Removing the Maintenance Panel
To 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 153).
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
Maintenance153
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 153).
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
Topping Up Washer Fluid
The only reservoir into which you can add
fluidis the washer fluid reservoir located under the
front trunk. When the level is low, a message
displays on the instrument panel.
Do not use formulated washer
fluids that
contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and
squeaking or other noises.
Operate the washers periodically to check that
the nozzles are clear and properly directed.
To top up washer
fluid:
1. Clean the filler cap before opening to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Open the
filler cap.
3. Fill the reservoir until the fluid level is
visible just below the filler neck.
4. Replace the filler cap.
Note: Some national or local regulations
restrict the use of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly
used as antifreeze in washer
fluid. Use a
washer fluid with limited VOC content only if it
provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive Model S.
Caution: Under no circumstances do you
need to inspect or top up other fluidreservoirs. Two additional fluid reservoirs
are located next to the washer fluid, but
underneath the maintenance panel. In the
unlikely event that you see a message on the instrument panel that one of these
fluid levels is low, stop Model S as soon as
safe to do so, and contact Tesla.
Caution: Do not spill washer fluid on body
panels. Doing so can cause damage. Wipe
up spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
Warning: In temperatures below
40
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
high beam headlights 51high voltageBattery specifications 165
components 128
safety 137
hills, stopping on 59
hitches 160
Home location 118
HomeLinkFCC certification 180
programming and using 123
hood 12
horn 37, 39
I
IC
certifications 179
Ideal range 98
identification labels 158
Insane setting (dual-motor) 95
instant range 62
instrument panelcharging status 136
cleaning 149
overview of 43interiorcleaning 149
dimensions 161
lights 48
overview 2
temperature control 102
Internet radio 109
intrusion detection 122
J
J1772 129
Jack mode 107
jacking 156
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 179
how to use 4
key not inside 41
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelTire and Loading Information 159
vehicle certification 159lane assist 83
lane change flash 52
lane change, automatic 76
lane departure warning 83
language setting 98
LATCH child seats, installing 25
Launch Mode 60liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 156
lightsadaptive headlights 51
hazard warning 52
headlights after exit 51
turn signals 52
load limits 159
location-based suspension 106
locking and unlocking doors 4
Ludicrous setting (dual-motor) 95
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 154
cleaning 148
daily and monthly checks 137
fluid replacement intervals 137
panel, removing 153
replacing wiper blades 151
service intervals 137
tires 138
washer
fluid, topping up 155
washer jets, cleaning 151
map updates 119
maps 115
mats 150
Max Battery Power 95
media 108
mileage upon delivery 177
mirrors 40
mobile app 127
Mobile Connectordescription 129
using 131
modifications 157
motor specifications 163
N naming 101
navigation 115
NCC
certifications 179
Neutral gear 42
NHTSA, contacting 178
night mode 98
Index
Index183
nose cone, removing 173
O
occupancy sensor 33
odometer 61
overhang dimensions 161
overtake acceleration 67
Owner Information, about 175, 176
P
Park Assist 57
Park gear 42
parking brake 55
parking, automatic 78
parts replacement 157
passenger detection 33
passenger front airbag 33
personal data, erasing 101phonesteering wheel buttons 38
using 113
PIN 35
power management 62
power socket 112
power windows 9
powering on and
off 41
Preconditioning 98
preferences, setting 98
Proposition 65 177
public charging stations 129
R
radar 65
radio 108
Radio Frequency information 179
rain sensor 53
rangedisplayed on instrument panel 43
driving tips to maximize 62
regenerative braking 55
range assurance 62
Range mode 62
Range Mode 95
Rated range 98
re-routing 117
rear seats, folding and raising 18
rear view camera 64
rear window switches, disabling 9
Recent (Media Player) 110
Recents 115
regenerative braking 55
region format 98
release notes 126
Reverse gear
42
RFID transponders 157
roadside assistance 171
roof racks 160
rotating tires 139
route overview 117
S safety defects, reporting 178safety informationairbags 34
child seats 26
rear facing child seats 30
seat belts 21
satellite radio 109
seat beltscleaning 149
in a collision 20
overview of 19
pre-tensioners 20
wearing when pregnant 19
seat covers
18
seat heaters 102
seating capacity 159
seatsadjusting 17
heaters 102
Tesla built-in rear facing 27
security settings 122
sensors 65
service data recording 177
service intervals 137
Settings 98
Settings, erasing 101
shifting gears 42
Show Commute Advice 117
side collision avoidance 83
side collision warning 83
SiriusXM 109
slip start 56
Smart Preconditioning 98
software reset 101
software updates 126
specificationscargo volume 162
dimensions 161
exterior 161
interior 161
motor 163
subsystems 163
tires 166
weights 162
wheels 166
stability control 56
starting 41
steering
specifications 163
steering wheel
Index
184Model S Owner