Overview........................................................................................ 2Interior Overview........................................................................ 2Exterior Overview....................................................................... 3
Opening and Closing................................................................. 4Doors............................................................................................... 4
Keyless Locking and Unlocking 4Using the Key 4Using Exterior Door Handles 6Using Interior Door Handles 6Interior Locking and Unlocking 6Child-protection Lock 7Drive-away Locking 7Walk-away Locking 7Unlocking When the Key Doesn't Work 7Opening Interior Doors with No Power 8
Windows........................................................................................ 9
Opening and Closing 9Locking Rear Windows 9
Rear Trunk................................................................................... 10
Opening 10Closing 10Adjusting the Opening Height 10Interior Release 11Opening with No Power 11
Front Trunk.................................................................................. 12
Opening 12Closing 12Interior Emergency Release 13Opening with No Power 13
Glove Box..................................................................................... 14
Opening and Closing 14
Sunroof.......................................................................................... 15
Opening and Closing 15
Cup Holders................................................................................. 16
Opening and Closing 16
Seating and Safety Restraints.............................................. 17Front and Rear Seats............................................................... 17
Correct Driving Position 17Adjusting the Driver’s Seat 17Seat Heaters 18Folding Rear Seats 18Raising Rear Seats 19Head Supports 19Seat Covers 19
Seat Belts.................................................................................... 20
Wearing Seat Belts 20Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant 20Seat Belt Pre-tensioners 21Testing Seat Belts 21Seat Belt Warnings 21
Child Safety Seats.................................................................... 23
Guidelines for Seating Children 23Choosing a Child Safety Seat 24Seating Larger Children 25Installing Child Safety Seats 25Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats 25Installing LATCHChild Seats 26Attaching Upper Tether Straps 26Testing a Child Safety Seat 27Warnings - Child Safety Seats 27
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats............................. 28
Usage Restrictions 28Opening 28Folding 28Seating a Child 30Warnings - Tesla Child Seats 30
Airbags......................................................................................... 32
Location of Airbags 32How the Airbags Work 33Types of Airbags 33Passenger Front Airbag 34Inflation Effects 35Airbag Warning Indicator 35Airbag Warnings 35
Driving.......................................................................................... 36Driver Profiles............................................................................ 36
Creating a Driver Profile 36Restoring a Driver’s Profile 36Saved Driver Settings 36
Steering Wheel.......................................................................... 37
Adjusting Position 37Adjusting Sensitivity 37Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons 37Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons 38Using Voice Commands 38Heated Steering Wheel 39Horn 39
Mirrors.......................................................................................... 40
Adjusting Exterior Side Mirrors 40Rear View Mirror 40
Starting and Powering Off.....................................................41
Starting Model S 41Powering Off 41
Gears............................................................................................. 42
Shifting Gears 42Leaving Model S in Neutral - Tow Mode 42
Instrument Panel...................................................................... 43
Instrument Panel Overview 43Indicator Lights 44
Lights............................................................................................ 47
Controlling Lights 47Headlight High Beams 49Headlights After Exit 50Cornering Lights 50Turn Signals 50Hazard Warning Flashers 50
Wipers and Washers................................................................ 51
Wipers 51Washers 51
Brakes........................................................................................... 52
Braking Systems 52Brake Wear 52Regenerative Braking 53Parking Brake 53
Traction Control........................................................................54
How It Works 54
Speed Assist............................................................................... 55
How Speed Assist Works 55Controlling Speed Assist 56Limitations and Inaccuracies 56
Lane Departure Warning....................................................... 57
How Lane Departure Warning Works 57Controlling Lane Departure Warning 57Limitations and Inaccuracies 57
Forward Collision Warning................................................... 58
How Forward Collision Warning Works 58Visual and Audible Feedback 58Controlling Forward Collision Warning 58Limitations 58
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.............................................. 60
Operating Traffic Aware Cruise Control 60Instrument Panel Indicator Lights 62Changing the Set Speed 62Overtake Acceleration 63Canceling and Resuming 64Limitations 64
Park Assist.................................................................................. 66
How Park Assist Works 66Visual and Audio Feedback 66Controlling Audible Feedback 67Limitations and False Warnings 67Other Parking Aids 67
Hill Start Assist.......................................................................... 68
Trip Information........................................................................ 69
Displaying Trip Information 69
Getting Maximum Range...................................................... 70
Driving Tips to Maximize Range 70Energy App 70Saving Energy 70
Rear View Camera.....................................................................71
Camera Location 71
Using the Touchscreen........................................................... 72Touchscreen Overview...........................................................72
The Big Picture 72
Controls........................................................................................74
Controlling Model S Features 74
Settings.........................................................................................77
Customizing Model S 77Erasing Personal Data 79
Climate Controls.......................................................................80
Overview of Climate Controls 80Customizing Climate Control 81Ventilation 82Climate Control Operating Tips 82
Smart Air Suspension............................................................. 83
Manual Height Adjustments 83Location-Based Suspension 83Automatic Lowering 84Jack Mode 84
Media and Audio.......................................................................85
Overview 85AM and FM Radio 85XM Radio 85Internet Radio 85Media Settings 86Favorites 86My Music & Devices 86USB Connections 8712V Power Socket 87
Phone............................................................................................ 88
Bluetooth®Compatibility 88Pairing a Bluetooth Phone 88Importing Contacts 88Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone 88Connecting to a Paired Phone 89Making a Phone Call 89Receiving a Phone Call 89In Call Options 89
Maps and Navigation.............................................................. 90
Overview 90Using Maps 90Starting Navigation 90During Navigation 91Favorite Destinations 92Updated Maps 92
Calendar....................................................................................... 93
Overview 93Calendar and Navigation 94
Security Settings...................................................................... 95
About the Security System 95
HomeLink ®
Universal Transceiver.......................................96
About HomeLink 96Programming HomeLink 96Troubleshooting HomeLink 96
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................ 98
Software Updates.................................................................... 99
Loading New Software 99Viewing Release Notes 99
Mobile App............................................................................... 100
Model S Mobile App 100
Charging......................................................................................101Electric Vehicle Components..............................................101
High Voltage Components 101Charging Equipment 102
Battery Information............................................................... 103
About the Battery 103Battery Care 103
Charging Model S................................................................... 104
Opening the Charge Port 104Plugging In 104During Charging 105Stopping Charging 105Charge Port Light 105Changing Charge Settings 106Charging Status 107
Maintenance............................................................................. 108Maintenance Schedule..........................................................108
Service Intervals 108Daily Checks 108Monthly Checks 108Fluid Replacement Intervals 108High Voltage Safety 108
Tire Care and Maintenance................................................. 109
Maintaining Tire Pressures 109Inspecting and Maintaining Tires 110Replacing Tires and Wheels 111Tire Types 111Driving in Low Temperatures 112Using Tire Chains 112Tire Pressure Monitoring 112
Temporary Tire Repair...........................................................114
Tire Repair Kit 114Inflating with Sealant and Air 115Inflating with Air Only 116Replacing the Sealant Canister 117
Cleaning....................................................................................... 118
Cleaning the Exterior 118Cleaning the Interior 119Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Repair 120Using a Car Cover 120Floor Mats 120
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.......................................... 121
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades 121Cleaning Washer Jets 121Fluid Reservoirs....................................................................... 123
Removing the Maintenance Panel 123Checking Battery Coolant 123Checking Brake Fluid 124Topping Up Washer Fluid 125
Fuses............................................................................................ 126
Fuse Box Locations 126Replacing a Fuse 126Fuse Box 1 127Fuse Box 2 129Fuse Box 3 131
Jacking and Lifting................................................................. 132
Jacking Procedure 132
Parts and Accessories........................................................... 133
Parts, Accessories, and Modifications 133Body Repairs 133
Specifications........................................................................... 134Identification Labels.............................................................. 134
Vehicle Identification Number 134Emission Control Label 134
Vehicle Loading....................................................................... 135
Load Capacity Labeling 135Calculating Load Limits 136Towing a Trailer 137Roof Racks 137
Dimensions and Weights..................................................... 138
Exterior Dimensions 138Weights 139
Subsystems...............................................................................140
Motor 140Transmission 140Steering 140Brakes 141Suspension 141Battery - 12V 141Battery - High Voltage 142
Wheels and Tires.....................................................................143
Wheel Specifications 143Wheel Alignment Values 143Tire Specifications 144Understanding Tire Markings 145Uniform Tire Quality Grading 147Wheels and Tires Glossary 148
Roadside Assistance............................................................. 149Contacting Roadside Assistance...................................... 149Instructions for Transporters............................................. 150
Use a Flatbed Only 150Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only) 150Activate Tow Mode 150Connect the Tow Chain 151Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the Wheels 152
Consumer Information.......................................................... 153About this Owner Information........................................... 153
Illustrations 153Errors or Inaccuracies 153Location of Components 153Document Applicability 153Copyrights and Trademarks 154
Disclaimers................................................................................ 155
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders 155Quality Control 155California Proposition 65 155
Reporting Concerns............................................................... 156
Contacting Tesla 156Reporting Safety Defects - US 156Reporting Safety Defects - Canada 156
Declarations of Conformity................................................. 157
Key and Passive Unlocking System 157Tire Pressure Monitoring System 158Media Control Unit 158HomeLink 159Radio Frequency Information 159
Contents
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
Inflation Effects
When airbags inflate, a fine powder is
released. This powder can irritate the skin and should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes
and from any cuts or abrasions.
After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a
gradual cushioning effect for the occupants and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is notobscured.
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in an accident, always have the airbags,
seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated
components checked and, if necessary,
replaced by Tesla.
In a collision, in addition to the airbags
inflating:
• Doors unlock and the door handles extend.
• Hazard warning lights turn on.
• Interior lights turn on.
• High voltage is disabled.
To restore Battery power, use the touchscreen
to manually power off Model S, then press the
brake to power it back on again.
Airbag Warning IndicatorThe airbag indicator on the
instrument panel remains lit if the
airbag system is malfunctioning. The
only time this indicator should light
up is briefly when Model S first starts
up, in which case it turns off within a few seconds. If it remains lit, contact
Tesla immediately and do not drive.
Airbag Warnings
Warning: All occupants, including the
driver, should always wear their seat
belts, whether or not an airbag is also
provided at their seating position, to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death
in the event of a collision.Warning: Front seat occupants should
not place their arms over the airbag
module, as an inflating bag can cause
fractures or other injuries.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 theaccuracy of the occupant detection
system.Warning: Airbags inflate with
considerable speed and force, which can
cause injury. To limit injuries, ensure that
occupants are wearing seat belts and are
correctly seated, with the seat positioned
as far back as possible. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum
distance of 10" (25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and an airbag.Warning: Do not use a child safety seat or
seat young children on a seat with an operational airbag in front of it. Doing socan cause injury or death if the airbaginflates.Warning: To ensure correct inflation of
the side airbags, maintain an
unobstructed gap between an occupant’s
torso and the side of Model S.Warning: Passengers should not lean their
heads against the doors. Doing so can cause injury if a curtain airbag inflates.Warning: Do not allow passengers to
obstruct the operation of an airbag by
placing feet, knees or any other part of the body on or near an airbag.Warning: Do not attach or place objects
on or near the front airbags, the side of
the front seats, the headliner at the side of the vehicle, or any other airbag coverthat could interfere with inflation of an
airbag. Objects can cause serious injury if the vehicle is in a collision severe enoughto cause the airbag to inflate.Warning: Following inflation, some airbag
components are hot. Do not touch until
they have cooled.
Airbags
Seating and Safety Restraints35
10.Pay attention to alert messages that appear at the bottom center of the instrument panel. If
any alerts are in effect, you can view information about them by touching the alert icon
(exclamation mark) on the touchscreen’s status bar (the topmost area of the touchscreen).
11. Currently selected gear: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive.
12. Dashed lines appear on the power meter if Model S is limiting power. The dashed lines appear
on the top portion when power available for acceleration is being limited, and on the bottom
portion when power that can be gained by regenerative braking is limited. Model S limits
power for many reasons. Here are just a few examples:
• Acceleration may be limited when the Battery is reaching a low state of charge or if the powertrain is hot.
• Both acceleration and regenerative braking may be limited when the ambient temperature is either very high or very low.
• Regenerative braking may be limited when the Battery is fully charged.
13. Date and time
Indicator Lights Indicator lights flash on briefly when you press the brake pedal to prepare for driving. Unless anindicator light applies to a current situation, they should turn off. If an indicator light fails to turnon or off, contact Tesla.
In addition to indicator lights, alerts display on the top or bottom center of the instrument panel.
If alerts are in effect, an alert icon (exclamation mark) displays on the top of the touchscreen.
Touch this icon to display a description of the alert.IndicatorDescriptionAirbag safety. If this indicator does not flash on briefly when Model S
prepares to drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See Airbag
Warning Indicator on page 35.A seat belt for an occupied seat is not fastened. Note: Depending on the
date of manufacture, rear seating positions may not be equipped with a seat
belt reminder. See Seat Belts on page 20.Front fog lights (optional). See Lights on page 47.Parking lights (side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) are on.
See Lights on page 47.Headlight low beams are on.High beams are turned on, and either the vehicle is not equipped with Auto
High Beam, or Auto High-Beam is turned off. See Headlight High Beams on
page 49.
Instrument Panel
44Model S Owner's Manual
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with electronic
modules that monitor and record data from
various vehicle systems, including the motor, Battery, braking and electrical systems. The
electronic modules record information about
various driving and vehicle conditions,
including braking, acceleration, trip and other
related information regarding your vehicle.
These modules also record information about the vehicle’s features such as charging events
and status, the enabling/disabling of various systems, diagnostic trouble codes, VIN, speed,direction and location.
The data is stored by the vehicle and may be accessed, used and stored by Tesla service
technicians during vehicle servicing or
periodically transmitted to Tesla wirelessly
through the vehicle’s telematics system. This data may be used by Tesla for various
purposes, including, but not limited to:
providing you with Tesla telematics services; troubleshooting; evaluation of your vehicle’s
quality, functionality and performance;
analysis and research by Tesla and its partners
for the improvement and design of our
vehicles and systems; and as otherwise may be required by law. In servicing your vehicle,
we can potentially resolve issues remotely
simply by reviewing your vehicle’s data log.
Tesla’s telematics system wirelessly transmits
vehicle information to Tesla on a periodic
basis. The data is used as described above and helps ensure the proper maintenance of
your vehicle. Additional Model S features may
use your vehicle’s telematics system and the
information provided, including features such
as charging reminders, software updates, and
remote access to, and control of, various
systems of your vehicle.
Tesla does not disclose the data recorded in
your vehicle to any third party except when:
• An agreement or consent from the vehicle’s owner (or the leasing companyfor a leased vehicle) is obtained.
• Officially requested by the police or other authorities.
• Used as a defense for Tesla in a lawsuit. • Ordered by a court of law.
• Used for research purposes without disclosing details of the vehicle owner or
identification information.
• Disclosed to a Tesla affiliated company, including their successors or assigns, or
our information systems and data
management providers.In addition, Tesla does not disclose the data
recorded to an owner unless it pertains to a
non-warranty repair service and in this case,
will disclose only the data that is related to the repair.
Quality Control
You might notice a few miles/km on the
odometer when you take delivery of your Model S. This is a result of a comprehensivetesting process that ensures the quality ofyour Model S.
The testing process includes extensive
inspections during and after production. The final inspection takes place at Tesla Motors
and includes a road test conducted by a
technician.
California Proposition 65Warning: Certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.Warning: Certain components of this
vehicle such as airbag modules and seat
belt pre-tensioners may contain
Perchlorate Material. Special handling
may be required for service or vehicle
end of life disposal. See http://
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Disclaimers
Consumer Information155
PPark Assist 66
Park gear 42
parking brake 53
parts replacement 133
passenger detection 34
passenger front airbag 34
personal data, erasing 79phonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 88
power management 70
power socket 87
power windows 9
powering on and off 41
preferences, setting 77
Proposition 65 155
public charging stations 102
R radio 85
radio frequency, FCC information 159
rain sensor 51
rangedisplayed on instrument panel 43
driving tips to maximize 70
regenerative braking 53
range mode 70
Range Mode 74
Rated range 77
rear seats, folding and raising 18
rear view camera 71
rear window switches, disabling 9
regenerative braking 53
region format 77
release notes 99
Reverse gear 42
roadside assistance 149
roof racks 137
rotating tires 110
S
safety defectsreporting (Canada) 156
reporting (U.S.) 156safety informationairbags 35
child seats 27
rear facing child seats 30
seat belts 21seat beltscleaning 119
in a collision 21
overview of 20
pre-tensioners 21
wearing when pregnant 20
seat covers 19
seat heaters 80
seating capacity 135seatsadjusting 17
heaters 80
Tesla built-in rear facing 28
security settings 95
service data recording 155
service intervals 108
Settings 77
Settings, erasing 79
shifting gears 42
Slacker 85
slip start 54
Smart Preconditioning 77
software reset 79
software updates 99
specificationsdimensions 138
exterior 138
subsystems 140
tires 144
weights 139
wheels 143
stability control 54
starting Model S 41
steering specifications 140
steering wheel 37
summer tires 111
sunroof 15
suspension 84
suspension specifications 141
T
telematics 155
telephonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 88temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 103
cabin, controls for 80
outside 43
tires 147
tie-down straps 152
tilt detection 95
Tire and Loading Information label 135
tire noise 112
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 158
overview of 112
tire pressures, checking 109
Index
Index163