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
Index
A ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 67
absolute speed limit 107
Acceleration settings 74
access panel, removing 167
accessoriesplugging into power socket 20
active hood 76
adaptive headlights 57
Adaptive Suspension Damping 135
air circulation 121
air conditioning 119
air distribution 121
air filter 124
air suspension 135
air vents 124
airbag, front passenger, disabling 43
airbags 41
alarm 138
all-season tires 161
always connected, setting 78
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy 128
anti-lock braking (ABS) 67
audioplaying files 130
steering wheel buttons 47
volume control 130
Auto High Beam 57
Auto Lane Change 93
auto-raising suspension 135
automatic emergency braking 105
Autopark 98
autopilotblind spot warning 102
side collision warning 102
staying inside lane markings 102AutopilotAuto Lane Change 93
automatic emergency braking 104
Autopark 98
Autosteer 91
collision avoidance assist 104
forward collision warning 104
Navigate on Autopilot 94
overtake acceleration 85
overview 82
speed assist 107
speed limit warning 107
staying within speed limits 107
Summon 100
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 85
Autopilot components 82
Autosteer 91
average range 78
B
backup camera 80battery (12V)complete discharge 147
specifications 179Battery (high voltage)care of 147
coolant 167
specifications 179
temperature limits 147
battery (key), replacing 10
blind spot warning 102
blind spot warning chime 102
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 132
general information 133
phone, pairing and using 133
body repairs 171
body touch up 165
brakesautomatic in emergencies 105
specifications (continued)exterior 175
interior 175
motor 177
subsystems 177
tires 181
wheels 180
speed assist 107
Speed Limit Mode 117
speed limit warning 107
Sport acceleration 74
stability control 70
Standard acceleration 74
starting 52
Statutory Plate 173
steering specifications 178
steering wheeladjusting position 47
adjusting sensitivity 47
buttons 47
heated 47
scroll buttons 47
steering, automatic
91
streaming services 131
summer tires 161
Summon 100
Summon Distance 100
sunroof 23
superchargingdescribed 154
idle fees 154
pay-per-use fees 154
suspension (air), settings for 135
suspension specifications 179
T telematics 193
temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 147
cabin, controls for 119
heated steering wheel 49
outside 59
Teslacam 81
tie-down straps 189
Tilt/Intrusion detection 138
Tire and Loading Information label 173
tire noise 162
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 196
overview of 160
tire pressures, checking 157
tiresall-season 161
balancing 158
chains 162
inspecting and maintaining 158
pressures, how to check 157tires (continued)replacing 159
replacing a tire sensor 160
rotation 158
specification 181
summer 161
tire markings 182
winter 161
toll system transponders, attaching 171
torque specifications 177
touch up body 165
touchscreenclean mode 164
cleaning 164
overview 4
software updates 143
tow eye, locating 188
towing 188
towing a trailer 174
towing instructions 187
TPMSFCC certification 196
overview of 160
Tracking Disabled 125
traction control 70
trademarks 192
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 85
trailer hitches 174
transmission specifications 178
transponders, attaching 171
Transport Mode 188
transporting 187, 188
trip chart 78
trip meter 77
Trip Planner 128
trunk, front 18
trunk, rearchild-protection lock 12
disabling interior handle 12
TuneIn radio 131
turn signals 58
U
ultrasonic sensors 82
Unlock on Park 9
unlocking when key doesn