Removing the Maintenance Panel
To access fuses and check
fluid levels, remove
the maintenance panel:
1. Pull the rear edge of the maintenance panel upward to release the
five clips that
hold the panel in place.
2. Maneuver the maintenance panel toward the windshield to remove.
Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re-
attaching, make sure it is fully seated.Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of
fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
instrument panel displays a warning message.
Stop Model S as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the Battery coolant level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. On a single motor Model S, you can check it
yourself. To do so, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 149).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir. DO
NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT
ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage
not covered by the warranty.
The
fluid level should be between the MIN and
the MAX marks. If you notice that the fluidlevel has dropped significantly, contact Tesla
before using Model S.
Topping Up the Battery Coolant
Under no circumstances should you add
coolant. If the instrument panel warns you that
the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla
immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a
specifictype of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT).
Contact Tesla for more specific information
about the coolant.
Fluid Reservoirs
Maintenance149
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 or
complete 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 149).
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 and future 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 DOT3specifications.4. Replace the filler cap.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a sealed
air-tight container. Never use previously
used
fluid or fluid from a previously
opened container
Wheels and Tires GlossaryAccessory WeightThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of
items available as factory installed equipment.BeadThe inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form
an air tight seal. The bead is constructed of steel wires which
are wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.Cold Tire PressureThe air pressure in a tire that has been standing in excess of
three hours, or driven for less than one mile.Curb WeightThe weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional
equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.Gross Vehicle WeightThe maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver,
passengers, load, luggage, and equipment.kPa (kilo pascal)A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals
approximately 0.145 psi.Maximum Inflation PressureThe maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated.This pressure is given on the tire side wall in psi (lbf/in).
Caution: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum
allowed by the tire manufacturer. It is not the pressure
Tesla recommends using for Model S.Maximum Loaded Vehicle
WeightThe sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.Production Options WeightThe combined weight of options installed which weigh in
excess of 3 lb more than the standard items that they replaced, and are not already considered in curb or accessory weights.PSI (lbf/in)Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tirepressure).Recommended Tire InflationPressureTire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on
the type of tires that are mounted on the vehicle at the factory. This information can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information label located on the door pillar.RimThe metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the
tire beads are seated.Vehicle Capacity WeightThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs plus the rated
amount of load/luggage.
Wheels and Tires
Specifications173
Use a Flatbed OnlyUse a
flatbed trailer only, unless otherwisespecified by Tesla. Do not transport Model S
with the tires directly on the ground.
Caution: Damage caused by transporting is not covered by the warranty.Caution: To transport Model S, follow theinstructions exactly as described next.
Disable Self-Leveling (air
suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart AirSuspension, it automatically self-levels, even
when power is
off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self- leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very High to maximize height.
3. Touch Jack.
When Jack mode is active,
Model S displays this indicator
light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you
that active suspension is
disabled.
Note: Jack mode cancels when Model S is
driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode on
a Model S equipped with Smart Air Suspension can result in the vehicle
becoming loose during transport, which
may cause
significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park
when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle,
even if it has previously been shifted into Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which
disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Settings >
Service & Reset > Tow Mode.When Tow mode is active, Model S
displays this indicator light on the
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
free-rolling.
Note: Tow mode cancels when Model S is
shifted into Park.
Caution: If the electrical system is not
working, and you therefore cannot release
the electric parking brake, attempt to
quick start the 12V battery. For
instructions, call Tesla. If a situation
occurs where you cannot disengage the
parking brake, use tire skids or transport Model S for the shortest possible distance
using wheeled dollies. Before doing so,
always check the dolly manufacturer
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 54
Acceleration (dual motor) 94
access panel, removing 149accessoriesinstalling 159
plugging into power socket 113
air circulation 105
air conditioning 104
air distribution 105
air
filter 107
air suspension 109
air vents 107
airbags 31
alarm 121
all-season tires 137
always connected, setting 62
anti-lock braking (ABS) 54
audioplaying files 110
steering wheel buttons 37
volume control 110
Auto High Beam 51
Auto Lane Change 77
auto-raising suspension 108
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 79
Autopilot 65
Autosteer 74
B backup camera 64
battery (12V)complete discharge 129specifications 167Battery (high voltage)care of 129
coolant 149
specifications 168
temperature limits 129
battery (key), replacing 5
blind spot warning 83
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 112
general information 114
phone, pairing and using 114
body repairs 159
body touch up 146
brake
fluid replacement 134
brakesautomatic in emergencies 85fluid level 150
overview of 54
specifications 167
brightness of displays 99
C
cabin temperature control 104
calendar 119
California Proposition 65 180
camera (rear view) 64
car cover 146
car washes 144
cargo volume 164
carpets, cleaning 145
CE
certifications 182
CHAdeMO 128
chains 138
change of ownership 103
charge port 130
charge port light 131
chargingcharge settings 132
components and equipment 127
instructions 130
public charging stations 128
scheduling 132
status of 133child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 145
installing and using 22
Tesla built-in rear facing 27
cleaning 144
climate controls 104
climate ionizer 99
clock 37
Cold Weather controls 94
collision avoidance assist 85
console12V power socket 113
cup holders 16
USB ports 113contact informationroadside assistance 174
Tesla 181coolantBattery, checking level of 149
Battery, replacement interval 134
copyrights 178, 179
Creep 94
cruise control 68
cup holders 16
customizing 99
D
dashboard overview 2
data recording 180
day mode 99
declarations of conformity 182
Index
Index185
delivery mileage 180devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 112
connecting 113
playing audio
files from 112
dimensions 163
display brightness 99
dome (map) lights 48
door handles 6
door labels 161
Door Unlock Mode 7
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 42
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 35
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 77
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 79
Autosteer 74
blind spot warning 83
collision avoidance assist 85
forward collision warning 85
overtake acceleration 68
overview 65
settings for 99
side collision avoidance 83
side collision warning 83
staying inside lane markings 83
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 68
drivingseating position 17
starting 41
tips to maximize range 62
E
electric parking brake 55
emergency
flashers 52
emergency rear door opening 8
emission label 160
energygained from regenerative braking 55
range information 43, 46
tips to minimize usage of 62
energy & charging setting 99
energy app 62
energy saving mode 62
Erase & Reset 103
event data recording 180
exteriorcar cover 146
cleaning 144
dimensions 163
lights 48exterior (continued)overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 146
F
factory defaults, restoring 103
factory reset 103
fan speed, interior 105
favorites, adding and removing 112
FCC
certifications 182
features, downloading new 125
firmware (software) updates 125flash drives, playing audio files from 112flashers, warning 52flat tire repair 140floor mats 146
fluidsreplacement intervals 134
reservoirs, checking 149
fog lights 48
forward collision warning 85
front passenger detection 33
front trunk 12
fuseslocation of 152
removing access panel 149
G
garage doors, opening 122
gates, opening 122
GAWR 161
gears 42
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 161
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 161
ground clearance 163
GVWR 161
H
hazard warning
flashers 52
head supports 18
headlightsafter exit 51
high beams 51
heated wipers 53
heating 104
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 108
automatic and manual settings 109
disabling (Jack mode) 109
high beam headlights 51
high voltageBattery specifications 168
Index
186Model S Owner
odometerresetting trip odometer 61
outside temperature 37
overhang dimensions 163
overtake acceleration 68
Owner Information, about 178, 179
P Park Assist 57
Park gear 42
parking brake 55
parking, automatic 79
parts replacement 159
passenger detection 33
passenger front airbag 33
personal data, erasing 103
phonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 114
PIN 35
power management 62
power socket 113
power windows 9
powering on and
off 41
Preconditioning 99
preferences, setting 99
Proposition 65 180
public charging stations 128
R
radar 65
radio 110
Radio Frequency information 182
radio frequency, FCC information 184
rain sensor 53
rangedisplayed on instrument panel 43, 46
driving tips to maximize 62
regenerative braking 55
range assurance 62
range mode 62
Range Mode 94
Rated range 99
rear seats, folding and raising 18
rear view camera 64
rear window switches, disabling 9
regenerative braking 55
region format 99
release notes 125
Reverse gear 42
roadside assistance 174
roof racks 162
rotating tires 136
route overview 116
Ssafety defectsreporting (Canada) 181
reporting (U.S.) 181
safety defects, reporting 181
safety informationairbags 34
child seats 26
rear facing child seats 30
seat belts 20seat beltscleaning 145
in a collision 20
overview of 19
pre-tensioners 20
wearing when pregnant 19
seat covers 18
seat heaters 104
seating capacity 161
seatsadjusting 17
heaters 104
Tesla built-in rear facing 27
security settings 121
self parking and unparking 79
sensors 65
service data recording 180
service intervals 134
Settings 99
Settings, erasing 103
shifting gears 42
side collision avoidance 83
side collision warning 83
Slacker 111
slip start 56
Smart Preconditioning 99
software reset 103
software updates 125
specificationscargo volume 164
dimensions 163
exterior 163
interior 163
motor 166
subsystems 166
tires 169
weights 165
wheels 169
stability control 56
starting 41
steering
specifications 166
steering wheel 37
steering, automatic 74
summer tires 137
Summon 79
sunroof 15
suspension 109
suspension
specifications 167
Index
188Model S Owner