Overview............................................ 2Interior Overview........................................................................ 2
Exterior Overview....................................................................... 3
Opening and Closing.....................4 Doors............................................................................................... 4
Keyless Locking and Unlocking 4Using the Key 4Using Exterior Door Handles 6Using Interior Door Handles 6Interior Locking and Unlocking 6Child-protection Lock 7Drive-away Locking 7Walk-away Locking 7Unlocking When the Key Doesn't Work 7Opening Interior Doors with No Power 8
Windows........................................................................................ 9
Opening and Closing 9Locking Rear Windows 9
Rear Trunk................................................................................... 10
Opening 10Closing 10Adjusting the Opening Height 10Interior Release 11Opening with No Power 11
Front Trunk.................................................................................. 12
Opening 12Closing 12Interior Emergency Release 13Opening with No Power 13
Glove Box..................................................................................... 14
Opening and Closing 14
Sunroof.......................................................................................... 15
Opening and Closing 15
Cup Holders................................................................................. 16
Opening and Closing 16
Seating and Safety
Restraints..........................................17 Front and Rear Seats............................................................... 17
Correct Driving Position 17Adjusting the Driver’s Seat 17Folding Rear Seats 18Raising Rear Seats 18Head Supports 18Seat Covers 18
Seat Belts......................................................................................19
Wearing Seat Belts 19Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant 19Seat Belt Pre-tensioners 20Testing Seat Belts 20Seat Belt Warnings 20
Child Safety Seats.................................................................... 22
Guidelines for Seating Children 22Choosing a Child Safety Seat 23Seating Larger Children 24Installing Child Safety Seats 24Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats 24Installing LATCHChild Seats 25Attaching Upper Tether Straps 25Testing a Child Safety Seat 26Warnings - Child Safety Seats 26
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats............................. 27
Usage Restrictions 27Opening 27Folding 27Seating a Child 29Warnings - Tesla Child Seats 29
Airbags.......................................................................................... 31
Location of Airbags 31How the Airbags Work 32Types of Airbags 32Passenger Front Airbag 33Inflation Effects 34Airbag Warning Indicator 34Airbag Warnings 34
Driving.............................................. 35Driver Profiles............................................................................ 35
Creating a Driver Profile 35Restoring a Driver’s Profile 35Saved Driver Settings 35
Steering Wheel..........................................................................36
Adjusting Position 36Adjusting Sensitivity 36Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons 36Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons 37Using Voice Commands 37Horn 38
Mirrors...........................................................................................39
Adjusting Exterior Side Mirrors 39Rear View Mirror 39
Starting and Powering Off................................................... 40
Starting Model S 40Powering Off 40
Gears.............................................................................................. 41
Shifting Gears 41Leaving Model S in Neutral - Tow Mode 41
Instrument Panel.......................................................................42
Instrument Panel Overview 42Indicator Lights 43
Lights............................................................................................ 46
Controlling Lights 46Headlight High Beams 48Headlights After Exit 48Cornering Lights 48Turn Signals 49Hazard Warning Flashers 49
Wipers and Washers...............................................................50
Wipers 50Washers 50
Speed Assist................................................................................ 51
How Speed Assist Works 51Controlling Speed Assist 52Limitations and Inaccuracies 52
Lane Departure Warning....................................................... 53
How Lane Departure Warning Works 53Controlling Lane Departure Warning 53Limitations and Inaccuracies 53
Park Assist.................................................................................. 54
How Park Assist Works 54Visual and Audio Feedback 54Controlling Audible Feedback 54Limitations and False Warnings 55Other Parking Aids 55
Trip Information........................................................................ 56
Displaying Trip Information 56
Getting Maximum Range....................................................... 57
Driving Tips to Maximize Range 57Saving Energy 57
Brakes........................................................................................... 58
Braking Systems 58Brake Wear 58Regenerative Braking 59Parking Brake 59
Traction Control....................................................................... 60
How It Works 60
Cruise Control............................................................................. 61
Operating Cruise Control 61Changing the Cruising Speed 61Canceling and Resuming 61
Hill Start Assist.......................................................................... 63
Rear View Camera................................................................... 64
Camera Location 64
Using the Touchscreen.............. 65Touchscreen Overview.......................................................... 65
The Big Picture 65
Controls........................................................................................ 67
Controlling Model S Features 67
Settings........................................................................................ 69
Customizing Model S 69
Climate Controls....................................................................... 72
Overview of Climate Controls 72Customizing Climate Control 73Ventilation 74Climate Control Operating Tips 74
Smart Air Suspension..............................................................75
Manual Height Adjustments 75Location-Based Suspension 75Automatic Lowering 76Jack Mode 76
Media and Audio....................................................................... 77
Overview 77AM and FM Radio Services 77XM Radio 77Internet Radio 77Media Settings 78Favorites 78My Music & Devices 79USB Connections 7912V Power Socket 80
Maps and Navigation............................................................... 81
Overview 81Using Maps 81Starting Navigation 81During Navigation 82Favorite Destinations 82Updated Maps 82
Phone............................................................................................ 83
Bluetooth®Compatibility 83Pairing a Bluetooth Phone 83Importing Contacts 83Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone 83Connecting to a Paired Phone 84Making a Phone Call 84Receiving a Phone Call 84In Call Options 84
Calendar....................................................................................... 85
Overview 85Calendar and Navigation 85
Security Settings...................................................................... 86
About the Security System 86
HomeLink ®
Universal Transceiver....................................... 87
About HomeLink 87Programming HomeLink 87Troubleshooting HomeLink 87
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................ 89
Software Updates.................................................................... 90
Loading New Software 90Viewing Release Notes 90
Mobile App...................................................................................91
Model S Mobile App 91Charging.......................................... 92
Electric Vehicle Components.............................................. 92
High Voltage Components 92Charging Equipment 93
Battery Information................................................................. 94
About the Battery 94Battery Care 94
Charging Model S..................................................................... 95
Opening the Charge Port 95Plugging In 95During Charging 96Stopping Charging 96Charge Port Light 96Changing Charge Settings 97Charging Status 98
Maintenance................................... 99
Maintenance Schedule........................................................... 99
Service Intervals 99Daily Checks 99Monthly Checks 99Fluid Replacement Intervals 99High Voltage Safety 99
Tire Care and Maintenance.................................................100
Maintaining Tire Pressures 100Inspecting and Maintaining Tires 101Replacing Tires and Wheels 102Using Tire Chains 103Tire Pressure Monitoring 103
Temporary Tire Repair......................................................... 105
Tire Repair Kit 105Inflating with Sealant and Air 106Inflating with Air Only 107Replacing the Sealant Canister 108
Cleaning..................................................................................... 109
Cleaning the Exterior 109Cleaning the Interior 110Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Repair 111Using a Car Cover 111Floor Mats 111
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.......................................... 112
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades 112Cleaning Washer Jets 112
Fluid Reservoirs........................................................................ 114
Removing the Maintenance Panel 114Checking Battery Coolant 114Checking Brake Fluid 115Topping Up Washer Fluid 116
Fuses............................................................................................. 117
Fuse Box Locations 117Replacing a Fuse 117Fuse Box 1 118Fuse Box 2 120Fuse Box 3 122Fuse Box 4 123
Jacking and Lifting................................................................. 124
Jacking Procedure 124
Parts and Accessories........................................................... 125
Parts, Accessories, and Modifications 125Body Repairs 125
Specifications............................... 126
Identification Labels.............................................................. 126
Vehicle Identification Number 126Emission Control Label 126
Vehicle Loading....................................................................... 127
Load Capacity Labeling 127Calculating Load Limits 128Towing a Trailer 129Roof Racks 129
Dimensions and Weights..................................................... 130
Exterior Dimensions 130Weights 131
Subsystems............................................................................... 132
Motor 132Transmission 132Steering 132Brakes 133Suspension 133Battery - 12V 133Battery - High Voltage 134
Wheels and Tires..................................................................... 135
Wheel Specifications 135Wheel Alignment Values 135Tire Specifications 136Understanding Tire Markings 137Uniform Tire Quality Grading 139Wheels and Tires Glossary 140
Roadside Assistance.................. 141
Contacting Roadside Assistance....................................... 141 Instructions for Transporters............................................. 142
Use a Flatbed Only 142Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only) 142Activate Tow Mode 142Connect the Tow Chain 143Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the Wheels 144
Consumer Information..............145
About this Owner Information.......................................... 145
Illustrations 145Errors or Inaccuracies 145Location of Components 145Document Applicability 145Copyrights and Trademarks 146
Disclaimers................................................................................ 147
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders 147Quality Control 147California Proposition 65 147
Reporting Concerns...............................................................148
Contacting Tesla 148Reporting Safety Defects - US 148Reporting Safety Defects - Canada 148
Declarations of Conformity................................................ 149
Key and Passive Unlocking System 149Tire Pressure Monitoring System 150Media Control Unit 150HomeLink 151Radio Frequency Information 151Contents
Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the most effective way to protect occupants if a
collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are
equipped with three-point inertia reel seat
belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically
tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
(see Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
on page 24).
The seat belt reel automatically locks to prevent movement of occupants if Model Sexperiences a force associated with hard
acceleration, braking, cornering, or an impact in a collision.The seat belt reminder on the
instrument panel alerts you if a seat
belt for an occupied front seat is not
fastened. If the belt remains
unfastened, the reminder flashes and
an intermittent chime sounds. If all
occupants are buckled up and the
reminder stays on, re-fasten seat
belts to ensure they are correctly
latched. Also remove any heavy
objects (such as a briefcase) from an
unoccupied seat. If the reminder
light continues to stay on, contact
Tesla.
To Fasten a Belt
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat.
2.
Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the pelvis, chest and
mid-point of your collar bone, between
the neck and shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and
press together until you hear a click indicating it is locked in place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward
the reel to remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
belt from retracting too quickly, then press
the button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
that prevents the belt from fully retracting.
The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
lap section of the belt as low as possible across the hips, not the waist. Position theshoulder portion of the belt between thebreasts and to the side of the abdomen.
Consult your doctor for specific guidance.Warning: Never place anything between
you and the seat belt to cushion the
impact in the event of an accident.
Seat Belts
Seating and Safety Restraints19
Choosing a Child Safety Seat
All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear (second row) seats. Always use a child safety seat suitable for a young child’s age and weight.InfantsToddlersYoung
childrenAgeBirth to 1 year*Over 1 year*4 years and
older, and
less than 57
in. (145 cm)
tallWeightUp to at least 20 lbs (9 kg)*Over 20 lbs (9 kg) (minimum)
and up to 40 lbs (18 kg)*Over 40 lbs
(18 kg)Type of child
safety seatRear facing (or convertible)Forward facing (or
convertible)*Seat belt
retained
booster
seatSeat positionRear facing only*Forward facing*Forward
facingRecommended
attachment
methodIf combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (lower anchor only)
or the seat belt only.*** If
combined weight of child and
safety seat is over 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using the seat
belt only.***If combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (both lower anchors
and top tether anchor), or the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.*** If combined weight of
child and safety seat is over
65 lbs (29 kg), attach using the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.***Attach
booster
seats using
the seat
belt only.* Many child safety seats currently available allow children to ride rear-facing using the child
safety seat’s integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS. Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible.CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND CAREFULLYFOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
** LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, this is also called Lower Universal Anchorage System (LUAS), or CANFIX.
*** Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.Warning: Laws that govern how and where children should be carried when traveling in a
vehicle are subject to change. It is the driver’s responsibility to keep up to date on, and
comply with, all current regulations in the region(s) where Model S is driven.To check the child passenger safety laws for your state, go to: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html.
Child Safety Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints23
Seating Larger ChildrenIf a child is too large to fit into a child safety
seat, but too small to safely fit into the standard seat belts, use a booster seat
appropriate for the child’s age and size. Carefully follow the manufacturer’sinstructions to secure the booster seat usingthe seat belts. Do not use the LATCH systemto secure booster seats, even in situationswhere the booster seat is equipped with the
LATCH system.
Installing Child Safety Seats There are two general methods used to install
child safety seats:
• Seat belt retained - these seats are secured using the vehicle’s seat belts (see
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats on page 24).
• LATCH retained - these seats can attach to anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear
seats (see Installing LATCH Child Seats on
page 25).
Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions and the table on Child Safety
Seats on page 22 to determine which
installation method to use. Some child safety
seats can be installed using either method.
Always follow the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child
Seats
First, make sure that the child falls into the
correct weight range for the seat.
Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing anddo not place any objects between the childand the restraint system.
Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
and the webbing is fully retracted. The ALR mechanism operates as a ratchet, winding in
slack and preventing the seat belt from
extending any further until it has been
completely rewound. When installing a child
safety seat, engage the belt's automatic locking retractor by pulling the seat belt
webbing until it is fully extended. The ALR
system engages only when the seat belt is at
its maximum extension point.
Note: An automatic locking retractor
disengages only when the seat belt is
unbuckled and fully retracted. The belt can
then be worn as a normal belt, sliding freely in
and out and locking tight only in an
emergency. Once disengaged, the belt must
be fully extended to re-engage the locking
mechanism whenever you install a child safety seat.
Always follow the detailed instructions provided by the child safety seat
manufacturer. General guidelines are provided
below.
1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and
fully extend the seat belt. Route and
buckle the seat belt in accordance with the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove
all slack in the seat belt while firmly
pushing the child safety seat into the Model S seat.
3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat
has an upper tether, attach it to the back of the seat (see Attaching Upper Tether
Straps on page 25).
Child Safety Seats
24Model S Owner's Manual
Installing LATCH Child SeatsLower LATCH anchor positions are providedin the second-row outboard seating positions
and are located between the seat's back rest
and rear cushion. The exact location of each
anchor is identified by a child safety seat
identification button, illustrated below. The button is located on the seat back, directlyabove its associated anchor.
Install LATCH seats in the outboard seating
positions only. Use only a seat belt retained
seat in the center position.
To install a LATCH retained child safety seat,
slide the safety seat latches onto the anchorbars until they click into place. Carefully read
and follow the instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
Once installed, test the security of the
installation before seating a child. Attempt to
twist the child safety seat from side to side and try to pull it away from the seat, then
check that the anchors are still securely in place.
Attaching Upper Tether Straps
If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its
hook to the anchor point located on the back
of the rear seats. Always position single-strap
tethers so that it runs over the center of the
Model S head support. Tighten dual-strap
tethers to run on each side of the head
support. Tighten according to the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: To prevent single-strap tethers from
moving from side to side, the top of the head
support deforms.
Child Safety Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints25
Testing a Child Safety SeatBefore seating a child, always make sure thechild safety seat is not loose:
1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path
and try to slide the safety seat from side
to side and front to back.
2. If the seat moves more than one inch
(2.5 cm), it is too loose. Tighten the belt
or reconnect the LATCH retained child
safety seat.
3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child
safety seat.
Warnings - Child Safety SeatsWarning: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a
child on the front passenger seat even if
you are using a child safety seat. This seat has an airbag in front of it. Although this
airbag is disabled when Model S detects a lightweight passenger, do not rely on
technology to protect your child.Warning: Do not use a forward facing
child safety seat until your child weighs
over 20 lbs (9 kg) and can sit
independently. Up to the age of two, a child's spine and neck are not sufficientlydeveloped to avoid injury in a frontal
impact.Warning: Do not allow a baby or infant to
be held on a lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety
seat at all times.Warning: To ensure children are safely
seated, follow all instructions provided in this document and by the manufacturerof the child safety seat.Warning: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for as long as
possible.Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
when installing a child safety seat or booster seat.Warning: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported and the child’s seat belt is properlyadjusted and fastened. The shoulder
portion of the belt must be away from the face and neck, and the lap portion mustnot be over the stomach.Warning: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,one anchor point may be incapable of
securing both seats.Warning: Child restraint anchorages are
designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child
restraints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seatbelts,
harnesses, or for attaching other items or equipment to the vehicle.Warning: Always check harnesses and
tether straps for damage and wear.Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
on a seat belt that is being used to install
a child safety seat or booster seat.Warning: Never leave a child unattended,
even if the child is secured in a child
safety seat.Warning: Never use a child safety seat
that has been involved in an accident.
Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
described in the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Child Safety Seats
26Model S Owner's Manual
Usage Restrictions
The optional Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37" (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts positioned and latched correctly. The child’spelvis must be held securely in place by thelap belt. Follow all instructions provided anddo not use supplemental child safety seats inthese seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
Opening 1. Remove the cover from the trunk floor
and pull the strap to lift the seat assembly
upward.
2. Push the seat assembly into position.
3.Undo the Velcro strap.
4.Pull the handle to release the head
supports from the seat back, then pull the
head supports toward you to unfold them.
5. Raise the seat back to the upright position
and push until it locks into position.
Visually check to ensure that the retaining catches are engaged.
6. Check that the seat back and seat base
are securely retained in the upright
position by trying to pull the seat back toward you.
Folding
Caution: Before folding the seats, fasten
the seat belts to prevent them from
getting trapped in the seat mechanism and being damaged.
1. Pull the handle to release the seat back
and pull the seat back fully forward.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints27
Seating a ChildThe Tesla built-in rear facing child seats arechild restraint systems and must only be used
for children over 37" (94 cm) tall and
weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2
kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts positioned and latched correctly. The child’spelvis must be held securely in place by thelap belt. Follow all instructions provided anddo not use supplemental child safety seats inthese seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
1. Position the child in the seat with arms
through the loops of the seat belts.
2. Connect the two halves of the seat belt
tongue.
3. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle
and ensure it is securely fastened.
4. Adjust the shoulder belts so they run over
the top of the child’s shoulders and away
from the face.
5. Connect the chest clip and adjust it to be
as high as possible without causing the
shoulder belts to touch the child’s neck.
6. Pull the lower straps until the child is
securely held in the seat.
7. Slide the shoulder clips into place to
ensure the upper portion of the belts
remain positioned over the child’s
shoulders.
To release, press the button on the buckle,
release the chest clip, and separate the two
halves of the seat restraint.
Warnings - Tesla Child Seats
Warning: The Tesla built-in rear facing
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37"
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints29