How Speed Assist Works
If Model S is equipped with Driver Assistance
components (see About Driver Assistance on
page 68), the forward looking camera detects
speed limit signs. The speed limit signs are
then analyzed and compared against GPS
data to determine the speed limit at your
current driving location. For routes where no
speed limit signs are present or cannot be detected, speed limits are determined using
GPS data (if available). Instead of determining
the speed limit based on speed limit signs and GPS data, you can also manually enter an
arbitrary speed limit.
When Speed Assist is turned on (described
below), the instrument panel displays a speed
limit sign. Warnings (described below) take
effect when you exceed this limit.
In situations where Speed Assist is unable to
detect a speed (for example, speed limit signs
and GPS data are not available at the current
location), or if Speed Assist is uncertain that
an acquired speed limit is accurate (for
example, although a speed limit sign was
initially detected, some time has passed
before a subsequent sign has been detected), the instrument panel may not display a speed
limit sign and warnings do not take
effect.
If you set the speed limit warning to Display
(see Controlling Speed Assist on page 91),
the speed limit sign on the instrumental panel
increases in size whenever you exceed the
speed limit.
If you set the speed limit warning to Chime (see Controlling Speed Assist on page 91)
and exceed the speed limit, you also hear a warning chime.
Note: Speed limit warnings go away after 10 seconds, or when Model S slows down below
the
specified limit.
Warning: Do not rely on Speed Assist to
determine the appropriate speed limit. Always drive at a safe speed based on
traffic and road conditions.
Controlling Speed Assist
To turn Speed Assist on or
off, and control
how it works, touch Controls > Settings > Driver Assistance > Speed Limit Warning ,
then choose one of these options:
Overview of Climate Controls
The climate controls are always available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, 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 (see Customizing Climate Control on page 106).
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, heated wipers, and heated steering wheel by touching Controls > Cold Weather (see Controls on page 98). When equipped with the optional executive rear
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. To apply a temperature setting to both the driver and passenger side at the same time, touch SYNC TEMP on the temperaturepopup that appears when you touch an arrow.
3. Automatic/Manual climate control (see Customizing Climate Control on page 106).
4. The windshield defroster distributes air
flow to the windshield. Touch once to turn on, touch a
second time to operate the heating and fan at their maximum level, and touch a third time 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 shutsoff. Exterior side mirrors are also heated.
Note: Depending on date of manufacture and options selected at time of purchase, some vehicles are not equipped with a heaters in the exterior side mirrors.
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, neurologicalinjury, or some other condition, should exercise caution when using the climate control
system and seat heaters.
Climate Controls
Using the Touchscreen105
3. Choose how air is drawn into Model S:Outside air is drawn into Model S (see Ventilation on page 108).
Although less efficient than recirculating the air in very hot or cold
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.
Note: Selecting outside air may adjust the fan speed to a lower setting. To
reset to default values, touch RESET AUTO.Air inside Model S is recirculated. This prevents outside air (traffic fumes)
from entering, but reduces dehumidifying performance. Recirculating the
air is the most
efficient way to cool the front cabin area. To prevent the
windshield from fogging in some conditions, briefly change the setting
every hour to draw in outside air.
Note: Selecting recirculated air may adjust the fan speed to a higher
setting. To reset to default values, touch RESET AUTO.
If your Model S is equipped with the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate
Air) filter, you can ensure the best possible quality of air inside the cabin.
When selected, outside air is drawn in and filtered through the medical-
grade HEPA filter in addition to the secondary filtration systems. The
HEPA filter is extremely effective at removing particles, including
pollution, allergens, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and viruses. Both the
HEPA
filter and the secondary filtration system also contain activated
carbon to remove a broad spectrum of odors and gases. When you
engage the HEPA option, the fan operates at the highest speed. In
addition, the positive pressure inside the cabin minimizes the amount of
outside air that can leak into the vehicle.
Note: Some gases, such as carbon monoxide, are not
effectively removed
by activated carbon.
4. Choose where air flows into the cabin. You can choose more than one location:
Foot-level ventsFace-level ventsWindshield vents
Note: When air is directed to the foot-level vents, approximately one third of the air continues
to flow to the windshield vents to assist in defogging. However, when air is directed to the
face-level vents, no air flows to the windshield because the air flowing through the face-level
vents may be adequate to assist in defogging the windshield.
5. Touch the arrows to set the speed of the fan.
Note: Adjusting the fan speed may change the selected setting for how air is drawn intoModel S in order to increase or reduce
airflow. If you set the fan speed very low (for example,
setting 1), and Model S is recirculating air, it automatically switches to drawing in outside air to
achieve a low air
flow. If you set the fan speed very high (for example, setting 10), Model S
automatically switches from drawing in outside air to recirculating air to achieve the highest
air
flow. Touch RESET AUTO to reset all settings to their default values.
Climate Controls
Using the Touchscreen107
Note: For security reasons, if you sell Model S,
erase your Home and Work locations, and
your favorite destinations (see Erasing
Personal Data on page 104).
Updated Maps
To receive updated maps, periodically connect Model S to a Wi-Fi network (see Connecting
to Wi-Fi on page 128). As updated maps
become available, they are sent to Model S
over Wi-Fi only. The touchscreen displays a
message informing you when new maps have
been installed.
Maps and Navigation
Using the Touchscreen123
About the Security System
If Model S does not detect a key nearby and a
locked door or trunk is opened, an alarm sounds and headlights and turn signals
flash.To deactivate the alarm, press any button on the key.
To manually enable or disable the alarm
system, touch Controls > Settings > Safety &
Security > Alarm . When set to on, Model S
activates its alarm one minute after the doors
lock and a recognized key is no longer
detected nearby.
If Model S is equipped with the optional
security package, it includes a battery-backed
siren that sounds instead of the horn in situations where a locked door or trunk isopened and Model S does not detect a key
nearby. If the Tilt/Intrusion setting is on, the siren also sounds if Model S detects motioninside the cabin, a window is broken, or if it is
moved or tilted (for example, with a tow truck
or jack). To turn the tilt/ intrusion detection systems on or
off, touch Controls > Settings
> Safety & Security > Tilt/Intrusion .
Note: If you plan to leave something that
moves, such as a dog, inside your locked
Model S, remember to turn
off the tilt/
intrusion system. Any type of motion detected
inside Model S activates the siren.
Note: To turn on Tilt/Intrusion, the Alarm must
be ON.
Security Settings
Using the Touchscreen125
Wi-Fi is available as a data connection methodand is often faster than cellular data networks.
Connecting to Wi-Fi is especially useful in areas with limited or no cellular connectivity.
To ensure fast, reliable delivery of Model S
updates (see Software Updates on page 129),
Tesla recommends leaving Wi-Fi turned on and connected to a Wi-Fi network. To connectto a Wi-Fi network:
1. Touch the 4G (or LTE) icon in the touchscreen status bar. Model S will start
scanning and display the Wi-Fi networks that are within range.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, enter the password (if necessary), then
touch Connect.
You can also connect to a hidden network that
isn
Loading New Software
Model S updates its software wirelessly,
providing new features throughout your term of ownership. Tesla recommends that you
install software update as soon as they are
available. The
first time you enter Model S
after an update is made available, a scheduling
window displays on the touchscreen. The
scheduling window displays again at the end
of your
first driving session.
Note: Some software updates can take from
two to three hours to complete. Model S must be in P (Park) when the new software is being
installed. To ensure the fastest and most
reliable delivery of software updates, leave the
Wi-Fi turned on and connected whenever
possible (see Connecting to Wi-Fi on page
128).
When a software update is available, a yellow
clock icon appears on the touchscreen
Opening the Charge PortThe charge port is located on the passenger side of Model S, behind a door that is part of the reartail light assembly.
Park Model S so that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked, or a recognized key nearby, press and release the button on a Tesla
charge cable to open the charge port door.
If the cable you are using does not have this button, you can also open the charge port door using
any of these methods: