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
Model S Mobile AppThe Tesla Model S mobile app allows you tocommunicate with Model S remotely using
your iPhone ®
or Android ™
phone. With this app,
you can:
• Check charging progress and receive notifications when charging has started,
has been interrupted, or is complete.
• Heat or cool Model S before driving (even if it's in a garage).
• Locate Model S with directions, or track its movement across a map.
• Flash lights or honk the horn to find Model S when parked.
• Vent or close the sunroof.
• Lock or unlock Model S from afar. • Start Model S.
• Support the Model S Calendar app by allowing the mobile app to send your
phone's calendar data to Model S.
• Receive notifications when the car alarm has been triggered, or a new Model S
software update is available.
Simply download the Tesla Model S mobile
app to your phone and enter your MY TESLA
login credentials. You must also ensure that Model S is ready to communicate with the
mobile app by turning on its remote access
setting. Touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
Security > Remote Access > On (see Settings
on page 77).
Mobile App
100Model S Owner's Manual
Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the driver’s side of Model S, behind a door that is part of therear tail light assembly.
Park Model S so that the charge cable easily
reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked, or a recognized key
nearby, press and release the button on a
Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door. If the cable you are using does not havethis button, you can also open the charge portdoor using any of these methods:
• Touch Controls > Charge Port on the
touchscreen.
• Touch the battery icon at the top of the touchscreen to display the Charging
screen, then touch Open Charge Port.
• Hold down the rear trunk button on the key for 1-2 seconds.
To charge at a public charging station, attach
an adapter to the station’s chargingconnector. The most commonly usedadapter(s) for each market region aresupplied with Model S. Depending on thecharging equipment you are using, you may
need to start and stop charging using a control on the charging equipment.
Note: The charge port lights up white when
you open the charge port door. If you do not
connect a charge cable, the light eventually
turns off.
Note: If you do not insert the charge cable
into the charge port within a few minutes after
opening the charge port door, the latch
closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to
open the charge port door.Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped onto Model S.Caution: Do not attempt to force the
charge port door open. Doing so can
damage the latch. A damaged latch
cannot hold the door closed.
Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the
charge limit and the charging current.
If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug it into the power outlet before plugging it intoModel S.
Align the connector to the charge port and
insert fully. When the connector is properly
inserted, charging begins automatically after Model S:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector in place.
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other gear).
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling,
you may notice a delay before charging begins.
Note: Whenever Model S is plugged in but not
actively charging, it draws energy from the wall instead of using energy stored in the
Battery. For example, if you are sitting in
Model S and using the touchscreen while it’s is
parked and plugged in, the energy being used
is drawn from the power outlet instead of the
Battery.
Charging Model S
104Model S Owner's Manual
During ChargingDuring charging, the charge port pulses green
and charging status displays on the instrument panel. The frequency at which thecharge port’s light pulses slows down as thecharge level approaches full. When charging iscomplete, the light stops pulsing and is solid
green.
Note: If Model S is locked, the light around the
charge port does not light up.
If the light around the charge port lights up
red while charging, a fault is detected. Check
the instrument panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault. A fault can
occur due to something as common as a
power outage. If a power outage occurs,
charging resumes automatically when power
is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and the
fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool. Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds
during charging.
Stopping Charging You can stop charging at any time by
disconnecting the charge cable or touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on a Tesla
connector to release the latch.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
3. Push the charge port door closed.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, Model S must be unlocked
or able to recognize a key before you can
disconnect the charge cable.
Note: Model S stops charging whenever you
double-click the key. If you do not unplug
within 60 seconds, charging resumes.Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model S plugged in when not in
use. This maintains the Battery at the optimum level of charge.Charge Port LightWhiteThe charge port door is open and
Model S is ready to charge. The
connector either hasn't been
inserted yet, or the latch is
released and the connector is
ready to be removed.Solid
GreenCharging is complete.Blinkin
g
GreenCharging is in progress. As Model S approaches a full charge, the
frequency of the blinking is slower.BlueModel S detects that a connector has been plugged in, but charging
has not started. Either Model S is
preparing to charge, or a charging
session is scheduled to begin at a
specified future time.Solid
AmberThe connector is not fully plugged
in. Realign the connector to the
charge port and insert fully.Blinkin
g
AmberModel S is charging at a reduced
current (AC charging only).RedA fault is detected and charging
has stopped. Check the instrument
panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault.
Charging Model S
Charging105
Changing Charge SettingsThe charge settings screen displays on the
touchscreen whenever the charge port door is
open.
To display charge settings at any time, touch
the Battery icon on the top of the
touchscreen, or touch Controls > Charging
(located in the upper right portion of the
Controls screen).
Note: The following illustration is provided for
demonstration purposes only and may vary
slightly depending on the software version
and market region of your Model S.
1. Charge status messages (such as
Charging Scheduled, Charging In
Progress) display here.
2. To adjust the charge limit, touch Set
Charge Limit , then drag the slider bar. You
can charge to any level from 50% to 100%
based on your driving needs. The setting
you choose applies to both immediate
and scheduled charging sessions.
3. Location-specific schedule. With Model S
in Park, set a specific time when you want
Model S to begin charging at the current
location. If, at the scheduled time, Model S
is not plugged in at the location, it will
start charging as soon as you plug it in as
long as you are plugging it in within six hours of the scheduled time. If you plug in
after six hours, Model S does not start
charging until the scheduled time on the next day. To override this setting, touch
Start Charging or Stop Charging (see
item 4). When you set a scheduled
charging time, Model S displays the set time on the instrument panel and the
touchscreen.
4. Touch to open the charge port door or to
start (or stop) charging.
5. The current automatically sets to the
maximum current available from the
attached charge cable, unless it was
previously reduced to a lower level.
If needed, touch the up/down arrows to change the current (for example, you may
want to reduce the current if you are
concerned about overloading a domestic
wiring circuit shared by other equipment).
It is not possible to set the charging
current to a level that exceeds the maximum available from the attached
charge cable.
When you change the current, Model S
remembers the location. So if you
subsequently charge at the same location, you do not need to change it again.
Note: If Model S automatically reduced a
charging location's current because of
fluctuations in input power (see the note
in Charging Status on page 107), Tesla
recommends charging at the lower
current until the underlying problem is
resolved and the charging location can provide consistent power.
Charging Model S
106Model S Owner's Manual
Charging StatusThe following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only and may vary slightlydepending on the software version and market region of your Model S.1. Charging rate per hour.
2. Total estimated driving distance (or
energy) available. Instead of driving distance as shown here, you can display
the percentage of battery energy
remaining. To do so, touch Controls >
Settings > Units & Format > Energy &
Charging .
Note: A portion of the battery image may
appear blue. This indicates that a small
portion of the energy stored in the battery
is not available on your drive because the battery is cold. This is normal and no
reason for concern. When the battery warms up, the blue portion is no longer
displayed.
3. Current being supplied/Total current
available from the connected power
supply (see Changing Charge Settings on
page 106).
4. Estimated increase in driving distance (or
energy) achieved so far in this charging session. Instead of driving distance as
illustrated above, you can change settings
to display the amount of energy achieved.
To do so, touch Controls > Settings >
Units & Format > Energy & Charging .
5. Charging status information displays here.
For example, if Model S is charging, it displays the time remaining until fully
charged at the currently selected charge
level. When scheduled charging is set fora location, it displays when charging will
start.
6. Voltage being supplied by the charge
cable.
Note: If Model S is charging and detects
unexpected fluctuations in the input power, it automatically reduces the charging current by25%. For example, a 40 amp current isreduced to 30 amps. This automatic currentreduction increases robustness and safety in
situations when a problem exists outside of
Model S or its charging electronics. For
example, a home wiring system, receptacle,
adapter or cord is unable to meet its rated
current capacity. When Model S automatically
reduces a location's charging current, it
retains the reduced current for that location
as a precaution. Although you can manually
increase it, Tesla recommends charging at the
lower current until the underlying problem is
resolved and the charging location can
provide consistent power.
Charging Model S
Charging107
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