DOCUMENT APPLICABILITY
Features released in the most recent versions of software may not be described in this document but are
described in Release Notes. Display Release Notes on the touchscreen by touching the Tesla “T” at the top
center of the touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes link. If information provided in this document
conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release Notes take precedence.
ILLUSTRATIONS
The illustrations provided in this document are for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options,
software version and market region, the information displayed on the touchscreen in your Model S may appear
slightly different.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications and descriptions contained in this document are verified to be accurate at the time of printing.
However, because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make product
modifications at any time.
ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, please send an email to:
ownersmanualfeedback @teslamotors.com.
©2012-2014 TESLA MOTORS, IN C. All rights reserved.
All information in this document and all MODEL S® software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property
rights of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the prior written permission of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available
upon request. The following are trademarks or registered tr ademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and
other countries:
HOMELINK® and the HOMELINK® house icon are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. Bluetooth® is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Android™ and
Google Maps™ are trademarks of Google, Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM
Radio Inc. Pandora is a registered trad emark of Pandora Media, Inc. Spotify is a registered trademark of the Spotify
Group. All other trademarks contained in this document are the property of their respective owners and their use
herein does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of their products or services. The unauthorized use of any
trademark displayed in this document or on the vehicle is strictly prohibited. TESLA TESLA MOTORS TESLA
ROADSTER MODEL S
The full Owner’s Manual and Warranty documents are on
your Model S touchscreen (touch Controls > Settings >
Manual ). These digital versions will continuously update as
the software on your car updates, ensuring that the latest
features are properly document ed long after your purchase.
More information about your Model S is available at
www.teslamotors.com/mytesla .
To contact Tesla, call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
Cover.fm Page 2 Wednesday , December 18, 2013 12:42 PM
Call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRANSPORTERS
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Roadside AssistanceTesla Roadside Assistance is available to you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the United
States and Canada for the duration of your warran ty period. To contact Roadside Assistance, call
1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752) .
Advise the representative of the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, mileage,
your location, and the nature of the problem. The VIN is on the upper dashboard on the driver’s side
of your vehicle and is visible through the windshield.
Roadside Assistance covers transportation of Model S for up to 50 miles in the event of a flat tire.
However, owners are responsible for transportation expenses if the Battery is over-discharged. For
a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Tesla Roadside Assistance Program, refer
to the policy that was provided to yo u by Tesla when you purchased Model S.
It is your responsibility to provide vehicle transporters with instructions on how to transport Model S.
Use a Flatbed Only
Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise specified by
Tesla. Do not transport Model S with the tires directly on
the ground. To transport Model S, follow the instructions
exactly as described.
Damage caused by transporting Model
S is not covered by the warranty.
Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Active Air Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even when power is
off. To prevent damage, use the touchscreen to ac tivate Jack mode, which disables self-leveling:
1. To u c h CONTROLS on the bottom left of the touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Controls > Driving > Very High to maximize height.
3. To u c h Jack.
When Jack mode is active, Model S displays this indicator light on the instrument
panel, along with a message telling you that active suspension is disabled.
NOTE: Jack mode cancels when Model S is driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
C A U T I O N : Fa i l u re t o a c t i v a t e J a c k m o d e o n a M o d e l S e q u i p p e d w i t h a c t i ve a i r s u s p e n s i o n c a n
result in the vehicle becoming loose during transport, which may cause significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle, even if it has
previously been shifted into Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which disengages the parking
brake), you must use the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > E-Brake & Power Off >
To w M o d e .
When Tow mode is active, Model S displays this indicator light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you that Model S is free-rolling.
NOTE: Tow mode cancels when Model S is shifted into Park.
CAUTION:
If the electrical system is not working, an d you therefore cannot release the electric
parking brake, attempt to quick start the 12V battery. For instructions, call the number noted
on the previous page. If a situ ation occurs where you cannot disengage the parking brake, use
tire skids or transport Model S for the shortest possible distance using wheeled dollies. Before doing
so, always check the dolly manufacturer’s sp ecifications and recommended load capacity.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 1 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Tires and Wheels
SAFETY INFORMATION21
CAUTION: Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized
tires, can damage the suspension, body,
wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage caused by
using non-recommended tire chains is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure that tire chains cannot
touch suspension components or brake
lines. If you hear the chains making
unusual noises that would indicate contact with
Model S, stop and investigate immediately.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Each tire should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the recommended
pressures that are printed on the Tire and
Loading Information label located on the
d r i ve r ’s d o o r p i l l a r (s e e p a g e 1 8 ) . I f yo u r ve h i c l e
has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle pl acard or tire inflation
pressure label, determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that displays a low tire pressure
telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the Tire Pressure indicator light displays
on the instrument panel alerting you of low tire
pressure, stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure (see page 18). Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
If Model S detects a fault with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
this indicator flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S.
NOTE: Installing accessories that are not
approved by Tesla can interfere with the TPMS
system.
WARNING: The TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, including
manually checking tire pressures and regularly
inspecting the condition of tires. It is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level for the TPMS to trigger the
Tire Pressure Warning on the instrument panel.
TPMS Malfunction
Model S has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure
indicator light. When
the system detects a malfunction, the indicator
light flashes for approximately one minute after
Model S powers on, and then remains
continuously lit. This sequence continues upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the TPMS malfunction indicator is on, the
system might not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons,
including installing replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction indicator light after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
NOTE: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has
been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the fault
repaired as soon as possible.
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure wa rning indicator displays
frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. Tire sensors must
be replaced by a Tesla service technician who
can perform a brief setup procedure. If a
non-Tesla service center repairs or replaces a
tire, the tire sensor will not work until Tesla
performs the setup procedure.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 21 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Vehicle LoadingVehicle Loading
26MODEL S
Canada:
CAUTION: To prevent damage, never
load Model S so that it is heavier than
GVWR or exceeds the individual GAWR
weights.
Calculating Load Limits
1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s “Tire and Loading Information”
label.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
the vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs
(see Step 1).
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be
f i v e 1 5 0 l b ( 6 8 k g ) p a s s e n g e r s i n t h e v e h i c l e ,
the amount of availa ble cargo and luggage
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750
(5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or 294 kg (635 - 340
(5 x 68) = 294 kg.
5. Determine the combined weight of cargo
and luggage being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight must not exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
WARNING: The front and rear trunks are
the preferred places to carry objects. In
an accident, or during hard braking and sharp
turns, loose items in the cabin could injure
occupants.
Example Load Limit Calculations
How much cargo you can carry in Model S
depends on the number and weight of
passengers. The followin g are typical examples
of calculated load limits. These examples
assume passengers weighi ng 150 lbs (68 kg). If
the passengers weigh more or less, the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
decreases or increases respectively.
Example 1: Driver and one passenger
Example 2: Driver and four passengers
The available cargo or luggage weight should
then be distributed betw een the front and rear
trunks.
CAUTION: Do not exceed the maximum
front trunk load weight of 300 lbs
(136 kg).
Towing a Trailer
WARNING: Do not tow a trailer. Model S
does not support a trailer hitch. Installing
one could damage Model S and increase the
risk of an accident.
DescriptionTo t a l
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs
(433 kg)
Subtract occupant weight
(2 x 150 lbs/68 kg) 300 lbs
(136 kg)
Ava i l a b l e c a rg o we i g h t 654 lbs
(297 kg)
DescriptionTo t a l
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs
(433 kg)
Subtract occupant weight
(5 x 150 lbs/68 kg) 750 lbs
(340 kg)
Ava i l a b l e c a rg o we i g h t 204 lbs
(93 kg)
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 26 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Warranty (North America)Warranty (North America)
34MODEL S
If your Battery requires warranty service, Tesla will repair the unit, or replace it with a factory
reconditioned unit that has an energy capacity at least equal to that of the original Battery before
the failure occurred. To provide you with even more assurance, this Battery Limited Warranty will
also cover damage to your vehicle from a Battery fire even if it is the result of driver error. (Coverage
will not extend to damage that had already been sustained before a Battery fire occurred, or to any
damage if the Battery fire occurred after your vehicle had already been totaled.) Your vehicle’s
Battery is covered under this Battery Limited Warranty for a period of 8 years or for the number of
miles/km specified below for your Battery configuration, whichever comes first:
• 60 kWh - 125,000 miles (200,000 km)
• 85 kWh - unlimited miles/km
Despite the breadth of this warranty, damage resulting from intentional actions (including
intentionally abusing or destroying your vehicle, or ignoring active vehicle warnings), a collision or
accident (excluding from Battery fires as specified above), or the servicing or opening of the Battery
by non-Tesla personnel, is not covered under this Battery Limited Warranty.
In addition, damage resulting from the following activities is not covered under this Battery Limited
Wa r ra n t y :
• Exposing the vehicle to ambient temperatures above 140°F (60°C) or below -22°F (-30°C) for
more than 24 hours at a time;
• Physically damaging the Battery, or intentio nally attempting, either by physical means,
programming, or other methods, to extend (other than as specified in your owner
documentation) or reduce the life of the Battery;
• Exposing the Battery to direct flame (excluding from Battery fires as specified above); or,
• Flooding of the Battery.
The Battery, like all lithium-ion batteries, will experience gradual energy or power loss with time and
use. Loss of Battery energy or power over time or due to or resulting from Battery usage, is NOT
covered under this Battery Limited Warranty. See your owner documentation for important
information on how to maximize the life and capacity of the Battery.
Exclusions and Limitations
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover any vehicle damage or malfunction directly or
indirectly caused by, due to or resulting from normal wear or deterioration, abuse, misuse,
negligence, accident, improper maintenance, operat ion, storage or transport, including, but not
limited to, any of the following:
• Failure to take the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized repair facility upon discovery of a defect covered by this New Vehicle Limited Warranty;
• Accidents, collisions, or objects striking the vehicle;
• Any repair, alteration or modification of the vehicl e, or the installation or use of fluids, parts or
accessories, made by a person or facility not authorized or certified to do so;
• Improper repair or maintenance, including use of fluids, parts or accessories other than those
specified in your owner documentation;
• Towing the vehicle;
• Improper winch procedures;
• Theft, vandalism, or riot;
• Fire, explosion, earthquake, windstorm, lightning, hail, flood, or deep water;
• Driving the vehicle off-road, over uneven, rough, damaged or hazardous surfaces, including but not limited to, curbs, potholes, unfinished roads, debris, or other obstacles, or in competition,
racing or autocross or for any other purposes for which the vehicle is not designed;
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 34 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Warranty (North America)
WARRANTY35
• Overloading the vehicle;
• Using the vehicle as a stationary power source; and
The environment or an act of God, including, but not limited to, exposure to sunlight, airborne
chemicals, tree sap, animal or inse ct droppings, road debris (including stone chips), industry fallout,
rail dust, salt, hail, floods, wind storms, acid rain, fire, water, contamination, lightning and other
environmental conditions.
Additional Limitations and Exclusions
In addition to the above exclusions and limitati ons, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
cover any of the following:
• Any corrosion or paint defects including, but not limited to, the following:
•Corrosion from defects in non-Tesla manufactured or supplied materials or workmanship
causing perforation (holes) in body panels or the chassis from the inside out;
• Surface or cosmetic corrosion causing perforation in body panels or the chassis from the
outside in, such as stone chips or scratches; and
• Corrosion and paint defects caused by, due to or resulting from accidents, paint matching,
abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or operation of the vehicle, installation of an accessory,
exposure to chemical substances, or damages resu lting from an act of God or nature, fire, or
improper storage;
• Non-genuine Tesla parts or accessories or their inst allation, or any damage directly or indirectly
caused by, due to or resulting from the installation or use of non-genuine Tesla parts or
accessories:
• Certain individual items associated with the vehicle, including, but not limited to the tires, Mobile
Connector, High Power Wall Connector, any future connectors, and related charging adapters,
which have separate warranties subject to their own terms and conditions;
• W i n d s h i e l d o r w i n d ow g l a s s t h a t i s b ro ke n , c h i p p e d , s c rat c h e d , o r c ra c ke d , o t h e r t h a n a s a re s u l t
of a defect in material or workmanship of a Tesla manufactured or supplied windshield or
window glass;
• General appearance or normal noise and vibration, including, but not limited to, brake squeal,
general knocks, creaks, rattles, and wind and road vibration; and
• Maintenance services, including, but not limited to, the following:
•Standard 12 month or 12,500 mile service and diagnostics checks;
• Wheel alignment or balancing;
• Appearance care (such as cleaning and polishing); and
• Expendable maintenance items (such as wiper blades/inserts, brake pads/linings, filters, etc.).
Vo i d e d Wa r ra n t y
You are responsible for the proper operation of the vehicle and for receiving and maintaining
detailed and accurate records of your vehicle’s maintenance, including the 17-digit Vehicle
Identification Number (“VIN”), servicing center name and address, mileage, date of service or
maintenance and description of service or maintena nce items, which should be transferred to each
subsequent purchaser. You may void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty if you do not follow the
specific instructions and recommendations regardin g the use and operation of the vehicle provided
in your Model S owner documentation, including, but not limited to:
• Complying with any recall advisories;
• Carrying passengers and cargo with in specified load limits; and
• Making all repairs.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 35 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Warranty (North America)Warranty (North America)
36MODEL S
Although Tesla does not require you to perform all service or repairs at a Tesla Service Center or
Tesla authorized repair facility, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided or coverage may
be excluded due to improper maintenance, service or repairs. Tesla Service Centers and Tesla
authorized repair facilities have special training, expertise, tools and supplies with respect to your
vehicle and, in certain cases, may employ the only persons or be the only facilities authorized or
certified to work on certain parts of your vehicle. Tesla strongly recommends that you have all
maintenance, service and repairs done at a Tesla Serv ice Center or Tesla authorized repair facility in
order to avoid voiding, or having coverage excluded under, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
The following will also void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty:
• Vehicles that have had the VIN defaced or alte red or the odometer or other related system
disconnected, altered or rendered inoperative so th at it is difficult to determine the VIN number
or actual mileage;
• Vehicles that have been labeled or branded as dismantled, fire-damaged, flood-damaged, junk,
rebuilt, salvage, reconstructed, irreparable or a total loss; and
• Vehicles that have been determined to be a total loss by an insurance company.
Damages
Tesla hereby disclaims any and all indirect, incide ntal, special and consequential damages arising out
of or relating to your vehicle, including, but not limited to, transportation to and from a Tesla Service
Center, loss of vehicle value, loss of time, loss of income, loss of use, loss of personal or commercial
property, inconvenience or aggravation, emotional di stress or harm, commercial loss (including but
not limited to lost profits or earnings), towing char ges, bus fares, vehicle rental, service call charges,
gasoline expenses, lodging expenses, damage to tow vehicle, and incidental charges such as
telephone calls, facsimile transmissions, and mailing expenses.
Tesla shall not be liable for any direct damages in an amount that exceeds the fair market value of
the vehicle at the time of the claim.
The above limitations and exclusions shall apply whether your claim is in contract, tort (including
negligence and gross negligence), breach of warr anty or condition, misrepresentation (whether
negligent or otherwise) or otherwise at law or in equity, even if Tesla is advised of the possibility of
such damages or such damages are reasonably foreseeable. Some states or provinces do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of indirect, direct, spec ial, incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
Obtaining Warranty Service
To obtain warranty service, you must notify Tesla within the applicable warranty period, and deliver
the vehicle, at your expense, duri ng regular business hours to a Tesla Service Center, or such other
repair facility designated by Tesla in the Tesla No rth America Warranty Region. The location of the
nearest Tesla Service Center may be obtained by visiting www.teslamotors.com. The location of
Tesla Service Centers is subject to change at any time and without prior notice.
Please be prepared to provide the VIN, which is lo cated on the upper dashboard on the driver’s side
of the vehicle and visible through the windshield and is also available on the vehicle registration and
title documentation, vehicle delivery date, current mileage and a description of the defect when you
contact Tesla.
In the event of a change of your address, plea se contact Tesla at the address or phone number
specified in the section of this New Vehicle Li mited Warranty titled “Who is the Warrantor?”.
Payment of Tax for Repairs
Some jurisdictions and/or local governments may requ ire that tax be collected on warranty repairs.
Where applicable law allows, you are responsible for payment of these taxes.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 36 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Warranty (North America)
WARRANTY37
Reasonable Time for Repairs
You must allow Tesla a reasonable time for completion of repairs and/or service. Upon notification
by Tesla of the completion of the vehicle repairs and/or service, you are responsible for immediately
picking up the vehicle, at your own expense.
Roadside Assistance (North America)
Tesla provides complimentary roadside assistance emergency services, including towing services to
the nearest Tesla Service Center or your home provided they are within 50 miles (80 km) of your
vehicle, for 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), wh ichever comes first, for vehicles covered by this
New Vehicle Limited Warranty at the time of the occurrence, subject to the exclusions and
limitations described in your Roadside Assistan ce documentation. You are responsible for any
roadside assistance emergency services for vehicles or repairs not covered by this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, which will have a minimum charge of US$300 or CAD$300, as applicable
depending upon the location of the vehicle, and for any charges for transportation beyond the first
50 miles (80 km). Roadside assistance is not prov ided under this New Vehicle Limited Warranty but
is a service intended to minimize inconvenience wh en your Tesla vehicle is inoperable. Please refer
to your Roadside Assistance documentation for details.
Modifications and Waivers
No person or entity, including, but not limited to , a Tesla employee or authorized representative, can
modify or waive any part of this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Tesla may occasionally offer to pay
a portion or all of the cost of certain repairs that are no longer covered by this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty for specific vehicle models, which some st ates may refer to as “adjustment programs.” In
such circumstances, Tesla will notify all known registered owners of affected vehicles. You may also
inquire to Tesla directly regarding the applicability of such programs, if any, to your vehicle. Tesla
may also occasionally offer to pay a portion or all of the cost of certain vehicle repairs that are no
longer covered by this New Vehicle Limited Warr anty on an ad hoc case-by-case basis. Tesla
reserves the right to do the above and to make changes to vehicles manufactured or sold by Tesla
and the applicable warranties, at any time, without incurring any obligation to make the same or
similar payment or changes for vehicles Tesla previously manufactured or sold, or applicable
warranties including this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Nothing herein shall imply that any Tesla
vehicle is free of defects.
Warranty Enforcement Laws and Dispute Resolution
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law which governs this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Many jurisdictions have laws, commonly called “Lemon Laws,” that provide you with
certain rights if you have problems with your new vehicle. These laws vary depending on the state,
province or territory. Your new vehicle and its safe ty items comply with applicable provincial and
territorial motor vehicle laws.
To the fullest extent allowed by the law of your jurisdiction, Tesla requires that you first provide
Tesla, during the applicable warranty period spec ified in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, with
written notification of any defects you have experi enced within a reasonable time to allow Tesla an
opportunity to make any needed repairs, and to submit to our dispute settlement program, before
you pursue any remedy under these laws.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 37 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM