Tesla Model S (2021) User guide

MODEL S

2021 +

OWNER'S MANUAL

Software version: 2022.24.5

North America

YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL

For the latest and greatest information that is customized to your vehicle, view the Owner’s Manual on your vehicle’s
touchscreen by touching Controls > Service > Owner's Manual. The information is specific to your vehicle depending on
the features you purchased, vehicle configuration, market region and software version. In contrast, owner information
that is provided by Tesla elsewhere is updated as necessary and may not contain information unique to your vehicle.

RELEASE NOTES

Information about new features is displayed on the touchscreen after a software update, and can be viewed at any time
by touching Controls > Software > Release Notes. If the content in the Owner's Manual on how to use your vehicle
conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release Notes take precedence.

ILLUSTRATIONS AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

The illustrations provided in this document are for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options, software
version and market region, the information displayed on the touchscreen in your vehicle may appear slightly dierent.

All specifications and descriptions contained in this document are verified to be accurate at the time of printing.
However, because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make product modifications at any
time. To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, please send an email to:
[e-mail].

SAFETY INFORMATION

You can find safety information in your Model S Owner's Manual on the touchscreen.

For detailed information about your Model S, go to the Tesla website for your region, 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).

© 2012-2022 TESLA, INC.

All information in this document and all vehicle software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the
prior written permission of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available upon request. Shown here are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla, Inc. in the United States and other countries:

Contents

Overview....2

Exterior Overview.....2

Interior Overview.....3

Touchscreen Overview.....5

Opening and Closing....8

Keys..... 8

Doors.....13

Windows.....15

Rear Trunk.....16

Front Trunk.....18

Interior Storage and Electronics.....21

Seating and Safety Restraints....26

Front and Rear Seats.....26

Seat Belts.....29

Child Safety Seats.....32

Airbags.....38

Driving....44

Driver Profiles.....44

Steering Yoke..... 46

Mirrors.....49

Starting and Powering O.....51

Shifting.....53

Lights.....56

Instrument Panel.....59

Wipers and Washers.....63

Braking and Stopping.....64

Traction Control.....67

Park Assist.....68

Vehicle Hold.....70

Acceleration Modes.....71

Track Mode.....72

Trip Information.....74

Getting Maximum Range.....75

Rear Facing Camera(s).....77

Pedestrian Warning System.....78

Cold Weather Best Practices.....79

Speed Assist.....117

Cabin Camera.....118

Using the Touchscreen....119

Controls.....119

Climate Controls.....125

Maps and Navigation.....131

Media.....137

Entertainment.....140

Phone and Calendar.....143

Air Suspension.....146

Voice Commands.....148

Safety & Security Settings.....150

Dashcam and Sentry Mode.....152

HomeLink Universal Transceiver.....155

Connecting to Wi-Fi.....157

Software Updates.....158

Mobile App.....160

Charging....162

Electric Vehicle Components.....162

High Voltage Battery Information.....164

Charging Instructions.....165

Maintenance....171

Maintenance.....171

Tire Care and Maintenance.....173

Cleaning.....178

Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.....182

Fluid Reservoirs.....183

Jacking and Lifting.....185

Parts and Accessories..... 186

Specifications....187

Identification Labels.....187

Vehicle Loading.....188

Dimensions.....190

Subsystems.....192

Wheels and Tires.....194

Autopilot....81

About Autopilot.....81

Trac-Aware Cruise Control.....84

Autosteer.....88

Navigate on Autopilot.....93

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control.....96

Autopark.....103

Summon.....105

Smart Summon.....108

Active Safety Features....111

Lane Assist.....111

Collision Avoidance Assist.....114

Roadside Assistance....201

Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance.....201

Instructions for Transporters.....202

Consumer Information....207

About this Owner Information.....207

Disclaimers.....208

Reporting Safety Defects.....210

Radio Regulatory Compliance.....211

Troubleshooting Alerts.....214

Index....262

Exterior Overview

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, and options purchased, your vehicle may look slightly
dierent than described.

1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 56)

2. Door handles (

3. Charge port (

4. Autopilot cameras (

5. Exterior mirrors (

6. Hood/Front trunk (

7. Front/rear tow eye cover (

8. Wheels and tires (

9. Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 77 and About Autopilot on page 81)

10. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 16)

11. Ultrasonic sensors (Park Assist on page 68 and About Autopilot on page 81)

2 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Doors on page 13)

Charging Instructions on page 165)

About Autopilot on page 81)

Mirrors on page 49)

Front Trunk on page 18)

Instructions for Transporters on page 202)

Wheels and Tires on page 194)

Interior Overview

1. Interior door handles (Doors on page 13)

2. Left steering yoke buttons

◦ Left Scroll Button (

◦ High Beam Headlights (

Turn Signals (

◦

3. Instrument panel (

4. Right steering yoke buttons

◦ Right Scroll button to control Autopilot features (

◦ Horn (

◦ Wipers (

◦ Voice Commands (

5. Touchscreen (

6. Camera (

7. Cabin climate control (

8. Power window switches (

9. Manual door release (

10. Seats (

11. Brake pedal (

12. Accelerator pedal (Acceleration Modes on page 71)

13. Wireless phone chargers (Wireless Phone Chargers on page 23)

Horn on page 47)

Wipers and Washers on page 63)

Touchscreen Overview on page 5)

Cabin Camera on page 118)

Front and Rear Seats on page 26)

Braking and Stopping on page 64)

Left Scroll Button on page 46)

High Beam Headlights on page 56)

Turn Signals on page 57)

Instrument Panel on page 59)

Right Scroll Button on page 47)

Voice Commands on page 148)

Climate Controls on page 125)

Opening and Closing on page 15)

Doors on page 13)

3Overview

Interior Overview

14. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 58)

15. Secondary drive mode selector (

16. Glovebox (

Glovebox on page 21)

Shifting on page 53)

1. Rear touchscreen (Rear Touchscreen on page 7)

2. USB ports (

3. Adjustable climate control vents (

4. Console release button (

5. Cup holders (

6. Wireless phone chargers (

7. Rear armrest (

USB Ports on page 21)

Climate Controls on page 125)

Second Row Console on page 21)

Second Row Console on page 21)

Wireless Phone Chargers on page 23)

Second Row Console on page 21)

4 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Touchscreen Overview

In addition to the instrument panel, Model S is equipped with a front and rear touchscreen.

NOTE: Throughout this Owner's Manual, the front touchscreen is referred to as the "touchscreen" whereas the rear
touchscreen is referred to as the "rear touchscreen".

WARNING: Always pay attention to road and trac 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.

Use the touchscreen to control many features that, in traditional cars, are controlled using physical buttons (for
example, adjusting the cabin heating and air conditioning, headlights, etc.). You also use the touchscreen to control
media, navigate, use entertainment features, and customize Model S to suit your preferences. For hands-free access
to common touchscreen controls, use voice commands (see

Voice Commands on page 148).

If the touchscreen is unresponsive or demonstrates unusual behavior, you can restart it (see

Touchscreen on page 6

NOTE: Illustrations are provided to improve conceptual understanding only. Depending on vehicle options, software
version, market region and regional and language settings, the details displayed on the screen will dier.

).

Restarting the

1. Navigation: Change the orientation of the map, find or navigate to a destination, and change navigation settings

Maps and Navigation on page 131).

(see

2. Drive mode strip: Use to shift into Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. The drive mode strip always displays on the
touchscreen when you touch Controls (see

3. Controls: Control various features and adjust settings to customize your Model S (see

4. Climate controls (driver): Use the left and right arrows to decrease/increase cabin temperature. Touch Split on
the popup to display separate controls for the driver and passenger. Touch the temperature icon to customize
climate control settings (see
temperature controls have been Split to provide separate controls for the driver and passenger.

Climate Controls on page 125). The passenger climate controls display when

Shifting on page 53).

Controls on page 119).

5Overview

Touchscreen Overview

5. My Apps: For one-touch access to frequently used apps and controls, you can choose what displays here. See

Customizing My Apps on page 6.

6. App Launcher: Touch the app launcher to open the app tray. Then touch any app to open it. The app you choose
displays on top of the map. To close an app, drag it downward.

NOTE: You cannot completely close Media Player. When you drag Media Player down, it displays Mini-Player
which allows you see what's playing, pause/play, and skip reverse/forward.

7. Recent App(s): Displays the most recently used app(s). The number of recent apps displayed here depends on
how many apps have been added to My Apps. If you add the maximum number of apps to My Apps, only the
most recent app displays.

8. Volume Control: Controls the volume of media player and phone calls (see
volume of navigation instructions is controlled separately (see

9. Media Player: See

Popup messages appear at the bottom of the touchscreen. For example, a seat belt reminder appears if a seat belt is
unfastened in an occupied seat, an alert appears to notify you of an incoming phone call, a text message appears
(when applicable), and voice commands appear when in use. If applicable, touch options from these popup
messages (for example, accept/decline a phone call, choose an option from the headlight menu, etc.). To dismiss a
popup message, swipe it downward.

The bottom of the touchscreen may also display the following:

Displays the status of the front passenger airbag (see Airbags on page 38).

Media on page 137.

Maps and Navigation on page 131).

Volume Controls on page 137). The

Customizing My Apps

For one-touch access to commonly used apps and
controls, you can customize what displays in the My
Apps area on the touchscreen's bottom bar:

1. Enter customization mode by touching and holding
any app or control in the My Apps area. If this area is
empty, touch the App Launcher.

2. Simply drag any app or control from the app tray
onto the My Apps area in the bottom bar.

NOTE: Seat heaters selected from the app tray
appear next to the temperature, instead of in the My
Apps area.

NOTE: Controls (for example, defrosters and seat
heaters) appear in the app tray only when you enter
customization mode by touching and holding an app.

NOTE: When you've added the maximum number of
apps or controls to My Apps, adding an additional app
removes the rightmost app.

NOTE: Remove an app or control from the My Apps area
by touching and holding, then touching its associated
"X".

WARNING: When the center display is tilting,
ensure that there are no objects (such as your
fingers or jewelry) between the screen and
instrument panel to reduce the risk of injury or
damage.

Restarting the Touchscreen

You can restart your touchscreen if it is unresponsive or
demonstrates unusual behavior.

NOTE: To ensure the safety of occupants as well as
other road users, restart the touchscreen only when the
vehicle is in Park.

1. Shift into Park.

2. Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering yoke
until the touchscreen turns black.

Tilt the Touchscreen (if equipped)

To tilt the touchscreen, navigate to Controls, then touch
the display icon to choose the desired position.

6 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Touchscreen Overview

3. After a few seconds, the Tesla logo appears. Wait
approximately 30 seconds for the touchscreen to
restart. If the touchscreen is still unresponsive or
demonstrating unusual behavior after a few minutes,
try power cycling the vehicle (if possible). See

Cycling the Vehicle on page 51

NOTE: Restarting the touchscreen also activates the
drive mode selector on the center console.

NOTE: Restarting the touchscreen using the scroll
buttons does not power Model S o and on.

.

Power

Rear Touchscreen

NOTE: Adjusting the media and volume controls also

adjusts the front cabin settings.

You can lock the rear touchscreen by touching Controls
> Display > Lock Rear Display. Locking the rear display
stops any media and video apps from playing, and all
touches are ignored until you use this setting to unlock
it.

The rear touchscreen provides rear passengers with
access to:

1. Temperature: Touch the arrows to decrease/increase
cabin temperature.

NOTE: You can also use the front touchscreen to
adjust climate settings in the rear cabin (see

Adjusting Climate Control Settings on page 125).

2. Power: Touch to turn the rear climate control system
on or o.

3. Rear fan: Touch to turn the rear fan on or o, to
adjust fan speed and control the direction of air flow
from the rear vents (see Adjusting the Front and Rear

Vents on page 128

4. Seat heaters: Control rear seat heaters.

5. Media: Play, pause, skip or rewind through the
currently playing song (see

6. Video: Access video streaming services.

7. Auto: If Auto is enabled and a passenger is detected,
the set temperature is maintained for the rear cabin.

NOTE: Enable Sync on the rear tab of the front
touchscreen's climate controls to set both the front
and back cabin temperatures.

).

Media on page 137).

8. Volume: Touch to adjust the volume.

7Overview

Keys

Three Types of Keys

Model S supports three types of keys:

• Phone key - You can set up your personal phone as a
"phone key" that communicates with Model S using
Bluetooth. A phone key supports automatic locking
and unlocking.

• Key card - Tesla provides a key card that
communicates with Model S using short range radio­frequency identification (RFID) signals. The key card
is used to "authenticate" phone keys to work with
Model S and to add or remove other key cards, phone
keys, or key fobs. Unlike the phone key and key fob,
the key card does not support automatic locking and
unlocking. In situations where your phone key has a
dead battery, or is lost or stolen, use your key card to
unlock, drive, and lock Model S.

• Key fob - The key fob (if equipped) allows you to
press buttons to open the front and rear trunks, and
unlock, lock, and drive Model S. The key fob also
supports automatic locking and unlocking, if available
in your region (see

page 10

phone key.

) and can be used as a backup to your

Passive Locking and Unlocking on

◦ Your phone's general Bluetooth settings are

enabled.

◦ Bluetooth is enabled within your phone's settings

for the Tesla mobile app. For example, on your
phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla
mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is
turned on.

◦ Access to your location is enabled. Open the Tesla

mobile app in your phone's settings and select
Location > Always. For the best experience, keep
the mobile app running in the background.

◦ Allow Mobile Access is enabled on the vehicle

touchscreen (Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile

Access).

NOTE: Model S communicates with your phone using

Bluetooth. Keep in mind that your phone must have
enough battery power to run Bluetooth and that
many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is
low.

4. While sitting inside the vehicle with a key card handy,
open the Tesla mobile app and touch Set Up Phone

Key on the main screen, or navigate to Security > Set
Up Phone Key. Follow the prompts on the mobile app

and vehicle touchscreen to set up your phone key.

Model S supports a total of 19 keys, which can include
phone keys, key cards, and up to four key fobs.

CAUTION: Remember to bring a 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.

Phone Key

Using your phone as a key is a convenient way to access
your Model S. As you approach, your phone's Bluetooth
signal is detected and doors unlock when you press a
door handle. Likewise, when you exit and walk away with
the phone key, doors automatically lock (provided the
Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on; see

Away Door Lock on page 14

Before you can use a phone to access Model S, follow
these steps to authenticate it:

1. Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.

2. Log into the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla
account username and password.

NOTE: You must remain logged in to your Tesla
account to use your phone to access Model S.

NOTE: If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla
account, you must ensure that the vehicle you want
the mobile app to access is currently selected on the
mobile app.

3. Ensure:

).

Walk-

To view a list of keys that can currently access Model S,
or to remove a phone key, touch Controls > Locks (see

Managing Keys on page 11).

Model S can connect to three phone keys
simultaneously. Therefore, if more than three phone keys
are detected and you want to authenticate or pair a
dierent phone, move the other connected phone key(s)
out of range or turn o its Bluetooth setting.

Once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer
requires an internet connection to be used as a phone
key for Model S. However, to use the phone hands-free,
access your phone's contacts, play media from it, etc.,
you must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth
device (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on page 143).

Key Card

Tesla provides you with two Model S key cards, designed
to fit in your wallet.

To use a key card to unlock or lock Model S, position the
card as shown and tap it against the card reader located
approximately one third the way up of the driver's side
door pillar. When Model S detects the key card, the
exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold
Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation
Sound is on), and the doors unlock or lock.

NOTE: You may need to physically touch the wireless
phone charger or driver's side door pillar with the key
card, and you may need to hold it against the
transmitter for one or two seconds.

8 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Once inside, power up Model S by pressing the brake
pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card (see

Starting and Powering O on page 51). If you wait

longer than two minutes, you must re-authenticate by
placing the key card near the card reader located in the
wireless phone charger on the center console. When
your key card is detected, your two minute
authentication period restarts.

Keys

1. Rear trunk - Double-click to open or close the rear
trunk. Hold 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). Double­click to unlock doors and trunks.

3. Front trunk - Double-click to unlatch the front trunk.

Once inside, power up Model S by pressing the brake
pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button
on the key fob (see

51

). If you wait longer than two minutes, you must
press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near
the card reader located in the lower half of the left
wireless phone charger, facing downward, on the center
console. When your key fob is detected, the two minute
authentication period restarts.

Starting and Powering O on page

NOTE: If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock (see Walk-

Away Door Lock on page 14

walk away using a phone key or passive key fob. When
you walk away carrying your key card, Model S does not
automatically unlock/lock.

) operates only when you

Key Fob

You can quickly familiarize yourself with the key fob by
thinking of it as a miniature version of Model S, with the
Tesla badge representing the front. The key has buttons
that feel like softer areas on the surface.

When approaching or leaving Model S carrying the key
fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model S as
you press a button, but you must be within operating
range.

Radio equipment on a similar frequency can aect the
key. If this happens, move the key at least one foot
(30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phones,
laptops, etc.).

In the event that the key fob's battery is dead, you can
still use it. To unlock the vehicle, scan the key fob on the
card reader located on the driver's side door pillar (like
the key card).

9Opening and Closing

Keys

To drive the vehicle, scan the key fob on the phone
charger.

1. Place it at the top of the left phone charger, against
the center divider.

2. Point the front of the key fob down.

3. Swipe downwards.

CAUTION: Protect the key from impact, high
temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid
contact with solvents, waxes, and abrasive
cleaners.

Passive Locking and Unlocking

Locking and unlocking Model S with your key fob is
conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying
a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model S has
sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the
presence of a key fob within a range of approximately
six feet (two meters). Therefore, you can keep your key
fob in your pocket or purse and press the door handle to
unlock and extend the handle. When carrying your key
fob with you, you can also open the trunk without
having to use the key by pressing the liftgate's exterior
switch. If Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled, Model S
automatically locks when you exit and the key fob is no
longer in range (see

). Passive locking and unlocking is automatically

14

enabled when you pair your key fob to Model S.

Although you can use the same key fob with multiple
vehicles, it can only be paired to one vehicle at a time.
To activate a paired key fob to a dierent vehicle, touch
the flat side onto the driver's side door pillar and click
any button on the key fob to confirm.

NOTE: For increased security, passive locking and
unlocking disables after being stationary for five minutes
while within vehicle range when the vehicle is not in use
(for example, you are standing outside your vehicle). In
this situation, you must shake or press a button on the
key fob to re-enable passive locking and unlocking.

Walk-Away Door Lock on page

Instructions for changing the battery are provided in

Replacing the Key Fob Battery on page 10.

NOTE: You can use the same key fob with multiple
Model S vehicles provided you authenticate it (see

Managing Keys on page 11). However, key fob works

with only one Model S at a time. Therefore, to use a key
fob for a dierent Model S, touch its flat side against the
card reader on the driver's side door pillar.

NOTE: Model S supports up to four dierent key fobs.

Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Under normal use, the key fob has a battery that lasts
for up to one year, depending on key fob version and
selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a
message displays on the touchscreen.

To replace the key fob battery:

1. With the key fob placed button side down on a soft
surface, release the bottom cover, using a small flat-
bladed tool.

10 MODEL S Owner's Manual

2. Remove the battery by lifting it away from the
retaining clips.

Keys

Managing Keys

To display a list of all keys (phone keys, key cards, and
key fobs) that can access your Model S, touch Controls >
Locks. An icon displays next to each key to indicate
whether the key is a phone key, key card, or key fob. Use
this list to manage keys that have access to your
Model S. To add or delete keys, see

Removing Keys on page 11

Model S supports up to 19 keys. When you reach this
limit, you must delete a key before adding a new one.

NOTE: You can use the same key for more than one
Model S. This prevents you from having to deal with
multiple keys when you switch vehicles. If you customize
the name of an authenticated key card or key fob on one
Model S (by touching the pencil icon), any other Model S
to which the key card or key fob is authenticated also
displays the changed name.

.

Adding and Removing Keys

To add a new key card or key fob:

Adding and

3. While avoiding touching the battery's flat surfaces,
insert the new battery (type CR2330) with the ‘+’
side facing up.

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.

NOTE: CR2330 batteries can be purchased from any
retailer that sells batteries.

4. Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs
on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key
fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until
it snaps into place.

5. Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking
Model S.

WARNING: Key fob batteries contain a chemical
burn hazard and should not be ingested. The key
fob contains a coin cell battery. If the coin cell
battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal
burns within two hours and can lead to death.
Keep new and used batteries away from children. If
the battery compartment does not close securely,
stop using the product and keep it away from
children. If you think batteries might have been
swallowed or placed inside any part of the body,
seek immediate medical attention.

NOTE: When adding a key fob, ensure it is at room
temperature. Pairing a key fob that is very cold can be
unsuccessful.

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks then
touch + in the Keys section.

2. Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader
located on the wireless phone charger. To scan the
key fob:

◦ Place it at the top of the left phone charger,

against the center divider.

◦ Point the front of the key fob down.

◦ Swipe downwards (as shown in the image).

When you hear a chime and the new key is
recognized, remove it from the card reader.

3. Scan a key card or key fob that has already been
paired to the vehicle to confirm new key pairing.

11Opening and Closing

Keys

4. When complete, the key list includes the new key.
Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the
name of the key.

Removing a key:

When you no longer want a key to access Model S (for
example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), follow
these steps to remove it.

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.

2. In the key list, find the key that you would like to
delete and touch its associated trash icon.

3. When prompted, scan an authenticated key card or
key fob on the card reader to confirm the deletion.
When complete, the key list no longer includes the
deleted key.

NOTE: Model S requires at least one authenticated key
card or key fob at all times. If only one key card remains
on the key list, you cannot delete it.

12 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Using Exterior Door Handles

A light press on a door handle extends it provided
Model S is unlocked and detects a phone key or key fob
nearby. You can set door handles to extend
automatically when you approach the driver’s side
carrying a phone key or key fob. Touch Controls > Locks
> Auto-Present Handles.

Doors

NOTE: To prevent children from opening the rear doors,
turn on child locks (see

To open a front door in the unlikely situation when
Model S has no power, pull up the manual door release
located in front of the window switches.

Child Locks on page 14).

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 Auto-Present Handles feature if
the vehicle is unable to detect a phone key nearby.

In these cases, extend a door handle by pressing it, or by
pressing the unlock button on the key fob. 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.

Opening Doors from the Interior

Model S doors are electrically powered. To open a door
while sitting inside, press the button located at the top
of the interior door handle and push the door open.

To open a rear door in the unlikely situation when
Model S has no power, 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.

13Opening and Closing

Doors

CAUTION: Manual door releases are designed to
be used only in situations when Model S has no
power. When Model S has power, use the button
located at the top of the interior door handle.

Interior Locking and Unlocking

While sitting inside Model S, you can lock and unlock all
doors and trunks by touching the lock icon in Controls.

• A phone key or paired key fob is detected inside
Model S.

• A door or trunk is not fully closed.

• The phone key's Bluetooth setting is turned o.

• Key fob or phone key remains within range for five
minutes after all doors have been closed.

NOTE: It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your
vehicle is locked, even when Walk-Away Door Lock is
enabled.

Drive Away Locking

Model S automatically locks all doors (including the
trunks) when your driving speed exceeds 5 mph
(8 km/h).

Child Locks

Model S has child locks on the rear doors to prevent
them from being opened using the interior release
buttons. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks >
Child Lock. You can choose Both to engage the child
lock on both rear doors, or you can choose Left or Right
to engage it on just a specific door.

The icon changes to indicate whether
doors are locked or unlocked.

Driver Door Unlock Mode

Enabling Controls > Locks > Driver Door Unlock Mode
only unlocks the driver door when you first unlock
Model S.

Walk-Away Door Lock

Doors and trunks can automatically lock when you walk
away carrying your phone key or paired key fob. To turn
this feature on or o, touch Controls > Locks > Walk-
Away Door Lock.

When the doors lock, the exterior lights flash once and
the mirrors fold (if Fold Mirrors is on). To also hear a
confirmation sound when Model S locks, touch Controls
> Locks > Lock Confirmation Sound.

Model S does not automatically lock if:

WARNING: It is recommended that you turn on
child locks when children are seated in the rear
seats.

Unlock on Park

When you stop Model S and engage Park, you can
choose to unlock all doors. To turn this feature on or o,
touch Controls > Locks > Unlock on Park.

• You check the Exclude Home checkbox and Model S
is parked at the location you have designated as
Home. For details on how to designate a location as
Home, see Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations on

page 133.

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.

Locking Rear Windows

To prevent passengers from using the rear window
switches, touch Controls > Locks > Window Lock. To
unlock the rear windows, touch Window Lock 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.

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.

If a window is left open unintentionally, Model S can
send a notification to the mobile app (touch Controls >

Locks > Car Left Open Notification, then choose Doors
& Windows).

You can also enable Close Windows on Lock by
touching Controls > Locks > Close Windows on Lock.
When enabled, your vehicle automatically closes the
windows when Model S locks.

NOTE: See
for information on preparing windows for cold weather.

Cold Weather Best Practices on page 79

CAUTION: To avoid damage, windows
automatically lower slightly when you open or
close a door. If you manually raise a window when
the door is open, ensure it 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.

15Opening and Closing

Rear Trunk

Opening

To open the rear trunk, ensure Model S is in Park, then
do one of the following:

• Touch Controls > Trunk on the touchscreen.

• Double-click the rear trunk button on the key fob.

• Touch the rear trunk button on the mobile app.

• Press the switch located under the liftgate's exterior
handle (a valid key must be detected).

CAUTION: Before opening the liftgate in an
enclosed area (such as a garage), ensure the
opening height of the liftgate is properly adjusted
to avoid low-hanging ceilings or objects (see

Adjusting Liftgate Opening Height on page 16).

Model S must be unlocked or detect a key before you
can use the switch to open the liftgate.

NOTE: In emergency situations, you can override an
open or close command by grasping the liftgate to stop
it in place.

WARNING: Before opening or closing the liftgate,
check the surrounding area (for people and
objects). 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 injury.

Adjusting Liftgate Opening Height

You can adjust the opening height of the liftgate to
make it easier to reach or to avoid low-hanging ceilings
or objects (for example, a garage door or light):

1. Open the trunk, then manually lower or raise the
liftgate to the desired opening height.

2. Press and hold the button on the underside of the
liftgate for three 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.

CAUTION: Depending on configuration (such as
suspension height or wheel selection), your

The instrument panel informs you when a door or trunk
is open.

To stop a liftgate while it is moving, single-click the rear
trunk button on the key fob. Then, when you double­click 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 opening, when
you double-click, it closes.

16 MODEL S Owner's Manual

vehicle's liftgate can open up to approximately 7.5
feet (2.3 meters) high. Adjust the liftgate height to
prevent it from coming into contact with low
ceilings or other objects.

Closing

To close the liftgate, do one of the following:

• Touch Controls > Trunk.

• Double-click the rear trunk button on the key fob.

• Press the switch located on the underside of the
liftgate

If the liftgate senses an obstruction when closing, it
stops moving and chimes two times. Remove the
obstruction and try closing it again.

If the liftgate loses its calibration when opened, the
liftgate chimes three times and does not move. To
restore calibration, manually pull the liftgate down to
close it.

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.

Secure all cargo before moving Model S, and place
heavy cargo in the upper trunk compartment.

Rear Trunk

The cargo weight should be distributed as evenly as
possible between the front and rear trunks.

CAUTION: Never load more than 176 lbs (80 kg) in
the lower tub compartment of the rear trunk or
more than 397 lbs (180 kg) on the upper floor.
Doing so can cause damage.

WARNING: When loading cargo, always consider
the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
(see

Vehicle Loading on page 188). The GVWR is

the maximum allowable total mass of the vehicle
including all passengers, fluids, and cargo.

17Opening and Closing

Front Trunk

Opening

To open the front trunk, ensure Model S is in Park, and
then do one of the following before pulling the hood
open:

• Touch Controls > Frunk on the touchscreen.

• Double-click the front trunk button on the key fob.

• Touch the front trunk button in the mobile app.

3. Carefully try to lift the front edge of the hood to
ensure that it is fully closed.

The instrument panel displays when a door, trunk, or
liftgate is open.

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.

The cargo weight should be distributed as evenly as
possible between the front and rear trunks.

CAUTION: Never load more than 110 lbs (50 kg) in
the front trunk. Doing so can cause damage.

WARNING: When loading cargo, always consider
the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
(see

Vehicle Loading on page 188). The GVWR is

the maximum allowable total mass of the vehicle
including all passengers, fluids, and cargo.

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.

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.

• To avoid scratches, don't have anything in your
hands (keys). Jewelry can also cause scratches.

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.

The front trunk locks when:

• You lock Model S using the touchscreen, key or
mobile app.

18 MODEL S Owner's Manual

• You leave Model S carrying your key (if Walk-Away

Door Lock on page 14

• Valet mode is active (see

is turned on).

Valet Mode on page 45).

Interior Emergency Release

An illuminated interior release button inside the front
trunk allows a person locked inside to get out.

Front Trunk

3. Pull the two wires out of the tow eye opening to
expose both terminals.

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 hood to
accidentally open.

Opening Hood with No Power

In the unlikely event that Model S has no low voltage
power, you will be unable to open the front trunk using
the touchscreen, key fob, or mobile app. To open the
front trunk in this situation:

NOTE: The following steps do not open the front trunk if
Model S is locked and has low voltage power.

1. Locate an external low voltage power supply (such as
a portable jump starter).

2. Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on the
top right perimeter of the cover until it pivots inward,
then gently pulling the raised section toward you.

4. Connect the low voltage power supply's red positive
(+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal.

5. Connect the low voltage power supply's black
negative (-) cable to the black negative (-) terminal.

19Opening and Closing

Front Trunk

NOTE: Applying external low voltage power to these
terminals only releases the hood latches. You cannot
charge the low voltage battery using these terminals.

6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions). The hood latches are
immediately released and you can now open the
hood to access the front trunk area.

7. Disconnect both cables, beginning with the black
negative (-) cable.

8. If pulling the vehicle onto a flatbed truck, do not
replace the tow eye cover yet. If necessary, install the
tow eye cover by inserting the wires into the tow eye
opening and aligning the tow eye cover into position
and snapping it into place.

20 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Interior Storage and Electronics

Center Console

In addition to housing an RFID transmitter that reads key
fobs and key cards (see
console includes cup holders, two storage
compartments, wireless phone chargers, and a rear
touchscreen.

To open the main storage compartment, pull its cover
upward. Open the front storage compartment by sliding
its cover forward.

Keys on page 8), the center

Glovebox

To open the glovebox, touch Controls > Glovebox. The
glovebox automatically opens and the light turns on.

Second Row Console

Your Model S has a rear console integrated in the center
of the second row. This console can serve as an arm rest
for rear passengers.

To lower the console, press the button on the top back
of the center seat. To raise the console, push it all the
way upwards.

To access the storage tray and wireless phone charger
(see Wireless Phone Chargers on page 23), raise the
cover by pressing the latch on the underside of it and
pulling it up.

To close the glovebox, push it upward until it latches into
the closed position.

For additional glovebox security, touch Controls >
Safety > Glovebox PIN to set a 4-digit PIN (see

Glovebox PIN on page 150).

NOTE: If you leave the glovebox open, its light
eventually turns o.

NOTE: The glovebox locks whenever closed and you
lock Model S using the mobile app, key card, you leave
Model S carrying your phone key (if Walk-Away Door
Lock is turned on), or if Valet mode is active (see

Mode on page 45

locked by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen.

WARNING: When driving, keep the glovebox
closed to prevent injury to a passenger if a
collision or sudden stop occurs.

). It does not lock when Model S is

Valet

USB Ports

Model S has five USB ports:

21Opening and Closing

Interior Storage and Electronics

• Two USB ports are located in the front compartment
of the center console. These can be used to charge
USB devices and to play audio files from a phone or
USB device (see

138

).

• Two USB ports are located below the rear
touchscreen that can be used to charge USB devices.

• One USB port is located inside the glovebox. This
port is equipped with a USB flash drive. The secure
location of this USB port makes it ideal for saving
Sentry Mode and Dashcam video footage.

To access the front USB ports, open the front
compartment of the center console. The front USB ports
are located on the rear wall of the compartment:

Rear USB ports are located below the rear touchscreen:

Playing Media from Devices on page

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 Preconditioning,
Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode, or Sentry
Mode are enabled. The vehicle is also awake whenever
the low voltage battery is being charged or is in use,
during high voltage charging, when the vehicle is
communicating with the mobile app, etc. Leaving an
accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage
battery.

NOTE: Use USB 3.0 compliant cables to connect a
device to a USB port. Using non-compliant cables can
result in slower charging, potential connection problems
or degraded performance.

NOTE: Do not connect multiple devices using a USB
hub. This can prevent connected devices from charging
or from being recognized by Media Player, Sentry Mode,
Dashcam, etc.

Glovebox USB port:

USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos

NOTE: For saving Sentry Mode and Dashcam footage,

Tesla recommends using the USB port located in the
glovebox. Doing so increases security and minimizes
power consumption.

One or more features on your Model S requires the use
of a flash drive (for example, Dashcam, Sentry Mode and
Track Mode (if equipped) that meets these
requirements:

• Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB. Use a flash drive
with as much available storage as possible. Video
footage can occupy a large amount of space.

• A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that
sustained write speed diers from peak write speed.

• USB 2.0 compatible. If using a USB 3.0 flash drive, it
must support USB 2.0.

• Properly formatted (described below).

NOTE: In some market regions you can purchase
recommended USB drives on

http://www.tesla.com.

22 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Interior Storage and Electronics

Formatting a USB Flash Drive

To save and retrieve video footage, Model S requires a
USB flash drive formatted as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for
Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is currently not supported).
For use with Dashcam and Sentry Mode, the flash drive
must contain a base-level folder called TeslaCam and for
use with Track Mode (if equipped), the flash drive must
contain a base-level folder called TeslaTrackMode.

Model S can format a USB flash drive for you. Insert the

flash drive into a front USB port, and touch Controls >
Safety > Format USB Drive. Doing so automatically

formats the drive as exFAT and creates a folder for
TeslaCam and TeslaTrackMode (if equipped). The USB
flash drive is now ready to record and save video
footage. Format USB Drive is available only when a USB
flash drive (with one or fewer partitions) is inserted into
a front USB port. Choosing Format USB Drive erases any
existing content on the flash drive—before using this
feature, you must move any content you want to keep to
a dierent device.

If Model S is unable to format the flash drive, you must
format it using a computer. Remember to manually
create the TeslaCam folder, and the TeslaTrackMode
folder (if equipped).

You can also view video footage by removing and
inserting the USB flash drive into a computer and
navigating to the TeslaCam or TeslaTrackMode (if
equipped) folder.

The TeslaCam folder contains three sub-folders:

• Recent Clips: When recording, Dashcam continuously
saves footage to Recent Clips in 60-minute cycles.
Footage is overwritten every hour unless you
manually save it. Four videos are recorded for each
clip, one from each camera (front, rear, left, and
right).

• Saved Clips: Contains all recordings that are saved
using Dashcam.

• Sentry Clips: Contains the last 10 minutes of footage
from all Sentry Mode events that triggered an Alert
or Alarm state. If storage space on the USB flash
drive becomes limited, the oldest Sentry Clips are
deleted to provide space for new ones. Once deleted,
you cannot retrieve them.

When the USB flash drive runs out of storage space,
video footage can no longer be saved. To prevent the
flash drive from getting full, regularly move saved videos
to another device and delete them from the flash drive.

You can also format the USB flash drive with a computer
to use a single flash drive for Dashcam, Sentry Mode,
Track Mode (if equipped), and audio files. Create
separate partitions on the drive formatted as exFAT; for
example, one for Dashcam and Sentry Mode (you must
create the TeslaCam folder), one for Track Mode (create
the TeslaTrackMode folder), and an audio partition.

Once the USB flash drive is formatted and contains the
necessary folder(s), insert it into a front (or glovebox, if
equipped) USB port. Do not use a rear USB port— these
are used only to charge USB devices. Once inserted, it
can take up to 15 seconds for Model S to recognize the
flash drive. When recognized, icons for Dashcam and
Sentry Mode are available when you touch Controls and
your vehicle is ready to record videos. You may need to
first enable Sentry Mode (if equipped) by touching

Controls > Sentry.

Viewing Video Recordings

You can view recorded footage on the touchscreen
when Model S is in Park. Touch the Dashcam icon
located in the app launcher or the Dashcam icon on the
Controls screen. Touch the menu icon in the top corner
of the screen. The tabs display a list of all video clips,
organized by location and timestamp. Pause, rewind,
fast forward, and delete video recordings as needed.
You can also navigate to Controls > Safety > Delete
Dashcam Clips to delete all dashcam and Sentry Mode
footage, including recent and saved clips.

Wireless Phone Chargers

Wireless phone chargers are integrated into both the
front and rear consoles, each providing up to 15W of
power to charge Qi-enabled phones. Simply place your
phone on the charger. Your device may feel warm while
charging, but this is a normal eect of inductive
charging.

When placed on the wireless charger, your phone
charges whenever the vehicle is powered on (the
touchscreen is on and you are in the vehicle). Your
phone does not charge when you leave the vehicle
unless a feature, such as Sentry mode is enabled.

NOTE: Dashcam recording pauses when you launch the
Viewer.

23Opening and Closing

Interior Storage and Electronics

NOTE: The phone must be in direct contact with the
wireless charger. Do not place objects between the
phone and the charger (for example, credit cards, key
cards, coins, keys, metal objects, etc.).

NOTE: The wireless phone charger may not work if your
phone case is too large or is made of metal. Try
removing the phone from its case before placing it on
the charger.

NOTE: The wireless phone charger does not charge if
the vehicle's high voltage Battery is discharged.

Low Voltage Power Socket

Your Model S has a power socket located in the center
console's rear compartment. To access the low voltage
socket, open the front compartment of the center
console.

NOTE: A power inverter plugged into the low voltage
power socket must support 16V DC input to function.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to jump start Model S
using the low voltage power socket. Doing so can
result in damage.

Coat Hangers

Your Model S has a coat hanger on each side of the
vehicle above the rear window in the second row, next to
the reading light. Push the coat hanger to release it.
Push it again to retract it.

The power socket is suitable for accessories requiring up
to 12A continuous draw (16A 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 Preconditioning,
Cabin Overheat Protection, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode,
Camp Mode, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle
is also awake whenever the low voltage battery is being
charged or is in use, during high voltage charging, when
the vehicle is communicating with the mobile app, etc.
Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the
low voltage battery.

WARNING: The power socket and an accessory’s
connector can become hot.

WARNING: To prevent excessive interference with
the vehicle’s electronics, Tesla recommends that
you do not plug any non-Tesla accessories,
including power inverters, into the low voltage
power socket. However, if you do use a non-Tesla
accessory and notice any malfunctions or
unexpected behavior, such as indicator lights, alert
messages, or excessive heat from the accessory,
unplug the accessory from the low voltage power
socket immediately.

Active Road Noise Reduction

Model S is equipped with Active Road Noise Reduction
which reduces low-frequency road noise while driving
on rough surfaces. To accomplish this, the vehicle uses
the seat microphones to measure noise in the cabin,
then generates anti-noise through the speakers to
intelligently create quiet zones around each occupant
depending on vehicle and environmental factors.

24 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Interior Storage and Electronics

To turn Active Road Noise Reduction on or o, open the
Media Player and touch Audio Settings icon > Options >
Active Road Noise Reduction (the audio settings icon
shows an equalizer with three vertical lines). This may
require several minutes of driving time to calibrate
before enabling.

NOTE: To ensure active noise reduction operates
eectively, avoid covering the microphones (with seat
covers, etc.). Active Road Noise Reduction may disable
if a window is rolled down, door is open, or the fan is
turned up.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to these
microphones when cleaning, do not over-saturate
the area of the seats where the microphones are
located.

25Opening and Closing

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.

Adjusting the Front Seats

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
yoke. 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 front seats include integrated head supports
that cannot be adjusted or removed.

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.

Folding Rear Seats

Model S has a split rear seat that can fold forward.

26 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Front and Rear Seats

Before folding, remove items from the seats and the rear
footwell. To allow the rear seats to fold completely flat,
you may need to move the front seats forward. To fold a
rear seat, push the corresponding button on the back of
the seat.

You can also fold the rear seats fully forward by pressing
the corresponding switch located on the left side of the
rear trunk. Pressing the switch causes the seat to
unlatch. You can then push it downward to lay it fully

flat.

WARNING: Always ensure that the seats are
locked in their upright position by attempting to
push it forward or rearward, ensuring the latch is
fully engaged. Failure to do so can increase the
risk of injury.

Head Supports

The front seats include integrated head supports that
you cannot adjust.

The rear outboard seating positions include an
adjustable head support that can be raised/lowered or
removed. The head support should always be raised and
locked into position (so that the center is aligned with
the center of the occupant's head) when occupied by a
passenger that is not in a child safety seat.

Lift the head support to the desired position. To lower
the head support, press and hold the button on the base
of the outer post while pushing down on the head
support.

To return the seats to their upright position, pull
upwards until it locks into place. To confirm that the seat
is locked in the upright position, try pulling it forward.

NOTE: Driving with the rear seats folded may increase
noise in the cabin area (for example, you may hear
vibration sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle
such as the trunk, suspension, etc.).

CAUTION: While raising a rear seat back, hold the
seat belt out of the way to ensure that the seat
belt is not trapped behind the backrest or caught
in the seat latch.

To remove a head support:

1. Lift the headrest to raise it.

2. Press and hold the button located at the base of the
right post.

3. Insert a short, flat object (such as a small flat-head
screwdriver) into the opening on the inside base of
the opposite post and pull the head support upward.

27Seating and Safety Restraints

Front and Rear Seats

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 seat­mounted 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.

28 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Seat Belts

Wearing Seat Belts

Using seat belts and child safety seats is the most
eective 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) feature that, by fully extracting 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 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.

You can temporarily disable a seat belt reminder
associated with a rear seating position. This is useful
when you are carrying an object in a rear seat that
triggers the seat belt reminder alert. To disable the
reminder, touch the associated seat on the seat belt
reminder popup message that displays on the
touchscreen when a seat belt reminder is active. When a
reminder is disabled, the seat belt reminder icon is
replaced by a seat icon, for the current drive only. Touch
the seat again to re-enable the reminder.

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.

WARNING: Seat belts must be worn by passengers
in all seating positions. Do not disable a seat belt
reminder when the seating position is occupied by
a passenger.

To Fasten a Belt

1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat (see

Driving Position on page 26

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.

).

Correct

29Seating and Safety Restraints

Seat Belts

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 rear outboard seats are equipped with shoulder pre­tensioners 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.

WARNING: Once the seat belt pre-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.

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 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

on page 179.

30 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Seat Belts

Seat Belt Warnings

WARNING: Seat belts should be worn by all

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 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: Do not use after market comfort and
convenience products that attach to the seat belts.

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.

WARNING: The seat belt system has no user
serviceable parts and may contain pyrotechnics.
Do not disassemble, remove, or replace
components.

Seat Belts

31Seating and Safety Restraints

Child Safety Seats

Guidelines for Seating Children

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’s age, weight, and size.

WARNING: Never seat a child in the front row passenger seat, even if using a child safety seat.

WARNING: Never seat a child on a seat with an ACTIVE AIRBAG in front of it. DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to

the child can occur.

Refer to the following label located on the sun visors.

NOTE: The image shown below is representative only and may not be identical to the label in your vehicle.

Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that controls the status of the passenger front airbag
(see

Airbags on page 38).

The Passenger Airbag O indicator displays on the touchscreen when the passenger front airbag is
OFF. When the passenger front airbag is OFF, it does not inflate when a collision occurs. This
indicator does not display when the seat is unoccupied.

To protect an adult occupying the front passenger seat, always double-check the passenger front
airbag to confirm that it is ON.

WARNING: Always ensure that all Model S seats are locked in position before traveling. Failure to do so
increases the risk of injury. Pay attention to all warnings displayed on the touchscreen.

WARNING: Do not associate the Easy Entry setting with the driver's profile when a child is seated in a rear
seat. Doing so can cause the driver's seat to push against the child, especially when a child is seated in a
forward-facing child seat or booster seat. Do not rely on Model S to recognize or accommodate a child seated
in the rear seats while using this setting (see

Driver Profiles on page 44).

32 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Child Safety Seats

Choosing a Child Safety Seat

All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear seats. Always use a child safety seat suitable for a young child’s
age and weight. The following table is based on child safety seat recommendations determined by National Highway
Trac Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more information, go to

Category Infants Toddlers Young children

Age Birth to 1 year* Over 1 year* 4 years and older, and

www.nhtsa.gov/ChildSafety/Guidance.

less than 57 in.
(145 cm) tall

Weight Up to at least 20 lbs (9 kg)* Over 20 lbs (9 kg) (minimum)

and up to 40 lbs (18 kg)*

Type of child safety seat Rear facing (or convertible) Forward facing (or

convertible)*

Seat position Rear facing only* Rear facing as long as

possible, then forward facing*

Recommended attachment
method

* Many child safety seats currently available allow children to ride rear-facing using the child safety seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS.
Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible. CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONS AND CAREFULLY FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

** LATCH ("Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children") and ISOFIX are international standards for attachment points
for

child safety seats in passenger cars that enable compliant child safety seats to be quickly and safely secured.

The system has other regional names including LUAS ("Lower Universal Anchorage System") or Canfix in Canada.
It has also been called the "Universal Child Safety Seat System" or UCSSS.

If combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to
65 lbs (29 kg), attach using
either LATCH** (lower
anchor only) or the seat
belt only.*** If combined
weight of child and safety
seat is over 65 lbs (29 kg),
attach using the seat belt
only.***

If combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (both lower anchors
and top tether anchor), or the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.*** If combined weight
of child and safety seat is over
65 lbs (29 kg), attach using
the seat belt and upper tether
strap.***

Over 40 lbs (18 kg)

Forward facing or seat
belt retained booster
seat****

Forward facing

Attach booster seats
using the seat belt
only

*** Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.

****Keep your child in a forward facing child safety seat with a harness and tether until the child reaches the child
safety seat's maximum allowable height or weight as specified by the manufacturer of the child safety seat.

WARNING: Do not use LATCH anchors with child safety seats or booster seats that have an integral safety belt

where the combined weight of the child plus the child safety seat exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg).

WARNING: Laws that govern how and where children should be carried when traveling in a vehicle are subject
to change. It is the driver’s responsibility to keep up to date on, and comply with, all current regulations in the
region(s) where Model S is driven. To check the child passenger safety laws for states in the U.S., go to:

www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html

.

http://

33Seating and Safety Restraints

Child Safety Seats

Seating Larger Children

If a child is too large to fit into a child safety seat, but
too small to safely fit into the standard seat belts, use a
booster seat appropriate for the child’s age and size.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to
secure the booster seat.

Installing Child Safety Seats

There are two general methods used to install child
safety seats:

• Seat belt retained - these seats are secured using the
vehicle’s seat belts. All passenger seating positions in
Model S support the use of seat belt retained child
safety seats.

• LATCH retained - these seats attach to anchor bars
built into the vehicle’s rear seats. The rear outboard
seating positions in Model S support the use of
LATCH retained child safety seats.

Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions
and the table in this manual to determine which
installation method to use. Some child safety seats can
be installed using either method. Always follow the child
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE: An automatic locking retractor disengages only
when the seat belt is unbuckled and fully retracted. The
belt can then be worn as a normal belt, sliding freely in
and out and locking tight only in an emergency. Once
disengaged, the belt must be fully extended to re­engage the locking mechanism whenever you install a
child safety seat.

Always follow the detailed instructions provided by the
child safety seat manufacturer. General guidelines are
provided below.

1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and fully
extend the seat belt. Route and buckle the seat belt
in accordance with the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.

Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats

First, make sure that the child safety seat is appropriate
for the weight, height, and age of the child.

Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing and do not
place any objects between the child and the restraint
system.

Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.

To securely hold child safety seats, all passenger seating
positions are equipped with an automatic locking
retractor (ALR) feature that, by fully extracting the seat
belt (beyond the length needed for a typical adult
occupant), locks the belt into place until the seat belt is
unbuckled and the webbing is fully retracted. The ALR
mechanism operates as a ratchet, winding in slack and
preventing the seat belt from extending any further until
it has been completely rewound. When installing a child
safety seat with integrated restraints, engage the belt's
automatic locking retractor by pulling the seat belt
webbing until it is fully extended. The ALR system
engages only when the seat belt is at its maximum
extension point.

2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove all slack in
the seat belt while firmly pushing the child safety
seat into the Model S seat.

3. Attach the upper tether strap(s), as required by the
manufacturer of the child restraint system (see

Attaching Upper Tether Straps on page 36).

Installing ISOFIX (LATCH) Child Seats

Lower LATCH anchors are provided in the rear outboard
seats. The anchors are located between the seat's back
rest and rear cushion. The exact location of each anchor
is identified by a child safety seat identification button,
illustrated below. The button is located on the seat back,
directly above its associated anchor.

The automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature is not
used for booster seats in which a large child is restrained
by the vehicle's seat belts directly, and therefore not
using a child safety seat's integrated restraints.

34 MODEL S Owner's Manual

In the rear seats, install LATCH child safety seats in the
outboard seating positions only. Use only a seat belt
retained seat in the center position.

Child Safety Seats

Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by
the manufacturer of the child restraint system. The
instructions describe how to slide the child restraint
system onto the seat’s anchor bars until you hear it
"click" into place. You may need to push the child
restraint system firmly against the seat back to ensure it
fits snugly. The flap (if equipped) remains open when
the child seat is installed.

To install a LATCH child safety seat, lift the flap (if
equipped) to allow access to the anchors.

Adjust until the child restraint system is fitted firmly
against the seat back. Ensure the child restraint system
fits snugly.

35Seating and Safety Restraints

Child Safety Seats

Before seating a child, ensure that the child restraint
system is securely installed. Grasp the front of the child
restraint system with one hand on each side, and
attempt to:

Position single-strap tethers for the outboard seating
positions to run on the outside of the head support.
Position a single strap in the center seating position to
run over the top of the seat as illustrated.

NOTE: To prevent the single-strap tether in the center
seating position from moving side to side, the top of the
seat deforms.

• Twist the child restraint system from side to side.

• Pull the child restraint system away from the seat.

If the child restraint system moves away from the seat,
both latches are not fully engaged onto the seat's
anchor bars. You must reinstall it and try again. It is
critical that both latches on the child restraint system
are fully engaged.

WARNING: Do not use LATCH anchors with child
seats or booster seats that have an integrated
safety belt where the combined weight of the child
plus the child restraint system exceeds 65 lbs (29.5
kg).

Attaching Upper Tether Straps

If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its hook to
the anchor point located on the back of the rear seats.

NOTE: The location of anchor points may not be readily
visible but can be found by identifying a slice in the
seat's material.

WARNING: Tighten upper tether straps according
to the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat.

WARNING: USE ONLY SEAT BELT RETAINED
CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THE CENTER SEATING
POSITION.

For dual-strap tethers, position the straps as shown.

Testing a Child Safety Seat

Before seating a child, always make sure the child safety
seat is not loose:

1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path and try to
slide the safety seat from side to side and front to
back.

2. If the seat moves more than one inch (2.5 cm), it is
too loose. Tighten the belt or reconnect the LATCH
retained child safety seat.

3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a dierent seat
location or try another child safety seat.

Child Safety Seat Warnings

WARNING: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a child on

the front passenger seat even if you are using a
child safety seat. This seat has an airbag in front of
it. Although this airbag is disabled when Model S
detects a lightweight passenger, do not rely on
technology to protect your child.

36 MODEL S Owner's Manual

WARNING: Child restraint systems are designed to
be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap
belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt. Children could
be endangered in a crash if their child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle.

WARNING: According to collision statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions.

WARNING: Do not use a forward facing child
safety seat until your child weighs over 20 lbs (9
kg) and can sit independently. Up to the age of
two, a child's spine and neck are not suciently
developed to avoid injury in a frontal impact.

WARNING: Do not allow a baby or infant to be
held on a lap. All children should be restrained in
an appropriate child safety seat at all times.

WARNING: To ensure children are safely seated,
follow all instructions provided in this document
and by the manufacturer of the child safety seat.

WARNING: Children should ride in a rear facing
child safety seat using the seat’s integrated 5­point harness for as long as possible.

WARNING: Do not use seat belt extenders on a
seat belt that is being used to install a child safety
seat or booster seat.

WARNING: When seating larger children, make
sure the child's head is supported and the child’s
seat belt is properly adjusted and fastened. The
shoulder portion of the belt must be away from
the face and neck, and the lap portion must not be
over the stomach.

WARNING: Never attach two child safety seats to
one anchor point. In a collision, one anchor point
may be incapable of securing both seats.

WARNING: Child restraint anchors are designed to
withstand only those loads imposed by correctly
fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or
for attaching other items or equipment to the
vehicle.

WARNING: Always check harnesses and tether
straps for damage and wear.

WARNING: Never leave a child unattended, even if
the child is secured in a child safety seat.

WARNING: Never use a child safety seat that has
been involved in a collision. Have the seat
inspected or replaced as described in the child
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Child Safety Seats

37Seating and Safety Restraints

Airbags

Location of Airbags

Airbags are located in the approximate areas shown below. Airbag warning information is printed on the sun visors.

Model S is equipped with an airbag and lap/shoulder belt at both front seating positions. The airbag is a
supplemental restraint at those seating positions. All occupants, including the driver, should always wear their seat
belts whether or not an airbag is also provided at their seating position to minimize the risk of severe injury or death
in the event of a crash.

1. Passenger knee airbag.

2. Passenger front airbag.

3. Side airbags.

4. Curtain airbags.

5. Driver’s knee airbag.

6. Driver’s front airbag.

38 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Airbags

How Airbags Work

Airbags inflate when sensors detect an impact that
exceeds deployment thresholds. These thresholds are
designed to predict the severity of a crash in time for
the airbags to help protect the vehicle's occupants.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable force
accompanied by a loud noise. The inflated bag, together
with the seat belts, limits movement of occupants to
reduce the risk of injury.

Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to inflate in
rear collisions, rollovers, side collisions and when braking
heavily or driving over bumps and potholes. Likewise,
front airbags may not inflate in all frontal collisions, such
as minor front collisions, underride collisions, or minor
impacts with narrow objects (such as posts or poles).
Significant superficial damage can occur to the vehicle
without the airbags inflating and, conversely, a relatively
small amount of structural damage can cause airbags to
inflate. Therefore, the external appearance of the vehicle
after a collision does not represent whether or not the
front airbags should have inflated.

WARNING: Before modifying your vehicle to
accommodate a person with disabilities in a way
that may aect the airbag system, contact Tesla.

The Passenger Airbag O indicator
displays on the touchscreen when the
passenger front airbag is OFF. When the
passenger front airbag is OFF, it does
not inflate when a collision occurs. This
indicator does not display when the seat
is unoccupied.

To protect an adult occupying the front
passenger seat, ensure the passenger
front airbag is ON. When the passenger
airbag is ON, it may inflate when a
collision occurs.

Types of Airbags

Model S has the following types of airbags:

• Front airbags: The front airbags are designed to
reduce injuries if larger children or adults are riding in
the front seats. Follow all warnings and instructions
related to seating a child on the front passenger seat
(if permitted in your market region).

• Knee airbags: Knee airbags and the front airbags
work together. The knee airbags limit the forward
motion of the front seat occupants by restricting leg
movement, thereby positioning the occupants so that
the front airbags work more eectively.

• Side airbags: Side airbags protect the thorax region
of the torso and the pelvis. They inflate only if a
severe side impact occurs. Side airbags on the non­impacted side of the vehicle do not inflate.

• Curtain airbags: Curtain airbags help protect the
head. Curtain airbags on both the impacted and non­impacted side of the vehicle inflate only if a severe
side impact occurs, or if the vehicle rolls over.

Passenger Front Airbag Status

The status of the passenger front airbag displays on the
touchscreen:

39Seating and Safety Restraints

Airbags

Controlling the Passenger Front Airbag

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) meets the regulatory requirement of FMVSS 208 and
automatically detects when inflating the passenger front airbag would be unnecessary or potentially harmful.

WARNING: Seating an infant in a rear facing child safety seat on a seat equipped with an operational airbag
can cause serious injury or death.

Object Classification OCS Passenger

Airbag Status*

Empty OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

Object OFF or ON PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or

Rear facing child seat
designed for children up to a
year old

Forward facing child seat OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF 35 lbs (16 kg) or less

Child in a booster seat OFF or ON PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or

Large child OFF or ON PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or

5th percentile female or
larger (by weight)

*If the passenger airbag status indicator does not match the situation, do not use the seat. The passenger must
ride in a dierent 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.

OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF 20 lbs (9 kg) or less

ON PASSENGER AIRBAG ON Over approximately 100 lbs

Indicator status Notes

Depends on material/

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

contents.

20-100 lbs (9-45 kg)*

(45 kg)

To make sure the sensing system can correctly detect occupancy status, eliminate the following:

• Objects lodged under the seat.

• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).

• Objects wedged between the seat back and seat cushion.

• Cargo interfering with the seat.

• Aftermarket items attached to, or sitting on or between, the seat and occupant including but not limited to
covers, mats, blankets, etc.

These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the above possibilities, and the
airbag status is still incorrect, ask passengers to ride in the rear seats and contact Tesla to have the airbag system
checked.

NOTE: The front passenger occupancy sensor aects the operation of the passenger front airbags only. The side
airbags are not aected.

WARNING: If the front passenger airbag is not turning on or o as expected based on the weight thresholds
previously described, contact Tesla immediately.

WARNING: Never seat a child in the front passenger seat. DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the child can occur.
Per recommendations by the National Highway Trac Safety Administration, all occupants age 12 and under
must ride in the rear seats.

40 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Airbags

WARNING: Do not use seat covers on Model S. Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-mounted side
air bags if a collision occurs. It can also reduce the accuracy of the occupant detection system and the noise­canceling microphones, if equipped.

Ensuring Accurate Occupant

Classification

To help ensure an occupant in the front passenger seat
can be accurately classified, the passenger must:

• Wear a seat belt.

• Sit upright on the center of the seat cushion, with
shoulders resting against the seat back and legs
extended comfortably in front with feet on the floor.

Examples of Correct and Incorrect Seating

See

Positions on page 41

• Remain positioned on the seat cushion and not lift
their weight o the seat (for example, by pushing
their feet against the floor or pressing on the center
console or armrest to lift up).

• Never wear thick, wet, or bulky clothing (such as ski
wear or padded clothing).

In addition to the items listed above, the following
situations can interfere with the accuracy of the
occupant classification system:

• Placing a radio transmitter (for example, a hunting
radio or walkie-talkie) on the front passenger seat.

• Placing an AC/DC inverter, or a device that is being
powered by the inverter (for example, a cell phone,
tablet, or computer) on the front passenger seat
cushion.

• Placing liquid (such as a bottled drink) or food
containers on a car seat when a child seat is present.

• Objects lodged under the seat or wedged between
the seat back and cushion.

• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large
purse).

• Cargo interfering with the seat.

• Aftermarket items attached to or placed between the
seat and the occupant, such as covers, mats,
blankets, etc.

These conditions can interfere with the occupancy
sensor. If you have eliminated the above possibilities,
and the airbag status is still incorrect, instruct
passengers to ride in the rear seats and contact Tesla to
have the airbag system checked.

.

WARNING: Failure to follow the above instructions
can adversely aect the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) which can cause serious injury or
death.

WARNING: If the front passenger airbag is not
turning on or o as expected, do not seat a
passenger in the front passenger seat. Contact
Tesla Service.

WARNING: To ensure accuracy of the occupant
detection system, do not make any modifications
to the front passenger seat.

WARNING: Do not use seat covers on Model S.
Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat­mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. It can
also reduce the accuracy of the occupant
classification system.

Examples of Correct and Incorrect Seating Positions

Correct seating position:

Incorrect seating position - the passenger's feet must
be on the floor:

NOTE: The front passenger occupancy sensor aects

the operation of the passenger front and side airbags.

WARNING: Tesla follows NHTSA (National
Highway Trac Safety Administration)
recommendations that all occupants age 12 and
under must ride in a rear seating position.

41Opening and Closing

Airbags

Inflation Eects

WARNING: When airbags inflate, a fine powder is

released. This powder can irritate the skin and
should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes and
from any cuts or abrasions.

After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a gradual
cushioning eect for the occupants and to ensure the
driver’s forward vision is not obscured.

If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in a
collision, always have the airbags, seat belt pre­tensioners and any associated components checked
and, if necessary, replaced by Tesla.

In a collision, in addition to the airbags inflating:

Incorrect seating position - the passenger must not
slide forward on the seat cushion:

Incorrect seating position - the passenger must not
recline the backrest to a laying down position when the
vehicle is moving:

• Doors unlock, and the door handles extend.

• Hazard warning lights turn on.

Interior lights turn on.

•

• High voltage is disabled (you must contact Tesla
Service to restore high voltage power).

• Seat belt pretensioners retract the seat belt anchor
and seat belt webbing.

Airbag Warning Indicator

The airbag indicator on the instrument
cluster remains lit if the airbag system is
malfunctioning. The only time this indicator
should light up is briefly when Model S first
powers up, in which case it turns o within
a few seconds. If it remains lit, contact
Tesla immediately and do not drive.

Airbag Warnings

WARNING: Do not place objects over or near

airbags because any such objects could cause
harm if the vehicle is in a crash severe enough to
cause the airbag to inflate.

WARNING: All occupants, including the driver,
should always wear their seat belts, whether or not
an airbag is also provided at their seating position,
to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the
event of a collision.

WARNING: Front seat occupants should not place
their arms over the airbag module, as an inflating
airbag can cause fractures or other injuries.

WARNING: Do not use seat covers on Model S.
Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat­mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. It can
also reduce the accuracy of the occupant
detection system and the noise-canceling
microphones, if equipped.

42 MODEL S Owner's Manual

WARNING: Airbags inflate with considerable
speed and force, which can cause injury. To limit
injuries, ensure that occupants are wearing seat
belts and are correctly seated, with the seat
positioned as far back as possible. The National
Highway Trac Safety Administration (NHTSA)
recommends a minimum distance of 10" (25 cm)
between an occupant’s chest and an airbag.

WARNING: Children should not be seated on the
front passenger seat. Follow all regulations in your
region for the appropriate way to seat a child
based on the child's weight, size, and age. The
safest place to seat infants and young children is in
a rear seating position. Seating an infant or child
on a seat equipped with an operational front
airbag can cause serious injury or death.

WARNING: To ensure correct inflation of the side
airbags, maintain an unobstructed gap between an
occupant’s torso and the side of Model S.

WARNING: Passengers shouldn't lean their heads
against doors. Doing so can cause injury if a
curtain airbag inflates.

WARNING: Do not allow passengers to obstruct
the operation of an airbag by placing feet, knees
or any other part of the body on or near an airbag.

WARNING: Do not attach or place objects on or
near the front airbags, the side of the front seats,
the headliner at the side of the vehicle, or any
other airbag cover that could interfere with
inflation of an airbag. Objects can cause serious
injury if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough
to cause the airbag to inflate.

WARNING: Following inflation, some airbag
components are hot. Do not touch until they have
cooled.

Airbags

43Seating and Safety Restraints

Driver Profiles

Creating a Driver Profile

When you first adjust the driver’s seat, steering yoke
position, or exterior side mirrors, the touchscreen
prompts you to create a driver profile to save these
adjustments. Your profile also saves various preferences
you make while customizing Model S. See

Profiles on page 44

settings to the cloud for easy access across multiple
Tesla vehicles.

If you change the position of the driver’s seat, steering
yoke, or exterior side mirrors after you have saved or
chosen a driver profile, the touchscreen prompts you to
Save the new position or Restore the previously saved
position (other settings are automatically saved). To
change a setting without saving or restoring, just ignore
the prompt.

NOTE: Valet mode is a built-in driver profile that limits
speed and restricts access to some Model S features
(see

Valet Mode on page 45).

NOTE: To stop automatic adjustments that are in
process based on a driver's profile, touch Stop on the
Driver Profile dropdown menu. Automatic adjustments
also stop if you manually adjust a seat, mirror, or the
steering yoke.

to learn more about saving profile

To add a new driver profile, touch the
driver profile icon at the top of the

Controls screen. Then touch Driver Profile
Settings > Add New Driver, type the

driver's name and touch Create Profile.
Follow the onscreen instructions to save
mirror and steering wheel position to the
driver profile. Check the Use Easy Entry
checkbox if you want to save (or use
existing) Easy Entry settings in which the
driver's seat and the steering yoke are
automatically adjusted to make it easy to
enter and exit Model S.

Easy Entry

You can define an Easy Entry setting that moves the
steering yoke and driver's seat to make it easy to enter
and exit Model S. Any driver can use the Easy Entry
setting by associating it with their driver profile. When
the Easy Entry setting is associated with a driver profile,
the steering yoke and driver's seat automatically adjust
when in Park and the driver's seat belt is unbuckled,
allowing an easy exit from Model S. When returning to
the vehicle and stepping on the brake pedal, settings
automatically adjust back to the settings used by the
most recent driver profile (or based on the key if it's
linked to a driver profile).

Using Tesla

WARNING: Never use Easy Entry to move the
driver's seat to the full rearward position when a
child safety seat is installed on a rear seat located
behind the driver's seat. With reduced clearance,
the movement of the seat may impact a child's
legs, cause injury, or dislodge the seat.

Selecting Between Driver Profiles

To adjust Model S based on a driver’s
profile, touch the driver profile icon at the
top of the Controls screen. Then choose
the driver, and Model S is adjusted based
on the settings that have been saved to the
chosen driver profile. See Using Tesla

Profiles on page 44

saving profile settings to the cloud for easy
access across multiple Tesla vehicles.

to learn more about

Using Tesla Profiles

Driver profile settings, such as seat adjustments,
temperature preferences, navigation Recents and
Favorites, media settings, and data sharing preferences
can be saved into a Tesla Profile that is synced to every
supported vehicle under your Tesla Account. This
provides convenient access to your profile settings and
preferences across all your Tesla supported vehicles.

To set up your Tesla Profile, navigate to Driver Profile
Settings and select your Tesla Account name. You can
choose to set it up as a New Profile or copy the settings
from an existing driver profile that you were previously
using.

To set up a Tesla Profile for additional drivers, share your
vehicle with them from the mobile app and navigate to
Security > Add Driver. Their Tesla Profile will appear in
the Driver Profile settings after accepting the invitation
from their Tesla Account. For more information on
granting mobile app access, see

Second Driver on page 161

NOTE: Some vehicle settings, such as seat, mirror,
steering wheel, and air vent positions are only synced
between the same vehicle models. If the seat or steering
positions do not restore as expected, touch Controls >
Service > Seat & Steering Calibration on the aected
vehicles.

NOTE: Tesla Profiles are supported on vehicles with
software versions 2022.24 or higher.

Your Tesla Profile will be removed from any vehicle not
associated with your Tesla Account.

Granting Access to a

.

To use Easy Entry with a driver profile, ensure the Use
Easy Entry box is checked.

44 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Driver Profiles

Saved Settings

A subset of the settings that you choose to customize
your Model S are automatically saved to your driver's
profile. Once saved, a green check mark appears next to
the driver profile icon on the touchscreen. Examples of
automatically saved driver profile settings are:

• Navigation, temperature, lights and display settings.

• Autopilot and driving preferences.

Linking a Driver Profile to a Key

You can link a driver profile to a key (or keys) to allow
Model S to automatically select the correct driver profile
when the linked key is detected as you approach the
vehicle and open the driver's door. To link a driver profile
to a key, first ensure you are using your desired driver
profile. Touch the driver profile icon at the top of the
Controls screen. Follow the onscreen instructions to add
a phone key, key card, or key fob (see

Removing Keys on page 11

driver icon to link the key to the desired driver profile.
The name of the driver profile appears under the key to
show that it is linked.

NOTE: Model S supports up to 10 driver profiles. You can
link multiple keys to a driver profile, but you cannot link
multiple driver profiles to a single key.

). When finished, touch the

Adding and

Starting Valet Mode

With Model S in Park, touch the driver profile icon at the
top of the Controls screen, then touch Valet Mode.

The first time you enter Valet mode, the touchscreen
prompts you to create a 4-digit PIN you will use to
cancel Valet mode.

When Valet mode is active, the instrument panel
displays the word Valet while the driver profile changes
to Valet Mode on the touchscreen.

You can also use the mobile app to start and cancel
Valet mode (if Model S is in Park). When using the
mobile app, you do not need to enter a PIN because you
are already required to log into the app using your Tesla
Account credentials.

NOTE: If the PIN to Drive setting is enabled (see

Drive on page 150

before you can define or enter a Valet PIN. Once in Valet
mode, Model S can be driven without the valet needing
to enter the driving PIN.

NOTE: The PIN to Drive setting is not available when
Valet mode is active.

If you forget your valet PIN, reset it from inside Model S
by entering your Tesla Account credentials (which also
cancels Valet mode). You can also reset your PIN using
the mobile app.

), you must enter the driving PIN

PIN to

Valet Mode

When Model S is in Valet mode, the following
restrictions apply:

• Speed is limited to 70 mph (113 km/h).

• Maximum acceleration and power are limited.

• Front trunk and glovebox are locked.

• Home and Work locations are not available in the
navigation system.

• Voice commands are disabled.

• Autopilot convenience features are disabled.

• The Allow Mobile Access setting cannot be changed

• HomeLink (if available in your market region) is not
accessible.

• Driver Profiles are not accessible.

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled. When Model S is in
Valet mode, you cannot pair new Bluetooth devices
or view or delete existing paired devices. However, if
a Bluetooth-paired device or a known Wi-Fi network
is within range, Model S connects to it.

NOTE: Model S does not automatically shift when in
Valet Mode.

Canceling Valet Mode

With Model S in Park, touch the Valet Mode driver

profile icon at the top of the Controls screen, and enter
your 4-digit PIN.

When you cancel Valet mode, all settings associated
with the most recently used driver profile and climate
control settings are restored, and all features are
available.

NOTE: You do not need to enter a PIN to cancel Valet
mode from the mobile app.

45Driving

Steering Yoke

Adjusting Steering Yoke Position

To adjust the steering yoke, touch Controls and touch
the Steering icon.

Use the left scroll button on the steering yoke to move
the steering yoke to the desired position:

• To adjust the height/tilt angle of the steering yoke,
roll the left scroll button up or down.

• To move the steering yoke closer to you, or further
away from you, press the left scroll button to the left
or right.

WARNING: Do not make steering yoke
adjustments while driving.

Adjusting Steering Eort

You can adjust the feel and sensitivity of the steering
system to suit your personal preference:

1. Right turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 57).

2. High beam headlights* (see

page 56

3. Left turn signal (see

4. Left scroll button (see

46

5. Horn (see

6. Identifier that is always illuminated to indicate that
the right scroll wheel can be used with cruise control.

7. Wipers* (see

8. Right scroll button (see

47

9. Voice commands (see

148

).

Turn Signals on page 57).

).

Horn on page 47).

Wipers and Washers on page 63).

).

).

High Beam Headlights on

Left Scroll Button on page

Right Scroll Button on page

Voice Commands on page

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Pedals &
Steering > Steering Mode.

Choose a steering option:

2.
◦ Comfort - Reduces the eort required to turn the

steering yoke. In town, Model S feels easier to
drive and park.

◦ Standard - Tesla believes that this setting oers

the best handling and response in most
conditions.

◦ Sport - Increases the eort required to turn the

steering yoke. When driving at higher speeds,
Model S feels more responsive.

Overview of Steering Yoke Buttons

Your Model S features stalkless driving in which all
controls you need when driving are accessible on the
steering yoke.

*The behaviors associated with the buttons for headlight

high beams and wipers vary depending on whether you
press or press and hold the button. Refer to the
corresponding sections in this Owner's Manual for
details.

NOTE: Simultaneously holding down both the left and
right scroll buttons while Model S is parked causes the
touchscreen to restart (see

on page 6

).

Restarting the Touchscreen

Left Scroll Button

Use the scroll button on the left side of the steering yoke
to adjust the position of the mirrors and steering yoke. It
also controls the wipers and media player.

46 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Steering Yoke

• When using media player, push the button to the left
to go back to the previous song or station or push it
to the right to skip to the next song or station.

• To increase/decrease the volume of the sound
system, roll the button up/down respectively.

NOTE: The scroll button adjusts the volume for media
and phone calls based on what is currently in use. As
you adjust the volume, the touchscreen displays the
volume level and whether you are adjusting volume
for media or phone.

• To mute the media volume, or to pause/play an audio
file, push the scroll button.

• When adjusting mirrors, push the button to the left/
right to move the associated mirror inward/outward
and up/down to position the mirror upward or
downward (see Mirrors on page 49).

• When adjusting the position of the steering yoke, roll
the button up/down to adjust the tilt/angle and press
the button to the left or right to move the steering
yoke closer or further (see

Position on page 46

• When a menu displays on the instrument panel from
which you can choose options (for example, wipers),
use the scroll button to choose an option (up, down,
left, or right).

).

Adjusting Steering Yoke

Right Scroll Button

Use the scroll button on the right side of the steering
yoke to control Autopilot features such as Autosteer and
Trac-Aware Cruise Control:

• When driving, push and release the button to engage
Autosteer or Trac-Aware Cruise Control (see

Autosteer on page 88). If Autosteer Activation is

set to Double Click (touch Controls > Autopilot
Activation > Autosteer Activation), a single push
engages Trac-Aware Cruise Control (see

Aware Cruise Control on page 84

must push and release twice to engage Autosteer.
Once engaged, pushing the button cancels Autosteer
and/or Trac-Aware Cruise Control.

• When Model S is in Park, push the button twice to
automatically engage Summon (if equipped) before
exiting the vehicle (see

Exiting the Vehicle on page 106

• When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is engaged, rolling
the scroll button up/down increase/decreases the set
cruising speed respectively.

NOTE: There is currently no action associated with
pushing the right scroll button to the left and right.

Starting Summon Before

) only and you

).

Trac-

Heated Steering Yoke

To warm up the steering yoke, touch the temperature
icon on the touchscreen to display climate controls (see

Overview of Climate Controls on page 125), then touch

the steering yoke icon. When turned on, radiant heat
keeps the steering yoke at a comfortable temperature.

Horn

To sound the horn, press and hold the horn button on
the right side of the steering yoke.

47Driving

Steering Yoke

48 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Mirrors

Adjusting Exterior Mirrors

Adjust the exterior mirrors by touching Controls >
Mirrors. Press the left scroll button on the steering yoke

to choose whether you are adjusting the Left or Right
mirror. Then use the left scroll button as follows to adjust
the selected mirror to its desired position:

• To move the mirror up or down, roll the left scroll
button up or down.

• To move the mirror inward or outward, press the left
scroll button to the left or right.

NOTE: Both exterior mirrors have heaters that turn on
and o with the rear window defroster.

Mirror Auto Tilt

Both exterior mirrors can automatically tilt downward
when Model S is shifted into Reverse. When you shift
back into another drive mode, the mirrors return to their
normal upward position.

NOTE: If you expect ice to accumulate when Model S is
parked, turn o Mirror Auto Fold. Accumulation of ice
can prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or
unfolding. See

79

for information on how to ensure your mirrors

function properly in cold weather.

Cold Weather Best Practices on page

Mirror Auto Dim

When certain environmental conditions are met, the rear
view mirror and exterior side mirrors dim automatically
(for example, in low light conditions or to reduce glare
when driving at night). To enable or disable this feature,
touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Dim.

Folding Mirrors at Specific
Locations

In addition to having mirrors fold automatically
whenever you park Model S, you can fold (and unfold)
mirrors anytime your driving speed is less than 31 mph
(50 km/h). This is useful for parking in tight spaces. To
do so, touch Controls > Fold Mirrors.

When you fold mirrors, a Location Saved popup briefly
displays below the Fold Mirrors control. When Location
Saved is enabled, mirrors automatically fold whenever
you approach the location, saving you from having to
manually fold them each time you arrive at a frequently
visited location (such as narrow garages, tight parking
spaces, etc.). If you do not want the location saved,
simply touch Location Saved to disable it. This popup
toggles between Location Saved and Save Location to
allow you to specify whether or not you want mirrors to
automatically fold as you approach your current
location.

To turn this feature on or o, touch Controls > Mirrors >
Mirror Auto Tilt. You can adjust the position of the
mirrors only when you are in Reverse.

Mirror Auto Fold

Both exterior mirrors can automatically fold inward
whenever you exit and lock Model S. When you unlock
Model S, the exterior mirrors then automatically unfold.

To turn this feature on or o, touch Controls > Mirrors >
Mirror Auto Fold.

Mirrors remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31
mph (50 km/h), or until you touch Controls > Unfold
Mirrors. You can also fold/unfold mirrors manually, or
fold mirrors automatically at specific locations. See

Folding Mirrors at Specific Locations on page 49.

NOTE: To save or unsave a location at which the mirrors
fold, Model S must be driving at a low speed (less than 3
mph (5 km/h)) or stopped at the location you want your
vehicle to remember.

CAUTION: Mirrors may not automatically fold if
you return to a saved location driving faster than 3
mph (5 km/h).

NOTE: When you leave the saved location, mirrors
remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph
(50 km/h), or until you touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors.
When driving at or above this speed threshold, you can
not fold mirrors.

NOTE: You can also override the automatic folding/
unfolding of mirrors at any time (for example, Model S
has no power) by pushing the mirror assembly away
from you to unfold, or pulling it toward you to fold.

You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink
(see

HomeLink Universal Transceiver on page 155). To

do so, touch the HomeLink icon on the top of the

Controls screen and enable Auto-Fold Mirrors when
Nearby.

49Driving

Mirrors

Rear View Mirror

The rear view mirror is adjusted manually. When in Drive
or Neutral, the rear view mirror automatically dims in low
lighting conditions based on the time of day (for
example, when driving at night).

50 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Starting and Powering O

Starting

When you open a door to enter Model S, the instrument
panel and touchscreen power on and you can operate all
controls. To shift Model S, press the brake pedal and
swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse on the
touchscreen's drive mode strip (see

53

).

If Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S
automatically selects Drive or Reverse based on inputs
from various sensors. Pressing the brake pedal shifts the
vehicle into the selected drive mode displayed on the
instrument panel (provided the driver's door is closed
and the driver's seat belt is buckled), and pressing the
accelerator moves the vehicle in that direction (see

Shift out of Park on page 53

).

Shifting on page

Auto

NOTE: To turn Auto Shift out of Park on or o, touch
Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.

Before accelerating when Auto Shift out of Park is
enabled, check the instrument panel to make sure that
Model S has shifted into the drive mode you want (Drive
or Reverse). If the selection is not correct, or if Auto
Shift out of Park is not enabled, swipe up for Drive or
down for Reverse on the touchscreen's drive mode strip
to choose a new drive mode. See

NOTE: If the PIN to Drive feature is enabled (see

Drive on page 150

the touchscreen before you can drive Model S.

Everything you need to know when driving Model S
displays on the instrument panel.

), you must also enter a valid PIN on

Shifting on page 53.

PIN to

Drive Disabled - Requires Authentication

If Model S does not detect a key when you press the
brake (a key fob or phone key is not detected or two
minutes have passed since you used the key card), the
touchscreen displays a message telling you that driving
requires authentication.

If you see this message, place the key card in either
phone dock where the RFID transmitter can read it. The
two-minute authentication period restarts and you can
start Model S by pressing the brake pedal.

A number of factors can aect whether Model S can
detect a phone key or key fob (for example, the device's
battery is low or dead and is no longer able to
communicate using Bluetooth).

Always keep your phone key, key fob, or a key card with
you. After driving, your key is needed to restart Model S
after it powers o. And when you leave Model S, you
must bring your key with you to lock Model S, either
manually or automatically.

Powering O

When you finish driving, simply exit the vehicle. When
you leave Model S with your phone key and key fob, it
powers o automatically, turning o the instrument
panel and touchscreen.

Model S also powers o automatically after being in
Park for 30 minutes, even if you are sitting in the driver’s
seat.

Although usually not needed, you can power o Model S
while sitting in the driver’s seat, provided the vehicle is
not moving. Touch Controls > Safety > Power O.
Model S automatically powers back on again if you press
the brake pedal or touch the touchscreen.

NOTE: Model S automatically shifts into Park whenever it
determines that you are exiting the vehicle (for example,
the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is
almost at a standstill). If you shift into Neutral, Model S
shifts into Park when you open the door to exit. To keep
Model S in Neutral, see

page 202

.

Instructions for Transporters on

Power Cycling the Vehicle

You can power cycle Model S if it demonstrates unusual
behavior or displays a nondescript alert.

NOTE: If the touchscreen is unresponsive or
demonstrates unusual behavior, reboot it before you
power cycle the vehicle (see

on page 6).

Restarting the Touchscreen

51Driving

Starting and Powering O

1. Shift into Park.

2. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Safety > Power
O.

3. Wait for at least two minutes without interacting with
the vehicle. Do not open the doors, touch the brake
pedal, touch the touchscreen, etc.

4. After two minutes, press the brake pedal or open the
door to wake the vehicle.

52 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Auto Shift out of Park

NOTE: Auto Shift out of Park is a BETA feature and is

disabled by default.

When Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S is
designed to use inputs from various sensors to
automatically select Drive or Reverse. The instrument
panel displays the selected drive mode when the driver's
door is closed and seat belt is buckled.

To override the selection, press the brake pedal and use
the drive mode strip on touchscreen to shift into your
desired drive mode (Drive, Reverse, Park; see

Using the Touchscreen on page 53

Confirm the drive mode selection and follow the
instructions on the instrument panel before you press
the accelerator.

WARNING: As always, be aware of your vehicle
and surroundings before driving. Never rely on
Model S to automatically select a suitable drive
mode without confirming the selection before you
start to drive.

).

Shifting

Shifting

If Auto Shift out of Park is unavailable, the instrument
panel displays a message.

Model S automatically selects a drive mode when:

• Auto Shift out of Park is enabled (touch Controls >
Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park).

• Model S is in Park.

• The driver's seat belt is fastened.

• The brake pedal is pressed.

• All doors and trunks are closed.

• The drive mode selector on the center console is not
activated (see

page 54

NOTE: Model S does not automatically select drive
modes in Valet Mode.

Auto Shift out of Park is disabled by default. When
disabled, use the touchscreen or the center console to
manually shift. To enable Auto Shift out of Park, touch
Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.

Shift Using the Center Console on

).

Shifting Using the Touchscreen

When you press the brake pedal when parked, the drive
mode strip displays on one side of the touchscreen. Use
the drive mode strip to shift Model S: swipe up for Drive,
swipe down for Reverse or touch the P for Park. The
drive mode strip is always available on the touchscreen
when you touch Controls.

NOTE: To shift from Drive into Reverse or vice versa, the
driving speed must be less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

NOTE: The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays the
Park button only when the brake pedal is pressed and

shifting into Park is allowed based on the vehicle's
driving speed (less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

To shift into Neutral, open Controls to bring up the drive
mode strip, then press and hold Neutral until Neutral
engages.

NOTE: The touchscreen is the preferred method to
manually shift. However, in the unlikely situation in which
the touchscreen is unavailable and therefore can't be
used, the drive mode selector on the center console
automatically activates and must be used to shift (see

Shift Using the Center Console on page 54).

If you try to shift when it is prohibited by the current
driving speed, the instrument panel displays an alert, a
chime sounds, and the drive mode does not change.

53Driving

Shifting

Shift Using the Center Console

In addition to manually shifting on the touchscreen, you
can shift by pressing P, R, N or D located on the center
console. In most situations, these buttons are not
available until you press one of the buttons to activate it.
When active, the LEDs associated with each button
illuminate and when you select P, R, N or D, the
associated LED illuminates amber.

In situations where the touchscreen is unavailable (for
example, experiencing a technical issue), or Model S is in
Valet or Transport Mode, the drive mode selector on the
center console activates automatically and there is no
need to touch it.

NOTE: You can also activate the drive mode selector on
the center console by simultaneously and briefly
pressing both scroll buttons on the steering yoke.
However, if you press and hold both buttons
simultaneously, the drive mode selector activates and
the touchscreen restarts (see

Touchscreen on page 6

NOTE: The front trunk, rear trunk, and doors must be
closed to shift using the center console.

Restarting the

).

Park

Model S automatically shifts into Park whenever it
determines that you are exiting the vehicle. For example,
the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is
stopped. Model S also automatically shifts into Park
when the driver's door is opened or if no action is taken
within one minute of shifting.

To manually shift into Park, press the brake pedal and
touch the Park button on the touchscreen's drive mode
strip. If the touchscreen is unavailable, press Park on the
drive mode selector located on the center console.

NOTE: The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays the
Park button only when the brake pedal is pressed and

shifting into park is allowed based on the driving speed.

NOTE: You must always press the brake pedal to shift
out of Park.

CAUTION: Model S will not shift out of Park if a
charge cable is plugged in, or if the charge port is
unable to determine whether a charging cable is
plugged in. In situations when Model S does not
shift out of Park, check the instrument panel or
touchscreen for instructions on how to proceed.

WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to always
ensure the vehicle is in Park before exiting. Never
rely on Model S to automatically shift into Park for
you; it may not work in all circumstances.

1. Park

2. Reverse

3. Neutral

4. Drive

NOTE: When the touchscreen is available for shifting
and you have manually activated the drive mode
selector on the center console, the center console
automatically deactivates if you don't shift within 10
seconds.

Drive

To manually shift into Drive, swipe up on the drive mode
strip located on the touchscreen or, if the touchscreen is
unavailable, press D on the drive mode selector located
on the center console. You can shift into Drive when
Model S is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
in Reverse.

Reverse

To manually shift into Reverse, swipe down on the drive
mode strip located on the touchscreen or, if the
touchscreen is unavailable, press R on the drive mode
selector located on the center console. You can shift into
Reverse when Model S is stopped or moving less than
5 mph (8 km/h) in Drive. You can manually close the
park assist view on the touchscreen by touching the X in
the upper corner.

Neutral

Neutral allows Model S to roll freely when you are not
pressing the brake pedal. To shift into Neutral, do any of
the following:

• Open Controls, then press and hold the Neutral icon
on the drive mode strip until Model S engages
Neutral.

54 MODEL S Owner's Manual

• Choose Neutral from the drive mode selector on the
center console.

NOTE: When Model S is traveling over 5 mph (8 km/h)
and you swipe up or down on the touchscreen's drive
mode strip, a Neutral icon displays at the bottom of the
drive mode strip from which you can also choose to
engage Neutral.

NOTE: You must press the brake pedal to shift out of
Neutral if Model S is moving slower than approximately
5 mph (8 km/h).

Model S automatically shifts into Park when you open
the driver's door to exit the vehicle. To stay in Neutral
even when you leave Model S, you must engage
Transport Mode (described next).

Keeping Your Vehicle in Neutral (Transport Mode)

Model S automatically shifts into Park whenever you
finish driving and leave Model S. To keep Model S in
Neutral when you exit, allowing it to roll freely (for
example, pulling onto a flatbed truck), you must activate
Transport mode:

Shifting

1. Shift into Park.

2. Press the brake pedal.

3. Touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen
displays a message reminding you how to properly
transport Model S.

4. Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it
turns blue. Model S is now free-rolling and can slowly
be rolled (no faster than walking speed) for short
distances or winched (for example, onto a flatbed
truck).

For more information on Transport Mode, see

Transport Mode on page 203

NOTE: In Transport mode, Model S does not shift into a
drive mode. You must first cancel Transport mode by
touching Transport Mode again. Transport mode also
cancels if you use the touchscreen or drive mode
selector on the center console to shift into Park or if you
manually apply the parking brake by touching Controls
> Safety > Parking Brake.

.

Activate

55Driving

Lights

Controlling Lights

Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.

NOTE: You can also access an abbreviated lights menu

while driving by touching the Auto High Beam button on
the steering yoke. A lights menu displays on the
touchscreen, providing quick access to headlight
controls.

In addition to the lights that you can control from the
touchscreen, Model S has convenience lights that turn
on and o automatically based on what you are doing.
For example, interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, and
puddle lights turn on when you unlock Model S, when
you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn
o automatically after a minute or two or when you shift
or lock Model S. Use these settings to control exterior
and interior lights:

Exterior Lights

Exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights,
parking lights, and license plate lights) are set to AUTO
each time you start Model S. When set to AUTO, exterior
lights automatically turn on when driving in low lighting
conditions. If you change to a dierent setting, lights
always revert to AUTO on your next drive.

Touch one of these options to change the exterior light
setting:

• OFF: Exterior lights turn o until you manually turn
them back on or until the next time you drive. If
daytime running lights are required in your region,
the exterior lights used for this purpose are always on
when Drive is engaged.

• PARKING: Only the side marker lights, parking lights,
tail lights and license plate lights turn on.

NOTE: If daytime running lights are required in your
region, the exterior lights used for this purpose are
always on whenever Drive or Reverse is engaged.

• ON: Exterior lights turn on.

The front fog indicator displays on the
instrument panel whenever the optional
front fog lights are on.

NOTE: Depending on the market region and vehicle
options, your vehicle may not be equipped with front
and/or rear fog lights.

Interior Lights

Turn the interior dome (map) lights on or o. If set to
AUTO, all interior dome lights turn on when you unlock
Model S, open a door upon exiting, or shift into Park.

NOTE: You can also manually turn an individual dome
light on or o by pressing its lens. If you turn a dome
light on, it turns o when Model S powers o. If Model S
was already powered o when you manually turned the
light on, it turns o after 60 minutes.

Ambient Lights

When enabled, interior ambient lights turn on whenever
the headlights are on.

Auto High Beam

If you turn on Auto High Beam, headlights automatically
switch from high beam headlights to low beam
headlights when light is detected in front of Model S.

High Beam Headlights on page 56.

See

Headlights after Exit

If you turn on Headlights after Exit, the exterior lights
remain on for one minute after you stop driving and park
Model S in low lighting conditions. See

Exit on page 57

NOTE: Model S has lights along the rim of the
headlights, also referred to as "signature" lights. These
lights automatically turn on whenever Model S is
powered on and a drive mode is engaged.

.

Headlights After

CAUTION: Ensure the headlights and rear lights
are on during low visibility conditions (for example,
when it is dark, foggy, snowy, or the road is wet,
etc.). The rear tail lights are o while daytime
running lights are on. Failure to do so can cause
damage or serious injury.

Fog Lights

If equipped, touch to turn the fog lights on or o. Fog
lights operate only when low beam headlights are on.
When headlights are turned o, fog lights also turn o.

56 MODEL S Owner's Manual

High Beam Headlights

Use the high beam headlight button on the left side of
the steering yoke to control the headlights:

• Press and quickly release to flash high beam
headlights.

• Press and hold to turn on high beam headlights - the
instrument panel displays a brief timer and you must
hold for the duration of the timer to latch the high
beam headlights to the on position. When headlights
are on, press the button a second time to turn them

o.

The high beam headlights can automatically switch to
low beam when there is light detected in front of
Model S (for example, from an oncoming vehicle). To
turn this feature on or o, touch Controls > Lights >
Auto High Beam. Your chosen setting is retained until
you manually change it.

NOTE: When you touch or press the high beam
headlight button on the left side of the steering yoke,
the touchscreen displays an abbreviated lights menu to
provide quick access to control headlights, fog lights (if
equipped), and the Auto High Beam setting. Use the
touchscreen to choose options from this menu.

NOTE: For vehicles manufactured after approximately
February 13, 2022, Auto High Beam is automatically
enabled when Autosteer is engaged. To switch to low
beam headlights, press the high beam headlight button
on the steering yoke. Auto High Beam is re-enabled
every time Autosteer is activated.

The following indicator lights are visible on the
instrument panel to show the status of the headlights:

Low beam headlights are on.

High beam headlights are on. Illuminates
when high beams are on but the Auto High

Beam setting is turned o or if the Auto
High Beam setting is turned on but is

temporarily unavailable.

Lights

WARNING: Auto High Beam is a convenience only
and is subject to limitations. It is the driver's
responsibility to make sure that headlights are
always appropriately adjusted for weather
conditions and driving circumstances.

Rear Reading Lights

Model S is equipped with a reading light on each side of
the rear seats, located above the door and next to the
coat hangers (see
reading light on or o, press its lens. If you leave a
reading light turned on, it automatically turns o when
Model S powers o.

Headlights After Exit

When you stop driving and park Model S in low lighting
conditions, exterior lights temporarily remain
illuminated. They automatically turn o after one minute
or when you lock Model S whichever comes first.

To turn this feature on and o, touch Controls > Lights >
Headlights After Exit. When Headlights After Exit is o,
the headlights turn o immediately when you engage
Park and open a door.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

If equipped, the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
automatically adjusts the beam of the headlights to
improve your driving view. Electric sensors measure
driving speed, steering angle and yaw (the rotation of
the car around the vertical axis) to determine the
optimum position of the headlights based on current
driving conditions. For example, to improve visibility
while driving on winding roads at night, the AFS casts
the beam in the direction of the curve. When low beam
headlights are turned on and when driving at lower
speeds, AFS improves lateral illumination to increase the
visibility of pedestrians and curbs, and to improve
visibility when turning at a dark intersection, into a
driveway, or when making a u-turn.

Coat Hangers on page 24). To turn a

If the AFS fails, the instrument panel
displays an alert. Contact Tesla Service.

High beams are currently turned on, and
Auto High Beam is ready to turn o the
high beams if light is detected in front of
Model S.

High beams are temporarily turned o
because Auto High Beam is operating and
light is detected in front of Model S. When
light is no longer detected, high beam
headlights automatically turn back on.

Turn Signals

To engage a turn signal, press the corresponding arrow
button on the left side of the steering yoke. A turn signal
cancels based on the angle of the steering yoke (for
example, you finish making a turn). You can also cancel a
turn signal by pressing the turn signal button a second
time.

57Driving

Lights

If Controls > Pedals & Steering > Automatic Turn Signals
is set to Auto Cancel, turn signals cancel automatically
when Model S detects completion of a maneuver such
as a merge, lane change, or a fork in the roadway. You
can override automatic cancellation at any time (for
example, you want the turn signal to remain on because
you are making more than one lane change). To override,
engage the turn signal by pressing and momentarily
holding the turn signal button (instead of just pressing).
Then, when the first maneuver is complete, the turn
signal remains on. If Automatic Turn Signals is set to O,
you must cancel the turn signal manually by pressing the
turn signal button after maneuvers such as a merge, lane
change, or fork in the roadway.

NOTE: Hazard warning flashers operate even without a
key nearby.

When a turn signal is operating,
the corresponding indicator lights
up on the instrument panel and
you can hear a clicking sound.

Hazard Warning Flashers

To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press the button
on the drive mode selector located at the front of the
center console. All turn signals flash. Press again to turn

o.

58 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

The instrument panel changes depending on whether Model S is:

• O or Parked (shown below).

• Driving (see

• Charging (see

When Model S is o or Parked, the instrument panel shows remaining estimated range, vehicle status, and outside
temperature.

Instrument Panel - Driving on page 60).

Charging Instructions on page 165).

1. When the car is o and you initially press the brake, indicator lights flash briefly along the top of the instrument
panel. Unless an indicator light applies to a current situation, it should turn o. If an indicator light fails to turn on
or o, refer to

2. An image of your car and its accompanying status (such as lights on, door open, etc.).

3. Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance, you can display the percentage
of battery energy remaining. To do so, touch Controls > Display > Energy Display.

NOTE: When anticipating when you need to charge, use estimates as a general guideline only.

4. Estimated outside temperature.

5. Pay attention to instructions or important alert messages that display here. If any alerts are in eect, you can view
information about them by touching Controls and then touching the bell icon located at the top of the screen.

6. Currently selected drive mode: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. If Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Drive or
Reverse is automatically selected (based on sensor input) and displayed on the instrument panel when the
driver's door is closed and seatbelt is buckled (see Auto Shift out of Park on page 53).

7. Current time of day.

Indicator Lights on page 61.

59Seating and Safety Restraints

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel - Driving

When Model S is driving (or ready to drive), the instrument panel shows your current driving status and a real-time
visualization of the road as detected by the Autopilot components (see
visualization automatically zooms in and out based on the detected road type.

About Autopilot on page 81). The

NOTE: Touch Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview (if equipped) to display more details
about the roadway and its surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, objects (such as trash cans and poles),
etc.

1. The instrument panel displays your location on a map, a wiper menu, Auto Shift out of Park instructions, etc.
When a navigation route is active, the upcoming portion of the route displays.

2. The speed limit (if available) that is currently being detected by Speed Assist (see

3. Current driving speed.

4. The currently set cruising speed. When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is available but you haven't set a cruising
speed by engaging Trac-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer, the icon is gray (see

on page 84

5. Autosteer is actively steering Model S. When Autosteer is available but you haven't activated it, the icon is gray
(see

6. When navigating, upcoming instructions in the navigation route appear here.

7. Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance, you can display the percentage
of battery energy remaining (touch Controls > Display > Energy Display).

NOTE: When anticipating when you need to charge, use estimates as a general guideline only.

8. Surrounding road users are shown in their corresponding locations.

9. Your Model S.

).

Autosteer on page 88).

WARNING: Although the instrument panel shows surrounding trac, some vehicles may not be displayed.
Never rely on the instrument panel to determine if a vehicle is present (for example, in your blind spot).
Always use your mirrors and perform shoulder checks.

Speed Assist on page 117).

Trac-Aware Cruise Control

60 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Instrument Panel

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

11. When Autosteer is active and detects the driving lane, it is highlighted in blue (see
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).

Regenerative Braking on page 65).

Autosteer on page 88).

Indicator Lights

Indicator lights display along the top of the instrument
panel to show status and alert you of specific vehicle
conditions.

Indicator Description

A brake system fault is detected or the
brake fluid level is low. See

Stopping on page 64

immediately.

A brake booster fault has been detected.
See

Braking and Stopping on page 64.

An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault
is detected. See

page 64

A parking brake fault is detected.
Contact Tesla. See

65

. Contact Tesla immediately.

.

Braking and Stopping on

Parking Brake on page

Braking and

. Contact Tesla

Indicator Description

Airbag 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

on page 38

Front fog lights are on, if equipped. See

Lights on page 56.

Parking lights (side marker lights, tail
lights, and license plate lights) are on.
See

Lights on page 56.

Low beam headlights are on.

High beam headlights are on. Illuminates
when high beams are on but the Auto
High Beam setting is turned o or if the
Auto High Beam setting is turned on but
is temporarily unavailable. See

Beam Headlights on page 56

Airbags

.

High

.

The parking brake is manually applied.

Parking Brake on page 65.

See

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

and Maintenance on page 173

A seat belt for an occupied seat is not
fastened. See Seat Belts on page 29.

Tire Care

.

High beam headlights are currently
turned on, and Auto High Beam is ready
to turn o the high beams if light is
detected in front of Model S. See

Beam Headlights on page 56

High beam headlights are temporarily
turned o because Auto High Beam 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 56.

This 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

High

.

61Seating and Safety Restraints

Instrument Panel

Indicator Description

67. 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

146

). If the problem persists, contact

Tesla.

If a fault is detected that disables the air
suspension system, this red indicator
light displays (see

page 146

Vehicle Hold is actively applying the
brakes. See

Electronic stability control systems are no
longer minimizing wheel spin. See

Traction Control on page 67.

). Contact Tesla.

Air Suspension on page

Air Suspension on

Vehicle Hold on page 70.

Model S is in Transport mode and can roll
freely. It does not automatically shift into
Park when you exit. See

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
suciently warm.

Vehicle power is currently being limited
because the energy remaining in the
Battery is low, the vehicle's systems are
being heated or cooled, or an error is
detected by the drive inverter.

Activate

.

62 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Wipers and Washers

Wipers and Washers

You can access wiper settings by touching the wiper
button on the steering yoke or touching Controls >
Wipers.

Press the wiper button on the steering yoke to wipe the
windshield.

Press and hold the wiper button to spray washer fluid
onto the windshield. After releasing the button, the
wipers perform two additional wipes then, depending on
vehicle and environmental conditions, a third wipe a few
seconds later. You can also press and hold the wiper
button for a continuous spray of washer fluid—the
wipers perform the wipes after you release.

Whenever you press the wiper button, the instrument
panel displays the wiper menu, allowing you to adjust
wiper settings. Roll the left scroll button on the steering
yoke up or down to choose your desired setting.

NOTE: For vehicles manufactured after
approximately February 13, 2022, Autosteer
requires wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is
automatic and you cannot change it.

◦ I - Intermittent, slow.

◦ II - Intermittent, fast.

◦ III - Continuous, slow.

◦ IIII - Continuous, fast.

NOTE: If you choose Auto and the ability to detect
liquid on the windshield becomes unavailable, the
wiper setting reverts to the most recently used
manual setting. If a manual setting cannot be
determined, the wipers turn o.

NOTE: You can also adjust the windshield wiper
speed and frequency using voice commands (see

Voice Commands on page 148).

CAUTION: To avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers, do not leave the wipers set to Auto
when washing Model S.

Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper
blades. If a blade is damaged, replace it immediately. For
details on checking and replacing wiper blades, see

Wiper Blades and Washer Jets on page 182.

1. Turn the wipers o.

2. Choose how you want the wipers to operate:
◦ Auto - Model S detects whether or not it is raining.

When liquid is detected on the windshield,
Model S determines the optimal frequency of the
wipers. If Model S does not detect liquid on the
windshield, the wipers do not operate.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the hood, ensure
that the hood is fully closed before activating the
windshield wipers.

CAUTION: Remove ice from the windshield before
turning the wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that can
damage the rubber on the wiper blades.

CAUTION: In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper
blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.

63Driving

Braking and Stopping

Braking Systems

WARNING: Properly functioning braking systems

are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, or
any component of a Model S braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.

Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that
prevents the wheels from locking when you apply
maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control
during heavy braking in most road conditions.

During emergency braking conditions, the ABS
constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and varies
the brake pressure according to the grip available.

The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a pulsing
sensation through the brake pedal. This demonstrates
that the ABS is operating and is not a cause for concern.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.

The ABS indicator briefly flashes yellow on
the instrument panel when you first start
Model S. If this indicator lights up at any
other time, an ABS fault has occurred and
the ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not aected by an ABS
failure. However, braking distances may
increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy
braking.

WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase
braking distance.

WARNING: Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you and be aware of
hazardous driving conditions. While the ABS can
improve stopping distance, it cannot overcome the
laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of water
prevents direct contact between the tires and the
road).

CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see

Automatic Emergency Braking on page 115) may

intervene to automatically brake in situations
where a collision is considered imminent.
Automatic Emergency Braking is not designed to
prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the
impact of a frontal collision by attempting to
reduce your driving speed. Depending on
Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a collision
can result in serious injury or death.

Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)

If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully (or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model S is rapidly slowing down. If Model S stops
completely, the hazard warning lights flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually
press the hazard lights button to turn them o (see

Hazard Warning Flashers on page 58).

If the instrument panel displays this red
brake indicator at any time other than
briefly when you first start Model S, a brake
system fault is detected, or the level of the
brake fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and
keep the brakes firm to bring the vehicle to
a stop when safe to do so.

The instrument panel displays this yellow
brake indicator if a brake booster fault is
detected. Apply steady pressure and keep
the brakes firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. Hydraulic Boost
Compensation will be active (see Hydraulic

Boost Compensation on page 65

).

Emergency Braking

In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and
maintain firm pressure, even on low traction surfaces.
The ABS varies the braking pressure to each wheel
according to the amount of traction available. This
prevents wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.

NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.

WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.

Brake Disc Wiping

To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather, Model S is equipped with brake disc wiping.
When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature
repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the brake
discs.

Hydraulic Fade Compensation

Model S is equipped with hydraulic fade compensation.
This assists in monitoring brake system pressure and
ABS activity for instances of reduced brake
performance. If reduced brake performance is detected
(for example, as a result of brake fade, or cold or wet
conditions), you may hear a sound, feel the brake pedal
pull away from your foot, and notice a strong increase in

64 MODEL S Owner's Manual

braking. Brake as you normally would and continue to
press the brake pedal without releasing or pumping the
brakes.

CAUTION: If brakes are not functioning properly,
stop the vehicle when safety permits and contact
Tesla Service.

WARNING: Always maintain a safe driving distance
from the vehicle in front of you and exercise
caution when driving conditions are hazardous.
Brake disc wiping and hydraulic fade
compensation is not a substitute for adequately
applying the brakes.

Hydraulic Boost Compensation

Model S is equipped with a brake booster that activates
the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. Hydraulic
boost compensation provides mechanical assistance if
the brake booster fails. If a brake booster failure is
detected, the brake pedal feels stier to press and you
may hear a sound when you press the brake pedal. To
stop Model S, apply steady force to the brake pedal
without releasing or pumping. Drive cautiously and
maintain a safe distance from other road users—brake
pedal responsiveness and braking performance may be
degraded.

Regenerative Braking

Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is o the
accelerator, regenerative braking slows down the vehicle
and feeds any surplus power back to the Battery. By
anticipating your stops and reducing or removing
pressure from the accelerator pedal to slow down, you
can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase
driving range.

Braking and Stopping

1. The left side of the power meter represents power
generated from regenerative braking, or power that is
used to slow down the vehicle. Power being fed back
to the Battery displays in green whereas power used
by the regular braking system displays in gray.

2. The right side of the power meter shows power that
is used to accelerate the vehicle. During acceleration,
the power meter fills to the right with gray to
represent the amount of power being used.

NOTE: To ensure visibility when the display is dark,
power represented by the gray color displays as white.

NOTE: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound
and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced
regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is
designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after
changing tires it will increasingly restore regenerative
braking power after some straight-line accelerations. For
most drivers this occurs after a short period of normal
driving, but drivers who normally accelerate lightly may
need to use slightly harder accelerations while the
recalibration is in progress.

NOTE: If regenerative braking is aggressively slowing
Model S (such as when your foot is completely o the
accelerator pedal at highway speeds), the brake lights
turn on to alert others that you are slowing down.

WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions, Model S
may experience loss of traction during
regenerative braking.

Parking Brake

Vehicle deceleration due to regenerative braking may
vary depending on the current state of the Battery. For
example, regenerative braking may be limited if the
Battery is cold or is already fully charged.

To experience the same amount of deceleration
whenever you release the accelerator pedal, regardless
of the state of the Battery, you can choose to have the
regular braking system automatically engage whenever
regenerative braking is limited. Touch Controls > Pedals

& Steering > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking
is Limited.

NOTE: If Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is
Limited is enabled and applying the brakes, the brake

pedal may move and it may feel stier when pressed.
This is expected and does not change your ability to
slow down Model S.

The power meter (a thin horizontal line centered at the
bottom of the instrument panel) displays real-time
power usage:

To engage the parking brake, touch Controls > Safety >
Parking Brake. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Use the touchscreen to manually release the parking
brake (which also shifts Model S into Neutral):

1. Touch Controls > Safety.

2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking Brake. If
Model S was previously in Park, it shifts into Neutral.

When you manually apply the parking
brake using the touchscreen, the red
parking brake indicator lights up on the
instrument panel.

If the parking brake experiences an
electrical issue, the amber parking brake
indicator lights up and a fault message
displays on the instrument panel.

65Driving

Braking and Stopping

NOTE: The parking brake operates on the rear wheels
only, and is independent of the pedal-operated brake
system.

CAUTION: In the unlikely event that Model S loses
electrical power, you cannot access the
touchscreen and are therefore unable to release
the parking brake without first jump starting
Model S (see

202

).

WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions the rear
wheels may not have sucient traction to prevent
Model S from sliding down a slope, particularly if
not using winter tires. Avoid parking on hills in
snowy or icy conditions. You are always
responsible for parking safely.

WARNING: Your Model S may display an alert if
the road is too steep to safely park on, or if the
parking brakes are not properly engaged. These
alerts are for guidance purposes only and are not a
substitute for the driver’s judgment of safe parking
conditions, including specific road or weather
conditions. Do not depend on these alerts to
determine whether or not it is safe to park at any
location. You are always responsible for parking
safely.

Instructions for Transporters on page

Brake Wear

Model S brake pads are equipped with wear indicators.
A wear indicator is a thin metal strip attached to the
brake pad that squeals as it rubs against the rotor when
the pad wears down. This squealing sound indicates that
the brake pads have reached the end of their service life
and require replacement. To replace the brake pads,
contact Tesla Service.

Brakes must be periodically inspected visually by
removing the tire and wheel. For detailed specifications
and service limits for rotors and brake pads, see

Subsystems on page 192. Additionally, Tesla

recommends cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers
every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area
where roads are salted during winter months.

WARNING: Neglecting to replace worn brake pads
damages the braking system and can result in a
braking hazard.

66 MODEL S Owner's Manual

How It Works

The traction control system constantly monitors the
speed of the front and rear wheels. If Model S
experiences a loss of traction, the system minimizes
wheel spin by controlling brake pressure and motor
power. By default, the traction control system is on.
Under normal conditions, it should remain on to ensure
maximum safety.

This yellow indicator flashes on the
instrument panel whenever the traction
control system is actively controlling brake
pressure and motor power to minimize
wheel spin. If the indicator stays on, a fault
is detected with the traction control
system. Contact Tesla Service.

WARNING: Traction control cannot prevent
collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning
too sharply at high speeds.

Allowing Wheel Slip

Traction Control

To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed, you can
enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be enabled only when
Model S is moving 30 mph (48 km/h) or slower. Slip
Start automatically disables when the speed exceeds
50 mph (80 km/h).

Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not be
enabled. Enable it only in circumstances where you
deliberately want the wheels to spin, such as:

• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel or snow.

• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.

• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.

To allow the wheels to spin, touch Controls > Pedals &
Steering > Slip Start.

The instrument panel displays an alert
message when Slip Start is enabled.

Although Slip Start is automatically disabled the next
time you start Model S, it is strongly recommended that
you disable it immediately after the circumstances that
required you to enable it have passed.

NOTE: Slip Start can not be enabled when you are
actively using cruise control.

67Driving

Park Assist

How Park Assist Works

Model S has several sensors designed to detect the
presence of objects. When driving slowly in Drive or
Reverse (for example, when parking), the vehicle alerts
you if an object is detected in close proximity of your
Model S. Objects are only detected in your chosen
direction; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.

WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model S rolls
freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park
Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls
backwards down a hill while in Drive).

WARNING: Never depend on Park Assist to inform
you if an area you are approaching is free of
objects and/or people. Several external factors can
reduce the performance of Park Assist, causing
either no readings or false readings (see

Limitations and False Warnings on page 69).

Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine
if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects, and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Park assist
does not detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
animals, or objects that are moving, protruding,
located too far above or below the sensors, or too
close or too far from the sensors. Park Assist is for
guidance purposes only and is not intended to
replace your own direct visual checks. It is not a
substitute for careful driving.

The sensors are activated when driving slower than
5 mph (8 km/h).

Visual and Audio Feedback

When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays
on the left side of the instrument panel, showing objects
that are in close proximity to the front and rear of
Model S. This view closes when you shift into Drive
unless an object is detected close to the front of
Model S, in which case the Park Assist view closes
automatically when your driving speed exceeds 5 mph
(8 km/h). When reversing, visual feedback also displays
on the touchscreen (see

77

). You can manually close the park assist view on the

touchscreen by touching the X.

When driving with the Camera app displayed on the
touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist view
when driving at speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h). Touch
the button located in the upper left corner of the
Camera app screen. This is useful if you need assistance
with parallel parking.

If chimes are turned on (see

Feedback on page 69

approach an object. You can temporarily mute the chime
by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of
the Park Assist view.

Rear Facing Camera(s) on page

Controlling Audible

), an audible beep sounds as you

NOTE: If a sensor is unable to provide feedback, the
instrument panel displays an alert message.

68 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Park Assist

CAUTION: Keep sensors clean from dirt, debris,
snow, and ice. Avoid using a high pressure power
washer on the sensors and do not clean a sensor
with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch or
damage its surface.

CAUTION: Do not install accessories or stickers on
or near the parking sensors.

Controlling Audible Feedback

You can use Park Assist with or without audible
feedback. To turn chimes on or o, touch Controls >
Safety > Park Assist Chimes.

To mute the chimes temporarily, touch the speaker icon
in the bottom corner of the Park Assist view. The chimes
are muted until you shift or drive over 5 mph (8 km/h).

Limitations and False Warnings

The parking sensors may not function correctly in these
situations:

• One or more of the ultrasonic sensors or cameras is
damaged, dirty, or obstructed (such as by mud, ice,
or snow, or by a vehicle bra, excessive paint, or
adhesive products such as wraps, stickers, rubber
coating, etc.).

• The object is located below approximately 8 inches
(20 cm) (such as a curb or low barrier).

CAUTION: Shorter objects that are detected
(such as curbs or low barriers) can move into
the blind spot of the sensors. Model S cannot
alert you about an object while it is in the blind
spot of the sensors.

• Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction you
selected (for example, Park Assist does not display an
alert if Model S rolls backwards down a hill while in
Drive).

Other Parking Aids

In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into Reverse, the
backup camera displays a view of the area behind
Model S (see

Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 77).

• Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog) are
interfering with sensor operation.

• The object is thin (such as a sign post).

• A sensor’s operating range has been exceeded.

• The object is sound-absorbing or soft (such as
powder snow).

• The object is sloped (such as a sloped embankment).

• Model S has been parked in, or being driven in,
extremely hot or cold temperatures.

• The sensors are aected by other electrical
equipment or devices that generate ultrasonic waves.

• You are driving in a location where the sensors'
ultrasonic waves are deflected away from the vehicle
(such as driving next to a wall or pillar).

• The object is located too close to the bumper.

• A bumper is misaligned or damaged.

• An object that is mounted to Model S is interfering
with and/or obstructing the sensor (such as a bike
rack or bumper sticker).

69Driving

Vehicle Hold

When Model S is stopped, Vehicle Hold can continue to
apply the brakes even after you remove your foot from
the brake pedal. When driving on a hill or on a flat
surface, brake as you normally would. After coming to a
complete stop, simply press the brake pedal again (until
the instrument panel displays the Vehicle Hold indicator
light) to enable Vehicle Hold. You can then release the
brake pedal and remain stopped, even on a hill.

This indicator displays on the instrument
panel whenever Vehicle Hold is actively
braking Model S.

To disengage Vehicle Hold, press the accelerator pedal
or press and release the brake pedal.

NOTE: Shifting into Neutral also disengages Vehicle
Hold.

NOTE: After actively braking Model S for approximately
ten minutes, Model S shifts into Park and Vehicle Hold
cancels. Model S also shifts into Park if it detects that
the driver has left the vehicle.

70 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Acceleration Modes

Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration to
choose a preferred acceleration mode:

• Chill limits acceleration for a slightly smoother and
gentler ride.

NOTE: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the
instrument panel, above the driving speed.

• Sport provides the normal level of acceleration.

• Insane (called Plaid on performance vehicles) (if
equipped) provides access to the maximum level of
acceleration immediately available.

NOTE: Using the increased torque and power
available in Insane or Plaid mode can reduce range
and eciency.

NOTE: Insane or Plaid strives to keep the Battery
within an optimal temperature range. In addition to
heating the Battery, these settings also cool the
battery when necessary (for example, while driving at
high speeds, during rapid acceleration, driving for
long periods, etc.).

In addition, Model S features Drag Strip Mode. Using
Drag Strip Mode to precondition your Model S is useful
before a short distance race.

2. Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that the
vehicle is Peak Performance Ready.

3. With Model S shifted into Drive and at a complete
stop, firmly hold the brake pedal with your left foot,
then fully press the accelerator pedal.

4. Once step 3 is complete, the front suspension begins
lowering into a "cheetah stance".

NOTE: Suspension lowering for "cheetah stance"
significantly reduces ground clearance.

5. Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that Drag
Strip Mode is Ready to Launch.

6. Once you see "Cheetah Stance Enabled" and "Ready
to launch" on the instrument panel, release the brake
pedal to launch the vehicle.

Drag Strip Mode

Drag Strip Mode preconditions the Battery and drive
unit to ideal operating temperatures for timed
acceleration. Model S stays in Drag Strip Mode for three
hours, even if you leave the vehicle. After three hours,
the feature times out to prevent unnecessary energy
consumption (for example, you leave the vehicle and
forget to cancel Drag Strip Mode).

When using Drag Strip Mode, Model S consumes more
energy to keep the Battery within an optimal
temperature range.

Cancel Drag Strip Mode at any time by toggling Drag

Strip Mode o.

NOTE: Drag Strip Mode automatically disables Slip Start

when enabled.

WARNING: Drag Strip Mode is designed for use on
closed circuit driving courses only. It is the driver’s
responsibility to ensure that driving style and
acceleration do not endanger or inconvenience
other road users.

How to Launch the Vehicle

The touchscreen provides visual instructions on how to
launch:

Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Drag Strip

1.
Mode.

71Driving

Track Mode

Track Mode, available only on Plaid Model S vehicles, is
designed to modify the stability control, traction control,
regenerative braking, and cooling systems to increase
performance and handling while driving on closed
circuit courses. Track Mode improves cornering ability by
intelligently using the motors, and regenerative and
traditional braking systems. When enabled, the cooling
system runs at an increased level during and after
aggressive driving sessions to allow your vehicle’s
systems to withstand the surplus heat.

In Track Mode, adaptive suspension damping is
optimized for handling and vehicle body control to
promote driver confidence in dynamic maneuvers. Ride
height is automatically set to Low and the suspension no
longer automatically raises for comfort over rough
surfaces.

WARNING: Track Mode is designed for use on
closed circuit driving courses only. It is the driver’s
responsibility to drive safely and ensure others are
not endangered.

WARNING: Track Mode is designed for use by
experienced track drivers familiar with the course.
Do not use on public roads. It is the driver’s
responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all
times, including on the track. Because vehicle
behavior (including traction and stability control)
diers when using Track Mode, always use caution.

Using Track Mode

Track Mode is always disabled when you start Model S.
To enable Track Mode for your current drive, shift into
Park and follow these steps:

1. Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode.

If you started the Lap Timer, each time you pass the
start/finish location, the timer resets for the next lap.

Using the Lap Timer on page 73.

See

A real-time accelerometer (G-meter) appears on the
instrument panel. See

When Track Mode is on:

◦ Autopilot features are unavailable.

◦ The Slip Start setting is overridden.

◦ Energy usage increases.

◦ Entertainment features are unavailable.

Use the touchscreen setting to turn Track Mode o at
any time. Powering o Model S also turns o Track
Mode (although it may still appear on the
touchscreen if Post-Drive cooling is in progress).
When Track Mode is o, all settings return to their
previous state and all features return to their normal
operating state.

G-Meter on page 73.

Customizing Track Mode

To customize Track Mode, touch Track Mode Settings on
the Track Mode popup that appears on the map when
you enable Track Mode. You can also access the Track
Mode settings by touching Controls > Pedals & Steering,
then touching Customize next to the Track Mode setting.
Choose an existing Track Mode setting from the list of
pre-defined profiles provided by Tesla. Or create a new
settings profile by touching Add New Settings, entering
a name for the settings profile, then adjusting these
settings to suit your preferences or driving scenario, or
customize for a specific track:

When enabled, TRACK displays on the instrument
panel above the driving speed, and a Track Mode
popup appears on the map. The instrument panel
displays a color-coded image of your Model S that
provides you with important at-a-glance status
information about the Battery, the motors, and the
brakes. See

2. If desired, customize the Track Mode settings by
touching Track Mode Settings on the Track Mode
popup (see
You can also access the Track Mode settings by
touching Pedals & Steering > Driving, then touching
Customize next to the Track Mode setting.

3. To use the Lap Timer, follow the onscreen instructions
to drop a pin on the map to define the lap's start/
finish location. Then press START on the Lap Timer to
begin your driving session. Once started, the Lap
Timer starts counting when you drive Model S past
the lap's start/finish location where you dropped the
pin. See

4. Shift into gear and GO!

72 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Monitoring Vehicle Health on page 73.

Customizing Track Mode on page 72).

Using the Lap Timer on page 73.

• Handling Balance - Drag the slider to customize the
balance of Model S in a turn. If Model S is too loose,
you can choose a front-biased under-steering setup.
Dicult to get the vehicle through a turn? Try a rear­biased setup to increase rotation. You can select any
value, in 5% increments, between 100/0 (for 100%
front biased used for under-steering) and 0/100 (for
100% rear biased used for over-steering).

• Stability Assist - Drag the slider to choose the level at
which the stability control systems assist in
controlling the vehicle. You can choose any level from

-10 to +10. Choosing +10 engages all stability assist
systems for controllable driving in which stability
systems remain engaged, whereas -10 disables all
stability systems and the stability of the drive rests
solely on the driver. The default setting of 0
represents a balance which provides some stability
being automatically controlled and leaving some
control up to the driver.

Track Mode

• Regenerative Braking - Drag the slider to choose how
much regenerative braking is available. You can
choose any value, in 5% increments, between 0 and
100%. Tesla recommends the 100% setting to prevent
overheating the brakes.

• Post-Drive Cooling - Enable if you want the cooling
systems to continue cooling the vehicle's
components even after you leave the vehicle. Cooling
stops automatically when the components are
suciently cool, or when you power Model S o and
back on again. Post-Drive Cooling is useful if you
want to quickly cool the components between
driving sessions. If Post-Drive Cooling is set to OFF,
the components eventually cool, but it takes longer.

• Brake Temperatures - Enable to display temperature
warnings associated with the braking system. You
may want to disable warnings if you have installed an
aftermarket high performance braking system.

• Save Dashcam for Laps - Enable if you want to save a
video and data on a USB flash drive when using the
Lap Timer. A USB flash drive must be set up and
inserted as described (see

for Recording Videos on page 22

drive must contain a folder named TeslaTrackMode.
When enabled, Track Mode stores a video and
associated data for each lap. Track Mode also stores
the car status and telemetry data with details about
the vehicle's position, speed, acceleration, use of
accelerator, etc. You can then view the video
recordings and analyze this data, which is saved as
a .CSV file on the USB flash drive, to determine where
time is being lost or gained.

Track Mode allows you to save up to 20 settings profiles.
To delete a chosen profile, touch Delete at the bottom of
the settings screen.

NOTE: You can not change or delete a pre-defined
profile provided by Tesla.

USB Drive Requirements

). The USB flash

If Save Dashcam for Laps is enabled (see

Track Mode on page 72

flash drive is inserted, Track Mode saves a video of the
driving session (as recorded by the front cameras),
along with a .CSV file that provides detailed information
about the lap.

NOTE: To stop the timer at the end of your driving
session, touch STOP on the Lap Timer.

), and a properly formatted USB

Customizing

Monitoring Vehicle Health

You can easily monitor the health of Model S when using
Track Mode by glancing at the instrument panel. The
colors indicate the status of the various components,
allowing you to determine the current operating state
and make decisions accordingly. The components are
displayed in green when operating within their ideal
temperature range. Colors change as follows:

• The Battery displays blue when cold and red when
hot.

• A brake displays blue when cold and orange when
hot (an early warning for overheating brakes, which
are shown in red).

• A motor displays blue when it's cold or red when it's
hot.

NOTE: A component displayed in red may indicate a
need to stop driving and allow the component to cool.

CAUTION: Any vehicle damage or injuries caused
by using Track Mode is the driver's responsibility.
The vehicle warranty does not cover damage
caused by excessive overuse of vehicle
components. It also does not cover racing,
autocross, or driving in competition.

G-Meter

Using the Lap Timer

When you enable Track Mode, the map displays a Lap
Timer. Follow the onscreen instructions to place a start/
finish pin on the map. Once the pins are placed, press
START to initiate the driving (lapping) session. When
you drive Model S through the start/finish location, the
Lap Timer automatically starts timing the duration of the
lap, resetting the timer whenever you pass the start/
finish location, and displaying the real-time delta
between the current lap and the fastest lap so far in the
driving session. The map highlights the track in blue.

At the completion of each lap, the Lap Timer displays
the duration of the lap. It also displays the times
associated with the previous and best laps in the driving
session.

In Track Mode, a real-time G-Meter displays on the
instrument panel. The G-Meter graphically displays peak
lateral, acceleration, and deceleration values in the form
of a circular meter. The history of your drive is
represented in the shaded area. The G-Meter resets at
the start of each driving session.

73Driving

Trip Information

Displaying Trip Information

Trip information displays on the touchscreen when you
touch Controls > Trips. For the current trip, you can
display distance, duration and average energy usage.
You can also show distance and total and average
energy used since your last charge and for additional
trips.

To name or rename a trip, touch the trip's name, enter a
new name for the trip, then press Save. To reset a
particular trip meter, touch its associated Reset button.

Odometer

To display the odometer, touch Controls > Software or
open the mobile app.

74 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Getting Maximum Range

Factors Aecting Energy
Consumption

While driving:

• Elevated driving speed.

• Environmental conditions such as cold or hot weather
and wind.

• Using climate controls to heat or cool the cabin.

• Uphill travel: Driving uphill requires more energy and
depletes range at a faster rate. However, driving
downhill allows your vehicle to regain a portion of its
expended energy through regenerative braking (see

Regenerative Braking on page 65).

• Short trips or stop-and-go trac: It takes energy to
bring the cabin and Battery to a specified
temperature when starting the vehicle. You may see a
higher average consumption when the vehicle is used
for very short trips or in heavy trac.

• Heavy cargo load.

• Windows rolled down.

• Wheels and tires not maintained.

• Customized settings or third-party accessories (roof
or trunk racks, third-party wheels).

While parked and not plugged in to a charger:

• Preconditioning the cabin or using climate controls.

• Summon.

• Vehicle infotainment and climate controls system.

• Sentry mode.

• Tesla or third-party mobile app requests.

Tips to Maximize Range

• Limit the use of resources such as heating and air
conditioning. Using seat and steering yoke heaters (if
equipped) to keep warm is more ecient than
heating the cabin using climate controls.

• With your vehicle plugged in, use the mobile app to
precondition your vehicle to ensure the cabin is at a
comfortable temperature and windows are defrosted
(if needed) before your drive by touching Climate >
On and customizing your preferences (see

App on page 160

• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and
climate control screens, to set a time when you want
your vehicle to be ready to drive (see

Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 168

• Ensure the wheels are aligned to specification, the
tires are kept at the recommended inflation pressures

Tire Care and Maintenance on page 173), and

(see
are rotated when needed (see

171

).

• Lighten your load by removing any unnecessary
cargo.

• Fully raise all windows.

• Features such as Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat
Protection can impact range. Disable features when
not needed.

• To prevent an excessive amount of energy
consumption while the vehicle is idle, keep the
vehicle plugged in when not in use.

• Minimize the use of DC chargers (such as
Superchargers) for optimal Battery health.

It is normal for estimated range to decrease slightly over
the first few months before leveling o. Over time, you
may see a gradual, but natural, decrease in range at full
charge – this depends on factors such as Supercharging
regularly or the mileage and age of the Battery. Your
Model S will inform you in the unlikely event a hardware
issue is causing excessive Battery or range degradation.

).

Maintenance on page

Mobile

Scheduled

).

You can maximize your driving range using the same
driving habits you use to conserve fuel in a gasoline­powered vehicle. To achieve maximum range:

• Slow down your driving and avoid frequent and rapid
acceleration. Consider using Chill Mode (touch
Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration) and
Speed Assist (see
assist in controlling your acceleration and speed.

• If safe to do so, modulate the accelerator pedal
instead of using the brake pedal when gradually
slowing down. Whenever Model S is moving and you
are not pressing the accelerator pedal, regenerative
braking slows down the vehicle and feeds surplus
energy back to the Battery (see

on page 65).

Speed Assist on page 117) to

Regenerative Braking

Range Assurance

The driving range displayed in Model S is an estimate of
the remaining battery energy based on EPA-rated
consumption. It may not account for your personal
driving patterns or external conditions. The displayed
range on the instrument panel may decrease faster than
the actual distance driven.

NOTE: Rated driving range is based on EPA-rated
consumption in the United States, which deviates from
tests advertised and performed in other jurisdictions.

Model S helps protect you against running out of energy.
Your vehicle continuously monitors its energy level and
proximity to known charging locations.

75Driving

Getting Maximum Range

Touch Chargers in the Navigation search
bar to toggle between types of chargers,
including Superchargers and destination
charging sites.

When you are at risk of driving beyond the range of
known charging locations, the touchscreen displays a
message giving you the opportunity to display a list of
charging locations that are within range. When you
select a charging location from the list, Model S provides
navigation instructions and the turn-by-turn direction list
displays the predicted amount of energy that will remain
when you arrive at the charging destination.

Trip Planner (if available in your market region) routes
you through Supercharger locations to minimize the
amount of time you spend charging and driving. To
enable, touch Controls > Navigation > Trip Planner (see

Trip Planner on page 135).

76 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Rear Facing Camera(s)

Camera Location

Model S is equipped with a rear view camera located
above the rear license plate.

WARNING: Never depend on the cameras to
inform you if the area behind you is free of objects
and/or people. The cameras may not detect
objects or barriers that can potentially cause
damage or injury. In addition, several external
factors can reduce the performance of the
cameras, including a dirty or obstructed lens.
Therefore, depending on the cameras to determine
if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Use the
cameras for guidance purposes only. It is not
intended to replace your own direct visual checks
and is not a substitute for careful driving.

Cleaning a Camera

To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean
and free of obstructions. Remove any build-up of dirt or
debris by spraying water onto the camera lens with a
spray bottle or pressure washer.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris
by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a
cloth. This debris can damage the surface of the
lens when rubbed against it during wiping.

CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the
lens.

Whenever you shift into Reverse, the touchscreen
displays the view from the camera. Lines show your
driving path based on the position of the steering yoke.
These lines adjust as you move the steering yoke.

Model S also displays images from the side cameras (if
equipped). Simply swipe up or down to hide or show the
side camera views.

NOTE: Visual feedback from the parking sensors also
appear on the instrument panel (see

68

).

To display the view from the rear view
cameras at any time, open the app
launcher and touch the Camera app.

Park Assist on page

77Driving

Pedestrian Warning System

The Pedestrian Warning System (if equipped) causes
Model S to emit sound when driving below
approximately 19 mph (32 km/h) or while driving in
reverse. Electric vehicles operate quietly and this sound
helps to alert pedestrians of your oncoming vehicle. The
sound, which activates whenever Model S is shifted out
of Park, gets louder as speed increases.

WARNING: If sound cannot be heard, pedestrians
may not be aware of your oncoming vehicle, which
may increase the likelihood of a collision resulting
in serious injury or death. If the Pedestrian
Warning System is not operating, immediately
contact Tesla.

78 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Cold Weather Best Practices

To ensure that Model S provides you with the best
ownership experience possible in harsh cold weather
conditions, follow these best practices.

Before Driving

When snow and ice accumulate on your vehicle, moving
parts, such as the door handles, windows, mirrors, and
wipers can freeze in place. To achieve maximum range
and performance, it is helpful to warm the cabin and
Battery before you leave. There are several ways to do
so:

• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and
climate control screens, to set a time when you want
your vehicle to be ready to drive (see

Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 168

• On the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize
the temperature at which you want to heat the cabin.
This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.

• On the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost Car
to melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield,
windows, and mirrors. This also warms the high
voltage Battery as needed.

NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings
at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see

Controls on page 125

depend on outside temperature and other factors.
The Mobile App will notify you once your vehicle has
reached the desired preconditioning temperature.

). Preconditioning times

Scheduled

).

Climate

Mirrors

If ice buildup is expected when parking, turn o Auto­Fold Mirrors. Touch Controls > Auto-Fold. Ice can

prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.

NOTE: Side mirrors automatically heat as needed during
preconditioning, or when the rear defroster is turned on.

Wipers

If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch
Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises
wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when
the windshield defrosts (see

page 63

equipped). See

). You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if

Climate Controls on page 125.

Wipers and Washers on

Tires and Tire Chains

• Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy
conditions. You can purchase winter tires on

www.tesla.com
176

).

• Tire chains provide additional traction when driving in
snowy or icy conditions. Check local regulations to
determine if tire chains are recommended or required
during winter months. See

177

for more information.

(see Seasonal Tire Types on page

Using Tire Chains on page

http://

• In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is
possible that your charge port latch may freeze in
place. In cases where you cannot remove or insert the
charge cable, or the vehicle is not Supercharging due
to the latch being frozen in place, use the Defrost Car
setting in the mobile app. This can help thaw ice on
the charge port latch so the charge cable can be
removed or inserted.

• Warming the Battery using Scheduled Departure or
the mobile app before driving can also reduce
charging time at a Supercharger or third party fast
charger, especially if the Supercharger or third party
fast charger is close enough that Trip Planner (if
available in your market region) does not have
sucient time to precondition the Battery (see

Warming the Battery Before Supercharging on page

).

80

Windows

• On the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost as
mentioned previously.

• Use the mobile app to schedule a service
appointment for Tesla to provide hydrophobic
coating to your windows for a nominal fee.

Your vehicle’s tire pressures will drop in cold ambient
temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate
the tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for
every 10° F (6° C) drop in outside temperature (see

Care and Maintenance on page 173

pressures help protect tires from potholes and improve
range when properly inflated.

). Proper tire

Tire

While Driving

Cold weather can increase energy consumption because
more power is required for driving, cabin and Battery
heating. Follow these suggestions to reduce energy
consumption:

• Use seat heaters to keep warm. Seat heaters use less
energy than the cabin heater. Lowering the cabin
temperature and using seat heaters reduces energy
consumption (see

• Slow down your driving and avoid frequent and rapid
acceleration.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking can be limited if the Battery is too
cold. As you continue to drive, the Battery warms up
and regenerative power increases (see

Braking on page 65

Climate Controls on page 125).

Regenerative

).

79Driving

Cold Weather Best Practices

NOTE: Limited regenerative braking can be avoided if
you allow enough time to precondition your vehicle or if
you use Schedule to precondition Model S before your
departure time (see

Departure on page 168

Scheduled Charging and Scheduled

).

Blue Snowflake Icon

A blue snowflake icon appears on your
instrument panel when some of the stored
energy in the Battery is unavailable because the
Battery is cold. This portion of unavailable
energy displays in blue on the Battery meter.
Regenerative braking, acceleration, and charging
rates may be limited. The snowflake icon no
longer displays when the Battery is suciently
warm.

Warming the Battery Before Supercharging

By using Trip Planner (if available in your market region)
to navigate to a Supercharger, Model S pre-heats the
Battery to ensure when you arrive at the Supercharger,
the Battery temperature is optimal and ready to charge.
This reduces the amount of time it takes to charge. See
(see

Trip Planner on page 135).

NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate
to a Supercharger for at least 30-45 minutes before
arrival to ensure optimal Battery temperature and
charging conditions. If the drive to the Supercharger is
less than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the
Battery prior to driving (see

Before Driving on page 79).

Autopilot

To ensure optimal Autopilot performance, keep the
sensors free of snow, ice, mud, and dirt (see

Autopilot on page 81

).

About

Battery are warm by your set departure time. For more
information, see

Departure on page 168

Scheduled Charging and Scheduled

.

Charge Port

• If your charge port latch freezes in place and a
charging cable becomes stuck in the charge port, try
manually releasing the charge cable. See

Releasing Charge Cable on page 169

• Use the mobile app to precondition your vehicle to
help thaw ice on the charge port latch so that the
charge cable can be removed or inserted (see

App on page 160

NOTE: You can also prevent the occurrence of a charge
port latch freezing in place by using the Schedule
settings (see

Departure on page 168

NOTE: If your charge port latch is frozen in place, it may
not lock the charging cable in place when inserted, but it
can still charge at a slow AC rate even if the latch is not
engaged.

).

Scheduled Charging and Scheduled

).

Manually

.

Mobile

Storage

If you leave Model S parked for an extended period of
time, plug the vehicle into a charger to prevent normal
range loss and to keep the Battery at an optimal
temperature. Your vehicle is safe to stay plugged in for
any length of time.

When not in use, Model S enters a sleep mode to
conserve energy. Reduce the number of times you check
your vehicle’s status on the mobile app, as this
automatically wakes up your vehicle and starts normal
energy consumption.

After Driving

Leave Model S plugged in when not in use. This uses the
charging system, rather than the Battery itself, to keep
the Battery warm (see

on page 164

).

Scheduled Departure

When parked, plug in Model S and use the Schedule
settings, available on both the charging and climate
control screens, to set a time when you want to
precondition Model S (see

Scheduled Departure on page 168

determines the appropriate time to begin charging so it
is complete during o-peak hours and the cabin and

80 MODEL S Owner's Manual

High Voltage Battery Information

Scheduled Charging and

). Your vehicle

About Autopilot

How It Works

Your Model S includes the following components that actively monitor the surrounding area:

1. A camera is mounted above the rear license plate.

2. Ultrasonic sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers.

3. A camera is mounted in each door pillar.

4. Three cameras are mounted to the windshield above the rear view mirror.

5. A camera is mounted to each front fender.

6. Radar (if equipped) is mounted behind the front bumper.

Model S is also equipped with high precision electronically-assisted braking and steering systems.

In addition, the cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide alerts when Autopilot is engaged. By
default, data from the camera does not leave the vehicle itself. In other words, data is not saved or transmitted
unless you enable data sharing. To enable data sharing, touch Controls > Software > Data Sharing > Allow Cabin
Camera Analytics. Cabin Camera Analytics helps Tesla continue to develop even safer vehicles in the future. See

Cabin Camera on page 118.

NOTE: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if equipped) are clean before each drive. See

on page 83

faded lane markings, can aect Autopilot performance.

for more information. Dirty cameras and sensors, as well as environmental conditions such as rain and

Cleaning Cameras and Sensors

81Autopilot

About Autopilot

Active Safety Features

These Active Safety features are designed to increase
your safety:

• Lane Assist (see

• Collision Avoidance Assist (see

Assist on page 114

• Speed Assist (see

• Cabin Camera (see

You can enable/disable some of these features and in
some cases, control how they work. To access settings
for these features, touch Controls > Autopilot.

Lane Assist on page 111)

Collision Avoidance

)

Speed Assist on page 117)

Cabin Camera on page 118)

Autopilot Features

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with all features listed
below, or a feature may not operate exactly as
described.

These Autopilot convenience features are designed to
reduce driver workload:

• Trac-Aware Cruise Control (see

Cruise Control on page 84

• Autosteer (see

• Auto Lane Change (see

90

)

• Autopark (see

• Summon (see

• Smart Summon (

Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning (see

•

and Stop Sign Warning on page 91

• Navigate on Autopilot (see

page 93

• Trac Light and Stop Sign Control (see

and Stop Sign Control on page 96

You can enable/disable some of these features and in
some cases, control how they work. To access settings
associated with these features, touch Controls >
Autopilot.

)

Autosteer on page 88)

Autopark on page 103)

Summon on page 105)

Smart Summon on page 108)

)

Auto Lane Change on page

Trac-Aware

Stop Light

)

Navigate on Autopilot on

Trac Light

)

Drive to Calibrate Cameras

Model S must maneuver with precision when Autopilot
features are being used. Therefore, before some features
can be used for the first time or after some types of
service repairs, cameras must complete a self-calibration
process. For your convenience, the instrument panel
displays a progress indicator.

When calibration is complete, Autopilot features are
available for use. Calibration typically completes after
driving 20-25 miles (32-40 km), but the distance varies
depending on road and environmental conditions. For
example, calibration completes quicker when driving on
a straight road with multiple lanes (such as a controlled­access highway), with highly-visible lane markings (in
the driving lane as well as the adjacent lanes). Contact
Tesla only if your Model S has not completed the
calibration process after driving 100 miles (160 km) in
the described conditions.

If a camera has shifted from its calibrated position (for
example, the camera or windshield was replaced), you
must clear the calibration. To do so, touch Controls >
Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration. When
the calibration is cleared, Model S repeats the calibration
process. While this helps re-calibrate the cameras in
many cases, Clear Calibration may not resolve all
camera and sensor concerns.

NOTE: To calibrate, cameras require highly-visible lane
markings in both the driving lane and adjacent lanes (at
least two lanes over on each side of the vehicle). For
best results, drive in the middle lane of a multi-lane
highway (ideally with at least five lanes) that has clear
lane markings and minimal trac.

NOTE: If you attempt to use a feature that is not
available until the calibration process is complete, the
feature is disabled and the instrument panel displays a
message.

NOTE: Model S must repeat the calibration process if the
cameras are serviced by Tesla, and in some cases, after a
software update.

Limitations

Many factors can impact the performance of Autopilot
components, causing them to be unable to function as
intended. These include (but are not limited to):

• Poor visibility (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).

• Bright light (due to oncoming headlights, direct
sunlight, etc.).

• Damage or obstructions caused by mud, ice, snow,
etc.

• Interference or obstruction by object(s) mounted
onto the vehicle (such as a bike rack).

• Obstruction caused by applying excessive paint or
adhesive products (such as wraps, stickers, rubber
coating, etc.) onto the vehicle.

• Narrow or winding roads.

• A damaged or misaligned body panel.

• Use of gray or aftermarket glass.

• Interference from other equipment that generates
ultrasonic waves.

• Extremely hot or cold temperatures.

82 MODEL S Owner's Manual

CAUTION: If a windshield replacement is needed,
take your vehicle to Tesla Service. This ensures
appropriate handling and mounting of the
camera(s). Failure to do so can cause one or more
Autopilot features to malfunction.

WARNING: The list above does not represent an
exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with
proper operation of Autopilot components. Never
depend on these components to keep you safe. It
is the driver's responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely, and be in control of the vehicle at all times.

WARNING: Advanced safety features may not be
available during the calibration period.

WARNING: Re-calibrating the cameras or sensors
on the touchscreen is not a substitute for checking
the physical positioning and condition of these
components. Walk around your vehicle and inspect
the cameras and sensors for physical damage.
Incorrectly calibrated or positioned cameras and
sensors may limit or disable the use of safety
features. Contact Tesla if you suspect lingering
issues.

Cleaning Cameras and Sensors

About Autopilot

To ensure the various Autopilot components can provide
information that is as accurate as possible, keep them
clean and free of obstructions, condensation, or damage
(see

Cleaning on page 178).

Condensation can form inside the camera enclosures,
especially if you park your vehicle outside in cold or wet
conditions. The instrument cluster may display an alert
stating that a camera is blocked and that some or all
Autopilot features may be temporarily restricted until
the camera vision is clear. To proactively dry the
condensation, precondition the cabin by setting it to a
warm temperature, turning the windshield defroster on,
and directing the front air vents toward the door pillars

Mobile App on page 160).

(see

CAUTION: Do not wipe an exposed lens with your
hands or a cloth in an attempt to remove dirt or
debris. The debris can damage the surface of the
lens when wiped.

CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage surfaces.

CAUTION: Do not clean an ultrasonic sensor or
camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that
can scratch or damage its surface.

83Autopilot

Trac-Aware Cruise Control

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Trac-Aware
Cruise Control, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described. If your vehicle is not equipped, refer to the
owner's manual on your vehicle's touchscreen for
instructions on how to use Cruise Control.

NOTE: Trac-Aware Cruise Control is a BETA feature.

Trac-Aware Cruise Control determines when there is a

vehicle in front of you in the same lane. If the area in
front of Model S is clear, Trac-Aware Cruise Control
maintains a set driving speed. When a vehicle is
detected, Trac-Aware Cruise Control is designed to
slow down Model S as needed to maintain a selected
time-based distance from the vehicle in front, up to the
set speed. Trac-Aware Cruise Control does not
eliminate the need to watch the road in front of you and
to manually apply the brakes when needed.

Trac-Aware Cruise Control is primarily intended for
driving on dry, straight roads, such as highways.

CAUTION: Ensure all cameras and sensors are
clean before each drive. Dirty cameras and
sensors, as well as environmental conditions such
as rain and faded lane markings, can aect
Autopilot performance.

WARNING: Trac-Aware Cruise Control is
designed for your driving comfort and
convenience and is not a collision warning or
avoidance system. It is your responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely, and be in control of the vehicle
at all times. Never depend on Trac-Aware Cruise
Control to adequately slow down Model S. Always
watch the road in front of you and be prepared to
take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: Although Trac-Aware Cruise Control
is capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists,
never depend on Trac-Aware Cruise Control to
adequately slow Model S down for them. Always
watch the road in front of you and be prepared to
take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: Do not use Trac-Aware Cruise
Control on winding roads with sharp curves, on icy
or slippery road surfaces, or when weather
conditions (such as heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.)
make it inappropriate to drive at a consistent
speed. Trac-Aware Cruise Control does not
adapt driving speed based on road and driving
conditions.

detected ahead of you, you can initiate Trac-Aware
Cruise Control at any speed, even when stationary,
provided Model S is at least 5 feet (150 cm) behind the
detected vehicle and certain vehicle and environmental
conditions are met.

NOTE: The maximum cruising speed is 90 mph (150
km/h). It is the driver's responsibility to cruise at a safe
speed based on road conditions and speed limits.

When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is
available but not engaged, the instrument
panel displays the cruising speed in gray.
The number shown represents the cruising
speed that will be set when you engage
Trac-Aware Cruise Control.

When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is
actively cruising at a set cruising speed,
the cruising speed is highlighted with blue
text.

1. Touch Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer Activation
and choose Double Click to allow you to use Trac-
Aware Cruise Control independently of Autosteer
when you single press the right scroll wheel.

NOTE: If Autosteer Activation is set to single-click,
pressing the right scroll wheel once also activates
Autosteer (which includes Trac-Aware Cruise
Control).

2. You can choose whether Trac-Aware Cruise Control
engages at the currently detected speed limit or your
current driving speed. Touch Controls > Autopilot >

Set Speed and choose either Speed Limit or Current
Speed. If you choose to engage Trac-Aware Cruise

Control at the currently detected speed limit, you can
specify an oset. Touch Set Speed Oset. You can
choose a Fixed oset, in which the cruising speed
adjusts by a specific number of mph (km/h) on all
roads, or a Percentage oset, in which the cruising
speed is adjusted as a percentage of the road's
detected speed limit.

WARNING: When cruising at the speed limit,
there may be situations where the cruising
speed may not change when the speed limit
changes.

WARNING: Do not rely on Trac-Aware Cruise
Control or Speed Assist to determine an
accurate or appropriate cruising speed. It is the
driver's responsibility to cruise at a safe speed
based on road conditions and applicable speed
limits.

To Use Trac-Aware Cruise Control

To initiate Trac-Aware Cruise Control when no vehicle
is detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least
18 mph (30 km/h), unless certain vehicle and
environmental conditions are met, in which case, you
may be able to initiate it at lower speeds. If a vehicle is

84 MODEL S Owner's Manual

3. To engage Trac-Aware Cruise Control, press the
right scroll wheel.

NOTE: If the setting for Autosteer Activation is set to
Single Click (touch Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer
Activation), Autosteer engages.

Trac-Aware Cruise Control

4. To change your speed while using Trac-Aware
Cruise Control, you can roll the right scroll wheel on
the steering wheel up or down. For more details, see

Changing the Cruising Speed on page 85.

5. To cancel Trac-Aware Cruise Control, press the right
scroll wheel, or press the brake pedal. See

and Resuming on page 87

for more information.

Canceling

Set Trac-Aware Cruise Control
Chime

If you want a chime to sound when you engage or
cancel Trac-Aware Cruise Control, touch Controls >

Autopilot > Trac-Aware Cruise Control Chime.

NOTE: Model S must be in Park.

Changing the Cruising Speed

Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase, or down to
decrease, the set speed. Slowly rolling the scroll wheel
changes the set speed in 1 mph (1 km/h) increments and
quickly rolling the scroll wheel changes the set speed to
the closest 5 mph (5 km/h) increment.

NOTE: It may take a few seconds for Model S to reach
the new cruising speed, assuming Model S is not cruising
behind a vehicle that is driving slower than your set
speed.

Cruising at the Set Speed

Trac-Aware Cruise Control maintains your set cruising
speed whenever a vehicle is not detected in front of
Model S. When cruising behind a detected vehicle,
Trac-Aware Cruise Control accelerates and decelerates
Model S as needed to maintain a chosen following
distance (see

86

), up to the set speed.

Adjust the Following Distance on page

You can manually accelerate at any time when cruising
at a set speed, but when you release the accelerator,
Trac-Aware Cruise Control resumes cruising at the set
speed.

NOTE: When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is actively
slowing down Model S to maintain the selected distance
from the vehicle ahead, brake lights turn on to alert
other road users that you are slowing down. You may
notice slight movement of the brake pedal. However,
when Trac-Aware Cruise Control is accelerating
Model S, the accelerator pedal does not move.

WARNING: Trac-Aware Cruise Control may
occasionally cause Model S to brake when not
required or when you are not expecting it. This can
be caused by closely following a vehicle ahead,
detecting vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes
(especially on curves), etc.

WARNING: Due to limitations inherent in the
onboard GPS (Global Positioning System), you
may experience situations in which Model S slows
down, especially near exits or o-ramps where a
curve is detected and/or you are navigating to a
destination and not following the route.

WARNING: Trac-Aware Cruise Control may not
detect all objects and, especially when cruising
over 50 mph (80 km/h), may not brake/decelerate
when a vehicle or object is only partially in the
driving lane or when a vehicle you are following
moves out of your driving path and a stationary or
slow-moving vehicle or object is in front of you.
Always pay attention to the road ahead and stay
prepared to take immediate corrective action.
Depending on Trac-Aware Cruise Control to
avoid a collision can result in serious injury or
death. In addition, Trac-Aware Cruise Control
may react to vehicles or objects that either do not
exist, or are not in your lane of travel, causing
Model S to slow down unnecessarily or
inappropriately.

WARNING: Trac-Aware Cruise Control may be
unable to provide adequate speed control because
of limited braking capability and hills. It can also
misjudge the distance from a vehicle ahead.
Driving downhill can increase driving speed,
causing Model S to exceed your set speed (and
potentially the road's speed limit). Never depend
on Trac-Aware Cruise Control to slow down
Model S enough to prevent a collision. Always
keep your eyes on the road when driving and be
prepared to take corrective action as needed.
Depending on Trac-Aware Cruise Control to
reduce your driving speed enough to prevent a
collision can result in serious injury or death.

Trac-Aware Cruise Control also adjusts the cruising
speed when entering and exiting curves.

85Autopilot

Trac-Aware Cruise Control

HOLD State

When following a vehicle, Trac-Aware Cruise Control
remains active at low speeds, even when Model S comes
to a full stop. When the vehicle is moving again, Trac-
Aware Cruise Control resumes operating at the set
speed. However, under the following circumstances,
Trac-Aware Cruise Control goes into a HOLD state, in
which case, you need to briefly press the accelerator
pedal to resume cruising. When the HOLD status is
active, the instrument panel displays the HOLD icon and
a message that indicates that you need to resume cruise
control. The following circumstances can cause Trac-
Aware Cruise Control to go into the HOLD state:

• Model S has been at a standstill for 5 minutes.

• Model S detects a pedestrian (the HOLD state may
clear when the pedestrian is no longer detected).

• Model S suddenly loses visibility of the vehicle in
front of you.

• An obstacle is detected in front of Model S.

Cruising Near or On Exits

When cruising near an exit on a controlled-access
highway and engaging the turn signal toward the o-
ramp, Trac-Aware Cruise Control assumes you are
exiting and begins to slow down Model S. If you do not
drive onto the o-ramp, Trac-Aware Cruise Control
resumes cruising at the set speed. In a region with right
hand trac, this occurs only when you engage the right
turn signal when driving in the right-most lane within
164 feet (50 meters) of an exit. Likewise in regions with
left hand trac; when engaging the left turn signal when
driving in the left-most lane within 164 feet (50 meters)
of an exit.

When cruising onto an on-ramp to a controlled-access
highway, Trac-Aware Cruise Control automatically
adjusts the set cruising speed to the speed limit of the
highway, plus any oset you have specified.

NOTE: The on-board Global Positioning System (GPS)
determines if you are driving in a region with right or left
hand trac. In situations where GPS data is unavailable
(for example, if there is inadequate signal), engaging the
turn signal near an exit does not cause Trac-Aware
Cruise Control to slow down Model S.

When enabled while on a highway interchange or o-
ramp, Trac-Aware Cruise Control may reduce your set
speed in 5 mph (5 km/h) increments – to as slow as
25 mph (40 km/h) – to better match the reported
speeds of other Tesla vehicles that have driven at that
specific location. To override this and continue cruising
at your set speed, tap the accelerator pedal. The new set
speed is maintained for the duration of the interchange
or o-ramp (unless you override it or cancel Trac-

Aware Cruise Control). After the interchange or o-
ramp, the set speed may revert or change as necessary

based on the new location. For example, if you merged
onto a dierent highway, the set cruising speed reverts
back to what it was before driving on the interchange.

WARNING: In some cases (such as having
insucient data), Trac-Aware Cruise Control may
not automatically reduce the set speed on the
highway interchange or o-ramp. Do not rely on
Trac-Aware Cruise Control to determine an
appropriate driving speed. Tesla recommends
driving at a speed that is safe for road conditions
and within posted speed limits.

Adjust the Following Distance

To adjust the following distance you want to maintain
between Model S and a vehicle traveling ahead of you,
touch Controls > Autopilot > Cruise Follow Distance and
choose a setting from 1 (the closest following distance)
to 7 (the longest following distance). Each setting
corresponds to a time-based distance that represents
how long it takes for Model S, from its current location,
to reach the location of the rear bumper of the vehicle
ahead of you.

NOTE: Your setting is retained until you manually
change it.

NOTE: For vehicles manufactured after approximately
February 13, 2022, the closest following distance(s) may
be unavailable.

WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to
determine and maintain a safe following distance
at all times. Do not rely on Trac-Aware Cruise
Control to maintain an accurate or appropriate
following distance.

WARNING: Never depend on Trac-Aware Cruise
Control to adequately slow down Model S to avoid
a collision. Always watch the road in front of you
and stay prepared to take immediate corrective
action.

Overtake Acceleration

When following a vehicle with Trac-Aware Cruise
Control active, engaging the turn signal (to indicate a
move into the passing lane) accelerates Model S towards
the vehicle ahead. By momentarily holding the turn
signal, you can quickly accelerate up to your set speed
without having to press the accelerator pedal. The turn
signal causes acceleration only when all of the following
conditions are met:

• Trac-Aware Cruise Control is operating and detects
a vehicle in front of you.

• No obstacles or vehicles are detected in the target
lane.

• Model S is traveling below the set speed, but over
45 mph (72 km/h).

86 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Trac-Aware Cruise Control

Overtake Acceleration is intended as an aid when
passing a vehicle ahead of you. When the turn signal is
engaged, Trac-Aware Cruise Control continues to
maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, but allows you
to drive slightly closer than your selected distance.

Acceleration cancels when one of the conditions
happen:

• You reach your set cruising speed.

• Changing lanes takes too long.

•

Model S gets too close to the vehicle ahead.

OR

• You disengage the turn signal.

NOTE: Overtake Acceleration occurs when you fully
press and hold the turn signal. When you release the
turn signal, Model S stops accelerating (in the same way
as when you release the accelerator pedal) and resumes
the set speed.

WARNING: Overtake Acceleration can cancel for
many unforeseen reasons in addition to those
listed above (for example, lack of GPS data). Stay
alert and never depend on Overtake Acceleration
to increase your driving speed.

WARNING: Overtake Acceleration increases your
driving speed whenever the appropriate turn
signal is engaged, and accelerates Model S closer
to the vehicle ahead. Although Trac-Aware
Cruise Control continues to maintain distance from
the vehicle ahead, it is important to be aware that
your selected following distance is reduced when
Overtake Acceleration is active, particularly in
cases where it may not be your intention to
overtake the vehicle you are following.

Canceling and Resuming

• A door is opened.

• A camera or sensor is obstructed. This could be
caused by dirt, mud, ice, snow, fog, etc.

• The traction control setting is manually disabled or is
repeatedly engaging to prevent wheels from slipping.

• The wheels are spinning while at a standstill.

• The Trac-Aware Cruise Control system is failing or
requires service.

When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is unavailable or
cancels, Model S no longer drives consistently at a set
speed and no longer maintains a specified distance from
the vehicle ahead.

WARNING: Trac-Aware Cruise Control can cancel
unexpectedly at any time for unforeseen reasons.
Always watch the road in front of you and stay
prepared to take appropriate action. It is the
driver's responsibility to be in control of Model S at
all times.

Summary of Cruise Indicators

Trac-Aware Cruise Control is available
but is not actively controlling your speed
until you activate it. The number shown in
gray is the cruising speed that will be set
when you engage Trac-Aware Cruise
Control.

Trac-Aware Cruise Control is actively
cruising and is either maintaining the set
speed (no vehicle in front) or is
maintaining a chosen following distance
from a vehicle ahead (up to the set speed).

Model S has fully stopped but is in a HOLD
state. If safe, press the accelerator pedal to
resume cruising at the set speed.

To manually cancel Trac-Aware Cruise Control, press
the brake pedal or press the right scroll wheel on the
steering yoke.

To resume cruising, press the right scroll button.

NOTE: When Trac-Aware Cruise Control cancels,
Model S does not coast. Instead, regenerative braking
slows down Model S in the same way as when you move
your foot o the accelerator when driving without
Trac-Aware Cruise Control (see

on page 65

• You press the brake pedal.

• Your driving speed exceeds the maximum cruising
speed of 90 mph (150 km/h).

You shift Model S.

•

).

WARNING: Trac-Aware Cruise Control cancels,
or may not be available, in the following situations:

Regenerative Braking

Limitations

Trac-Aware Cruise Control is particularly unlikely to
operate as intended in the following types of situations:

• The road has sharp curves.

• Visibility is poor (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).

• Bright light (such as from oncoming headlights or
direct sunlight) is interfering with the view of the
camera(s).

• A camera or sensor is obstructed (fogged over, dirty,
covered by a sticker, etc.).

WARNING: The list above does not represent an
exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with
proper operation of Trac-Aware Cruise Control.

87Autopilot

Autosteer

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Autosteer, or the
feature may not operate exactly as described.

NOTE: Autosteer is a BETA feature.

Autosteer builds upon Trac-Aware Cruise Control (see

Trac-Aware Cruise Control on page 84), intelligently

keeping Model S in its driving lane when cruising at a set
speed. Autosteer also allows you to use the turn signals
to move Model S into an adjacent lane (see

Change on page 90

and the presence of vehicles and objects to steer
Model S.

NOTE: To display more details about the roadway and its
surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, objects
(such as trash cans and poles), etc., touch Controls >
Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview (if
equipped).

CAUTION: Ensure all cameras and sensors are
clean. Dirty cameras and sensors, as well as
environmental conditions such as rain and faded
lane markings, aect performance.

WARNING: Autosteer is a hands-on feature. You
must keep your hands on the steering yoke at all
times.

WARNING: Autosteer is intended for use on
controlled-access highways with a fully attentive
driver. When using Autosteer, hold the steering
yoke and be mindful of road conditions and
surrounding trac. Do not use Autosteer in
construction zones, or in areas where bicyclists or
pedestrians may be present. Never depend on
Autosteer to determine an appropriate driving
path. Always be prepared to take immediate
action. Failure to follow these instructions could
cause damage, serious injury or death.

). Autosteer detects lane markings

Auto Lane

Operating Autosteer

Before you can operate Autosteer, you must enable it by
touching Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).

To indicate that Autosteer is available (but
not actively steering Model S), the
instrument panel displays a gray Autosteer
icon.

To initiate Autosteer, press the right scroll wheel.

NOTE: If the setting for Autosteer Activation is set to
Single Click (touch Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer
Activation), Autosteer engages when you single-press

the right scroll wheel. If set to Double Click, you must
double-press the right scroll wheel to engage Autosteer.

To indicate that Autosteer is now actively
steering Model S, the instrument panel
displays the Autosteer icon in blue. When
Autosteer is able to detect lane markings,
it also displays the driving lane in blue.

Autosteer briefly displays a message on the instrument
panel reminding you to pay attention to the road and be
ready to take over at any time.

The speed at which you can initiate Autosteer can vary
depending on various conditions and whether or not a
vehicle is detected ahead of you. When no vehicle is
detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least
18 mph (30 km/h), unless certain vehicle and
environmental conditions are met, in which case, you
may be able to initiate it at lower speeds. When a
vehicle is detected ahead of you, you can initiate
Autosteer at any speed, even when stationary, provided
Model S is at least 5 feet (150 cm) behind the detected
vehicle.

NOTE: The maximum cruising speed is 90 mph (150
km/h). It is the driver's responsibility to cruise at a safe
speed based on road conditions and speed limits.

NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when
Autosteer is engaged and the maximum cruising speed
may be limited to a lower speed for vehicles
manufactured after approximately February 13, 2022.

CAUTION: If available in your market region,
Model S detects lights from an emergency vehicle
when using Autosteer at night on a high speed
road, the driving speed is automatically reduced
and the instrument panel displays a message
informing you of the slowdown. You will also hear
a chime and see a reminder to keep your hands on
the steering yoke. When the light detections pass
by or cease to appear, Autopilot resumes your
cruising speed. Alternatively, you may tap the
accelerator to resume your cruising speed.

WARNING: Never depend on Autopilot features to
determine the presence of emergency vehicles.
Model S may not detect lights from emergency
vehicles in all situations. Keep your eyes on your
driving path and always be prepared to take
immediate action.

In situations where Autosteer is temporarily unavailable,
the Autosteer icon disappears. For example, your driving
speed is not within the speed required for Autosteer to
operate. Autosteer may also be unavailable if it is not
receiving adequate data from the camera(s).

If unable to detect lane markings, Autosteer may
determine the driving lane based on a vehicle you are
following.

In most cases, Autosteer attempts to center Model S in
the driving lane. However, there may be situations in
which Autosteer may steer Model S in a driving path
that is oset from the center of the lane (for example,
detection of guard rails).

88 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Autosteer

WARNING: Autosteer is not designed to, and will
not, steer Model S around objects partially in a
driving lane and in some cases, may not stop for
objects that are completely blocking the driving
lane. Always watch the road in front of you and
stay prepared to take immediate action. It is the
driver's responsibility to be in control of Model S at
all times.

Restricted Speed

On a controlled-access highway, the cruising speed

reflects the speed limit, taking into consideration any
oset you've specified using Speed Assist. However, if

you choose to use Autosteer on residential roads, a road
without a center divider, or a road where access is not
limited, Autosteer may limit the maximum allowed
cruising speed and the instrument panel displays a
message indicating that speed is restricted. The
restricted speed will be the speed limit of the road plus
5 mph (10 km/h).

In situations where the speed limit cannot be detected
when Autosteer is engaged, Autosteer reduces your
driving speed and limits the set cruising speed to 45
mph (70 km/h). Although you can manually accelerate
to exceed the limited speed, Model S may not brake for
detected obstacles. Autosteer slows down to the limited
speed when you release the accelerator pedal. When
you leave the road, or disengage Autosteer by using the
steering yoke, you can increase your set speed again, if
desired.

Autosteer requires that you pay attention to your
surroundings and remain prepared to take control at any
time. If Autosteer still does not detect your hands on the
steering yoke, the flashing light on the instrument panel
increases in frequency and a chime sounds.

If you repeatedly ignore Autosteer's prompts to apply
slight force to the steering yoke, Autosteer disables for
the rest of the drive and displays the following message
requesting you to drive manually. If you don't resume
manual steering, Autosteer sounds a continuous chime,
turns on the warning flashers, and slows the vehicle to a
complete stop.

Autosteer unavailable for the rest of this
drive. Hold steering yoke to drive
manually.

For the rest of the drive, you must steer manually.
Autosteer is available again on your next drive (after you
stop and shift Model S into Park).

Take Over Immediately

In situations where Autosteer is unable to steer Model S,
Autosteer sounds a warning chime and displays the
following message on the instrument panel:

Take over immediately

Hold Steering Yoke

Autosteer determines how best to steer Model S. When
active, Autosteer requires you to hold the steering yoke.
If it does not detect your hands on the steering yoke for
a period of time, a flashing light appears along the top
of the instrument panel and the following message
displays:

Apply slight turning force to steering yoke

Autosteer detects your hands by recognizing slight
resistance as the steering yoke turns, or from you
manually turning the steering yoke very lightly (without
enough force to take over steering). Autosteer also
qualifies your hands as being detected if you engage a
turn signal or use a button or scroll wheel on the
steering yoke.

NOTE: When your hands are detected, the message
disappears and Autosteer resumes normal operation.

When you see this message, TAKE OVER STEERING

IMMEDIATELY.

Canceling Autosteer

Autosteer cancels when:

• You press the brake pedal.

• You start steering manually.

• You exceed the maximum speed at which Autosteer
operates – 90 mph (150 km/h).

• You shift.

• A door is opened.

• An Automatic Emergency Braking event occurs (see

Collision Avoidance Assist on page 114).

When Autosteer cancels, it sounds a chime and the
Autosteer icon either turns gray to indicate that
Autosteer is no longer active, or disappears to indicate
that it is not currently available.

89Autopilot

Autosteer

NOTE: If Autosteer Activation is set to Double Click and
Autosteer cancels because you started steering
manually, Trac-Aware Cruise Control remains active. If
Autosteer Activation is set to Single Click and Autosteer
cancels because you started steering manually, Trac-
Aware Cruise Control also cancels.

To disable Autosteer so it is no longer available, touch

Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).

Auto Lane Change

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Auto Lane
Change, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described.

When Autosteer is active, engage a turn signal to move
Model S into an adjacent lane (moving the steering yoke
would cancel Autosteer).

WARNING: Failure to follow all warnings and
instructions can result in property damage, serious
injury or death.

Operating Auto Lane Change

Auto Lane Change is available whenever Autosteer is
active. To change lanes using Auto Lane Change:

1. Perform visual checks to make sure it is safe and
appropriate to move into the target lane.

2. Engage the appropriate turn signal, keeping your
hands on the steering yoke.

3. If needed, cancel the turn signal once you are in the
target lane.

NOTE: The minimum speed at which Auto Lane Change
operates may vary depending on region, adjacent lane
speeds, and other factors. Always be ready to manually
steer and change lanes as necessary.

Auto Lane Change moves Model S into the adjacent lane
in the direction indicated by the turn signal, provided
the following conditions are met:

WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to
determine whether a lane change is safe and
appropriate. Therefore, before initiating a lane
change, always check blind spots, lane markings,
and the surrounding roadway to confirm it is safe
and appropriate to move into the target lane.

WARNING: Never depend on Auto Lane Change to
determine an appropriate driving path. Drive
attentively by watching the road and trac ahead
of you, checking the surrounding area, and
monitoring the instrument panel for warnings.
Always be prepared to take immediate action.

WARNING: Do not use Auto Lane Change on roads
where trac conditions are constantly changing
and where bicycles and pedestrians are present.

WARNING: The performance of Auto Lane Change
depends on the ability of the camera(s) to
recognize lane markings.

WARNING: Do not use Auto Lane Change on
winding roads with sharp curves, on icy or slippery
roads, or when weather conditions (such as heavy
rain, snow, fog, etc.) may be obstructing the view
from the camera(s) or sensors.

• The turn signal is engaged.

• Model S does not detect a vehicle in its blind spot, or
a vehicle or obstacle up to the center of the target
lane.

• Lane markings indicate that a lane change is
permitted.

• Midway through the lane change, Model S must
detect the target lane's outside lane marking. If this
lane marking is not detected, the lane change is
aborted and Model S returns to its original driving
lane.

• The view of the camera(s) is not obstructed.

When an automatic lane change is in progress, Overtake
Acceleration is activated, allowing Model S to accelerate
closer to a vehicle in front (see

page 86

NOTE: Auto Lane Change moves Model S one lane at a
time. Moving into an additional lane requires you to
engage the turn signal a second time after the first lane
change is complete.

When using Auto Lane Change, it is important to
monitor its performance by watching the driving path in
front of you and the surrounding area. Stay prepared to
take over steering at any time. As you are crossing over
into the adjacent lane, the instrument panel displays the
location in the lane that Model S is moving into.

).

Overtake Acceleration on

90 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Autosteer

In situations where Auto Lane Change is unable to
operate at optimal performance, or cannot operate due
to inadequate data, the instrument panel displays a
series of warnings. Therefore, when using Auto Lane
Change, always pay attention to the instrument panel
and be prepared to manually steer Model S.

Adjacent Lane Speed

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Adjacent Lane
Speed, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described.

When moving significantly faster than vehicles in
adjacent lanes, Model S automatically reduces the
driving speed. This is especially helpful in heavy trac
situations or when vehicles are constantly merging into
dierent lanes. When Model S detects other vehicles
driving significantly slower, the instrument panel
highlights the adjacent lanes with arrows and detected
vehicles in gray, and Model S reduces the driving speed
as appropriate. To temporarily override this feature,
press the accelerator pedal.

WARNING: Never depend on Autopilot to
determine a safe driving speed; you are
responsible for driving safely and according to
trac laws in your market region.

CAUTION: Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
requires on-board maps to know that a particular
stop light or stop sign exists at a location. In some
cases, map data is inaccurate or outdated and may
not include all stop lights or stop signs. Therefore,
Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning may not detect
all stop lights and stop signs.

WARNING: The Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
feature does not apply the brakes or decelerate
Model S and may not detect all stop lights and
stop signs. Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning is
designed for guidance purposes only and is not a
substitute for attentive driving and sound
judgment. Keep your eyes on the road when
driving and never depend on Stop Light and Stop
Sign Warning to warn you of a stop light or stop
sign.

WARNING: Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning is
designed to warn you only when approaching a
visible red stop sign, solid red or later portion of a
yellow trac light. It may not warn you of
intersections with flashing lights and it does not
warn you of yield signs or temporary stop and
yield signs (such as those used in construction
areas). Additionally, Stop Light and Stop Sign
Warning does not warn you of approaching stop
lights or stop signs when you are pressing the
accelerator pedal or brake pedal (which disables
Autosteer).

Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Stop Light and
Stop Sign Warning, or the feature may not operate
exactly as described.

While Autosteer is in use, Model S displays a warning on
the instrument panel and sounds a chime if it detects
that you are likely to run through a red stop light or stop
sign. If this happens, TAKE IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE

ACTION!

The visual and audible warnings cancel after a few
seconds, or when you press the brake pedal, whichever
comes first.

Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning provides warnings
only. It does not slow down or stop Model S at red trac
lights, stop signs, road markings, etc. If equipped with
Trac Light and Stop Sign Control, you can enable this
feature to automatically stop Model S at trac lights
and stop signs (see

on page 96

NOTE: Touch Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving
Visualization Preview (if equipped) to display more

details about the roadway and its surroundings, such as
road markings, stop lights, objects (such as trash cans
and poles), etc.

).

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control

Limitations

Autosteer and its associated functions are particularly
unlikely to operate as intended when:

• Autosteer is unable to accurately determine lane
markings. For example, lane markings are excessively
worn, have visible previous markings, have been
adjusted due to road construction, are changing
quickly (lanes branching o, crossing over, or
merging), objects or landscape features are casting
strong shadows on the lane markings, or the road
surface contains pavement seams or other high­contrast lines.

• Visibility is poor (heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.) or
weather conditions are interfering with sensor
operation.

• A camera(s) or sensor(s) is obstructed, covered, or
damaged.

• Driving on hills.

• Approaching a toll booth.

• Driving on a road that has sharp curves or is
excessively rough.

• Bright light (such as direct sunlight) is interfering
with the view of the camera(s).

• The sensors are aected by other electrical
equipment or devices that generate ultrasonic waves.

91Autopilot

Autosteer

• A vehicle is detected in your blind spot when you
engage the turn signal.

• Model S is being driven very close to a vehicle in front
of it, which is blocking the view of the camera(s).

WARNING: Many unforeseen circumstances can
impair the operation of Autosteer. Always keep this
in mind and remember that as a result, Autosteer
may not steer Model S appropriately. Always drive
attentively and be prepared to take immediate
action.

92 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Navigate on Autopilot

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Navigate on
Autopilot, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described.

NOTE: Navigate on Autopilot is a BETA feature.

When using Autosteer on a controlled-access highway
(a main highway on which road users enter and exit
using on-ramps and o-ramps). Navigate on Autopilot
guides Model S to o-ramps and interchanges based on
your navigation route. Along the highway portion of a
navigation route, Navigate on Autopilot also changes
lanes to prepare for exits (route-based lane changes)
and to minimize the driving time to your destination
(speed-based lane changes).

WARNING: Navigate on Autopilot does not make
driving autonomous. You must pay attention to the
road, keep your hands on the steering yoke at all
times, and remain aware of your navigation route.

WARNING: As is the case with normal driving, be
extra careful around blind corners, interchanges,
and on-ramps and o-ramps - obstacles can
appear quickly and at any time.

WARNING: Navigate on Autopilot may not
recognize or detect oncoming vehicles, stationary
objects, and special-use lanes such as those used
exclusively for bikes, carpools, emergency vehicles,
etc. Remain alert at all times and be prepared to
take immediate action. Failure to do so can cause
damage, injury or death.

Enabling and Customizing Navigate on Autopilot

change lanes to achieve the set cruising speed. The
Mild setting is more conservative about lane changes
and may result in a slightly longer driving time
whereas Mad Max is designed to allow you to reach
your destination in the shortest driving time possible,
but changes lanes only when safe to do so.

• Exit Passing Lane: Choose whether you want
Navigate on Autopilot to maneuver out of a passing
lane when navigating to a destination.

NOTE: In addition to route-based and speed-based
lane changes, Navigate on Autopilot requests a lane
change out of a passing lane as a reminder to stay in
a slower lane when you are not passing other
vehicles. Choose NO to disable this and keep Model S
in a passing lane except when needed to stay on the
navigation route.

• Require Lane Change Confirmation (if equipped): By
default, Navigate on Autopilot requires your
confirmation before proceeding with a lane change
by pressing the appropriate turn signal. However, if
you want Navigate on Autopilot to change lanes
without requiring this confirmation, turn this setting
o. When you turn the setting o, you can specify if
or how you want to be notified of lane changes (O,

Chime, Vibrate, or Both).

WARNING: If you turn o Require Lane Change

Confirmation, Navigate on Autopilot notifies
you of upcoming lane changes and o-ramps,
but it remains your responsibility to monitor the
environment and maintain control of Model S at
all times. Lane changes can occur quickly and
suddenly. Always keep your hands on the wheel
and your eyes on the driving path in front of
you.

To enable Navigate on Autopilot, touch Controls >
Autopilot > Navigate on Autopilot (Beta). Then, to
customize how you want Navigate on Autopilot to
operate, touch Customize Navigate on Autopilot:

• Enable At Start Of Every Trip: Choose whether or not
you want to automatically enable Navigate on
Autopilot for every navigation route. When enabled,
the Navigate on Autopilot button on the turn-by-turn
direction list is already enabled at the start of every
trip.

• Speed Based Lane Changes: Navigate on Autopilot is
designed to perform both route-based and speed­based lane changes. Route-based lane changes are
designed to keep you on your navigation route (for
example, moving you into an adjacent lane to prepare
for an upcoming o-ramp) whereas speed-based
lane changes are designed to maintain a driving
speed (not to exceed your cruising speed) that allows
you to minimize the time it takes to reach your
destination (for example, moving into an adjacent
lane to pass a vehicle in front of you). Speed-based
lanes changes are optional. You can use this setting
to disable speed-based lane changes or to specify
how aggressively you want Navigate on Autopilot to

NOTE: The touchscreen displays route-based lane
changes at the top of the map's turn-by-turn direction
list to notify you that an upcoming lane change is
needed to stay on the navigation route.

Operating Navigate on Autopilot

Once enabled, the Navigate on Autopilot button appears
on the map’s turn-by-turn direction list whenever a
navigation route is active and the route includes at least
one controlled-access highway. When enabled, the
Navigate on Autopilot button is blue and the turn-by­turn direction displays the Autosteer icon next to the
maneuvers (such as o-ramps) that Navigate on
Autopilot will handle.

NOTE: If Enable At Start Of Every Trip is turned o, you
must touch the Navigate on Autopilot button to enable
it for each navigation route.

93Autopilot

Navigate on Autopilot

Navigate on Autopilot activates and deactivates as
appropriate, based on the type of road you are driving
on. For example, if Autosteer is active and Navigate on
Autopilot is enabled, Navigate on Autopilot
automatically becomes active when you reach a
controlled-access highway on your navigation route.

Whenever Navigate on Autopilot is active, the
instrument panel displays the driving lane as a single
blue line in front of Model S:

When Navigate on Autopilot is active and you approach
an o-ramp or interchange along your navigation route,
the appropriate turn signal engages and Autosteer
maneuvers Model S onto the o-ramp or interchange.

WARNING: Navigate on Autopilot may not always
attempt to exit at an o-ramp or change lanes,
even when an exit or lane change is determined by
the navigation route. Always remain alert and be
prepared to manually steer onto an o-ramp, or
make a lane change to prepare for, or to exit at, an
o-ramp or interchange.

You can cancel Navigate on Autopilot at any time by
touching Navigate on Autopilot on the map’s turn-by-
turn direction list (Model S reverts back to Autosteer), or
by canceling Autosteer entirely (see

Autosteer on page 89

).

Canceling

Lane Changes

Navigate on Autopilot changes lanes to either prepare
Model S for an upcoming o-ramp, to increase your
driving speed (not to exceed your set cruising speed), or
to move Model S out of a passing lane when you are not
actively passing other road users. A message displays at
the top of the map's turn-by-turn direction list to notify
you when an upcoming lane change is required to stay
on your navigation route. The instrument panel displays
the upcoming driving path:

WARNING: Never depend on Navigate on
Autopilot to determine an appropriate lane at an
o-ramp. Stay alert and perform visual checks to
ensure that the driving lane is safe and
appropriate.

When you leave a controlled-access highway (for
example, you take an exit or you enter a section of the
navigation route that is no longer supported), Navigate
on Autopilot reverts back to Autosteer— a chime sounds
and the instrument panel displays the driving lane lines
in blue (instead of the single blue in front of Model S).

NOTE: When determining navigation routes, and
maneuvers at interchanges, Navigate on Autopilot
considers whether or not you want to use High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. Therefore, ensure the
Use HOV Lanes setting is appropriate for your
circumstances (see Maps and Navigation on page 131).
If the setting is o, Navigate on Autopilot never uses a
HOV lane, regardless of time of day. If the setting is on,
Navigate on Autopilot uses HOV lanes, whenever
applicable.

WARNING: When Navigate on Autopilot
deactivates, Autosteer remains active. Always be
prepared to take appropriate action.

If Require Lane Change Confirmation is turned o,
Navigate on Autopilot engages the appropriate turn
signal, checks for vehicles and objects, and when
appropriate, maneuvers Model S into the adjacent lane.

If Require Lane Change Confirmation is turned on, you
must engage the appropriate turn signal to confirm that
you want Navigate on Autopilot to proceed with the
lane change. If you do not confirm the lane change
within three seconds, a chime sounds to remind you that
Navigate on Autopilot requires your confirmation to
change lanes.

NOTE: If you ignore a route-based lane change
suggestion (for example, you are driving in the left lane
while approaching an o-ramp on the right side of the
highway), Navigate on Autopilot is unable to maneuver
onto the o-ramp and as a result, you are re-routed to
your destination.

94 MODEL S Owner's Manual

WARNING: Navigate on Autopilot may not always
attempt to exit at an o-ramp or change lanes,
even when an exit or lane change is determined by
the navigation route. Always remain alert and be
prepared to manually steer onto an o-ramp, or
make a lane change to prepare for, or to exit at, an
o-ramp or interchange.

Be Ready to Assist

When attempting to change lanes or maneuver Model S,
or when approaching construction zones, Navigate on
Autopilot may be unable to determine the appropriate
driving lane (for example, complex clover leafs and
multi-lane o-ramps) and the instrument panel displays
an alert indicating that Navigate on Autopilot is trying to
maneuver and may require assistance. When you see the
message, be prepared to take immediate action to
ensure that it is safe and appropriate to complete the
lane change or maneuver.

Navigate on Autopilot

95Autopilot

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle

configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Trac Light and
Stop Sign Control, or the feature may not operate
exactly as described.

NOTE: Trac Light and Stop Sign Control is a BETA
feature and works best on roads that are frequently
driven by Tesla vehicles. Trac Light and Stop Sign
Control attempts to stop at all trac lights and may
also stop at green lights.

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control is designed to
recognize and respond to trac lights and stop signs,
slowing Model S to a stop when using Trac-Aware
cruise control or Autosteer. This feature uses the
vehicle's forward-facing cameras, in addition to GPS
data, and slows the car for all detected trac lights,
including green, blinking yellow, and o lights in addition
to stop signs and some road markings. As Model S
approaches an intersection, the instrument panel
displays a notification indicating the intention to slow
down. You must confirm that you want to continue or
Model S stops at the red line displayed on the
instrument panel's driving visualization.

WARNING: NEVER make assumptions and predict
when and where Trac Light and Stop Sign
Control will stop or continue through an
intersection or road marking. From a driver's
perspective, the behavior of Trac Light and Stop
Sign Control may appear inconsistent. Always pay
attention to the roadway and be prepared to take
immediate action. It is the driver's responsibility to
determine whether to stop or continue through an
intersection. Never depend on Trac Light and
Stop Sign Control to determine when it is safe
and/or appropriate to stop or continue through an
intersection.

Before Using

Before using Trac Light and Stop Sign Control, you
must:

• Ensure that forward-facing cameras are unobstructed
(see

Cleaning Cameras and Sensors on page 83) and

calibrated (see

82

). Trac Light and Stop Sign Control depends on
the ability of the cameras to detect trac lights, stop
signs, and road markings.

• Ensure that the latest version of maps has been
downloaded to Model S. Although Trac Light and
Stop Sign Control primarily uses visual data received
from the vehicle's cameras, greater accuracy is
achieved when using the most recent map data. To
check which version of maps is currently
downloaded, touch Controls > Software > Additional
vehicle information. You must connect to a Wi-Fi
network to receive updated maps (see

on page 136).

Drive to Calibrate Cameras on page

Map Updates

• Enable the feature. With the vehicle in Park, touch

Controls > Autopilot > Trac Light and Stop Sign
Control. Once enabled, Trac Light and Stop Sign

Control operates whenever Trac-Aware Cruise
Control or Autosteer is active.

How it Works

When Trac Light and Stop Sign Control is enabled and
you are using Autosteer or Trac-Aware Cruise Control,
the instrument panel displays a popup message to
inform you that an upcoming trac light, stop sign, or
road marking has been detected. As it approaches the
stop location, even at an intersection where the trac
light is green, Model S slows down and displays a red
line to indicate where Model S will stop. To continue
through the intersection—even if the trac light is green
—you must briefly press the accelerator pedal to give
the vehicle permission to proceed. When you've
confirmed that you want to proceed, the red stop line
turns gray and Model S continues through the
intersection and resumes your set cruising speed.

NOTE: If Model S is approaching a green light and
detects that a vehicle in front of you is continuing
through the intersection, Model S continues through the
intersection without requiring your confirmation,
provided you are not in a turning lane and your hands
are detected on the steering yoke.

NOTE: If, after you briefly press the accelerator pedal to
confirm that you want to continue through the

intersection, the trac signal changes before you enter
the intersection (for example, the light changes from
green to yellow or from yellow to red), Model S may
determine that it is not appropriate to proceed.
Therefore, Model S stops and you must press the
accelerator to proceed. At all times, it is your
responsibility to ensure the vehicle stops or accelerates
appropriately and safely.

WARNING: Trac Light and Stop Sign Control
DOES NOT turn Model S through an intersection.
When in a turning lane, Model S stops at the red
stop line. To proceed, briefly press the accelerator
pedal—Model S continues straight through the
intersection (even when in a turning lane), so you
MUST manually steer Model S through the
intersection (which cancels Autosteer).

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control is designed to
operate as described only when the following conditions
are met:

• Autosteer or Trac-Aware Cruise Control is engaged.

• The cameras can detect an upcoming trac light,
stop sign or road marking (for example, cameras are
unobstructed and have a clear line-of-sight to the
trac light, stop sign, or road marking).

96 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control

• The instrument panel on Model S is displaying an
upcoming trac light in "bold" format. Model S does
not acknowledge trac lights that the instrument
panel shows as faded. If a trac light is not directly
ahead of the camera (for example, it is located at an
angle of the camera's view, or located in an adjacent
lane) the instrument panel displays it as faded and
Model S does not slow down and stop for it.

WARNING: If the instrument panel is not
displaying a red stop line at an upcoming
intersection, Model S does not slow down or stop.
It is the driver's responsibility to pay attention to
upcoming intersections and monitor trac
conditions to determine when and if the vehicle
should stop and then to take appropriate action as
needed.

WARNING: Never depend on Trac Light and
Stop Sign Control to determine whether to stop at,
or proceed through, an intersection. Drive
attentively by watching the road and paying
attention to the roadway, upcoming intersections,
trac conditions, crosswalks, and other road users.
It is always the driver's responsibility to determine
whether to stop or proceed. Be prepared to take
immediate action. Failure to do so can result in
injury or death.

WARNING: In some situations, Trac Light and
Stop Sign Control may inaccurately detect a trac
light or stop sign, causing Model S to slow down
unexpectedly. Be prepared to take immediate
action at all times.

WARNING: You must briefly press the accelerator
pedal to confirm that you want to proceed through
an intersection, regardless of the status of the
trac light. If you do not confirm, Model S stops at
the red stop line displayed on the instrument
panel, even if stopping may be inappropriate.
Stopping at a green light may confuse other
drivers and may result in a collision, injury or
death. Therefore, always pay attention to
upcoming intersections and be prepared to
manually brake or accelerate in response to
surroundings.

WARNING: Never assume that your ability to see a
trac light, stop sign, or road marking (especially
at a complex intersection, or an intersection in
which a trac light or sign is partially obstructed,
etc.) means that Model S can also see it and
respond appropriately.

WARNING: Even the most recent map data does
not include all trac lights and stop signs.
Therefore, Trac Light and Stop Sign Control
relies heavily on the ability of the cameras to
detect trac lights, stop signs, road markings, etc.
As a result, Model S may ignore an intersection
that is blocked from the camera's view (for
example, obstructed by a tree or a large vehicle or
object, or located near a steep hill or sharp curve).

WARNING: Trac Light and Stop Sign Control is
not a substitute for attentive driving and sound
judgment.

97Autopilot

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control

Trac Lights

When driving with Autosteer or Trac-Aware Cruise Control engaged, and Trac Light and Stop Sign Control
enabled, Model S is designed to respond as follows when approaching intersections controlled by a trac light:

Type of Trac Light Vehicle Intended Response

At a solid green trac light, or at a trac light that is currently o (not
illuminated), Model S slows down.

If you are following a car in front of you that continues through the intersection,
the instrument panel displays a green stop line and provided your hands are
detected on the steering yoke, Model S also continues. If a car is not in front of you,
the instrument panel displays a red stop line and you must confirm that you want
to continue through the intersection by briefly pressing the accelerator pedal. If
you don’t confirm, Model S stops at the red stop line.

NOTE: Model S resumes the set cruising speed when it continues through the
intersection, taking into consideration the speed of a vehicle in front of you.

Model S slows down and comes to a complete stop at the red stop line displayed
on the instrument panel. When you want to continue through the intersection (for
example, the light turns green again, or once Model S has come to a complete
stop), you must briefly press the accelerator pedal.

Model S slows down and comes to a complete stop at the red stop line displayed
on the instrument panel. When you want to proceed through the intersection (for
example, the light turns green again), you must briefly press the accelerator pedal.

NOTE: If the trac light changes after you've confirmed that you want to proceed
(for example, a green trac light turns yellow), Model S may stop instead of
continuing, especially if Model S determines that it can safely stop before entering
the intersection.

NOTE: Model S is not designed to proceed through an intersection when the trac
light is red or if the light turns yellow in situations when there is adequate distance
to safely stop before entering the intersection.

NOTE: You can take over driving at any time by manually braking to cancel
Autosteer or Trac-aware Cruise Control.

98 MODEL S Owner's Manual