2016 TESLA MODEL S traction control

IndicatorDescriptionParking lights (side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) are on.
See Lights on page 48.Front fog lights (optional). See Lights on page 48.
Electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin by by
controlling brake pressure and motor power (indicator flashes). See Traction
Control on page 56. If this indicator stays illuminated, a fault is detected
(contact Tesla immediately).Smart Air Suspension

IndicatorDescriptionTire pressure warning. The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is detected, the indicator flashes.For a TPMS fault, contact Tesla. See Tire Care and Maintenance on page 135.A door or trunk is open. See Door handles.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 19.Electronic stability control systems are no longer minimizing wheel spin (i.e.
on a single motor vehicle, the traction control system has been turned off, or
on a dual motor vehicle, Slip Start has been enabled). See Traction Control
on page 56.Model S is in Tow mode and can roll freely. It does not automatically shift
into Park when you exit. See Instructions for Transporters on page 175.Flashes green when the left turn signal is operating. Both turn signal
indicators flash green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.Flashes green when the right turn signal is operating. Both turn signal
indicators flash green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.Instrument Panel
Driving45

Braking Systems
Model 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 firststart 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).
If Model S is equipped with Autopilot
hardware, Automatic Emergency Braking
automatically applies full braking in situations
where a collision is considered imminent (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 86).
Brake Wear Model S brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip 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
54Model S Owner

How It WorksThe traction control system constantly
monitors the speed of the front and rear
wheels. If Model S experiences a loss of
traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor power.
By default, the traction control system is
always active. Under normal conditions, it should remain active to ensure maximum
safety.
On standard (single motor) Model S vehicles,
traction control can be turned
off at any time.
Turn it off only in circumstances where you
deliberately want the wheels to spin, such as
when Model S is stuck in snow or mud.
On a dual motor Model S, you can enable slip
start to allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed. Slip start can be enabled only when
Model S is moving 20 mph (32 km/h) or
slower. Slip start automatically disables when
the speed exceeds 40 mph (64 km/h).
This indicator flashes on the
instrument panel whenever the
traction control system is actively
controlling brake pressure and motor
power to minimize wheel spin. If the
indicator stays on, a fault is detected with the traction control system.
Contact Tesla Service.Warning: Traction control can not prevent
accidents caused by driving dangerously
or turning too sharply at high speeds.Warning: If the above indicator remains
illuminated without turning off traction
control (single motor vehicles) or
enabling slip start (dual motor vehicles), the traction control system may not be
operating correctly. Contact Tesla Service immediately.
Disabling Traction Control (single motor
vehicles)
Under normal conditions, the traction control
system should remain enabled. Disable it only
in circumstances where you deliberately want
the wheels to spin, such as:

T
telematics 180telephonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 114temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 129
cabin, controls for 104
outside 37, 43
tires 172
tie-down straps 177
tilt detection 121
Tire and Loading Information label 161
tire noise 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 183
overview of 138
tire pressures, checking 135
tire repair kitinflating with air only 142inflating with sealant 141
replacing the sealant canister 143tiresall-season 137
balancing 136
chains 138
industry glossary of terms 173
inspecting and maintaining 136
pressures, how to check 135
quality grading 172
replacing 137
replacing a tire sensor 139
rotation 136
specification 169
summer 137
temperature grades 172
tire markings 170
tire sealant 140
traction grade 172
treadwear grade 172
winter 138
torque specifications 166
touch up body 146
touchscreenclean mode 145
cleaning 145
Controls 94
overview 90
Settings 99
software updates 125
Tow mode 175
towing 175
towing a trailer 162
towing eye, locating 176
towing instructions 175
TPMSFCC certification 183
overview of 138traction control 56
trademarks 178, 179
traffic alerts 112Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 68
trailer hitches 162
transmission
specifications 166
Transport Canada, contacting 181
transporting 175
trip chart 62
trip information 61
trip overview 116
trip planner 116
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn 111
turn signals 51
U ultrasonic sensors 65
uniform tire quality grading 172
Units & Format 99
Unlock on Park 4
unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn