Speed Assist
How Speed Assist Works
Model S displays a speed limit on the
instrument panel and you can choose if and how you are warned when you exceed the
speed limit. Also, instead of using the detected speed limit, you can base warnings
on an arbitrary speed limit that you enter manually.
In situations where Model S is unable to
determine a speed limit, or if Speed Assist is
uncertain that an acquired speed limit is
accurate, 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 116)
and exceed the determined speed limit, the
speed limit sign on the instrument panel
increases in size.
If you set the speed limit warning to Chime
(see Controlling Speed Assist on page 116)
and exceed the determined speed limit, the speed limit sign on the instrument panelincreases in size and Model S also sounds a
warning chime.
Note: Speed limit warnings go away after ten
seconds, or when Model S slows down below
the specified limit.
Warning:
Do not rely on Speed Assist to
determine the appropriate speed limit or driving speed. Always drive at a safe
speed based on traffic and road
conditions.
Controlling Speed Assist
To adjust the Speed Limit Warning setting,
touch Controls > Autopilot > Speed Limit
Warning , then choose one of these options:
In Call OptionsWhen a call is in progress, you can display the
call menu on the instrument panel by pressing
the top button on the right side of the steering wheel. Then roll the right scroll button
and choose an option (see Using Right
Steering Wheel Buttons on page 45). To adjust
the call volume, roll the steering wheel
Note: Regardless of the setting you choose,
Adaptive Suspension Damping adjusts the
suspension system in real time to optimize both ride and handling.
Note: Available settings depend on your
driving speed and other conditions. For
example, the suspension does not lower if a
door is open.
Note: Your chosen Suspension Lowering and
Adaptive Suspension Damping settings are
saved to your driver profile (see Driver Profiles
on page 42).
Auto-Raising Suspension Auto-raising suspension saves you from
manually having to raise the suspension every
time you arrive at a frequently-used location
where you have previously raised the
suspension. Whenever you raise the
suspension to HIGH or VERY HIGH , Model S
saves the location. When you return to the saved location, Model S raises the suspension
and the instrument panel displays this
message:
Note: When returning to a saved location and
driving faster than the High and Very High
suspension settings allow, the suspension
does not raise until Model S slows down.
Note: After leaving a saved location, the
suspension may not lower until you are driving
faster than the speed threshold at which the
suspension lowers.
Note: If Model S reaches a saved location and
the existing suspension setting is already
higher than the level that has been saved for
that location, the ride height is not adjusted.
To remove an auto-raising location
If you do not want the suspension to auto-
raise at a saved location, touch the X in the
auto-raising location status message that
displays at a saved location. Doing so removes
the auto-raise location and the suspension no
longer raises automatically when you arrive at
the location.
Note: Manually lowering the suspension to
STANDARD or LOW while at a saved location
also removes the auto-raising location.
Jack Mode Before jacking or lifting, set the suspension to
Jack mode to prevent the self-leveling that
occurs even when Model S is powered off.
Press the brake pedal, then touch Controls >
Suspension > Jack .
To deactivate, touch Jack again.
Note: Jack mode automatically cancels when
you drive over 4 mph (7 km/h).
Note: Model S also sets Jack mode
automatically if it detects that the vehicle
cannot lower to its target height, or if it
detects that an object is supporting the
vehicle
the Battery. For example, if you are sitting in
Model S and using the touchscreen while
parked and plugged in, Model S draws energy
from the wall outlet instead of the Battery.Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped
onto the vehicle.
During Charging
During charging, the charge port light pulses
green, and the instrument panel displays the
charging status. The frequency at which the charge port light pulses slows down as thecharge level approaches full. When charging is
complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid
green.
Note: If Model S is locked, the charge port
light does not light up.
If the charge port light turns red while
charging, a fault is detected. Check the
instrument panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault. A fault can
occur due to something as common as a power outage. If a power outage occurs,
charging resumes automatically when power
is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan
operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds during charging.
Note: Air conditioning performance is
generally not affected by charging. However,
under certain circumstances (for example, you
are charging at high currents during a
particularly warm day), the air coming from
the vents may not be as cool as expected and
a message displays on the instrument panel.
This is normal behavior and ensures that the Battery stays within an optimum temperature
range while charging to support longevity and
optimum performance.
Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
charging. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in serious injury or
damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting
the charge cable or touching Stop Charging
on the touchscreen.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, the charge cable latch remains locked and Model S must be unlockedor able to recognize your key before you can
disconnect the charge cable.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on the
connector handle to release the latch.
Alternatively, unlock the vehicle by
opening a door, using a key fob, or
touching Stop Charging on the
touchscreen. These methods unlock the
charge port as well.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
3. Push the charge port door closed.
Note: If Model S is equipped with a motorized
charge port door, it automatically closes shortly after you remove the charge cable.Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model S plugged in when not in
use. This maintains the Battery at the
optimum level of charge.
Manually Releasing Charge Cable
If the usual methods for releasing a charge
cable from the charge port (using the charge
handle release button, touchscreen, or mobile
app) do not work, carefully follow these steps:
1. Ensure that Model S is not actively
charging by displaying the charging
screen on the touchscreen. If necessary,
touch Stop Charging .
2. Open the rear trunk.
3. Open the
silicone-based products or additives on
interior components can cause damage.Caution: Statically-charged materials can
cause damage to the touchscreen or
instrument panel.Warning: If you notice any damage on an
airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
immediately.Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
mechanism.Warning: Exposure to chemical cleaners
can be hazardous and can irritate eyes
and skin. Read and observe the
instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body, you can occasionally treat the paint
surfaces with an approved polish containing:
Disable the Self-Leveling AirSuspension System
If Model S is equipped with the air suspension
system, 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 red indicator light on
the instrument panel, along with a message telling you that active
suspension is disabled.
Note: Jack Mode cancels when driving speed
exceeds 4 mph (7 kph).
Warning: Failure to activate Jack Mode on
a vehicle equipped with the air
suspension system can result in the
vehicle becoming loose during transport,
which may cause significant damage.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps the parking brake
disengaged while winching Model S onto a
Reporting Safety Defects
Contacting Tesla For detailed information about your Model S,
go to www.tesla.com , and log on to your Tesla
Account, or sign up to get an account.
If you have any questions or concerns about
your Model S, call 1-877-79TESLA
(1-877 )798-3752).
Note: You can also use voice commands to
provide feedback to Tesla. Say "Note",
"Report", "Bug note", or "Bug report" (in the
English language) followed by brief comments
in your language of choice. Model S takes a snapshot of its systems, including your current
location, vehicle diagnostic data, and screen
captures of the touchscreen and instrument
panel. Tesla periodically reviews these notes and uses them to continue improving Model S.
Reporting Safety Defects - US
If you believe that Model S has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Tesla.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation. If it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or Tesla.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
www.safercar.gov ; or write to: Administrator,
National Highway Traffic Safety, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from www.safercar.gov.
Reporting Safety Defects - Canada
If you believe that your Model S has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying Tesla. To contact Transport Canada, call theirtoll-free number: 1-800-333-0510.
Reporting Safety Defects
Consumer Information215
mileage upon delivery 214
mirrors 48
mobile app 159Mobile Connectordescription 161
using 164
modifications 188
motor specifications 194
my car does what? 209
N naming 126
Navigate on Autopilot 98
navigating 134, 135
NCC certifications 216
Neutral gear 52
NHTSA, contacting 215
O Obstacle-Aware Acceleration 113
occupancy sensor 39
odometer 9, 76
offset from speed limit 116
Online Routing 137
overhang dimensions 192
overtake acceleration 88
Owner Information, about 211
P
Park Assist 71
Park gear 52
parking brake 68
parking, using Autopark 102
parking, using Summon 104
parts replacement 188
passenger detection 39
passenger front airbag 39
personal data, erasing 127
phonesteering wheel buttons 45
using 143
phone app 144
PIN 43
PIN to Drive 149
power cycling 50
power management 77
power socket 22
power windows 15
powering on and off 50
Proposition 65 214
public charging stations 161
R
radar 85
radio 140
Radio Frequency information 216rangedisplayed on instrument panel 58
driving tips to maximize 77
regenerative braking 67
range assurance 77
Range mode 77
Re-route 137
rear seats, folding and raising 26
rear view camera 79
rear window switches, disabling 15
recent (Media Player) 141
Recents (navigation) 135
regenerative braking 67
relative speed limit 116
release notes 158
restarting the touchscreen 50
Reverse gear 52
RFID transponders 188
roadside assistance 205
Roll 67
roof racks 191
rotating tires 174
Round Trip Energy (navigating) 137
S safety defects, reporting 215
safety informationairbags 40
child seats 36
seat belts 28
satellite radio 140
scheduled charging 167
scheduled departureusing 167seat beltscleaning 181
in a collision 28
overview of 27
pre-tensioners 28
wearing when pregnant 27
seat covers 26
seat heaters 128
seating capacity 190
seatsadjusting 25
heaters 128
security settings 149
sensors 85
Sentry Mode 149
service data recording 213
service intervals 171
Settings, erasing 127
Index
222Model S Owner