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
Overview of Climate ControlsThe climate controls are always available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate
control is set to Auto On, which maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the temperature, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air
conditioning, air distribution, air circulation, and fan speed to maintain your selected temperature.
To override these settings, touch Auto On (see Customizing Climate Control on page 81).
The fan, heating, and air conditioning systems are powered by the Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases driving range.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version, market region, and settings, the information displayed may be
slightly different.1. The front seats are equipped with heating
pads that operate at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest).
When operating, the indicator turns red
and displays the setting number.
Note: If Model S is equipped with the
optional cold weather package, you can
also control seat heaters in the rear seats
as well as heated wipers by touching
Controls > Cold Weather (see Controls on
page 74). When equipped with executive seats, you can control the seat and the
backrest separately in each second row
passenger seat.
2. Touch the up or down arrow to set the
cabin temperature (from LO, 63° F to
HI, 90° F/LO, 17° C to HI, 32° C). To apply
a temperature setting to both the driver
and passenger side at the same time,
touch SYNC TEMP on the temperature
popup that appears when you touch an
arrow.
3. Automatic/Manual climate control (see
Customizing Climate Control on page
81).4. The windshield defroster distributes air
flow to the windshield and operates the
heating and fan at their maximum level.
Touch once for Normal Defrost and twice
for Max Defrost. When on, touch again to
turn off and restore the air distribution,
heating, and fan to their previous settings.
5. Turn climate control system on/off.
6. The rear window defroster warms up the
rear window* for 15 minutes, then
automatically shuts off.
*If Model S is equipped with the optional
tech package, exterior side mirrors are
also heated.Warning: To avoid burns resulting from
prolonged use, individuals who have
peripheral neuropathy, or whose capacity to feel pain is limited because of diabetes,
age, neurological injury, or some other
condition, should exercise caution when using the climate control system and seat
heaters.
Climate Controls
80Model S Owner's Manual
About HomeLinkIf Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you can program the HomeLink ®
Universal Transceiver to operate up to three
garage doors, gates, lights, and security
systems that can transmit Radio Frequency
(RF) signals.
Programming HomeLink
1. Park Model S in front of the device you
want to program, and have the device’s
remote control ready.
2. Touch Controls > Settings > HomeLink on
the touchscreen.
3. Touch Add New HomeLink , then use the
onscreen keyboard to enter a name for
your HomeLink device.
4. Touch Program .
5. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Once programmed, you can operate the device by touching its corresponding
HomeLink icon on the touchscreen’s status bar. HomeLink remembers the location of
your programmed devices. When you approach a known location, the HomeLink
control on the touchscreen automatically
drops down. When you drive away, it
disappears.
Note: For security reasons, erase your
HomeLink settings if you sell Model S.Warning: Your device might open or
close during programming. Before
programming, make sure that the device is clear of any people or objects.Warning: Do not use the HomeLink
Universal Transceiver with a garage door that does not meet safety standards. Agarage door opener that cannot detectan object in its path and then
automatically stop and reverse, does not
meet these standards. Using a garage
door opener without these features
increases the risk of injury or death.
Troubleshooting HomeLink
When programming a HomeLink device, the touchscreen steps you through a two-part
programming process:
• First, Model S records the signal from the remote. The touchscreen instructs you to
stand in front of the car, point the remote
at the front bumper and press and hold
the button until the headlights flash.
When headlights flash, Model S has
learned the remote and you can touch
Continue on the touchscreen . If the
headlights do not flash, refer to the
guidelines below.
• Next, the device's receiver learns Model S. The touchscreen instructs you to press
the LEARN button on the garage door or
gate's receiver. If training the receiver
does not work, refer to the guidelines
below.
NOTE: Only devices that are equipped
with a “rolling code” remote need to learn
Model S. If you have a very old device that
is not equipped with a rolling code
remote, the device does not need to learn
Model S and you can skip this part. You
can also skip this step if your receiver is
Quick-Train compatible. The opener
should work.
Headlights do not flash
• Check the batteries in the remote. It is a good idea to replace the batteries before
you start programming.
• Hold the remote against the nose cone, with the button pressed, about 6 inches to
the left of the Tesla emblem. In some
cases you must hold the remote for up to
three minutes.
• Check compatibility of the remote by contacting the HomeLink manufacturer
( www.homelink.com ).
After programming, the device does not work
• Park Model S with its front bumper as close as possible to the HomeLink device
(garage door, gate, etc).
• Make sure you haven’t reached the device receiver's limit of learned remotes/cars.
Most receivers can learn up to five
remotes/cars. If the receiver's memory is
full, you must clear the memory and
restart the programming process. For
instructions on how to clear the receiver's
memory, refer to the owner
documentation provided with the
HomeLink device.
• Make sure you are pressing the receiver's LEARN button. Most receivers have twobuttons and a LED. One button is a RESET
button and the other is a LEARN button.
Pressing the LEARN button usually causes the LED to flash. For instructions on how
to put the receiver into learning mode, refer to the owner documentation
provided with the HomeLink device.
HomeLink ®
Universal Transceiver
96Model S Owner's Manual
Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring
the continued reliability and efficiency of your
Model S.
Rotate the tires every 5000 miles (8000 km),
maintain the correct tire pressures, and take Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduledmaintenance intervals of every 12 months, orevery 12,500 miles (20,000 km), whichever
comes first. It is also important to perform the
daily and monthly checks described below.
Model S must be serviced by Tesla-certified
technicians. Damages or failures caused by
maintenance or repairs performed by non-
Tesla certified technicians are not covered by
the warranty.
Daily Checks • Check the Battery’s charge level, displayed on the instrument panel.
• Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn signals, and wipers and washers are
working.
• Check the operation of the brakes, including the parking brake.
• Check the operation of the seat belts (see Seat Belts on page 20).
• Look for fluid deposits underneath Model S that might indicate a leak. It is
normal for a small pool of water to form
(caused by the air conditioning system’s dehumidifying process).
Monthly Checks • Check the mileage to determine if the tires need to be rotated (every
5000 miles/8000 km), and check the
condition and pressure of each tire (see
Tire Care and Maintenance on page 109).
• Check washer fluid level and top up if necessary (see Topping Up Washer Fluid
on page 125).
• Check that the air conditioning system is operating (see Climate Controls on page
80).Warning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.Fluid Replacement Intervals
Do not change or top up Battery coolant and
brake fluid yourself. Tesla service technicians replace fluids at the regularly scheduled
service intervals:
• Brake fluid. Every 2 years or 25,000 miles (40,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Battery coolant. Every 5 years or 62,500 miles (100,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Note: Any damage from opening the Battery
coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
High Voltage Safety Your Model S has been designed and built
with safety as a priority. However, be aware of these precautions to protect yourself from the
risk of injury inherent in all high-voltage
systems:
• Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S.These labels are there for your safety.
• 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.
• If an accident occurs, do not touch any high voltage wiring, connectors, or
components connected to the wiring.
• In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.Warning: Always disconnect the charge
cable before working underneath Model S, even if charging is not in
progress.Warning: Keep your hands and clothing
away from cooling fans. Some fans
operate even when Model S is powered
off.Caution: Some fluids (battery acid,
Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer additives, etc.) used in motor
vehicles are poisonous and should not be
inhaled, swallowed, or brought into contact with open wounds. For your
safety, always read and follow
instructions printed on fluid containers.
Maintenance Schedule
108Model S Owner's Manual
Maintaining Tire PressuresKeep tires inflated to the pressures shown onthe Tire and Loading Information label, even ifit differs from the pressure printed on the tire
itself. The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the center door pillar and isvisible when the driver’s door is open.The Tire Pressure indicator light on
the instrument panel alerts you if
one or more tires is under- or over-
inflated.
The Tire Pressure indicator light does not
immediately turn off when you adjust tire
pressure. After inflating the tire to the
recommended pressure, you must drive over
25 mph (40 km/h) for more than 10 minutes to activate the Tire Pressure MonitoringSystem (TPMS), which turns off the TirePressure indicator light.
If the indicator light flashes for one minute whenever you power on Model S, a fault with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is detected (see TPMS Malfunction on page
113).
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures
Follow these steps when tires are cold and
Model S has been stationary for over three
hours:
1. Remove the valve cap.
2. Firmly press an accurate tire pressure
gauge onto the valve to measure
pressure.
3. If required, add air to reach the
recommended pressure.
4. Re-check pressure by removing and re-
attaching the tire gauge.
5. If you added too much air, release air by
pressing the metal stem in the center of
the valve.
6. Recheck the pressure with the tire gauge
and adjust if necessary.
7. Replace the valve cap to prevent dirt from
entering. Periodically check the valve for damage and leaks.Warning: Under-inflation is the most
common cause of tire failures and can
cause a tire to overheat, resulting in
severe tire cracking, tread separation, or
blowout, which causes unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk ofinjury. Under-inflation also reduces
Battery range and tire tread life.Warning: Check tire pressures using an
accurate pressure gauge when tires are
cold. It takes only about one mile (1.6 km) of driving to warm up the tires sufficiently
to affect tire pressures. Parking the
vehicle in direct sunlight or in hot
weather can also affect tire pressures. If you must check warm tires, expectincreased pressures. Do not let air out of
warm tires in an attempt to match
recommended cold tire pressures. A hot tire at or below the recommended coldtire inflation pressure is dangerously
under-inflated.Warning: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the type provided in a Tesla tire repair kit. Other types can cause tire
pressure sensors to malfunction. If your Model S did not include a tire repair kit,
you can purchase one from Tesla Motors.
Tire Care and Maintenance
Maintenance109
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires degrade over time due to the effects of
ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high loads, and environmental conditions. It isrecommended that tires are replaced everysix years, or sooner if required.
Wheel rims and tires are matched to suit the
handling characteristics of the vehicle. Replacement tires must comply with the
original specification. If tires other than those
specified are used, ensure that the load and speed ratings marked on the tire equal orexceed those of the original specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the
same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check
the alignment of wheels.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire
Pressure Monitoring System) sensors need to
be reset to ensure they provide accurate
warnings when tires are under- or over-
inflated (see Resetting the TPMS Sensors on
page 113).Warning: For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification (see Wheels and Tires on
page 143). Tires that do not match the original specification can affect the
operation of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).Warning: Never exceed the speed rating
of your vehicle's tires. The speed rating is
shown on the sidewall of your tires (see
Understanding Tire Markings on page
145).Asymmetric Tires
Model S tires are asymmetric and must be mounted on the wheel with the correctsidewall facing outward. The sidewall of thetire is marked with the word OUTSIDE. When
new tires are installed, make sure that the tires
are correctly mounted on the wheels.Warning: Road holding is seriously
impaired if the tires are incorrectly
installed on the wheels.
Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with high performance summer tires. These tires
are designed for maximum dry and wet road performance. Summer tires do not performwell in winter conditions. Tesla recommendsusing winter tires if driving in cold
temperatures or on roads where snow or ice
may be present. Contact Tesla for winter tire recommendations.
Warning: In cold temperatures or on
snow or ice, summer tires do not provide
adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditionsis important to ensure the safety andoptimum performance of your Model S,
even when equipped with dual motors.
All-Season Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with all-season tires. These tires are designed to
provide adequate traction in most conditions
year-round, but may not provide the same
level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be identified by “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Tire Care and Maintenance
Maintenance111
Winter Tires
Your Model S is not originally equipped with
winter tires. In snowy and icy conditions, consider installing winter tires. Winter tires are
designed to increase traction in snowy or icy
conditions. When installing winter tires, always install a complete set of four tires at the sametime. Winter tires must be the same size,brand, construction and tread pattern on allfour wheels. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.Winter tires can be identified by a
mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire's sidewall.
When driving with winter tires, you may
experience more road noise, shorter tread life, and less traction on dry roads.
Driving in Low Temperatures Tire performance is reduced in low ambient
temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and an
increased susceptibility to damage from
impacts. Performance tires can temporarily
harden when cold, causing you to hear
rotational noise for the first few miles (kms)
until the tires warm up.
Using Tire Chains Tesla has tested and approved Security Chain
Company (SCC) Model Z-563 chains for use
on the rear wheels. These chains must only be
used if your Model S has 245/45R19 rear tires
installed. Do not use chains on 21 inch tires.
When installing tire chains, follow the
instructions provided by the tire chain
manufacturer. Mount them as tightly as
possible.
When using tire chains:
• Drive slowly. Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy loads can reduce the clearance between
the tires and the body).
• Remove the tire chains as soon as conditions allow.
Note: Tire chains are prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing
tire chains.
Caution: Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized tires, can damage the suspension, body,wheels, and/or brake lines. Damagecaused 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
driver’s door pillar (see Maintaining Tire
Pressures on page 109). If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard 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 tire pressure
telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel when one or more of your
tires is significantly under- or over-inflated.
Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure indicator
light displays on the instrument panel alerting
of tire pressure, stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure (see Maintaining Tire
Pressures on page 109). 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- or
over-inflation has not reached the level
Tire Care and Maintenance
112Model S Owner's Manual
for the TPMS to trigger the Tire PressureWarning on the instrument panel.
Resetting the TPMS Sensors
After replacing one or more wheels, the TPMS sensors must be reset to ensure tire pressurewarnings are accurate. However, note that theTPMS sensors do not need to be reset after
replacing a tire or rotating wheels.
Note: When changing to 21" wheels
(Performance Plus models), the TPMS may
generate false tire pressure warnings. Bring
Model S to a Tesla Service center for further
adjustment.
Note: Do not reset the TPMS sensors in an
attempt to clear tire pressure warnings.
To reset TPMS sensors:
1. Inflate all tires to their recommend
pressures, as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the
driver’s door pillar.
2. Get ready to drive for ten minutes, then,
on the Model S touchscreen, touch
Controls > Settings > Service & Reset >
Tire Pressure Monitor > Reset Sensors .
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tiresensor 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 atire, the tire sensor will not work until Tesla
performs the setup procedure.
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 tire pressure
indicator light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the indicator
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 under- and over-
inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons, including installing replacement oralternate tires or wheels that prevent theTPMS from functioning properly. Alwayscheck the TPMS malfunction indicator light
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
tires or 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.
Tire Care and Maintenance
Maintenance113