Tesla Model S 2020 Owner’s Manual
MODEL S
OWNER'S MANUAL
2020.4
North America
Contents
Overview.............................................................2
Interior Overview.........................................................................2
Exterior Overview.......................................................................3
Touchscreen Overview..............................................................4
Opening and Closing....................................10
Keys and Doors..........................................................................10
Windows....................................................................................... 15
Rear Trunk....................................................................................16
Front Trunk..................................................................................19
Interior Storage and Electronics..........................................21
Sunroof.........................................................................................24
Seating and Safety Restraints..................25
Front and Rear Seats.............................................................. 25
Seat Belts.....................................................................................27
Child Safety Seats....................................................................30
Airbags......................................................................................... 37
Driving...............................................................42
Driver Profiles............................................................................ 42
Steering Wheel......................................................................... 44
Mirrors...........................................................................................48
Starting and Powering O....................................................50
Gears............................................................................................. 52
Lights............................................................................................ 54
Instrument Panel.......................................................................58
Wipers and Washers...............................................................64
Braking and Stopping.............................................................66
Traction Control........................................................................70
Park Assist....................................................................................71
Vehicle Hold................................................................................73
Acceleration Modes.................................................................74
Trip Information........................................................................ 76
Getting Maximum Range.......................................................77
Rear View Camera....................................................................79
Dashcam......................................................................................80
Cold Weather Best Practices............................................... 83
Autopilot.......................................................... 85
About Autopilot........................................................................85
Trac-Aware Cruise Control................................................88
Autosteer.....................................................................................95
Autopark.................................................................................... 102
Summon.....................................................................................104
Smart Summon........................................................................107
Lane Assist................................................................................. 110
Collision Avoidance Assist....................................................113
Speed Assist.............................................................................. 116
Using the Touchscreen...............................118
Controls....................................................................................... 118
Climate Controls......................................................................128
Maps and Navigation.............................................................134
Media and Audio.....................................................................140
Phone...........................................................................................143
Air Suspension.........................................................................146
Calendar..................................................................................... 148
Security Settings.....................................................................149
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver...................................... 153
Connecting to Wi-Fi.............................................................. 156
Software Updates................................................................... 157
Mobile App................................................................................ 159
Contents
Charging.........................................................160
Electric Vehicle Components.............................................160
Battery Information................................................................162
Charging Instructions............................................................164
Maintenance................................................... 171
Maintenance Schedule........................................................... 171
Tire Care and Maintenance..................................................173
Cleaning..................................................................................... 180
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets..........................................183
Fluid Reservoirs.......................................................................184
Jacking and Lifting.................................................................187
Parts and Accessories...........................................................188
Specifications............................................... 189
Identification Labels.............................................................. 189
Vehicle Loading.......................................................................190
Dimensions and Weights..................................................... 192
Subsystems...............................................................................194
Wheels and Tires.....................................................................197
Roadside Assistance.................................205
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance..........................205
Instructions for Transporters.............................................206
Consumer Information.............................209
Easter Eggs..............................................................................209
About this Owner Information............................................211
Disclaimers.................................................................................213
Reporting Safety Defects.....................................................215
Declarations of Conformity.................................................216
Interior Overview
Overview
Interior Overview
1. Interior door handles (Opening Doors from the Interior on page 12)
2. Trac-Aware Cruise Control (Trac-Aware Cruise Control on page 88) and Autosteer
(Autosteer on page 95)
3. High beams (High Beam Headlights on page 56), Turn signals (Turn Signals on page 57),
Wipers and washers (Wipers and Washers on page 64)
4. Steering wheel buttons - left (Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons on page 44)
5. Instrument panel (Instrument Panel on page 58)
6. Steering wheel buttons - right (Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page 45)
7. Gear selector (Shifting Gears on page 52)
8. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on page 4)
9. Glovebox button (Glove Box on page 21)
10. Cabin climate control (Climate Controls on page 128)
11. Power window switches (Opening and Closing on page 15)
12. Exterior mirror adjustment switches (Mirrors on page 48)
13. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page 25)
14. Steering column adjuster (hidden from view in the above image) (Steering Wheel on page
44)
15. Horn (Horn on page 46)
16. Brakes (Braking and Stopping on page 66)
17. Accelerator pedal (Acceleration Modes on page 74)
18. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 57)
19. Cup holders (Cup Holders on page 23)
2 Model S Owner's Manual
Exterior Overview
Exterior Overview
1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 54)
2. Door handles (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 12)
3. Sunroof (optional) (Sunroof on page 24)
4. Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 164)
5. Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 85)
6. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 48)
7. Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 19)
8. Radar sensor (hidden from view in the above image) (About Autopilot on page 85)
9. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 197)
10. Rear view camera (Rear View Camera on page 79 and About Autopilot on page 85)
11. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 16)
12. Ultrasonic sensors (Park Assist on page 71 and About Autopilot on page 85)
Overview 3
Touchscreen Overview
Touchscreen Overview
The main components of the touchscreen are shown here. The touchscreen is used to control
many features that, in traditional cars, are controlled using physical buttons (for example,
adjusting the heating and air conditioning, headlights, etc.). You can also use the touchscreen to
customize Model S to suit your preferences.
Warning: Always pay attention to road and trac conditions when driving. To minimize driver
distraction and ensure the safety of vehicle occupants as well as other road users, avoid using
the touchscreen to adjust settings while the vehicle is in motion.
Note: The image below is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle
options, software version and market region, your touchscreen may appear slightly dierent.
4 Model S Owner's Manual
Touchscreen Overview
Overview 5
Touchscreen Overview
1. This area on the top of the touchscreen displays useful information and provides shortcuts to
various features. In addition to the time of day and the current outside temperature, this area
displays the following icons:
Touch to lock/unlock all doors and trunks.
Touch to display the charging screen and access charge settings on the
touchscreen.
Access information about your Model S. See The Tesla "T" on page 9.
Add, configure, or quickly switch driver profiles (including Valet Mode and Easy
Entry). See Driver Profiles on page 42.
Displays when a warning notification is in eect. Touch to display information
about the warning.
Displays when a software update is available (see Software Updates on page 157).
Displays when dashcam is ready to be used (you have inserted a supported flash
drive into a front USB port). Touch to operate dashcam (see Dashcam on page
80).
Touch to enable or disable Sentry Mode to actively monitor the vehicle's
surroundings (see Sentry Mode on page 149).
Control or program HomeLink devices (if equipped) (see HomeLink Universal
Transceiver on page 153).
6 Model S Owner's Manual
Touchscreen Overview
Connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Connected to cellular network. Touch to connect to Wi-Fi (see Connecting to Wi-Fi
on page 156).
Connect to a Bluetooth device (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on page 143).
Displays the status of the front passenger airbag (applicable only in regions where
the airbag can be disabled, as described in Airbags on page 37).
2. Controls. Touch to control features and customize Model S to suit your preferences (see
Controls on page 118).
3. Media Player (see Media and Audio on page 140).
Overview 7
Touchscreen Overview
4. Touch the app launcher then choose from the following apps:
Call. See Phone on page 143.
Calendar. See Calendar on page 148.
Camera. Display the area behind Model S. This area also displays automatically
whenever you shift into Reverse. See Rear View Camera on page 79.
Energy. See Getting Maximum Range on page 77.
Charging. See Charging Instructions on page 164.
Web. Access the Internet using the web browser).
Entertainment. Browse the full library of games and access video streaming
services, all from your vehicle's touchscreen. To launch, Model S must be in Park.
Note: Due to vehicle configuration or market region, Entertainment, Arcade,
and/or Theater may not be available on your vehicle.
Toybox. Shortcut to Eater Eggs. See Easter Eggs on page 209.
Note: Swiping up on the app launcher displays the most recently used app (provided an app
is not currently being displayed).
Note: Depending on the market region and vehicle options, your vehicle may not be equipped
with some features.
5. Climate Controls (see Climate Controls on page 128).
6. Volume Control (see Volume Control on page 140).
8 Model S Owner's Manual
Touchscreen Overview
7. The map displays on the touchscreen at all times (see Maps and Navigation on page 134).
Note: When you touch Controls, choose an app, or expand Media Player, the window displays
on top of the map. To close the Controls window, touch Controls again or touch the X in the
top corner of the window. To close an app, touch the X in the top corner of the window. To
close Media Player, drag it all the way down to the bottom of the touchscreen or touch the
icon again.
The Tesla "T"
Touch the Tesla "T" at the top center of the touchscreen to display:
• Vehicle name (see Naming Your Vehicle on page 126).*
• Vehicle configuration.*
• Odometer.*
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).*
• Version of software currently installed on your Model S.
• Access to release notes associated with the currently-installed software version.*
• Access to this owner's manual.
• One-touch access to call Tesla Customer Support and Roadside Assistance (if available in your
market region).
• One-touch access to all discovered Easter Eggs (see Easter Eggs on page 209).
*You can also display this information by touching Controls > Software.
Overview 9
Keys and Doors
Opening and Closing
Keys and Doors
Keyless Locking and Unlocking
Locking and unlocking Model S is convenient.
Although you must be carrying a valid key,
there is no need to use it. Model S has sensors
around the driver's door that can recognize
the presence of a key within a range of
approximately three feet (one meter). So, you
can keep your key in your pocket or purse and
Model S detects it as you approach.
When you walk up to Model S carrying your
key, the doors automatically unlock if Passive
Entry is on (Controls > Safety & Security >
Passive Entry). If a door handle is retracted,
press it and it extends. If the Auto-Present
Handles setting is turned on (see Using
Exterior Door Handles on page 12), you do
not need to touch the door handle. Instead,
door handles extends automatically as you
approach Model S. To open the rear trunk,
press the switch located under the trunk’s
exterior handle.
Note: Model S must detect your key near the
driver's door before the doors or rear trunk
unlock.
Note: If Passive Entry is o, you must use the
key to unlock Model S. See Using the Key on
page 10.
Note: You can choose whether you want all
doors, or just the driver's door, to unlock when
you approach Model S carrying your key (see
Door Unlock Mode on page 12).
When carrying your key with you, you can also
open the rear trunk without having to use the
key. Simply press the switch located under the
trunk’s exterior handle. Driver Door Unlock
Mode (see Door Unlock Mode on page 12)
must be o and the vehicle must detect the
key near the driver's door before opening the
rear trunk.
Model S also locks automatically. If you enable
Walk Away Door Lock, Model S locks when
you walk away carrying your key with you (see
Walk-Away Locking on page 13).
While sitting inside Model S, you can also lock
and unlock the vehicle by touching the icon on
the touchscreen's status bar or by touching
Controls > Quick Controls.
Note: Depending on date of manufacture and
options selected at time of purchase, some
Model S vehicles are not equipped with the
automatic locking and unlocking feature.
Using the Key
To quickly familiarize yourself with the key,
think of the key as a miniature version of
Model S, with the Tesla badge representing
the front. The key has three buttons that feel
like softer areas on the surface.
1. Trunk
• Double-click to open the rear trunk.
• If equipped with a powered liftgate,
double-click to close the rear trunk.
You can also single-click to stop the
liftgate when it is moving.
• Hold the button down for one to two
seconds to open the charge port door.
2. Lock/Unlock All
• Single-click to lock doors and trunks
(all doors and trunks must be closed).
Hazard warning lights flash once and
door handles retract. If a door or the
rear trunk is open, hazard warning
lights flash three times and doors do
not lock.
• Double-click to unlock. Hazard
warning lights flash twice and door
handles extend. If a door or the rear
trunk is open, hazard warning lights
flash three times and doors do not
lock.
3. Front trunk
• Double-click to open the front trunk.
You do not need to point the key at Model S,
but you must be within operating range
(which varies depending on the strength of
the key’s battery).
10 Model S Owner's Manual
Keys and Doors
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
50).
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can
aect the key. If this happens, move the key at
least one foot (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’s battery is discharged,
you can open Model S by following the
unlocking procedure (see Unlocking When the
Key Doesn't Work on page 13).
For increased security, your key fob may
require periodical updates. To update your key
fob, go to Controls > Service > Update Key
Fob and follow the onscreen instructions. Your
vehicle must be in Park to update the key fob.
Caution: Remember to bring the key with
you when you drive. Although you can
drive Model S away from its key, you will
be unable to power it back on after it
powers o.
Caution: Protect the key from impact,
high temperatures, and damage from
liquids. Avoid contact with solvents,
waxes and abrasive cleaners.
Replacing the Key Battery
The key’s battery lasts for approximately a
year with normal use. When the battery is low,
a message displays on the instrument panel.
Follow these steps to replace it:
Note: Tesla recommends replacing the battery
in all keys at the same time.
1. With the key placed button-side down on
a soft surface, use a small flat-bladed tool
or fingernail to release the bottom cover.
2.
Remove the battery by carefully lifting it
away from the front retaining clips.
3. Insert the new battery (type CR2032) with
the ‘+’ side facing up.
Note: Tesla recommends using Panasonic
CR2032 batteries. These can be
purchased through online retailers, local
supermarkets, and drug stores.
Note: Wipe the battery clean before fitting
and avoid touching the battery's flat
surfaces. Finger marks on the flat surfaces
of the battery can reduce battery life.
4. Holding the cover at an angle, align the
tabs on the widest side of the cover with
the corresponding slots on the key, then
press the cover firmly onto the key until it
snaps into place.
5. Test that the key works by unlocking and
locking your vehicle.
Getting More Keys
If you lose a key or require an additional one,
contact Tesla. Model S can recognize up to
three keys.
When ordering a new key for Model S, take all
available keys with you for reprogramming.
Opening and Closing 11
Keys and Doors
Using Exterior Door Handles
A light press on a door handle extends it,
provided Model S detects a valid key nearby
and Passive Entry is on (Controls > Safety &
Security > Passive Entry).
You can set the door handles to extend
automatically whenever you approach the
driver’s side carrying the key. On the
touchscreen, touch Controls > Vehicle > AutoPresent Handles.
Insert your hand into the handle and pull to
open the door.
Door handles retract if you do not use them
within one minute after they extend. Just
press a handle to extend it again. Door
handles also retract a minute after the last
door closes, when Model S begins moving,
and when you lock Model S.
Note: To preserve battery life, Model S is
designed to temporarily disable the AutoPresent Handles feature when:
• The key has been out of range for more
than 48 hours.
• The key remains within range for five
minutes after all doors have been closed.
In these cases, extend door handles by
touching one of them, or by pressing the
unlock button on the key. There is no need to
reset the setting. The next time you approach
Model S, provided the above conditions do
not apply, handles automatically extend.
Whenever a door is open, the Door
Open indicator displays on the
instrument panel. Also, the image of
the Model S on the touchscreen's
Controls > Quick Controls window
also provides a visual representation
of an open door or trunk.
Opening Doors from the Interior
To open a door, pull the interior door handle
toward you.
Note: To prevent children from opening rear
doors using the interior handles, use the
touchscreen, Controls > Vehicle > ChildProtection Lock, to turn on the childprotection locks (see Child-Protection Lock on
page 13).
Interior Locking and Unlocking
From inside Model S, you can use the
touchscreen to lock or unlock doors and
trunks, provided a valid key is inside the
vehicle. Touch the lock icon on the
touchscreen's status bar.
When you stop Model S and engage the Park
gear, you can choose whether you want doors
to unlock or remain locked. To do so, touch
Controls > Vehicle > Unlock on Park. When
enabled, doors automatically unlock when you
engage the Park gear.
You can also unlock doors and present
handles by pressing the Park button on the
end of the gear selector a second time (for
example, after pressing it one time to engage
the Park gear).
Note: If a door or trunk is still open when you
lock Model S, it locks when you close it.
Door Unlock Mode
You can choose to unlock only the driver's
door when you approach your vehicle carrying
your key or when you shift into Park. To do so,
touch Controls > Vehicle > Driver Door Unlock
Mode.
12 Model S Owner's Manual
Keys and Doors
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 o. Touch Controls > Vehicle > ChildProtection Lock.
Note: It is recommended that you turn childprotection 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 5 mph (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 o, 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 Model S detects an authenticated key
for five minutes after you exit the vehicle and
close all doors, Walk-Away Lock disables and
will not lock when you leave with the key. You
will need to manually lock your vehicle until
after your next drive.
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 relock 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't Work
If Model S does not unlock when you walk up
to it, or when you double-click the unlock
button on the top of your key, the key’s
battery may be dead. Even if this is the case,
you can still use the key to unlock and drive
Model S.
Note: Although you can still use your key, you
should consider using the mobile app to
remotely unlock and start the vehicle. Then,
replace your key's battery when convenient.
To unlock Model S (and disable the security
alarm) using the key, first position the key near
the base of the passenger side windshield
wiper. Then press the front door handle on the
right side of the vehicle. If Model S doesn't
unlock, try adjusting the position of the key
and try again. The key must be in the correct
position for the vehicle to unlock.
Note: The following illustration assumes a left
hand drive (LHD) vehicle. On a right hand
drive (RHD) vehicle, the locations are
mirrored.
To drive Model S after gaining access to the
cabin, place the bottom of the key against the
center console, immediately below the 12V
power outlet, then press and hold the brake
pedal to start Model S.
Opening and Closing 13
Keys and Doors
Note: Unlocking Model S using this method
disables walk away locking. You must
manually re-enable walk away locking after
replacing the key’s battery.
Opening Interior Doors with No Power
If Model S has no electrical power, the front
doors open as usual using the interior door
handles. To open the rear doors, fold back the
edge of the carpet below the rear seats to
expose the mechanical release cable. Pull the
mechanical release cable toward the center of
the vehicle.
14 Model S Owner's Manual
Windows
Opening and Closing
Press down on a switch to lower the
associated window. Window switches operate
at two levels:
• To lower a window fully, press the switch
all the way down and immediately release.
• To lower a window partially, press the
switch gently and release when the
window is where you want it.
Similarly, pull a switch to raise the associated
window:
• To raise a window fully, pull the switch all
the way up and immediately release.
• To raise a window partially, pull the switch
gently and release when the window is
where you want it.
Note: See Cold Weather Best Practices on
page 83 for information on preparing
windows for cold weather.
Caution:
careful not to unintentionally press the
window switches, as they may lower the
windows on the driver or other doors.
Caution: Closing the door while the
window is fully raised (for example, if
manually raised) can damage the
windows or the vehicle. Ensure the
window is slightly lowered before closing
the door.
Warning: Before closing a window, it is
the driver’s responsibility to ensure that
all occupants, especially children, do not
have any body parts extended through
the window’s opening. Failure to do so
can cause serious injury.
When exiting the vehicle, be
Windows
Locking Rear Windows
To prevent passengers from using the rear
window switches, press the rear window lock
switch. The switch light turns on. To unlock
rear windows, press the switch again.
Warning: To ensure safety, it is
recommended that you lock the rear
window switches whenever children are
seated in the rear seats.
Warning: Never leave children unattended
in Model S.
Opening and Closing 15
Rear Trunk
Rear Trunk
Opening
To open the rear trunk, ensure the vehicle is in
Park then do one of the following:
• Touch the associated OPEN button on the
touchscreen (Controls > Quick Controls).
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the
key.
• Touch the trunk button on the mobile app.
• With Model S unlocked, press the switch
located under the rear trunk's exterior
handle.
Note: If Passive Entry is o, you must use the
key to unlock Model S before you can use the
switch to manually open the rear trunk. See
Using the Key on page 10.
When a door or trunk/liftgate is
open, the instrument panel displays
the Door Open indicator light. The
image of your Model S on the
touchscreen also displays the open
trunk.
To stop a powered liftgate while it is moving,
single-click the rear trunk button on the key
fob. Then, when you double-click the rear
trunk button, it moves again, but in the
opposite direction (provided it was not almost
entirely open or closed when you stopped it).
For example, if you single-click to stop the
liftgate while it is opening, when you doubleclick, it closes.
Note: In emergency situations, you can
override an Open or Close command by
grabbing hold of the lift gate to stop it in
place.
To open the rear trunk from inside Model S in
the unlikely situation that Model S has no
power, see Interior Emergency Trunk Release
on page 17.
Warning:
liftgate, it is important to check that the
16 Model S Owner's Manual
Before opening or closing the
area around the liftgate is free of
obstacles (people and objects). Although
the powered liftgate can detect obstacles,
it cannot detect all objects at all times. Do
not rely on the liftgate to sense an
obstruction when opening or closing. You
must proactively monitor the liftgate to
ensure that it does not come into contact
with a person or object. Failure to do so
may result in damage or serious injury.
Load Limits
Secure all cargo before moving Model S, and
place heavy cargo in the lower trunk
compartment.
Caution: To avoid damage, never load
more than 175 lbs (80 kg) on the rear load
floor (above the lower trunk
compartment) or more than 285 lbs (130
kg) in the lower trunk compartment.
Doing so can cause damage.
Closing
If Model S is not equipped with a powered
liftgate, close the rear trunk by pulling down
on the liftgate and pushing firmly until it is
fully closed.
To close the powered liftgate, do one of the
following:
• Touch the associated CLOSE button on
the touchscreen (Controls > Quick
Controls).
• Double-click the trunk button on the key
fob.
• Press the switch located on the underside
of the liftgate (see Adjusting Liftgate
Opening Height on page 17).
If a powered liftgate senses an obstruction
when closing, it automatically opens and
sounds five chimes. Remove the obstruction
and try closing it again. If it cannot close the
second time, powered operation is temporarily
disabled. Close it manually to restore powered
operation.
Note: The power closing feature is also
temporarily disabled if you leave the powered
liftgate open for more than an hour.
Rear Trunk
Adjusting Liftgate Opening Height
If Model S is equipped with a powered liftgate,
you can adjust its opening height to make it
easier to reach or to avoid low-hanging
ceilings or objects (for example, a garage door
or light):
1. Open the liftgate, then manually lower or
raise it to the desired opening height.
2. Press and hold the button on the
underside of the liftgate for two seconds
until you hear a confirmation chime.
3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired
height by closing the liftgate, then
reopening it.
Interior Release
To open the rear trunk from inside a Model S
equipped with the Tesla Built-In Rear Facing
Child Seats, press the interior release switch
located inside the rear trunk and push the
liftgate up. If Model S is locked and is
equipped with a power liftgate, the first press
unlocks the rear trunk and the second press
opens it.
Note: If Model S is not equipped with the Tesla
Rear Facing Child Seats, the switch may
appear to exist, but it will be inactive and
pressing it does not release the liftgate.
If Model S is equipped with the power liftgate,
you do not need to push it up. When you
press the release switch, it opens, and when
you pull the switch, it closes.
Note: The interior release switch is disabled if
child-protection locks are turned on (see
Child-Protection Lock on page 13), or if
Model S is moving.
Accessing the Cargo Area
To access the cargo area inside the rear trunk,
pull up the strap at the rear of the cargo cover.
You can then fold the cargo cover forward or
remove it from Model S.
Caution: Never load more than 175 lbs (80
kg) on the rear load floor (above the
lower trunk compartment) or more than
285 lbs (130 kg) in the lower trunk
compartment. Doing so can cause
damage.
Interior Emergency Trunk Release
An illuminated mechanical release located
inside the rear trunk allows you to open the
rear trunk from the inside if Model S has no
electrical power. This mechanical release also
allows a person locked inside to get out.
1. Remove the cover by pulling its lower
edge very firmly toward you.
2. Pull the cable to release the latch.
3. Push the rear trunk open.
Note: The button glows for several hours after
a brief exposure to ambient light.
Opening and Closing 17
Rear Trunk
Warning: Do not allow children to play
inside the trunk or become locked inside.
An unrestrained child could suer serious
injury or death in a crash. A child could
suer heat exhaustion if trapped in the
vehicle, especially without climate control
on.
18 Model S Owner's Manual
Front Trunk
Opening
To open the front trunk:
1. Ensure that the area around the hood is
free of obstacles.
2. Touch the associated OPEN button on the
touchscreen (Controls > Quick Controls),
double-click the front trunk button on the
key, or touch the front trunk button on the
mobile app.
3. Pull the hood up.
When a door or trunk/liftgate is
open, the instrument panel displays
the Door Open indicator light. The
image of your Model S on the
touchscreen also displays the open
front trunk.
Warning: Before opening or closing the
hood, it is important to check that the
area around the hood is free of obstacles
(people and objects). Failure to do so
may result in damage or serious injury.
Note: The front trunk locks whenever closed
and you lock Model S using either the
touchscreen or externally using the key or
mobile app, you leave Model S carrying your
key (if Walk-Away Locking on page 13 is
turned on), or when Valet mode is active (see
Valet Mode on page 43).
Closing
The Model S hood is not heavy enough to
latch under its own weight and applying
pressure on the front edge or center of the
hood can cause damage.
To properly close the hood:
1. Lower the hood until the striker touches
the latches.
2. Place both hands on the front of the hood
in the areas shown (in green), then press
down firmly to engage the latches.
Front Trunk
3.
Carefully try to lift the front edge of the
hood to ensure that it is fully closed.
Caution: To prevent damage:
• Apply pressure only to the green
areas shown. Applying pressure to
the red areas can cause damage.
• Do not close the hood with one hand.
Doing so applies concentrated force
in one area and can result in a dent or
crease.
• Do not apply pressure to the front
edge of the hood. Doing so can
crease the edge.
• Do not slam or drop the hood.
Warning: Before driving, you must ensure
that the hood is securely latched in the
fully closed position by carefully trying to
lift the front edge of the hood upward
and confirming there is no movement.
Interior Emergency Release
An illuminated interior release button inside
the front trunk allows a person locked inside
to get out.
Opening and Closing 19
Front Trunk
Press the interior release button to open the
front trunk, then push up on the hood.
Note: The interior release button glows
following a brief exposure to ambient light.
Warning: People should never climb
inside the front trunk. Never shut the
front trunk when a person is inside.
Warning: Care should be taken to ensure
that objects inside the front trunk do not
bump against the release button, causing
the trunk to accidentally open.
20 Model S Owner's Manual
Interior Storage and Electronics
Interior Storage and Electronics
Glove Box
To open the glove box, press the switch
located on the side of the touchscreen. 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 43). It does not lock
when you lock Model S using the lock icon on
the touchscreen's status bar.
Note: If you leave the glove box open, its light
eventually turns o.
Warning: When driving, keep the glove
box closed to prevent injury to a
passenger if a collision or sudden stop
occurs.
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, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The
vehicle is also awake whenever the 12V battery
is being charged 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.
Inductive Phone Charger
The Model S inductive phone charger can
charge your Qi-enabled smartphone at up to
7.5W of power. Simply open the center
console rear bin lid and place your
smartphone in the phone charger, which is
located on the back of the bin cover. The
inductive phone charger uses either one of the
front USB ports to charge.
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
142. You can also use these ports to charge
USB devices.
Model S will charge your smartphone only
when the vehicle is powered on (i.e., the
touchscreen is on and you are in the vehicle).
You smartphone will not continue to charge if
you leave it plugged in after exiting the
vehicle. Model S will not charge your
smartphone if the vehicle's Battery is
discharged.
Note: The inductive phone charger may not
work if your phone case is too large or made
of metal. Take the smartphone out of the case
and place the phone in the charger.
Opening and Closing 21
Interior Storage and Electronics
12V Power Socket
Your Model S has a power socket located on
the 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, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The
vehicle is also awake whenever the 12V battery
is being charged 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.),
place it immediately below the 12V power
socket where Model S can best detect it.
Warning:
accessory’s connector can become hot.
The power socket and an
22 Model S Owner's Manual
Interior Storage and Electronics
Cup Holders
To expose a front cup holder, slide back the
armrest.
To expose rear cup holders (if available on
your vehicle), press and release the cup holder
face plate located at the back of the center
console.
Opening and Closing 23
Sunroof
Sunroof
Opening and Closing
If your Model S is equipped with a sunroof,
you can vent and close the sunroof remotely
using the mobile app or you can adjust the
position of the sunroof by controlling it from
the menu on your right scroll wheel.
For full control of the sunroof, touch
Controls > Quick Controls on the touchscreen.
Drag, or tap on, the image of the sunroof or
touch the buttons next to the image of your
vehicle. The sunroof moves to the selected
position. To stop the sunroof from moving at
any time, touch the image of the sunroof.
• OPEN: touch once to open the sunroof to
its comfort position (75% open). Touch
twice to open the sunroof fully.
• VENT: touch to open the sunroof slightly.
• CLOSE: touch to fully close the sunroof.
Note: If the sunroof detects any obstruction, it
does not close. If, after removing the
obstruction, it still does not close, touch and
hold CLOSE to override the sunroof’s anti-trap
mechanism.
Note: If you find wind noise (which varies
depending on driving speed) excessive, even
with the sunroof in the comfort position, open
a window slightly.
Caution:
opening the sunroof. Opening a sunroof
covered in snow and ice can cause
damage.
Warning: Do not allow occupants to
extend any part of their body through the
sunroof. Doing so can cause serious injury
from flying debris, tree branches, or other
obstructions.
Warning: Before closing the sunroof,
ensure that occupants, especially
children, do not have any body part
extended through the sunroof opening.
Failure to do so can cause serious injury.
Warning: Do not carry an object that
protrudes through the sunroof. Doing so
Remove snow and ice before
can damage the sunroof’s seals and antitrap mechanism, and can cause injury to
occupants.
24 Model S Owner's Manual
Front and Rear Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints
Front and Rear Seats
Correct Driving Position
The seat, head support, seat belt and airbags
work together to maximize your safety. Using
these correctly ensures greater protection.
Position the seat so you can wear the seat belt
correctly, while being as far away from the
front airbag as possible:
1. Sit upright with both feet on the floor and
the seat back reclined no more than 30
degrees.
2. Make sure you can easily reach the pedals
and that your arms are slightly bent when
holding the steering wheel. Your chest
should be at least 10 inches (25 cm) from
the center of the airbag cover.
3. Place the shoulder section of the seat belt
mid-way between your neck and your
shoulder. Fit the lap section of the belt
tightly across your hips, not across your
stomach.
Model S seats include integrated head
supports that cannot be adjusted or removed.
Adjusting the Front Seats
1. Move seat forward/backward and adjust
the seat’s height and tilt angle up/down.
2. Adjust backrest.
3. Adjust lumbar support.
Warning:
Before adjusting a front seat,
check that the area around the seat is
free of obstacles (people and objects).
Warning: Do not adjust seats while
driving. Doing so increases the risk of a
collision.
Warning: Riding in a moving vehicle with
the seat back reclined can result in
serious injuries in a collision, as you could
slide under the lap belt or be propelled
into the seat belt. Ensure your seat back
is reclined no more than 30 degrees when
the vehicle is moving.
Seating and Safety Restraints 25
Front and Rear Seats
Folding Rear Seats
Model S has a split rear seat that can fold
forward.
Note: If Model S is equipped with the optional
executive rear seats, these seats do not fold
forward.
Note: Driving with the rear seats folded
forward might result in increased perceivable
noise and/or vibration coming from the rear of
the vehicle (trunk, suspension, etc.).
Before folding, remove items from the seats
and the rear footwell. To allow the rear seat
backs to fold completely flat, you may need to
move the front seats forward.
To fold a rear seat, pull the corresponding
lever and fold the seat forward.
Warning:
are locked in their upright position by
pushing it forward or rearward. Failure to
do so increases the risk of injury.
Always ensure the seat backs
Seat Heaters
The front seats contain heating pads that
operate at three levels from 3 (highest) to 1
(lowest). To operate the seat heaters, see
Climate Controls on page 128.
If Model S is equipped with the cold weather
package, you can also control seat heaters in
all rear seating positions, as well as heated
wipers and washer nozzles by touching the
climate controls on the touchscreen (see
Climate Controls on page 128).
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. Also, if the
vehicle is equipped with an occupant
detection system that is used to
determine the status of the passenger
front airbag, seat covers may interfere
with this system.
Raising Rear Seats
Before raising a rear seat, make sure that the
seat belts are not trapped behind the
backrest.
Pull the seat back upward until it locks into
place.
To confirm that the seat back is locked in the
upright position, try pulling it forward.
26 Model S Owner's Manual
Seat Belts
Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the
most eective way to protect occupants if a
collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are
equipped with three-point inertia reel seat
belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically
tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled.
The seat belt reel automatically locks to
prevent movement of occupants if Model S
experiences a force associated with hard
acceleration, braking, cornering, or an impact
in a collision.
Seat Belt Reminders
The seat belt reminder on the
instrument panel alerts you if a seat
belt for an occupied driver or
passenger seat is unbuckled. If the
belt remains unbuckled, the
reminder flashes and an intermittent
chime sounds. If all occupants are
buckled up and the reminder stays
on, re-buckle seat belts to ensure
they are correctly latched. Also
remove any heavy objects (such as a
briefcase) from an unoccupied seat.
If the reminder light continues to
stay on, contact Tesla.
Warning: Seat belts must be worn by
passengers in all seating positions.
Seat Belts
3.
Insert the latch plate into the buckle and
press together until you hear a click
indicating it is locked in place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward
the reel to remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
belt from retracting too quickly, then press the
button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
that prevents the belt from fully retracting.
The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt
does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant
Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
lap section of the belt as low as possible
across the hips, not the waist. Position the
shoulder portion of the belt between the
breasts and to the side of the abdomen.
Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
To Fasten a Belt
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat (see
Correct Driving Position on page 25).
2. Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the pelvis, chest and
mid-point of your collar bone, between
the neck and shoulder.
Seating and Safety Restraints 27
Seat Belts
Warning:
tensioners have been activated, they must
be replaced. After any collision, have the
airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and any
associated components checked and, if
necessary, replaced.
Once the seat belt pre-
Testing Seat Belts
To confirm that seat belts are operating
correctly, perform these three simple checks
on each seat belt.
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the
webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull.
The buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling
Warning: Never place anything between
you and the seat belt to cushion the
impact in the event of a collision.
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners
The front seat belts are equipped with
pre‑tensioners that work in conjunction with
the airbags in a severe frontal collision. The
pre‑tensioners automatically retract both the
seat belt anchor and the seat belt webbing,
reducing slack in both the lap and diagonal
portions of the belts, resulting in reduced
forward movement of the occupant.
The outboard seats are equipped with
shoulder pre-tensioners to retract the seat
belt webbing to reduce forward movement of
the occupant.
If the pre-tensioners and airbags did not
activate in an impact, this does not mean they
malfunctioned. It usually means that the
strength or type of force needed to activate
them was not present.
28 Model S Owner's Manual
is free from snags, and visually check the
webbing for wear. Allow the webbing to
retract, checking that retraction is smooth
and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the
tongue plate and pull forward quickly. The
mechanism should lock automatically and
prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact
Tesla immediately.
For information about cleaning seat belts, see
Seat Belts on page 181.
Seat Belt Warnings
Warning:
occupants at all times, even if driving for
a very short distance. Failure to do so
increases the risk of injury or death if a
collision occurs.
Warning: Secure small children in a
suitable child safety seat as described in
the Child Safety Seat topic. Always follow
the child safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing.
Warning: Ensure that all seat belts are
worn correctly. An improperly worn seat
belt increases the risk of injury or death if
a collision occurs.
Warning: Do not wear seat belts over
hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing,
such as pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. The
pressure from the seat belt on such items
can cause injury.
Warning: Seat belts should not be worn
with any part of the strap twisted.
Warning: Each seat belt assembly must
be used by one occupant only. It is
Seat belts should be worn by all
dangerous to put a seat belt around a
child being carried on an occupant’s lap.
Warning: Seat belts that have been worn
in a collision must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage to the
assembly is not obvious.
Warning: Seat belts that show signs of
wear (such as fraying), or have been cut
or damaged in any way, must be replaced
by Tesla.
Warning: Avoid contaminating a seat
belt’s components with any chemicals,
liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning products. If a
seat belt fails to retract or latch into the
buckle, it must be replaced immediately.
Contact Tesla.
Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can prevent a seat belt
mechanism from taking up slack, or that
can prevent a seat belt from being
adjusted to remove slack. A slack belt
greatly reduces occupant protection.
Warning: Do not make modifications that
can interfere with the operation of a seat
belt, or that can cause a seat belt to
become inoperable.
Warning: When seat belts are not in use,
they should be fully retracted and not
hanging loose. If a seat belt does not fully
retract, contact Tesla.
Seat Belts
Seating and Safety Restraints 29
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