Passenger Front Airbag
Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that controls the status of theairbags based on the weight of the occupant.Passenger airbag status displays in the top
right corner of the touchscreen to indicate
whether the airbag will inflate (on) or not
inflate (off) if a collision occurs.
Note: The occupancy sensor system meets the
regulatory requirement of FMVSS 208 and automatically detects when inflating the
passenger front airbags would be unnecessary or potentially harmful.
Front passenger seat
occupancy*Passenger airbag
statusEmptyOFFInfant in child safety
seat (up to 20 lbs/
9kg)OFFChild or small
occupant
(20-100 lbs/9-45 kg)ON or OFFHeavy object/
occupantON*Values are approximate. Occupants whose
weight is close to the low weight threshold
can cause the status to occasionally turn on and off depending on seating position and
physique.
If the status shows the airbag as permanently
on, even when the seat is empty and the seat
belt is unbuckled, contact Tesla immediately.
To make sure the sensing system can
correctly detect occupancy status, eliminate
the following:
• Objects lodged under the seat.
• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).
• Objects wedged between the seat back and seat cushion.
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
• After market items attached to, or sitting on, the seat (covers, mats, blankets, etc.).
These conditions can interfere with the
occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the above possibilities, and the airbag status is
still incorrect, ask passengers to ride in the rear seats and contact Tesla to have the
airbag system checked.
Note: The front passenger seat’s sensing
system affects the operation of the passenger front and side airbags only. Other passengercurtain airbag is not affected.Warning: Never seat a child in a child
safety seat or a booster seat on the front
passenger seat when the airbags are
activated.Warning: Do not use seat covers on
Model S. Doing so could restrict
deployment of the side air bags if an
accident occurs. It can also reduce the
accuracy of the occupant detection
system.
Airbags
34Model S Owner's Manual
Driving Tips to Maximize RangeYou can maximize your driving range usingthe same driving habits that you use to
conserve fuel in a gasoline-powered vehicle. In
addition to driving habits, energy
consumption depends on environmental conditions (such as cold weather and hillyroads). To get the maximum mileage from a
charge:
• Avoid frequent and rapid acceleration. • Instead of using the brake to slow down, move your foot off the accelerator.
Whenever Model S is moving and your
foot is off the accelerator, regenerative
braking slows down Model S and feeds
surplus energy back to the Battery (see
Regenerative Braking on page 53).
• Keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures (see Tire Care and Maintenance
on page 109).
• Lighten your load by removing any unnecessary cargo.
• Limit the use of resources such as heating and air conditioning. Using seat heaters to
keep warm is more efficient than heating the cabin. To automatically limit the
amount of power that the climate control system uses to maintain the temperatureof the Battery and the cabin area, touch
Controls > Driving > Range Mode > ON .
Note: On Dual Motor vehicles, you can turn on
Range Mode only when acceleration is set to Sport (if you change Acceleration to Insane,Range Mode automatically turns off).
The power meter on the instrument panel and
the Energy app (described next) provide
feedback on energy usage. With this
feedback, you will soon become familiar with how driving habits and environmental
conditions impact how much energy Model S
is using.
Energy App Use the energy app to view real-time and
projected energy usage. Choose from two
types of charts:
• Consumption Chart: - display how much energy Model S has consumed over thepast 5, 15 or 30 miles (10, 25 or 50 kms).
• Trip Chart - If your Model S is equipped with the navigation option, you can trackthe amount of energy being consumed
while navigating to a destination. The gray
line represents predicted usage and the
green line represents actual usage. Touchthe zoom icon in the top right corner to change the zoom level.
Note: The Trip Chart displays energy usage
only if you are currently navigating to a destination.
Note: In some situations, values and distances
on the Trip chart may be inaccurate. For example, when charging Model S during anactive navigation route. To resolve
inaccuracies, cancel and reinitiate navigation to the destination.
Saving Energy 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 and
choose from the following options:
• OFF . All display systems remain powered
when Model S is not in use, providing the most responsive experience. More energy
is consumed.
• NIGHTLY . Model S shifts to the energy-
saving mode at night (10 pm to 5 am).
• ON. Significantly less energy is consumed
whenever Model S is not in use. The start-
up time of the instrument panel and
Bluetooth could be slower.
• Always Connected . Preserves cell
connectivity when energy saving is active.
This allows the mobile app to connect to
Model S more quickly, and provides
immediate 3G internet access when entering the car. Slightly more energy isconsumed.
Getting Maximum Range
70Model 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
1.Adjust settings associated with installed
apps (applications). Settings associated with apps that are either unavailable on
your Model , or have no settings that you
can adjust at this time, are grayed out.
2. Manage driver profiles (see Driver Profiles
on page 36).
3. Units & Format
Adjust how Model S displays:
• Distance: Miles or km can be shown on the range display, speedometer,
energy chart, trip meters, Google map searches and navigation routes.
• Time Format: 12 or 24 hour.
• Temperature: o
C or o
F.
• Energy & Charging: Display remaining energy and charging units as either a
percentage of battery energy
remaining, or as an estimate of the
distance that you can drive. When you choose Distance, you can display
mileage based on either:
• Rated - based on EPA testing.
• Ideal - assumes ideal driving conditions based on driving at a
steady speed of 55 mph
(89 km/h) on a flat road, and using no additional energy (seat
heaters, air conditioning, etc).
Note: When anticipating when you
need to charge, use range estimates as a general guideline only.
4. Vehicle
• Drive-away Door Lock: If on, all doors automatically lock whenever you
drive Model S over 5 mph (8 km/h)
(see Drive-away Locking on page 7).
• Walk-away Door Lock: If on, all doors automatically lock when you walkaway from Model S, carrying the key with you (see Walk-away Locking on
page 7). Available only if Model S is
equipped with the optional tech
package.
• Child-Protection Lock: If on, safety locks prevent the rear doors and theliftgate from being opened from
inside Model S.• Auto-Present Handles: If on, door handles extend automatically
whenever you approach Model S carrying a key, whether locked orunlocked (see Using Exterior Door
Handles on page 6). Note that to
preserve battery life, Model is
designed to temporarily disable the
Auto-Present Handles feature when
the key has been out of range for
more than 48 hours, or if the key
remains within range for five minutes
after all doors have been closed.
• Headlights After Exit: If on, headlights stay on for two minutes after you exit,
or until you lock Model S (see
Headlights After Exit on page 50).
• Mirror Auto-Tilt: If on, exterior mirrors tilt downward when reversing (see Mirrors on page 40). Available only if
Model S is equipped with the optional tech package.
• Mirror Auto-Fold: If on, exterior mirrors fold when you lock Model S
with the key or walk-away locking. They extend automatically when you
return to Model S. Available only if
Model S is equipped with both folding mirrors (newer models) and the
optional tech package. For newer
Model S vehicles, you can also fold
mirrors manually by touching the
center mirror control button (see
Mirrors on page 40).
• Ionizer: If on, the air ionizer freshens the air in the cabin.
• Smart Preconditioning: If on, Model S predicts your driving schedule and
adjusts the temperature of the cabin and the Battery so the vehicle is
comfortable and ready to drive. It may take some time for Model S to
learn your driving habits.
5. Safety & Security
Turn various safety and security features
on and off:
• Active safety devices Model S is equipped with, such as Park Assist
Chimes (see Park Assist on page 66).
• Alarm, and security options Model S is equipped with (see Security Settings
on page 95).
• Remote access by Tesla’s mobile applications (see Mobile App on page
100).
6. Displays
Settings
78Model S Owner's Manual
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
Customizing Climate ControlThe climate control system is designed to automatically provide optimum comfort in most
situations. All you need to do is set the desired temperature, and the air conditioning, air
recirculation, air distribution, and fan speed automatically maintain your selected temperature.
To override the automatic setting, touch AUTO ON to view the individual settings. Then touch the
setting you want to change. When you change a setting, the AUTO ON icon turns from blue to
gray and RESET AUTO displays instead.
1.Touch RESET AUTO to change all settings
back to the their default values.
2. Touch A/C ON or A/C OFF to turn the air
conditioning on and off, respectively. Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves
energy.
Because Model S runs much quieter than a gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice
the sound of the compressor as it is
operating. To minimize noise, reduce the
fan speed or recirculate the air.
3. Choose how air is drawn into Model S:
Outside air is drawn into
Model S (see Ventilation on
page 82). Although less
efficient than recirculating the
air in very hot or low climate
conditions, this setting draws
more air into the rear seating
areas, and is recommended
when occupants are seated in
the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats.Air inside Model S is
recirculated. This prevents
outside air (traffic fumes) from
entering but reduces
dehumidifying and cooling
performance. Recirculating the
air is the most efficient way to
cool the front cabin area but it
is also the loudest. To prevent
the windshield from fogging in
some conditions, briefly change
the setting every hour to draw
in outside air.
4. Choose where air flows into the cabin.
You can choose more than one location:
Foot-level ventsFace-level ventsWindshield vents
5. Drag the slider to set the speed of the fan.
Climate Controls
Using the Touchscreen81
Ventilation
Outside air is drawn into Model S through the
grill in front of the windshield. Keep the grill
clear of obstructions such as leaves and snow.
To direct the flow of air inside Model S, move
the interior vents up, down, or from side to
side.
Note: You can direct the outer face level vents
toward the side windows to help defrost or defog them.
Cabin Air Filter
Model S has an air filter that prevents pollen,
industrial fallout, road dust and other particles
from entering through the vents. Tesla replaces the air filter at the regularly
scheduled maintenance intervals of every 12 months, or every 12,500 miles (20,000 km).
Climate Control Operating Tips
• To conserve energy, you can limit the power of the climate control system by
turning on Range Mode. Cabin heating and cooling may be less effective, butseat heaters turn on to compensate.
Touch Controls > Driving > Range Mode .
• If the climate control system operates more loudly than you prefer, reduce thefan speed or adjust the air flow to draw in
outside air (instead of recirculating).
• In addition to cooling the interior, the air conditioning system also cools the
Battery. Therefore, in hot weather, the air
conditioning system can turn on even if
you turned it off. This is normal because the system’s priority is to cool the Battery
to ensure it stays within an optimum
temperature range to support long life and optimum performance.
• To ensure the climate control system operates efficiently, close all windows and
ensure that the exterior grill in front of the
windshield is free of ice, snow, leaves, and
other debris.
• To reduce the time it takes to reach a comfortable temperature in hot weather,
drive with the windows slightly open for a
few minutes when you first start driving.
• In very humid conditions, it is normal for the windshield to fog slightly when you
first turn on the air conditioning. This fog
clears within a few seconds.
• It is normal for a small pool of water to form under Model S when parked. Extra
water produced by the dehumidifying
process is drained underneath.
Climate Controls
82Model S Owner's Manual
Note: If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, you may hear the sound of the compressor when Model S starts, as thesystem’s reservoir fills with air.
Smart Air Suspension has both manual and
automatic modes of operation.
Manual Height AdjustmentsCaution: Before adjusting the suspension
height, ensure Model S is clear of all
obstacles, above and below.
Manually raising the height of Model S is useful when you need extra ground clearance,
such as steep driveways or ramps, deep snow,
speed bumps, etc.
With Model S powered on, or the brake pedal
pressed, use the touchscreen to manually
change the ride height. Touch Controls >
Suspension , then choose from:
• Very High . When set to Very High, the
suspension automatically lowers to High when driving speed reaches 22 mph
(35 km/h).
• High . When set to High, the suspension
automatically lowers to Standard when
driving speed reaches 34 mph (55 km/h).
• Standard . The Standard setting ensures
optimum comfort and handling under all
loading conditions.
• Low . Lowering the height can make it
easier to load or unload cargo and
passengers.
Note: Available settings depend on your
driving speed and other conditions. For
example, the suspension does not lower if a
door is open.
Location-Based Suspension Location-Based suspension saves you from
manually having to raise the suspension every
time you arrive at a frequently-used location
where a higher suspension is needed (steep
driveways or ramps, deep snow, speed
bumps, etc).
Whenever you raise the suspension to High or
Very High , Model S saves the location. A
status message displays to indicate that an
auto-raising location is being saved:
Then, when you return to the saved location,
Model S raises the suspension and the
instrument panel displays this message:
Note:
• To raise the suspension to High, you must be driving slower than 34 mph (55 km/h).
To raise it to Very High, you must be
driving slower than 22 mph (35 km/h). If
you are driving faster than these speeds when returning to a saved location, the
suspension does not raise until Model S
slows down.
• After leaving a saved location, the suspension may not lower based on an
automatic lowering speed that you have
set ( Controls > Suspension > Automatic
Smart Air Suspension
Using the Touchscreen83