2023 TESLA MODEL S air condition

Seat Heaters
All seats contain heating pads. In addition, both front
seats are ventilated.
You can control seat heaters in all
seating positions using the touchscreen.
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.
Seat Covers
WARNING: Do not use seat covers in Model S.
Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-
mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. Seat
covers can also interfere with the occupant
detection system that is used to determine the
status of the passenger front airbag.
Front and Rear Seats
31Seating and Safety Restraints

10. The power meter displays real-time power usage. During acceleration, the bar fills to the right with a gray color
(or white if the display is dark) to represent power being used. During deceleration (when
Model S is moving and
you release your foot from the accelerator pedal), the bar
fills to the left with a green color to represent power
being fed back to the Battery by regenerative braking (see
Regenerative Braking on page 67).
11.
When Autosteer is active and detects the driving lane, it is highlighted in blue (see Autosteer on page 88).
Depending on the current driving scenario, you may see neighboring lanes.
NOTE: In situations where Autosteer is unable to detect lane markings, the driving lane is determined based on
the vehicle you are following.
NOTE: If Navigate on Autopilot is active, the driving lane displays as a single blue line in front of Model S (see
Navigate on Autopilot on page 93).
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights display along the top of the instrument panel to show status and alert you of
specific vehicle
conditions.
IndicatorDescriptionA brake system fault is detected or the brake
fluid level is low. See Braking and
Stopping on page 66. Contact Tesla
immediately.
A brake booster fault has been detected. See
Braking and Stopping on page 66.
An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See
Braking and Stopping on
page 66. Contact Tesla immediately.
A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See
Parking Brake on page
68.
The parking brake is manually applied.
See
Parking Brake on page 68.
Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
detected, the indicator
flashes. For a
TPMS fault, contact Tesla. See
Tire Care
and Maintenance on page 173.
A seat belt for an occupied seat is not
fastened. See
Seat Belts on page 32.
IndicatorDescriptionAirbag safety. If this red indicator does not
flash on briefly when Model S
prepares to drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See
Airbags
on page 41.
Front fog lights are on, if equipped. See
Lights on page 58.
Parking lights (side marker lights, tail
lights, and license plate lights) are on. See
Lights on page 58.
Low beam headlights are on.
High beam headlights are on. Illuminates when high beams are on but the Auto High Beam setting (if equipped) is turned
off or if the Auto High Beam setting is
turned on but is temporarily unavailable.
See
High Beam Headlights on page 58.
High beam headlights are currently
turned on, and Auto High Beam (if equipped) is ready to turn
off the high
beams if light is detected in front of
Model S. See High Beam Headlights on
page 58.
High beam headlights are temporarily
turned
off because Auto High Beam (if
equipped) is on and is detecting light in
front of
Model S. When light is no longer
detected, the high beams automatically turn back on. See
High Beam Headlights
on page 58.
Instrument Panel
63Seating and Safety Restraints

IndicatorDescriptionThis indicator flashes amber when the
electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor
power. See
Traction Control on page 69.
If this indicator remains on, a fault is detected and you should immediately contact Tesla.
If a fault is detected that reduces the performance of the air suspension system, this amber indicator light
displays (see
Air Suspension on page
129). If the problem persists, contact
Tesla.
If a fault is detected that disables the air suspension system, this red indicator light displays (see
Air Suspension on
page 129). Contact Tesla.
Vehicle Hold is actively applying the brakes. See
Vehicle Hold on page 72.
Electronic stability control systems are no longer minimizing wheel spin. See
Traction Control on page 69.
Model S is in Transport mode and can roll
freely. It does not automatically shift into Park when you exit. See
Activate
Transport Mode on page 203.
A blue snowflake appears when some of
the energy stored in the Battery may not be available due to cold weather
conditions. During these cold weather
conditions, charging rates may also be limited. If
Model S is plugged in, you can
heat your Battery by turning on climate control with the mobile app. The
snowflake disappears when the Battery is
sufficiently warm.
A green icon appears when regenerative
braking is limited. See
Regenerative
Braking on page 67 for more information.
Vehicle power is currently being limited
because the energy remaining in the
Battery is low, the vehicle

Overview of Climate Controls
Climate controls are available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, which
maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the cabin temperature
while in the
Auto setting, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air conditioning, air distribution, and fan
speed to maintain the cabin at your selected temperature.
Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen to access the main climate controls screen, where you can adjust your climate preferences. You can revert back to Auto at any time by touching
Auto. Touch the
power button on the main climate controls screen to toggle on or
off. For quick access to common controls, touch <
or > to display the climate popup.
NOTE: The climate control system is powered by the high voltage Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases
driving range.
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.
Adjusting Climate Control Settings
NOTE: Easily adjust your climate preferences, such as turning on the seat heater or changing the cabin temperature,
hands-free by using voice commands (see
Voice Commands on page 131).
NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See
Customizing My Apps on page 10.
1.
Touch to turn the climate control system on or off.
2.
Touch to adjust the climate settings for the front cabin.
3.
Choose where air flows into the front cabin (windshield, face-level, or foot-level vents). You can choose one or
more vents.
4.
Touch to adjust the climate settings for the rear cabin. If Auto is enabled and a passenger is detected, the set
temperature is maintained for the rear cabin (see Adjusting the Front and Rear Vents on page 122).
NOTE: Enable Sync to set the same temperature for the front and back cabins.
Climate Controls
119Using the Touchscreen

Real-time Visualization
The image of your Model S on the Suspension screen
provides a real-time visualization of the status of the air suspension system. In addition to visually showing changes to the ride height, it displays Compression and Rebound lines that
reflect how the suspension system is
controlling the dampers for each wheel based on your
chosen settings and changing road conditions. Both are controlled simultaneously. Touch
Show Suspension Data
to display detailed information about the dampers for
each wheel, including ride height, compression and
rebound values, and body accelerations.
Auto-Raising Locations
Whenever you raise the suspension to High or Very
High, the location is automatically saved. By saving the
location, you do not need to manually raise the
suspension every time you arrive at a frequently-used location where you have previously raised the
suspension. When you return to the saved location,
Model S raises the suspension and the instrument panel
displays a message indicating that the suspension is being raised.
When saving locations, Model S also saves the Keep until
XX mph setting (if specified).
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
automatically lowers. However, it may not lower until
Model S meets the speed and distance 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 automatically raise
at a location, touch to deselect
Always raise at this
location in the popup that appears when you arrive at a
saved location.
Or, when using the Raise Suspension
shortcut on the main Controls window, touch to deselect
Location Saved.
Self-Leveling
Model S equipped with air suspension automatically self-
levels, even when power is
off. To prevent damage when
jacking or lifting the vehicle, you must activate
Jack
Mode to disable self-leveling (press the brake pedal and
touch
Controls > Service > Jack Mode). For more
details, see
Jack Mode on page 184.
Air Suspension
130MODEL S Owner

During Charging
During charging, the charge port light pulses green, and the
touchscreen displays real-time charging status. The
frequency at which the green charge port light pulses
slows down as the charge 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 an alert 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: The thermal system may produce steam under
certain conditions. For example, odorless steam can come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in cold temperature. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
NOTE: It is normal to hear sounds during charging.
Particularly at high currents, the refrigerant compressor
and fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
NOTE: Air conditioning performance is generally not
affected by charging. However, in some circumstances
(for example, 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 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, a pressure washer) towards the
charge port while charging. Doing so 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 unlocked or 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.
NOTE: You can also release the latch using the
touchscreen or mobile app, or by pressing and
holding the rear trunk button on the key fob.
If your
vehicle is equipped with a motorized charge port,
you can also press the button to the left of the
charge port to release the latch.
2.
Pull the connector from the charge port. The charge
port door automatically closes.
To disconnect the charge cable when using an adapter at a public charge station:
1.
Unlock Model S.
2.
While holding the public charging handle in one hand and the adapter in the other hand, press and hold the button on the public charging handle and pull both
outwards, removing the handle and adapter at the same time.
NOTE: If the charging station handle separates from
the adapter, leaving the adapter in
Model S, use the
touchscreen to unlock the charge port.
3.
Press and hold the button on the charging handle
again to release the adapter from the public charging handle.
NOTE: The charge port door automatically closes within
approximately 10 seconds of removing the connector from the charge port.
CAUTION: Tesla strongly recommends leaving
Model S plugged in when not in use. This maintains
the Battery at the optimum level of charge.
Charge Settings
Access charge settings by touching Controls > Charging
when Model S is in Park.
When charging, you can also touch the
charge icon on the touchscreen to access charge settings.1.
Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving
distance available.
Charging Instructions
165Charging and Energy Consumption

Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.

Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model S. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water jet on any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash, use
touchless car washes only. These car washes have
no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of
Model S. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash,
make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid
using controls on the touchscreen that can result
in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the
vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is
not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel
cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while Model S is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its
appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible,
immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For
general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a mixture of warm
water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use). To avoid streaks, dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on
glass or mirrored surfaces. This can damage the
reflective surface of the mirror and the heating elements
in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflective and could interfere with
your driving view.
Seats
Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain
performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat
dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area
before applying to visible surfaces.
If equipped with leather seats, note that leather is prone to dye-transfer which can cause discoloration, particularly on light colored leather. White and tan
leather is coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Using detergents or commercially available leather cleaners and conditioners is not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat

Vehicle Hold is currently unavailable due to system constraints. When stopping, use the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete stop and keep your vehicle stationary.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive.
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
For more information, see Vehicle Hold on page 72.
DI_a250
Adaptive ride control disabled
Drive with caution
What this alert means:
The speed of your vehicle is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h) due to an issue with the Adaptive Suspension Damping
system.
The system cannot provide real-time adjustments to the suspension system to optimize both ride and handling, and
as a result your ride may be softer than usual.
What to do:
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
This alert is accompanied by a red indicator light on the instrument panel. For more information, see Air Suspension
on page 129.
ESP_a118
Assist for low brake performance activated
To stop, keep brake pedal firmly pressed
What this alert means:
Hydraulic Fade Compensation is active. This brake assist function activates temporarily to make sure you have full
braking capability in conditions where reduced braking performance is detected by your vehicle.
When this assist function activates, you may feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot and notice a strong
increase in brake pressure. You may also hear a pumping sound coming from the brake hydraulic unit at the front of
the vehicle. This will usually last for a few seconds, depending on road surface and vehicle speed. This is completely
normal and does not indicate any issue with your vehicle.
What to do:
Continue to press the brake pedal as you normally would, and do not "pump" (repeatedly press and release) the
pedal as this will interrupt the function.
This alert will clear when your vehicle comes to a stop or you are no longer pressing the brake pedal. It may still be
displayed for up to 5 seconds afterward.
Reduced braking performance is usually temporary, and can occur for a number of reasons including high brake
temperatures after heavy brake use, or driving in extremely cold or wet conditions. It can also indicate that your
brake pads or rotors have worn to the point that normal replacement is needed.
If you continue to experience reduced braking performance which does not improve over time, please contact Tesla
service at your convenience for a brake inspection.
For more information, see Hydraulic Fade Compensation on page 67.
Troubleshooting Alerts
238MODEL S Owner