10.Pay attention to alert messages that appear at the bottom center of the instrument panel. If
any alerts are in effect, you can view information about them by touching the alert icon
(exclamation mark) on the touchscreen’s status bar (the topmost area of the touchscreen).
11. Currently selected gear: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive.
12. Dashed lines appear on the power meter if Model S is limiting power. The dashed lines appear
on the top portion when power available for acceleration is being limited, and on the bottom
portion when power that can be gained by regenerative braking is limited. Model S limits
power for many reasons. Here are just a few examples:
• Acceleration may be limited when the Battery is reaching a low state of charge or if the powertrain is hot.
• Both acceleration and regenerative braking may be limited when the ambient temperature is either very high or very low.
• Regenerative braking may be limited when the Battery is fully charged.
13. Date and time
Indicator Lights Indicator lights flash on briefly when you press the brake pedal to prepare for driving. Unless anindicator light applies to a current situation, they should turn off. If an indicator light fails to turnon or off, contact Tesla.
In addition to indicator lights, alerts display on the top or bottom center of the instrument panel.
If alerts are in effect, an alert icon (exclamation mark) displays on the top of the touchscreen.
Touch this icon to display a description of the alert.IndicatorDescriptionAirbag safety. If this indicator does not flash on briefly when Model S
prepares to drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See Airbag
Warning Indicator on page 35.A seat belt for an occupied seat is not fastened. Note: Depending on the
date of manufacture, rear seating positions may not be equipped with a seat
belt reminder. See Seat Belts on page 20.Front fog lights (optional). See Lights on page 47.Parking lights (side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) are on.
See Lights on page 47.Headlight low beams are on.High beams are turned on, and either the vehicle is not equipped with Auto
High Beam, or Auto High-Beam is turned off. See Headlight High Beams on
page 49.
Instrument Panel
44Model S Owner's Manual
1.Status bar
The top line displays provides shortcuts to
Charging, HomeLink, Driver Profiles,
vehicle information (the Tesla “T”),
software updates, Bluetooth ®
, and Wi-Fi
settings. The status symbols show outside
temperature, network signal strength,
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi settings, passenger
airbag status, and time. If an alert icon
(exclamation mark) is displayed, touch it
to see warning messages that are in
effect.
Note: The airbag status symbol displays
only when Model S is powered on.
2. Apps
There are several ways to display an app
in the main viewing area:
• Tap the app’s icon to display it in the top viewing area. If the app is alreadydisplayed, a second tap displays it infull-screen view (only some apps have a full-screen mode).
• Drag the app’s icon directly onto the top or bottom viewing area.
• Touch and hold the app’s icon to display a popup that lets you choose
whether to display the app in the top or bottom of the main viewing area.Media. See Media and Audio on
page 85.Maps and Navigation (if
equipped). See Using Maps on
page 90.Calendar. See Calendar on page
93.Energy. See Getting Maximum
Range on page 70.Web. Access the Internet using
the web browser (if equipped).Camera. Display the area behind
Model S. This area also displays
automatically whenever you shift
into Reverse. See Rear View
Camera on page 71.Phone. See Phone on page 88.
3.Main viewing area
The main viewing area changes
depending on the app you have chosen
(in the example, the Nav and Media apps
are displayed). For some apps (such as
Nav and Web), you can zoom in and out
using standard touchscreen finger
gestures.
4. Maximize/minimize app
Touch the small rectangle to expand the
associated app to fill the entire main
viewing area (some apps are not
expandable). Touch again to display two
apps in half-screen view.
5. Controls
Touch to access all Model S controls and settings (doors, locks, lights, etc).
6. Climate controls (see Climate Controls on
page 80).
7. Volume control
Touch the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the volume of the
speakers. You can also adjust the volume
using the scroll wheel on the left side of
the steering wheel.
8. Reverse the position of the two currently
displayed apps.Warning: Paying attention to road and
traffic conditions must always be the
driver's highest priority. To ensure the
safety of vehicle occupants as well as other road users, using the touchscreenshould be done only when road andtraffic conditions permit.
Touchscreen Overview
Using the Touchscreen73
Cleaning the InteriorFrequently inspect and clean the interior to
maintain its appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe
up spills and remove marks. For general
cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as micro fiber) dampened with amixture of warm water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks,
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag
cover. This could affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the
dashboard. Polished surfaces are reflective
and could interfere with your driving view.
Leather Seats
Leather is prone to dye-transfer which can cause discoloration, particularly on light
colored leather. White and tan leather is
coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Wipe
spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth
moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Using detergents or commercially
available leather cleaners and conditioners is
not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Cloth Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove
any loose dirt.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled
areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type
of detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while
extended, preferably away from direct sunlight.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Vacuum the seats to remove any loose dirt.
Wipe the seats with a soft cloth dampened
with warm water. You can also use an
upholstery cleaner designed for automotive use. Extend the belts to wipe. Allow the belts
to dry naturally, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Touchscreen and Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel using a soft lint-free cloth specificallydesigned to clean monitors and displays. Donot use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and
do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically- charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen without
activating buttons and changing settings, you
can enable clean mode. Touch Controls >
Displays > Clean Mode . The display darkens to
make it easy to see dust and smudges.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can
damage the finish on chrome and metal
surfaces.
Cautions for Interior CleaningWarning: If you notice any damage on an
airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
immediately.Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
mechanism.Caution: Using solvents (including
alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or
silicone-based products or additives on
interior components can cause damage.
Cleaning
Maintenance119
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with electronic
modules that monitor and record data from
various vehicle systems, including the motor, Battery, braking and electrical systems. The
electronic modules record information about
various driving and vehicle conditions,
including braking, acceleration, trip and other
related information regarding your vehicle.
These modules also record information about the vehicle’s features such as charging events
and status, the enabling/disabling of various systems, diagnostic trouble codes, VIN, speed,direction and location.
The data is stored by the vehicle and may be accessed, used and stored by Tesla service
technicians during vehicle servicing or
periodically transmitted to Tesla wirelessly
through the vehicle’s telematics system. This data may be used by Tesla for various
purposes, including, but not limited to:
providing you with Tesla telematics services; troubleshooting; evaluation of your vehicle’s
quality, functionality and performance;
analysis and research by Tesla and its partners
for the improvement and design of our
vehicles and systems; and as otherwise may be required by law. In servicing your vehicle,
we can potentially resolve issues remotely
simply by reviewing your vehicle’s data log.
Tesla’s telematics system wirelessly transmits
vehicle information to Tesla on a periodic
basis. The data is used as described above and helps ensure the proper maintenance of
your vehicle. Additional Model S features may
use your vehicle’s telematics system and the
information provided, including features such
as charging reminders, software updates, and
remote access to, and control of, various
systems of your vehicle.
Tesla does not disclose the data recorded in
your vehicle to any third party except when:
• An agreement or consent from the vehicle’s owner (or the leasing companyfor a leased vehicle) is obtained.
• Officially requested by the police or other authorities.
• Used as a defense for Tesla in a lawsuit. • Ordered by a court of law.
• Used for research purposes without disclosing details of the vehicle owner or
identification information.
• Disclosed to a Tesla affiliated company, including their successors or assigns, or
our information systems and data
management providers.In addition, Tesla does not disclose the data
recorded to an owner unless it pertains to a
non-warranty repair service and in this case,
will disclose only the data that is related to the repair.
Quality Control
You might notice a few miles/km on the
odometer when you take delivery of your Model S. This is a result of a comprehensivetesting process that ensures the quality ofyour Model S.
The testing process includes extensive
inspections during and after production. The final inspection takes place at Tesla Motors
and includes a road test conducted by a
technician.
California Proposition 65Warning: Certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.Warning: Certain components of this
vehicle such as airbag modules and seat
belt pre-tensioners may contain
Perchlorate Material. Special handling
may be required for service or vehicle
end of life disposal. See http://
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Disclaimers
Consumer Information155
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 52
Acceleration (dual motor) 74
access panel, removing 123accessoriesinstalling 133
plugging into power socket 87
air circulation 81
air conditioning 80
air distribution 81
air filter 82
air suspension 84
air vents 82
airbags 32
alarm 95
all-season tires 111
always connected, setting 70
anti-lock braking (ABS) 52
audioplaying files 85
steering wheel buttons 37
auto-raising suspension 83
B
backup camera 71
battery (12V)complete discharge 103
specifications 141Battery (high voltage)care of 103
coolant 123
specifications 142
temperature limits 103
battery (key), replacing 5
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 86
general information 88
phone, pairing and using 88
body repairs 133
body touch up 120
brake fluid replacement 108
brakesfluid level 124
overview of 52
specifications 141
brightness of displays 77
C
cabin temperature control 80
calendar 93
California Proposition 65 155
camera (rear view) 71
car cover 120
car washes 118
carpets, cleaning 119
CE certifications 157
CHAdeMO 102
chains 112
change of ownership 79
charge port 104
charge port light 105chargingcharge settings 106
components and equipment 101
instructions 104
public charging stations 102
scheduling 106
status of 107child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 119
installing and using 23
Tesla built-in rear facing 28
cleaning 118
climate controls 80
climate ionizer 77
Cold Weather controls 74
collision avoidance 58
console12V power socket 87
cup holders 16
USB ports 87contact informationroadside assistance 149
Tesla 156coolantBattery, checking level of 123
Battery, replacement interval 108
copyrights 153, 154
cornering lights 50
Creep 74
cruise control 60
cup holders 16
customizing Model S 77
D dashboard overview 2
data recording 155
day mode 77
delivery mileage 155
devices
Index
160Model S Owner's Manual
PPark Assist 66
Park gear 42
parking brake 53
parts replacement 133
passenger detection 34
passenger front airbag 34
personal data, erasing 79phonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 88
power management 70
power socket 87
power windows 9
powering on and off 41
preferences, setting 77
Proposition 65 155
public charging stations 102
R radio 85
radio frequency, FCC information 159
rain sensor 51
rangedisplayed on instrument panel 43
driving tips to maximize 70
regenerative braking 53
range mode 70
Range Mode 74
Rated range 77
rear seats, folding and raising 18
rear view camera 71
rear window switches, disabling 9
regenerative braking 53
region format 77
release notes 99
Reverse gear 42
roadside assistance 149
roof racks 137
rotating tires 110
S
safety defectsreporting (Canada) 156
reporting (U.S.) 156safety informationairbags 35
child seats 27
rear facing child seats 30
seat belts 21seat beltscleaning 119
in a collision 21
overview of 20
pre-tensioners 21
wearing when pregnant 20
seat covers 19
seat heaters 80
seating capacity 135seatsadjusting 17
heaters 80
Tesla built-in rear facing 28
security settings 95
service data recording 155
service intervals 108
Settings 77
Settings, erasing 79
shifting gears 42
Slacker 85
slip start 54
Smart Preconditioning 77
software reset 79
software updates 99
specificationsdimensions 138
exterior 138
subsystems 140
tires 144
weights 139
wheels 143
stability control 54
starting Model S 41
steering specifications 140
steering wheel 37
summer tires 111
sunroof 15
suspension 84
suspension specifications 141
T
telematics 155
telephonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 88temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 103
cabin, controls for 80
outside 43
tires 147
tie-down straps 152
tilt detection 95
Tire and Loading Information label 135
tire noise 112
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 158
overview of 112
tire pressures, checking 109
Index
Index163