2015 TESLA MODEL S ABS

IndicatorDescriptionHigh beams are currently turned on, and Auto High Beam will turn off the
high beams if light is detected in front of Model S. See Headlight High
Beams on page 49.High beams are temporarily turned off because the Auto High Beam feature
is on and Model S detects light. When light is no longer detected, the high beams will automatically turn back on. See Headlight High Beams on page
49.Electronic stability control systems are applying the brake to the relevant
wheel to prevent slippage (light flashes). See Traction Control on page 54.The traction control system has been disabled. See Traction Control on page
54.A Smart Air Suspension fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Smart Air
Suspension on page 83.Smart Air Suspension’s automatic self-leveling is disabled. In other words,
Model S is in Jack mode and is ready to be lifted or pulled onto a transporter. Jack mode cancels when Model S is driven over 4.5 mph(7 km/h). See Smart Air Suspension on page 83.
The parking brake is manually applied. See Parking Brake on page 53.A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Parking Brake on page
53.An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See Brakes on page
52. Contact Tesla immediately.A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. See Brakes
on page 52. Contact Tesla immediately.
Instrument Panel
Driving45

Braking SystemsModel S has an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking
when you apply maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according
to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.The ABS indicator flashes briefly on
the instrument panel when you first
start Model S. If this indicator lights
up at any other time, an ABS fault
has occurred and the ABS is not
operating. Contact Tesla. The
braking system remains fully
operational and is not affected by an
ABS failure. However, braking
distances may increase.If the instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake fluid level is
low. Contact Tesla immediately.Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
and maintain firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents wheels from locking and ensures that you
stop as safely as possible.Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and be aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between
the tires and the road).
Brake Wear
Model S brake pads are equipped with wearindicators. A wear indicator is a thin metalstrip attached to the brake pad that squeals as
it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
service life and require replacement. To stop
the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads results in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
Brakes
52Model S Owner's Manual

Always drive at a safe speed based on
traffic and road conditions.Caution: If your Model S is equipped with
Speed Assist, you must take your vehicle to Tesla Service if a windshield
replacement is needed. Failure to do so
can cause Speed Assist to malfunction.
Controlling Speed Assist
To turn Speed Assist on or off, and control
how it works, touch Controls > Settings >
Driver Assistance > Speed Assist , then choose
one of these options:
• Off. The speed limit is not displayed.
• Display . Speed limit information visually
displays on the speedometer and when you exceed the limit, a speed limit sign
displays in the center of the instrument panel, and the speedometer displays theexcess speed in gray.
• Chime . In addition to the visual display, an
audible chime sounds whenever you
exceed the speed limit.
You can also specify how the speed limit is
determined:
• Relative . The speed limit is determined
automatically based on detected traffic
signs and GPS data. If desired, you can set
a speed limit offset (+ or -) if you want to
be alerted only when you exceed the
speed limit by a specified amount. For example, you would increase the offset to+10 mph if you only want to be alerted
when you exceed the speed limit by 10 mph.
• Absolute . Manually specify any speed limit
between 20 and 140 mph (30 and
240 km/h).
Note: GPS data is not always accurate. The
GPS can misjudge the road's location and
provide the speed limit for a directly adjacent
road that may have a different speed limit. For example, The GPS can assume Model S is on a
freeway when it’s actually on a nearby surface
street, and vice versa.
Limitations and Inaccuracies Speed Assist may not be fully functional or
may provide inaccurate information in these
situations:
• Visibility is poor and speed limit signs are not clearly visible (due to heavy rain,
snow, fog, etc.).
• Bright light (oncoming headlights or direct sunlight) is interfering with thecamera's view.
• Model S is being driven very close to a vehicle in front of it which is blocking the
camera's view.
• The windshield area in the camera's field of view is obstructed (fogged over, dirty,
covered by a sticker, etc.).
• Speed limit signs are concealed by objects.
• The speed limits stored in the GPS database are incorrect or outdated.
• Model S is being driven in an area where GPS data is not available.
• Traffic signs do not conform to standard recognizable formats.
• A road or a speed limit has recently changed.
Speed Assist
56Model S Owner's Manual

Caution: Keep sensors clean from dirt,
debris, snow, and ice. Avoid using a high
pressure power washer on the sensors
and do not clean a sensor with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch ordamage its surface.Caution: Do not install accessories or
stickers on or near the parking sensors.
Controlling Audible Feedback
You can use Park Assist with or without
audible feedback. To turn chimes on or off,
touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
Security > Park Assist Chimes .
You can also mute the chimes temporarily by
pressing the scroll wheel on the left side of
the steering wheel or by touching the mute
button in the bottom left corner of the Park
Assist view. The chimes are muted until you
shift into a different gear or drive over 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Limitations and False Warnings
The parking sensors may not function
correctly in these situations:
• One or more of the parking sensors is damaged, dirty, or covered (such as mud,
ice, or snow).
• Object is located below approximately 8 inches (20 cm) (such as a curb or lowbarrier).
• Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog) are interfering with sensor operation.
• Object is thin (such as a sign post).
• A sensor’s operating range has been exceeded.
• Object is sound-absorbing or soft (such as powder snow).
• Object is sloped (such as a sloped embankment).
• Model S has been parked in, or being driven in, extremely hot or cold
temperatures.
• The sensors are affected by other electrical equipment or devices that
generate ultrasonic waves.
• Object is located too close to the bumper. • A bumper is misaligned or damaged.
• An object that is mounted to Model S is interfering with and/or obstructing the
sensor (such as a bike rack or a bumper
sticker).
Other Parking Aids
In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into
Reverse gear, the backup camera displays a
view of the area behind Model S. See Rear
View Camera on page 71.
Park Assist
Driving67

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

Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the
brake pedal or a significant loss of brake
fluid. Driving under these conditions can result in extended stopping distances orcomplete brake failure.The Brake indicator on the
instrument panel alerts you if the
quantity of fluid in the brake
reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the
brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 123).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the filler cap.
The brake fluid level should always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake fluid. Tesla service does this when you bring Model S in for
regular servicing. The following instructions are provided for information purposes andfuture reference only:
1. Clean the filler cap before removing to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
using brake fluid meeting DOT3 or DOT4 specifications.
4. Replace the filler cap.Warning: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use previously used fluid or fluid from apreviously opened container—fluid
absorbs moisture which decreases
braking performance.Warning: Brake fluid is highly toxic. Keep
containers sealed and out of the reach of children. In the event of accidentalconsumption, seek medical attention
immediately.Caution: Brake fluid damages painted
surfaces. Immediately soak up any spills
with an absorbent cloth and wash the
area with a mixture of car shampoo and
water.
Fluid Reservoirs
124Model S Owner's Manual

Fuse Box Locations
Three fuse boxes are located under the
maintenance panel, located in the front trunk.
For instructions on how to remove this panel,
see Removing the Maintenance Panel on page
123.
1. Fuse box 1 (see Fuse Box 1 on page 127).
DO NOT replace these fuses. If one of them fails, contact Tesla.
2. Fuse box 2 (see Fuse Box 2 on page 129).
3. Fuse box 3 (see Fuse Box 3 on page 131).
Replacing a Fuse
To remove a fuse box cover, press the plastic
tabs on either side.
Identify the fuse protecting the affected
circuit. Refer to the label on the inside of the fuse box cover or the fuse tables provided in
this section.
Pull the fuse to remove it. A break in the wire inside the fuse indicates that the fuse hasblown.
Note: Do not replace fuses in fuse boxes
1 and 4, and do not remove or replace any relays. If one of these fails, contact Tesla.
Warning: Always manually power Model S
off before replacing a fuse (see Powering
Off on page 41).Caution: Only use Tesla-approved
replacement fuses of the same rating and specification. Using an incorrect fuse can
damage the electrical system and result in a fire.Caution: If a replacement fuse blows after
installation, contact Tesla to have the electrical system checked.
Fuses
126Model S Owner's Manual

Brakes
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)with Electronic Brake Force Distribution,
Integrated Advanced Stability Control
and Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated
regenerative braking systemCalipersFour piston fixedRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 13.98”/355 mm
Rear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mm
Service limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mm
Service limit: 1.02”/26 mmFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.354”/9.0 mm
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.315”/8.0 mm
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mmElectronic Parking Brake (EPB) Pad Thickness
(excluding back plate). Electronic calipers self-
adjust for pad wear.New: 0.216”/5.5 mm
Service limit: 0.039”/1 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake
calipers
Suspension
FrontIndependent, double wishbone, air spring
or coil spring/telescopic damper, sway barRearIndependent, multi-link, air spring or coil
spring/telescopic damper, sway bar (air suspension vehicles only)For alignment values, see Wheel Alignment Values on page 143.
Battery - 12V
Rating33 amp-hr or higherVoltage and Polarity12V negative (-) ground
Subsystems
Specifications141