2015 TESLA MODEL S towing

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

1.Close
Touch the circled X in the top left corner
of a window to close it (or you can touch anywhere outside the window).
2. Sunroof
If Model S is equipped with a sunroof,
touch to adjust its position (see Sunroof
on page 15).
3. Suspension
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, touch to manually raise or lower Model S, or to remove a previously
saved auto-raising location (see Smart Air
Suspension on page 83). Model S must
be powered on and you must press the
brake pedal before you can change
suspension settings. Smart Air Suspension
causes Model S to self-level, even when
powered off. Therefore, when towing or
lifting, you must disable self-leveling (see
Instructions for Transporters on page 150
and Jacking and Lifting on page 132).
4. Driving
• Steering mode Adjust the amount of effort requiredto turn the steering wheel. Sport feels
more responsive whereas Comfort
feels easier to drive and park (see
Steering Wheel on page 37).
• Acceleration (Dual Motor vehicles only)
Choose an acceleration level. Sport is the standard level of acceleration and allows you to maximize driving range(see the Range Mode setting below).
Choose Insane if you want to increase
peak torque by approximately 50 per cent. If you choose Insane, the Range
mode setting, if on, automatically turns off.
• Creep
When on, Model S slowly movesforward when in Drive and backward
in Reverse when you release the brake
(similar to a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission). You can
adjust this setting only when Model S
is in Park.
• Traction ControlTo allow the wheels to spin on a
standard single motor Model S, you can turn off traction control. On a dualmotor Model S, you can enable Slip
Start. If you turn off Traction Control
(or enable Slip Start), a warning
message displays on the instrument
panel. Traction control turns off for
the current drive only. On dual motor
vehicles, traction control is
automatically turned on again when the speed exceeds 40 mph
(64 km/h). See Traction Control on
page 54.
• Regenerative braking
When you release the accelerator
when driving, regenerative braking
slows Model S and feeds any surplus
energy back to the Battery. If set to
Low, Model S does not slow down as
quickly, but you may experience less range (see Regenerative Braking on
page 53).
Note: Regardless of the setting, the
energy gained by regenerative
braking is reduced if the Battery is
full, or if it is extremely cold or hot
(the surplus energy is used to heat or
cool the Battery).
• Range Mode
If on, Model S conserves energy by
limiting the power of the climate
control system. Cabin heating and
cooling may be less effective, but seat
heaters turn on to compensate. In
Dual Motor vehicles, Range Mode can
be turned on only when acceleration
is set to Sport (see above).
5. Cold Weather
If Model S is equipped with the cold
weather option, you can control all seat heaters as well as the heated wipers andsteering wheel. Heaters that are turned on
are displayed in red. To turn off all seat
heaters, touch All Off. Note that you can
also control the front driver and
passenger seats using the main climate
control panel located on the bottom of
the touchscreen (see Climate Controls on
page 80).
6. Trips
View and reset the trip meters that
summarize how far you have driven (see
Trip Information on page 69).
7. Displays
Controls
Using the Touchscreen75

About the Battery
Model S has one of the most sophisticated
battery systems in the world. The most important way to preserve the Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR MODEL S PLUGGED IN when
you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive
Model S for several weeks. When plugged in,
Model S wakes up when needed to
automatically maintain a charge level that
maximizes the lifetime of the Battery.
There is no advantage to waiting until the
Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact,
the Battery performs best when charged
regularly.
Note: If the Model S Battery becomes
completely discharged in a situation in which
towing is required, the owner is responsible for towing expenses. Discharge-related
towing expenses are not covered under the
Roadside Assistance policy.
Battery Care
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge.
Even when Model S is not being driven, its
Battery discharges very slowly to power the
onboard electronics. On average, the Battery discharges at a rate of 1% per day. Situations
can arise in which you must leave Model S
unplugged for an extended period of time (for
example, at an airport when traveling). In these situations, keep the 1% in mind to ensure
that you leave the Battery with a sufficient
charge level. For example, over a two week
period (14 days), the Battery discharges by
approximately 14%.
Discharging the Battery to 0% may
permanently damage the Battery. To protect against a complete discharge, Model S enters
a low-power consumption mode when the
charge level drops to 5%. In this mode, the
Battery stops supporting the onboard electronics to slow the discharge rate to
approximately 4% per month. Once this low-
power consumption mode is active, it is
important to plug in Model S within two
months to avoid Battery damage.
Note: When the low-power consumption
mode is active, the auxiliary 12V battery is no
longer being charged and can completely
discharge within 12 hours. In the unlikely event
that this occurs, you may need to jump start
or replace the 12V battery before you can
charge. In this situation, contact Tesla.Temperature Limits
For better long-term performance, avoid
exposing Model S to ambient temperatures above 140° F (60° C) or below -22° F (-30° C)
for more than 24 hours at a time.
Energy Saving Feature
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 . For more
information on maximizing range and saving
energy, see Getting Maximum Range on page
70.
Battery Warnings and CautionsWarning: The Battery has no parts that an
owner or a non-Tesla authorized service technician can service. Under no
circumstances should you open or
tamper with the Battery. Always contact Tesla to arrange for Battery servicing.Caution: If the Battery’s charge level falls
to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave it
unplugged for an extended period, it may
not be possible to charge Model S or use
the vehicle without jump starting or
replacing the 12V battery. Leaving Model S unplugged for an extendedperiod can also result in permanent
Battery damage. If you are unable to
charge Model S, contact Tesla
immediately.Caution: The Battery requires no owner
maintenance. Do not remove the filler cap
and do not add fluid. If the instrument
panel warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
Battery Information
Charging103

Tire Repair KitYour Model S has no spare tire. Depending on
the legislations that apply to the region in which you purchased Model S, a tire repair kitmay or may not be included. If a tire repair kitwas not provided in Model S upon delivery,you can purchase one from Tesla.
Note: Although Model S does not have a spare
tire, in the event of a flat tire, Roadside
Assistance provides towing coverage for up
to 50 miles.
The tire repair kit consists of a compressor
and a canister of tire sealant (enough to repair
one tire). When injected into a tire, the sealant
can penetrate a small puncture up to 1/4"
(6 mm) to form a temporary repair.
Note: For punctures larger than 1/4” (6 mm),
severe tread damage, a damaged sidewall,
ripped tires or tires that have come off the
rim, call Roadside Assistance.
Warning: The tire repair kit is a temporary
repair only. You must repair or replace a
damaged tire as soon as possible.Warning: Do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h) when driving with a tire that
has been temporarily repaired with sealant.Warning: Follow all directions and
warnings on the tire repair kit before
starting a repair.Caution: Do not drive on a deflated tire as
this can cause serious damage.Tire Sealant Canister
The tire sealant provided in the Tesla tire repair kit is approved for use with Model S andis designed not to damage the TPMS (TirePressure Monitoring System) sensors.
Therefore, you must replace it only with one
of the same type and capacity (see Replacing
the Sealant Canister on page 117). Tire
sealant canisters can be purchased from Tesla.
The tire sealant has an expiration date printed
on the outside of the canister. If the expiration
date has passed, the sealant might not work as expected. Always replace an expired tire
sealant canister.Warning: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the one available from Tesla. Doing so could cause tire pressure
sensors to malfunction.Warning: Always read and follow the
safety and handling instructions printed on the sealant canister.Warning: Keep tire sealant out of the
reach of children.Warning: Tire sealant can be harmful if it
contacts the eyes or if swallowed or
inhaled. If the sealant comes into contact with your eyes, immediately flush withwater and seek medical attention ifirritation persists. If swallowed, do notinduce vomiting and seek medical
assistance immediately. If inhaled,
breathe fresh air. Inhalation can cause
drowsiness and dizziness. If breathing is
affected, seek medical assistance
immediately.
Temporary Tire Repair
114Model S Owner's Manual

Driver and four passengersDescriptionTotalVehicle capacity weight954 lbs
(433 kg)Subtract occupant weight (5 x
150 lbs/68 kg)750 lbs
(340 kg)Available cargo weight204 lbs
(93 kg)
The available cargo or luggage weight should
then be distributed between the front and
rear trunks.
Caution: Do not exceed the maximum
front trunk load weight of 300 lbs
(136 kg).
Towing a Trailer
Warning: Do not use Model S for towing
purposes. Model S does not support a
trailer hitch. Installing one could cause
damage and increase the risk of an
accident.Caution: Using Model S for towing may
void the warranty.
Roof Racks
If Model S is equipped with the all glass
panoramic roof, you can carry up to 75 kg
using a Tesla-approved roof rack (see Parts
and Accessories on page 133). A Model S
equipped with a solid aluminum roof is incompatible with roof racks.
Caution: Damage caused by roof racks is
not covered by the warranty.Caution: Do not use roof racks, or place
any load, on the roof of a Model S that is equipped with a solid aluminum roof.Doing so can cause significant damage.
Vehicle Loading
Specifications137

WeightsCurb Weight* (85 kWh Battery)4,630 lbs2,100 kgCurb Weight* (60 kWh Battery)4,407 lbs1,999 kgGross Vehicle Weight Rating5,710 lbs2,590 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
19" wheelsFront: 2,425 lbs
Rear: 3,285 lbsFront: 1,100 kgRear: 1,490 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
21" wheelsFront: 2,612 lbs
Rear: 3,097 lbsFront: 1,185 kgRear: 1,405 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front2,813 lbs1,276 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front
(Performance Plus models)2,723 lbs1,235 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 19"
wheels3,307 lbs1,500 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 21"
wheels3,131 lbs1,420 kgTrailer TowingNot permissible*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications139

Connect the Tow Chain
The method used to connect the tow chain depends on whether Model S is equipped with
a towing eye (located in the front trunk).
If not equipped with a towing eye:
1. Attach the tow chains to the large hole on
each of the rearmost lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any
damage that could be caused by the tow
chains, place a 2" x 4" piece of wood
between the tow chains and the
underbody.
Caution: Before pulling, position the
wood between the tow chain and the
underbody to ensure the underbody is protected from any damage that couldbe caused by the tow chain.If equipped with a towing eye:
1. Remove the nose cone.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
corner, and gently pry the nose cone
toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three
remaining clips.
2. Insert the towing eye.
Fully insert the towing eye (found in the
front trunk) into the opening on the right
side, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
3. Attach the tow chain to the towing eye.
Caution:
Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.
Instructions for Transporters
Roadside Assistance151

tire repair kitinflating with air only 116
inflating with sealant 115
replacing the sealant canister 117tiresall-season 111
balancing 110
chains 112
industry glossary of terms 148
inspecting and maintaining 110
pressures, how to check 109
quality grading 147
replacing 111
replacing a tire sensor 113
rotation 110
specification 144
summer 111
temperature grades 147
tire markings 145
tire sealant 114
traction grade 147
treadwear grade 147
winter 112
touch up body 120
touchscreenclean mode 119
cleaning 119
Controls 74
overview 72
Settings 77
software updates 99
tow chain, connecting 151
Tow mode 150
towing 150
towing a trailer 137
towing instructions 150
TPMSFCC certification 158
overview of 112
traction control 54
trademarks 153, 154
traffic alerts 86
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 60
trailer hitches 137
transmission specifications 140
Transport Canada, contacting 156
transporting 150
trip chart 70
trip information 69
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn 85
turn signals 50
U
uniform tire quality grading 147
Units & Format 77unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn't work 7
USB devicesconnecting 87
playing audio files from 86
USB ports 87
V
vehicle certification label 136
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 134
vehicle loading 135
vent, sunroof 15
ventilation 82
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 134
volume control 72
W
walk-away locking 7
Wall Connector 102
warning flashers 50
warning lights, summary of 44
washer fluid, topping up 125
washer jets, cleaning 121
washers, using 51
weight specifications 139
wheel chocks 152
wheelsalignment 110
replacing 111
specifications 143
Wi-Fi, connecting to 98
windshield washer fluid, topping up 125
winter tires 112
wiper blades, replacing 121
wipers and washers 51
wipers, de-icing 51
X
XM radio 85
Index
164Model S Owner's Manual