If Model S is unable to detect the key, the
touchscreen displays a message indicating that a key is not inside. Place the key where
Model S can best detect it, which is below the
12V power socket (see Key Not Inside on page
52).
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can
affect the key. If this happens, move the key at
least 30 cm away from other electronic
devices (phone, laptop, etc). If the key does
not work, you may need to change its battery.
If the key
Child-Protection Lock
Model S has child-protection locks on the rear
doors and liftgate to prevent them from being
opened using interior handles. Use the
touchscreen to turn child-protection locks on
or off. Touch Controls > Vehicle > Child-
Protection Lock .
Note: It is recommended that you turn child-
protection locks on whenever children are
seated in the rear seats.
Drive Away Locking
Model S automatically locks all doors
(including the trunks) whenever your driving
speed exceeds 8 km/h.
Walk-Away Locking Doors and trunks automatically lock whenever
you walk away carrying the key or if the key is
otherwise not detected by your vehicle (not
present, dead battery, etc.).
To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls >
Vehicle > Walk-Away Door Lock .
Note: Depending on date of manufacture and
options selected at time of purchase, some Model S vehicles are not equipped with the
Walk-Away Locking.
Note: If all doors are closed and you use the
key to unlock Model S, walk away locking is
temporarily suspended for one minute. If you
open a door within this minute, it does not re-
lock until after all the doors are closed and you have walked away with the key.
Note: If your vehicle was unlocked using the
mobile app, it automatically locks after a short
period of time with all doors closed. If parking
in an area without cellular service, such as an
indoor parking garage, ensure that you have a
functional key fob readily available.Unlocking When the Key Doesn
Interior Storage and Electronics
Glove Box
To open the glove box, press the switch located on the side of the touchscreen. If you
leave the glove box open for five minutes, its
light automatically turns off.
Note: The glove box locks whenever Model S
is locked externally, using the key or walk-
away locking. It also locks when Model S is in Valet mode (see Valet Mode on page 46). It
does not lock when Model S is locked using the touchscreen.
Warning: When driving, keep the glove
box closed to prevent injury to a
passenger if a collision or sudden stop
occurs.
USB Ports
Your Model S has two USB ports located on
the front of the center console that you can
use to connect USB devices. To play audio
files stored on a USB drive connected to these
ports, see Playing Media from Devices on page
131. You can also use these ports to charge
USB devices.
Note: Do not connect multiple devices using a
USB hub. This can prevent connected devices from charging or from being recognized by
the Media Player.
Note: Power is available whenever the vehicle
is considered "awake" The vehicle may be awake for many reasons. For example, when
using features such as Summon, or when features such as Smart Preconditioning, Cabin
Overheat Protection, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle is alsoawake whenever the 12V battery is beingcharged or is in use, during HV charging, when
the vehicle is communicating with the mobile
app, etc. Leaving an accessory plugged in
does not deplete the 12V battery.
12V Power Socket Your Model S has a power socket located onthe front of the center console. Power is
available whenever the instrument panel and
touchscreen are on.
The 12V power socket is suitable for
accessories requiring up to 11A continuous
draw (15A peak) or a maximum of 150
continuous watts (180 watts peak).
Note: Power is available whenever the vehicle
is considered "awake" The vehicle may be awake for many reasons. For example, when
using features such as Summon, or when features such as Smart Preconditioning, Cabin
Overheat Protection, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle is alsoawake whenever the 12V battery is beingcharged or is in use, during HV charging, when
the vehicle is communicating with the mobile
app, etc. Leaving an accessory plugged in
does not deplete the 12V battery.
Note: In situations where Model S is unable to
detect the key (low battery, interference, etc.),
Interior Storage and Electronics
20Model S Owner
Starting and Powering
Off
Starting When you open a door, Model S powers on
the instrument panel and touchscreen and you
can operate all controls.
To drive Model S:
1. PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL - Model S
powers on and is ready to drive.
2. SELECT A GEAR - Move the gear lever all
the way down for Drive and all the way up
for Reverse. See Shifting Gears on page
54.
Note: If the PIN to Drive feature is enabled
(see PIN to Drive on page 138), you must also
enter a valid PIN on the touchscreen before
you can drive Model S.
Note: If Passive Entry is off and you do not
press the brake pedal to start Model S within
approximately five minutes, a message
displays on the instrument panel and you must
use the key to lock then unlock Model S again before starting the vehicle.
Everything you need to know when driving
Model S displays on the instrument panel.
Key Not Inside
If Model S does not detect a key when you
press the brake, the instrument panel displays
a message telling you that a key is not inside.
If you receive this message, place the key in
the center console cup holder where Model S
can best detect it.
If Model S still does not detect the key, try holding it against the center console,
immediately below the 12V power socket (see
12V Power Socket on page 20). Or try using
another key. If another key does not work, contact Tesla.
A number of factors can affect whether
Model S can detect the key. These include a
low battery in the key, interference from other
devices using radio signals, and objects
between the key and receiver.
Always keep the key with you. After driving,
the key is needed to restart Model S after it
powers off. And when you leave Model S, you
must bring the key with you to lock Model S, either manually or automatically.
Powering Off
When you finish driving, shift into Park by
pressing the button on the end of the gear selector. The parking brake automatically
engages and all systems keep operating.
When you leave Model S with the key, it
powers off automatically, turning off the
instrument panel and touchscreen.
Model S also powers off automatically after
being in Park for 15 minutes, even if you are
sitting in the driver
Note: If regenerative braking is aggressively
slowing Model S (such as when your foot is
completely off the accelerator pedal at
highway speeds), the brake lights turn on to
alert others that you are slowing down.Warning: In snowy or icy conditions
Model S may experience traction loss
during regenerative braking, particularly
when in the Standard setting and/or not
using winter tires. Tesla recommends
using the Low setting (see To Set the
Regenerative Braking Level on page 68)
in snowy or icy conditions to help
maintain vehicle stability.
The Energy app displays real-time feedback
on the amount of energy being gained by
regenerative braking. You can also display the
power meter on either side of the instrument
panel by choosing Energy using the scroll
button on the steering wheel (see Steering
Wheel on page 47).
The amount of energy fed back to the Battery using regenerative braking can depend on thecurrent state of the Battery and the charge
level setting that you are using. For example,
regenerative braking may be limited if the Battery is already fully charged or if the
ambient temperature is too cold.
Note: If regenerative braking is limited, a
dashed yellow line displays on the power
meter.
To Set the Regenerative Braking Level
You can use the touchscreen to change the
level of regenerative braking:
1. Touch Controls > Driving > Regenerative
Braking .
2. Choose from two levels:
Note: Depending on date of manufacture and options selected at time of purchase, some vehicles
are not equipped with a heater 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, neurological injury, or some other condition, should exercise caution when using the climate control
system and seat heaters.
Note: The climate control system is powered by the high voltage battery. Therefore, prolonged use
decreases driving range.
Climate Controls
120Model S Owner
Charging
Electric Vehicle Components
High Voltage Components
1. Front Motor (All-Wheel Drive vehicles only)
2. Air Conditioning Compressor
3. Battery Coolant Heater
4. Forward Junction Box
5. High Voltage Cabling
6. On-board Charger
7. DC-DC Converter
8. Cabin Heater
9. High Voltage Battery
10. Charge Port
11. Rear Motor
Warning:
The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, remove
or replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are typically colored orange for easy identification.Warning: Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S.
These labels are there for your safety.Warning: In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
Charging145
Battery Information
About the Battery
Model S has one of the most sophisticated
battery systems in the world. The most
important way to preserve the Battery is to LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE PLUGGED IN when
you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive Model S for several weeks. When plugged in,
Model S wakes up when needed to
automatically maintain a charge level that
maximizes the lifetime of the Battery.
Note: When left idle and unplugged, your
vehicle periodically uses energy from the Battery for system tests and recharging the
12V battery when necessary.
There is no advantage to waiting until the
Battery