the charge port pulses green
and charging status displays on the instrument panel. The frequency at which thecharge port’s light pulses slows down as thecharge level approaches full. When charging iscomplete, the light stops pulsing and is solid
green.
Note: If Model S is locked, the light around the
charge port does not light up.
If the light around the charge port lights up
red while charging, a fault is detected. Check
the instrument panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault. A fault can
occur due to something as common as a
power outage. If a power outage occurs,
charging resumes automatically when power
is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and the
fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool. Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds
during charging.
Stopping Charging You can stop charging at any time by
disconnecting the charge cable or touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on a Tesla
connector to release the latch.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
3. Push the charge port door closed.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, Model S must be unlocked
or able to recognize a key before you can
disconnect the charge cable.
Note: Model S stops charging whenever you
double-click the key. If you do not unplug
within 60 seconds, charging resumes.Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model S plugged in when not in
use. This maintains the Battery at the optimum level of charge.Charge Port LightWhiteThe light is white when you open
the charge port door and charge
mode is initiated.GreenThe light pulses green when
charging is in progress and is solid
green when charging is complete.RedThe light flashes red when a fault is detected and charging has
stopped. Check the instrument
panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault.
Charging Model S
96Model S Owner's Manual
Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring
the continued reliability and efficiency of your
Model S.
Rotate the tires every 5000 miles (8000 km),
maintain the correct tire pressures, and take Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduledmaintenance intervals of every 12 months, orevery 12,500 miles (20,000 km), whichever
comes first. It is also important to perform the
daily and monthly checks described below.
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.
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 Seat Belts on page 19).
• 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 mileage to determine if the tires need to be rotated (every
5000 miles/8000 km), and check the
condition and pressure of each tire (see
Tire Care and Maintenance on page 100).
• Check washer fluid level and top up if necessary (see Topping Up Washer Fluid
on page 116).
• Check that the air conditioning system is operating (see Climate Controls on page
72).Warning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.Fluid Replacement Intervals
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 25,000 miles (40,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Battery coolant. Every 5 years or 62,500 miles (100,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Note: Any damage from opening the Battery
coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
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.Caution: 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.
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance99
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 58
access panel, removing 114accessoriesinstalling 125
plugging into power socket 80
air circulation 73
air conditioning 72
air distribution 73
air filter 74
air suspension 76
air vents 74
airbags 31
alarm 86
anti-lock braking (ABS) 58
audioplaying files 77
steering wheel buttons 36
auto-raising suspension 75
B backup camera 64
battery (12V)complete discharge 94
specifications 133Battery (high voltage)care of 94
coolant 114
specifications 134
temperature limits 94
battery (key), replacing 5
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 79
general information 83
phone, pairing and using 83
body repairs 125
body touch up 111
brake fluid replacement 99
brakesfluid level 115
overview of 58
specifications 133C
cabin temperature control 72
calendar 85
California Proposition 65 147
camera (rear view) 64
car cover 111
car washes 109
carpets, cleaning 110
CE certifications 149
CHAdeMO 93
chains 103
charge port 95
charge port light 96chargingcharge settings 97
components and equipment 92
instructions 95
public charging stations 93
scheduling 97
status of 98child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 110
installing and using 22
Tesla built-in rear facing 27
cleaning 109
climate controls 72
console12V power socket 80
cup holders 16
USB ports 79contact informationroadside assistance 141
Tesla 148coolantBattery, checking level of 114
Battery, replacement interval 99
copyrights 145, 146
cornering lights 48
cruise control 61
cup holders 16
customizing Model S 69
D
dashboard overview 2
data recording 147
delivery mileage 147
devices
Index
152Model S Owner's Manual
interiorcleaning 110
lights 46
overview 2
temperature control 72
Internet radio 77
intrusion detection 86
J
J1772 93
Jack mode 76
jacking Model S 124
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 149
how to use 4
key not inside 40
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry
4
L
labelTire and Loading Information 127
vehicle certification 128
lane change flash 49
lane departure warning 53
LATCH child seats, installing 25
liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting Model S 124
lightscornering lights 48
hazard warning 49
headlights after exit 48
turn signals 49
load limits 127
location-based suspension 75
lock/unlock status 42
locking and unlocking doors 4
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 115
cleaning 109
daily and monthly checks 99
fluid replacement intervals 99
panel, removing 114
replacing fuses 117
replacing wiper blades 112
service intervals 99
tires 100
washer fluid, topping up 116
washer jets, cleaning 112
maps 81
mats 111
media 77
mileage upon delivery 147
mirrors 39
mobile app 91Mobile Connectordescription 93
using 95
modifications 125
motor specifications 132
N navigation 81
NCC certifications 149
Neutral gear 41
NHTSA, contacting 148
O occupancy sensor 33
odometeron instrument panel 42
resetting trip odometer 56
overhang dimensions 130
Owner Information, about 145, 146
P Park Assist 54
Park gear 41
parking brake 59
parts replacement 125
passenger detection 33
passenger front airbag 33
phone
Index
154Model S Owner's Manual