2017 TESLA MODEL S traction control

IndicatorDescriptionFront fog lights (optional). See Lights on page 48.Electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin 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

IndicatorDescriptionElectronic 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 172.Trailer mode (if equipped) is active.Flashes green when the left turn signal is operating. Both turn signal indicators flashgreen when the hazard warning flashers are operating.Flashes green when the right turn signal is operating. Both turn signal indicators flashgreen 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.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 cannot prevent
accidents caused by driving dangerously
or turning too sharply at high speeds.Warning: If the above indicator remains
illuminated in situations in which you have
not enabled Slip Start (described next), the traction control system may not be
operating correctly. Contact Tesla Service immediately.
Allowing Wheel Slip
To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed,
you can enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be
enabled only when Model S is moving 30 mph
(48 km/h) or slower. Slip Start automatically
disables when the speed exceeds 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not
be enabled. Enable it only in circumstances where you deliberately want the wheels tospin, such as:

steering wheel (continued)adjusting position 37
adjusting sensitivity 37
buttons 37
heated 37
scroll bars 37
steering, automatic 73
Streaming radio 109
summer tires 141
Summon 78
sunroof 15
suspension 107
suspension
specifications 164
T
telematics 177
temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 130
cabin, controls for 102
heated steering wheel 39
outside 43
tires 169
tie-down straps
174
tilt detection 122
Tire and Loading Information label 159
tire noise 141
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 180
overview of 142
tire pressures, checking 138
tire repair kitinflating with air only 146inflating with sealant 145
replacing the sealant canister 147tiresall-season 141
balancing 139
chains 141
industry glossary of terms 170
inspecting and maintaining 139
pressures, how to check 138
quality grading 169
replacing 140
replacing a tire sensor 142
rotation 139
specification 166
summer 141
temperature grades 169
tire markings 167
tire sealant 144
traction grade 169
treadwear grade 169
winter 141
toll system transponders, attaching 157
tolls, avoiding 117
torque
specifications 163
touch up body 150
touchscreenclean mode 149
cleaning 149
Controls 95
overview 90
Settings 98
software updates 126
Tow mode 172
towing 172
towing a trailer 160
towing eye, locating 173
towing instructions 172
TPMSFCC certification 180
overview of 142
traction control 56
trademarks 175, 176
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 67Traffic-Based Routing 117
trailer hitches 160
transmission
specifications 163
transponders, attaching 157
Transport Canada, contacting 178
transporting 172
trip chart 62
trip meter 61
trip overview 117
trip planner 117
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn radio 109
turn signals 52
U
ultrasonic sensors 65
uniform tire quality grading 169
Units & Format 98
Unlock on Park 4
unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn