Overview................................................................3
Exterior Overview............................................................................3
Interior Overview.............................................................................4
Touchscreen Overview..................................................................6
Opening and Closing.......................................12
Keys.....................................................................................................12
Doors...................................................................................................17
Windows............................................................................................19
Rear Trunk.......................................................................................20
Front Trunk......................................................................................22
Interior Storage and Electronics..............................................25
Seating and Safety Restraints.....................29
Front and Rear Seats...................................................................29
Seat Belts.........................................................................................32
Child Safety Seats.........................................................................35
Airbags...............................................................................................41
Driving..................................................................47
Driver Profiles.................................................................................47
Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)........................................49
Mirrors................................................................................................52
Starting and Powering Off.........................................................53
Shifting..............................................................................................55
Lights.................................................................................................58
Instrument Panel............................................................................61
Wipers and Washers....................................................................65
Braking and Stopping.................................................................66
Traction Control.............................................................................69
Park Assist.......................................................................................70
Vehicle Hold....................................................................................72
Acceleration Modes......................................................................73
Track Mode......................................................................................74
Trip Information.............................................................................76
Rear Facing Camera(s)...............................................................77
Pedestrian Warning System......................................................78
Cold Weather Best Practices....................................................79
Autopilot...............................................................81
About Autopilot..............................................................................81
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control....................................................84
Autosteer..........................................................................................88
Navigate on Autopilot.................................................................93
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control.......................................96
Autopark.........................................................................................103
Summon..........................................................................................105
Smart Summon............................................................................108
Active Safety Features....................................111
Lane Assist.......................................................................................111
Collision Avoidance Assist........................................................114
Speed Assist...................................................................................117
Cabin Camera.................................................................................118
Using the Touchscreen..................................119
Climate Controls...........................................................................119
Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing...........................126
Air Suspension..............................................................................129
Voice Commands..........................................................................131
Safety & Security Settings.......................................................133
Dashcam..........................................................................................135
Sentry Mode..................................................................................136
USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos..............138
Smart Garage Connectivity.....................................................139
Connecting to Wi-Fi...................................................................142
Software Updates........................................................................143
Mobile App.....................................................................................145
Navigation and Entertainment..................147
Maps and Navigation.................................................................147
Media................................................................................................153
Theater, Arcade, and Toybox...................................................156
Charging and Energy Consumption........159
Electric Vehicle Components..................................................159
High Voltage Battery Information..........................................161
Charging Instructions.................................................................163
Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure..............168
Getting Maximum Range..........................................................169
Maintenance.......................................................171
Maintenance Service Intervals.................................................171
Tire Care and Maintenance.......................................................173
Cleaning...........................................................................................178
Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid...........................182
Jacking and Lifting.....................................................................184
Parts and Accessories................................................................185
Do It Yourself Maintenance......................................................186
Specifications...................................................187
Identification Labels...................................................................187
Vehicle Loading............................................................................188
Dimensions....................................................................................190
Subsystems....................................................................................192
Wheels and Tires.........................................................................194
Roadside Assistance.....................................201
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance...............................201
Instructions for Transporters..................................................202
Running Out of Range..............................................................206
Jump Starting..............................................................................207
Troubleshooting.............................................209
Troubleshooting Alerts............................................................209
Contents
Passenger Front Airbag Must Be OFF
Your Model S seat belts are designed for adults and larger children. You must restrain infants and small children in
the rear seats only, and you must use a suitable child safety seat appropriate for the child
Front Passenger Occupant Detection
Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that controls the status of the front airbag.
NOTE: The occupancy classification system (OCS) automatically detects when inflating the passenger front airbag
would be unnecessary or potentially harmful.
WARNING: Seating an infant in a rear facing child restraint system on a seat equipped with an operational
airbag can cause serious injury or death.
Object ClassificationOCS Passenger
Airbag Status*Indicator statusNotesEmptyOFFPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ObjectOFF or ONPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or
PASSENGER AIRBAG ONDepends on material/
contents.Rear facing child seat
designed for children up to a
year oldOFFPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF20 lbs (9 kg) or lessForward facing child seatOFFPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF35 lbs (16 kg) or lessChild in a booster seatOFF or ONPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON20-100 lbs (9-45 kg)*Large childOFF or ONPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON 5th percentile female or
larger (by weight)ONPASSENGER AIRBAG ONOver approximately 100 lbs
(45 kg)
*If the passenger airbag status indicator does not match the situation, do not use the seat. The passenger must
ride in a
different seat. Contact Tesla Service.
NOTE: It takes approximately six seconds after you power on Model S for the occupant classification system (OCS)
to report accurate status of the front passenger airbag. As a result, when you
first power on Model S, even in
situations when it should be OFF because the seat is occupied by a weight of
20 lbs (9 kg) or less, a delay of
approximately six seconds can occur before the touchscreen displays the PASS AIRBAG OFF status. If it fails to do
so, contact Tesla Service and do not seat a child in the front passenger seating position.
To make sure the sensing system can correctly detect occupancy status, eliminate the following:
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
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
opening: 20
lifting: 184
lights, dome (map): 58
lights, exterior: 58
lights, fog: 58
lights, hazard warning: 60
lights, headlights after exit: 59
lights, interior: 58
load limits: 188
location tracking: 147
locking: 17
low voltage power socket: 27
M
maintenance: 171, 172, 173, 178, 182, 183
cleaning: 178
daily checks: 171
fluid replacement intervals: 172
monthly checks: 171
replacing wiper blades: 182
service intervals: 171
tires: 173
washer fluid, topping up: 182
washer jets, cleaning: 183
map orientation: 147
map updates: 152
mats: 181
media: 153, 156
settings: 153
sources, show and hide: 153
microphones, noise reduction: 27
mileage upon delivery: 262
mirrors: 52
mobile app: 145
mobile app access: 145
Mobile Connector: 160, 163
description: 160
using: 163
modifications: 185
motor specifications: 192
My Apps: 10
my car does what?: 156
myQ: 139
programming and using: 139
N
naming your vehicle: 11
Navigate on Autopilot: 93
NCC certifications: 264
Neutral: 57
NHTSA, contacting: 264
O
Obstacle-Aware Acceleration: 114
occupancy sensor: 43
occupant classification: 44
odometer: 76
Off-Peak Charging: 168
offset from speed limit: 117
Online Routing: 151
opening console: 25
opening hood without power: 205
overhang dimensions for your vehicle: 190
overtake acceleration: 84
Owner Information, about: 259
P
Park: 56
Park Assist: 70
parking brake: 68
parking, using Autopark: 103
parking, using Summon: 105
parts replacement: 185
passenger detection: 43
passenger front airbag: 43
pedestrian warning: 78
personal data, erasing: 11
phone: 12, 126
authenticating as a key: 12
using: 126
phone app: 127
phone charger, inductive: 26
phone charger, wireless: 26
phone key: 12, 15
adding as a key: 15
removing as a key: 15
PIN: 48
PIN to Drive: 133
Post-drive Cooling (Track Mode): 74
power: 67
gained from regenerative braking: 67
power cycling: 53
power windows: 19, 186
powering on and off: 53
Preconditioning: 168
Proposition 65: 262
public charging stations: 160
R
radio: 153, 156
Index