About the Security System
If Model S does not detect a key nearby and a locked door or trunk is opened, an alarmsounds and headlights and turn signals flash.
To deactivate the alarm, press any button on
the key.
To manually enable or disable the alarm
system, touch 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.
Security Settings
86Model S Owner's Manual
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
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
Bluetooth, playing audio files 79
connecting 79
playing audio files from 79
dimensions 130
dome (map) lights 46
door handles 6
door labels 127
doors 4
Drive gear 41
drive-away locking 7driverprofiles 35
seat adjustment 17driver assistancestaying inside lane markings 53
staying within speed limits 51drivingseating position 17
starting Model S 40
tips to maximize range 57
E
electric parking brake 59
emergency flashers 49
emergency rear door opening 8
emission label 126
energygained from regenerative braking 59
range information 42
tips to minimize usage of 57
energy saving mode 57
event data recording 147
exteriorcar cover 111
cleaning 109
dimensions 130
lights 46
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 111
F
fan speed, interior 73
favorites, adding and removing 78
FCC certifications 149
features, downloading new 90
firmware (software) updates 90
flash drives, playing audio files from 79
flashers, warning 49
flat tire repair 105
floor mats 111
fluidsreplacement intervals 99
reservoirs, checking 114
fog lights 46
front passenger detection 33
front trunk 12fuseslocation of 117
removing access panel 114
G
garage doors, opening 87
gates, opening 87
GAWR 128
gears 41
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 128
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 128
ground clearance 130
GVWR 128
H
hazard warning flashers 49
head supports 18
headlightsafter exit 48
cornering lights 48
heated wipers 50
heating 72
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 75
automatic and manual settings 76
disabling (Jack mode) 76high voltageBattery specifications 134
components 92
safety 99
Hill Start Assist 63
hitches 129
HomeLinkFCC certification 151
programming and using 87
hood 12
horn 38
I
IC certifications 149
Ideal range 69
identification labels 126
indicator lights, summary of 43
instrument panelcharging status 98
cleaning 110
overview of 42
Index
Index153
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
balancing 101
chains 103
industry glossary of terms 140
inspecting and maintaining 101
pressures, how to check 100
quality grading 139
replacing 102
replacing a tire sensor 104
rotation 101
specification 136
temperature grades 139
tire markings 137
tire sealant 105
traction grade 139
treadwear grade 139
winter 102
touch up body 111touchscreencleaning 110
Controls 67
overview 65
Settings 69
software updates 90
tow chain, connecting
143
Tow mode 142
towing 142
towing a trailer 129
towing instructions 142
TPMSFCC certification 150
overview of 103
traction control 60
trademarks 145, 146
traffic alerts 78
trailer hitches 129
transmission specifications 132
Transport Canada, contacting 148
transporting 142
trip information 56
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn 77
turn signals 49
U uniform tire quality grading 139
Units & Format 69
unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn't work 7
USB devicesconnecting 79
playing audio files from 79
USB ports 79
V
vehicle certification label 128
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 126
vehicle loading 127
vent, sunroof 15
ventilation 74
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 126
volume control 65
W walk-away locking 7
Wall Connector 93
warning flashers 49
warning lights, summary of 43
washer fluid, topping up 116
washer jets, cleaning 112
washers, using 50
weight specifications 131
wheel chocks 144wheelsalignment 101
replacing 102
specifications 135
Wi-Fi, connecting to 89
windshield washer fluid, topping up 116
winter tires 102
wiper blades, replacing 112
wipers and washers 50
wipers, de-icing 50
X
XM radio 77
Index
156Model S Owner's Manual