How Forward Collision Warning
Works
If Model S is equipped with Autopilot, a
camera mounted on the windshield behind the interior rear view mirror and a radar sensor in
the center of the front grill monitor the area in
front of Model S for the presence of a vehicle,
bike or pedestrian. If a collision is considered likely unless you take immediate correctiveaction, Forward Collision Warning is designedto provide visual and audible warnings.
The cameras and sensors associated withForward Collision Warning are designed to
monitor an approximate area of up to 525 feet (160 meters) in the driving path, as illustrated
below.Warning: The area being monitored by
Forward Collision Warning can be adversely affected by road and weatherconditions (see Limitations on page 58).
Use appropriate caution when driving.Caution: If your Model S is equipped with
Forward Collision Warning, you must take
your vehicle to Tesla Service if a
windshield replacement is needed. Failure
to do so can cause Forward Collision
Warning to malfunction.Warning: Forward Collision Warning does
not operate when Model S is traveling less than 4 mph (7 km/h).Warning: Forward Collision Warning is
designed only to provide visual and
audible alerts (see Visual and Audible
Feedback on page 58). It does not
attempt to apply the brakes or decelerate
Model S. When seeing and/or hearing a warning (described below), it is the
driver's responsibility to immediately take an appropriate action.Warning: Forward Collision Warning is for
guidance purposes only and is not a
substitute for attentive driving and soundjudgement. Always keep your eyes on the road when driving and never depend on
Forward Collision Warning to warn you of a potential collision. Several factors canreduce the performance of Forward
Collision Warning, causing either
unnecessary, invalid, inaccurate, or
missed warnings (see Limitations on page
58). Depending on Forward Collision
Warning to warn you of a potential
collision can result in serious injury or
death.
Visual and Audible Feedback
When a collision with a vehicle, bicycle, or
pedestrian is considered likely unless
immediate action is taken, Forward Collision
Warning is designed to sound an audible alert
and display a collision warning in the center of the instrument panel.
Warnings cancel automatically when the risk
of a collision has been reduced (for example,
you have decelerated or stopped Model S, or
a vehicle in front has moved out of your
driving path).
Warning: Forward Collision Warning may
provide a warning in situations where the
likelihood of collision may not exist. Stay
alert and always pay attention to the area
in front of Model S so you can anticipate
whether any action is required.
Controlling Forward Collision
Warning
To turn Forward Collision Warning off or
adjust its sensitivity, touch Controls >
Settings > Driver Assistance > Forward
Collision Warning . Instead of the default
warning level of Medium, you can turn the
warning Off, or you can choose to be warned
Late or Early .
Note: Your chosen setting is retained until you
manually change it. It can also be saved in
your driver profile.
Limitations Forward Collision Warning cannot always
detect vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians, and you may experience unnecessary, inaccurate,
invalid or missed warnings for many reasons, particularly if:
• The road has sharp curves.
Forward Collision Warning
58Model S Owner's Manual
Canceling and Resuming
To manually cancel Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control, briefly push the cruise control lever
away from you. The message on the
instrument panel turns off, but the set speed remains displayed until Model S powers off.
To resume cruising at the previously set
speed, briefly pull the cruise control lever
toward you.
Note: When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
cancels, Model S does not coast. Instead,
regenerative braking slows down Model S in
the same way as when you move your foot off
the accelerator when driving without cruise
control (see Regenerative Braking on page
53).
Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may immediately cancel, or may not be available, in the following situations:
• You press the brake pedal.
• Your driving speed drops below 18 mph (30 km/h) in situations when
Model S does not detect a vehicle
ahead within the specified distance.
• You shift Model S out of Drive.
• The driver's seat belt is unbuckled.
• A door is opened.
• The view from the radar sensor or camera is obstructed. This could be
caused by dirt, mud, ice, snow, fog,
etc.
• The traction control setting is manually disabled or is repeatedly
engaging to prevent wheels from
slipping.
• The wheels are spinning while at a standstill.• The cruise control system is failing
and requires service.
When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is unavailable or cancels, all cruise control
functionality is unavailable. Model S no longer drives consistently at a set speed
and no longer maintains a specified
distance from the vehicle ahead.Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
can cancel unexpectedly at any time for
unforeseen reasons. Always watch the
road in front of you and stay prepared to
take appropriate action. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of Model S
at all times.
Limitations
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is particularly
unlikely to operate as intended in the
following types of situations:
• The road has sharp curves.
• Visibility is poor (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).
• Bright light (oncoming headlights or direct sunlight) is interfering with the
camera's view.
• The radar sensor in the center of the front grill is obstructed (dirty, covered, etc.).
• The windshield area in the camera's field of view is obstructed (fogged over, dirty,
covered by a sticker, etc.).
Caution: If your Model S is equipped with
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, you must take your vehicle to Tesla Service if a
windshield replacement is needed. Failure
to do so can cause Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control to malfunction.Warning: Many unforeseen circumstances
can impair the operation of Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. Always keep this in mind
and remember that as a result, Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control may not slow down or may brake or accelerate Model S
inappropriately. Always drive attentively and be prepared to take immediate
action.Warning: Traffic-aware cruise control
may not brake/decelerate for stationary vehicles, especially in situations when youare driving over 50 mph (80 km/h) and a
vehicle you are following moves out of your driving path and a stationary vehicleor object is in front of you instead.
Always pay attention to the road ahead
and stay prepared to take immediate
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
64Model S Owner's Manual
Manually control the touchscreen’s
brightness and control its day (light
background) or night (dark background)
setting. When set to Auto, the
touchscreen automatically changes between Day and Night brightness
depending on the ambient lighting
conditions. To disable the touchscreen
momentarily for cleaning purposes, touch
Clean Mode . You can also put Model S
into an energy saving mode so it consumes less energy when not in use
(see Getting Maximum Range on page
70). Note that the Displays settings can
also be accessed from the Controls
window.
7. HomeLink
If the HomeLink feature is available in your region, use it to control RF-enabled
garage doors, lights, or security systems
(see HomeLink ®
Universal Transceiver on
page 96).
8. Driver Assistance
If your vehicle is equipped with Driver Assistance features, you can control
features that can provide a safer driving experience
• Lane Departure Warning: If on, the steering wheel vibrates if a front
wheel passes over a lane marking and
the associated turn signal is off (see
Lane Departure Warning on page 57).
• Overtake Acceleration: If on when Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is
operating, Model S accelerates when you engage the turn signal to indicate
a move into the passing lane (see Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on page
60).
• Speed Assist: Control how speed limits are determined and how
warnings are issued when you exceed the speed limit (see Speed Assist on
page 55).
• Forward Collision Warning: Control when warnings display on the
instrument panel if Model S detects a
vehicle, bike, or pedestrian ahead and
a collision is considered likely unless
you take immediate corrective action
(see Forward Collision Warning on
page 58).
9. Service & Reset
Turn various service-related features on
and off:• Service Mode: If on, moves wiper blades to the service position to make
them easier to access when replacing
them. Model S must be in Park. See
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets on
page 121.
• Tire Pressure Monitor: Touch Reset
Sensors to reset the TPMS sensors
after replacing a wheel (see Resetting
the TPMS Sensors on page 113).
• Tow Mode: Activate Tow Mode to keep Model S in Neutral (see Leaving
Model S in Neutral - Tow Mode on
page 42).
• Factory Reset: Touch Erase & Reset to
erase all personal data (saved addresses, music favorites, etc.) and
restore all customized settings to
their factory defaults.
10. Manual
Display this owners manual.Warning: Do not read the touchscreen
while driving. Doing so increases the
likelihood of a collision.
Naming Model S
To further personalize your Model S, you can
name it. The name you give your Model S will appear in the mobile app. To name your
Model S, touch the Tesla “T” at the top center
of the touchscreen, then touch Name Your
Vehicle .
When you save, Name Your Vehicle is
replaced by the name you provided. You can
touch the name at any time to rename your
Model S.
Erasing Personal Data
You can erase all personal data (saved
addresses, music favorites, imported contacts,
HomeLink programming, etc.) and restore all
customized settings to their factory defaults.
This is useful when transferring ownership of
Model S. Touch Settings > Service & Reset >
Factory Reset > Erase & Reset . Before erasing,
Model S verifies your credentials by
prompting you to enter the user name and
password associated with your MY TESLA
account.
Settings
Using the Touchscreen79
OverviewTouch the Media icon to listen to the radio or
play audio files. The touchscreen displays the
Media Player. Media Player has two tabs. Use the Browse tab to select what you want to
play and use the Now Playing tab to view and
control what is currently playing. You can play
AM and FM radio (including HD), and XM
satellite radio (if Model S is equipped with the optional sound package). You can also play
Internet radio (such as TuneIn), and audio files from a Bluetooth-connected device or a USB-
connected flash drive.
To adjust the media volume, roll the scroll
wheel on the left side of the steering wheel up or down. To mute the volume, tap the wheel.
AM and FM Radio
Model S provides AM and FM radio services. These can be selected from the Browse tab orusing the Source Picker, located in the upperright corner of the Media Player window.
You can manually tune the radio to any
frequency by touching and dragging the channel selector bar on the Now Playing
screen. The channel selector bar allows you to move from one available radio station to the
next.
XM Radio If Model S is equipped with the optional sound
studio package, you can listen to XM radio, a
subscription-based satellite radio service. To
receive XM radio channels, you must provide
the radio service provider with the radio ID for
your touchscreen.
To view the radio ID:
1. Select the XM radio source.
2. Tune it to channel 0.
3. The Radio ID displays in the station
information area.
To select an XM radio channel, you can either
manually scroll through the channel numbers,
or you can browse the channels by category.
To browse by category, touch Browse >
Radio > XM Satellite Radio .
Note: On newer models, XM radio is available
only if Model S is equipped with both the optional sound studio package and thepanoramic roof. To optimize aerodynamics,
Model S does not have an external antenna.
The internal antenna is compatible only with the transparent panoramic roof.Internet Radio
Internet radio services are accessed over a
data connection. To use Internet radio, touch
Media > Browse > Internet .
Choose your desired Internet radio service
(for example, TuneIn), then browse through the available categories and/or stations. When
you select a specific station or episode, Media Player starts playing it and displays the NowPlaying screen.
To play the next (and in some cases previous) available station, episode, or track beingprovided by the Internet radio service, touch
the arrows on the Now Playing screen, or use
the buttons on the left side of the steering
wheel (see Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons
on page 37). The exact function of these
controls vary depending on the specific
Internet service you are listening to.
You can also use voice commands to play a
specific song, artist, or album from an Internet
radio service. For details, see Using Voice
Commands on page 38.
Internet Radio Account Registration
Model S provides you with one or more
Internet radio services. To enter your log in
information, touch Controls > Settings >
Apps > Media Player . Enter the email and
password associated with the Internet radio
account(s) you want to use, then touch Log
In .
Slacker
You can use your own Slacker account or the
one that Tesla has already set up for you. To
use your own account, log in as described above.
Note: If you have a Slacker Premium account,
you can shuffle tracks in a playlist or repeat any track using the shuffle/repeat icons
displayed below the album cover art on the
Now Playing tab.
TuneIn
TuneIn does not require an account for it to work. But if you have a TuneIn account (go towww.tunein.com), you can log in as describedabove.
When playing a TuneIn podcast, you can rewind or fast forward to any location in the
podcast by dragging the slider bar on the Now Playing tab.
Media and Audio
Using the Touchscreen85
Media SettingsTo adjust settings for your radio stations, and
to log into your Internet radio account(s),
touch Controls > Settings > Apps > Media
Player .
FavoritesTo add a currently playing radio
station or audio file to your Favorites
list, touch the Favorites icon on the
Now Playing screen. The icon turns
blue to show that it is a favorite. To
remove a favorite, touch the icon
again.
Note: Adding a radio station to your Favorites
list also assigns it to one of the six presets, if an empty preset is available.
Note: To select a favorite radio station or
audio file, you can browse your list of Favorites by touching Browse > Favorites . As
shown below, the Favorites are sorted by their
source.
To play the previous or next song or station in
your Favorites list, touch the previous or next icon on the Now Playing screen, or use thebuttons on the left side of the steering wheel(see Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons on
page 37).
To remove a favorite from the list, touch the associated X.
Note: If you remove a favorite radio station or
channel that is assigned to a preset, it is also
removed from the preset.
My Music & Devices
To play audio files from a USB-connected
flash drive or a Bluetooth-connected device,
touch Media > Browse > My Music & Devices .
The name of the device will be displayed. Touch the song, album, or playlist you want to
play and Media Player starts playing and
displays the Now Playing screen.
To play the next song in the selected playlist or album, touch the previous or next arrowson the Now Playing tab, or use the buttons on
the left side of the steering wheel (see Using
Left Steering Wheel Buttons on page 37). You
can also shuffle tracks in a playlist or repeat
any track using the shuffle/repeat icons
displayed below the album cover art.
USB Connected Flash Drives
Connect a flash drive to one of the USB
connections (see USB Connections on page
87). Touch Media > Browse > My Music &
Devices , then touch the name of the flash
drive and the song you want to play.
Note: To play media from a USB connection,
Model S recognizes flash drives only. To play
media from other types of devices (such as an
iPod), connect using Bluetooth (if supported
by the device).
Bluetooth ®
Connected Devices
If you have a Bluetooth-capable device such
as a phone, that is paired and connected to
Model S (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on
page 88), you can play audio files stored on
it, and you can stream a music service (for example, Pandora or Spotify). Touch Media >
Browse > My Music & Devices , then touch the
name of your Bluetooth-connected device.
Your Bluetooth device begins playing theaudio file that was currently active on your
device, and the touchscreen displays the Now
Playing screen.
To change the track playing, touch the previous or next icons on the touchscreen, oruse the buttons on the left side of the steering
wheel.
Note: To play media from a Bluetooth-
connected device, ensure that access to the device’s media is turned on. See Phone on
page 88.
Media and Audio
86Model S Owner's Manual
Wi-Fi is available as a data connectionmethod and is often faster than cellular data
networks. Connecting to Wi-Fi is especially
useful in areas with limited or no cellular connectivity. To ensure fast, reliable deliveryof Model S updates (see Software Updates on
page 99), Tesla recommends leaving Wi-Fi
turned on and connected to a Wi-Fi network.
To connect to a Wi-Fi network:
1. Touch the 3G icon in the touchscreen
status bar. Model S will start scanning and
display the Wi-Fi networks that are within range.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use,
enter the password (if necessary), then
touch Connect .
You can also connect to a hidden network
that isn't shown on the list of scanned
networks. Just touch Wi-Fi Settings and enter
the name of the network in the resulting
dialog box.
Once you have connected to a network,
Model S auto-connects whenever the network
is within range. If more than one previously connected network is within range, Model S
connects to the one most recently used.
Note: You can also use a mobile hotspot or
your phone's Internet connection via Wi-Fi tethering.
Note: At Tesla service centers, Model S
automatically connects to a Tesla Service Wi-
Fi access point.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
98Model S Owner's Manual
High Voltage Components1.Battery
2. DC-DC converter and junction box
3. High voltage cabling (colored orange)
4. 10 kW on-board master charger
5. OPTIONAL: 10 kW on-board charger
6. Charge port
7. Drive unitWarning: 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.Warning: Read and follow all instructions
provided on the labels that are attached to Model S. These labels are there for
your safetyWarning: In the unlikely event that a fire
occurs, immediately contact your local
fire emergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
Charging101
About the Battery
Model S has one of the most sophisticated
battery systems in the world. The most important way to preserve the Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR MODEL S PLUGGED IN when
you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive
Model S for several weeks. When plugged in,
Model S wakes up when needed to
automatically maintain a charge level that
maximizes the lifetime of the Battery.
There is no advantage to waiting until the
Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact,
the Battery performs best when charged
regularly.
Note: If the Model S Battery becomes
completely discharged in a situation in which
towing is required, the owner is responsible for towing expenses. Discharge-related
towing expenses are not covered under the
Roadside Assistance policy.
Battery Care
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge.
Even when Model S is not being driven, its
Battery discharges very slowly to power the
onboard electronics. On average, the Battery discharges at a rate of 1% per day. Situations
can arise in which you must leave Model S
unplugged for an extended period of time (for
example, at an airport when traveling). In these situations, keep the 1% in mind to ensure
that you leave the Battery with a sufficient
charge level. For example, over a two week
period (14 days), the Battery discharges by
approximately 14%.
Discharging the Battery to 0% may
permanently damage the Battery. To protect against a complete discharge, Model S enters
a low-power consumption mode when the
charge level drops to 5%. In this mode, the
Battery stops supporting the onboard electronics to slow the discharge rate to
approximately 4% per month. Once this low-
power consumption mode is active, it is
important to plug in Model S within two
months to avoid Battery damage.
Note: When the low-power consumption
mode is active, the auxiliary 12V battery is no
longer being charged and can completely
discharge within 12 hours. In the unlikely event
that this occurs, you may need to jump start
or replace the 12V battery before you can
charge. In this situation, contact Tesla.Temperature Limits
For better long-term performance, avoid
exposing Model S to ambient temperatures above 140° F (60° C) or below -22° F (-30° C)
for more than 24 hours at a time.
Energy Saving Feature
Model S has an energy-saving feature that
reduces the amount of energy being consumed when Model S is not in use. Touch
Controls > Displays > Energy Saving . For more
information on maximizing range and saving
energy, see Getting Maximum Range on page
70.
Battery Warnings and CautionsWarning: The Battery has no parts that an
owner or a non-Tesla authorized service technician can service. Under no
circumstances should you open or
tamper with the Battery. Always contact Tesla to arrange for Battery servicing.Caution: If the Battery’s charge level falls
to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave it
unplugged for an extended period, it may
not be possible to charge Model S or use
the vehicle without jump starting or
replacing the 12V battery. Leaving Model S unplugged for an extendedperiod can also result in permanent
Battery damage. If you are unable to
charge Model S, contact Tesla
immediately.Caution: The Battery requires no owner
maintenance. Do not remove the filler cap
and do not add fluid. If the instrument
panel warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
Battery Information
Charging103