Tesla Model S (2024) User manual

MODEL S

2021 +

OWNER'S MANUAL

Software version: 2024.2.3

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 the app launcher and then selecting the Manual app. The information is
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.

specific 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 choosing the Release Notes tab in the Manual app, or 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:
[email protected].

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).

© 2012-2024 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................................................................ 3

Exterior................................................................................................ 3

Interior Overview.............................................................................4

Touchscreen.......................................................................................6

Interior Electronics......................................................................... 11

Instrument Panel............................................................................ 14

Voice Commands........................................................................... 18

Cameras............................................................................................20

Opening and Closing.......................................22

Keys.................................................................................................... 22

Doors..................................................................................................27

Windows...........................................................................................29

Storage Areas....................................................30

Rear Trunk....................................................................................... 30

Front Trunk...................................................................................... 32

Interior Storage..............................................................................34

Seating and Safety Restraints..................... 36

Front and Rear Seats...................................................................36

Seat Belts......................................................................................... 39

Child Safety Seats.........................................................................42

Airbags..............................................................................................48

Connectivity.......................................................54

Mobile App...................................................................................... 54

Wi-Fi...................................................................................................56

Bluetooth..........................................................................................57

Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing............................60

Smart Garage..................................................................................62

Driving.................................................................. 65

Starting and Powering O.........................................................65

Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)........................................ 67

Mirrors............................................................................................... 70

Shifting............................................................................................... 71

Lights................................................................................................. 74

Wipers and Washers.................................................................... 77

Braking and Stopping..................................................................78

Air Suspension................................................................................ 81

Park Assist....................................................................................... 83

Vehicle Hold....................................................................................85

Traction Control.............................................................................86

Acceleration Modes......................................................................87

Track Mode...................................................................................... 88

Driver Profiles..................................................................................91

Trip Information............................................................................. 93

Rear Facing Camera(s)...............................................................94

Pedestrian Warning System......................................................95

Autopilot..............................................................96

About Autopilot............................................................................ 96

Autopilot Features

Trac Light and Stop Sign Control..................................... 108

Full Self-Driving (Beta)...............................................................115

Autopark.......................................................................................... 119

Summon........................................................................................... 121

Smart Summon.............................................................................123

Limitations and Warnings.........................................................125

......................................................................100

Active Safety Features...................................131

Lane Assist...................................................................................... 131

Collision Avoidance Assist....................................................... 134

Speed Assist.................................................................................. 137

Cabin Camera................................................................................138

Dashcam, Sentry, and Security..................139

Safety & Security Settings....................................................... 139

Dashcam.......................................................................................... 141

Sentry Mode.................................................................................. 143

USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos..............145

Climate................................................................146

Operating Climate Controls.....................................................146

Adjusting the Front and Rear Vents...................................... 151

Cold Weather Best Practices...................................................153

Hot Weather Best Practices.....................................................155

Navigation and Entertainment.................. 156

Maps and Navigation..................................................................156

Media................................................................................................ 162

Theater, Arcade, and Toybox...................................................165

Charging and Energy Consumption........168

Electric Vehicle Components..................................................168

High Voltage Battery Information.........................................170

Charging Instructions.................................................................172

Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure..............179

Getting Maximum Range..........................................................180

Maintenance......................................................182

Software Updates........................................................................182

Maintenance Service Intervals................................................184

Tire Care and Maintenance...................................................... 186

Cleaning.......................................................................................... 192

Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid.......................... 196

Jacking and Lifting..................................................................... 198

Parts and Accessories................................................................199

Do It Yourself Maintenance.................................................... 200

Specifications...................................................201

Identification Labels...................................................................201

Vehicle Loading...........................................................................202

Dimensions................................................................................... 204

Subsystems...................................................................................206

Contents

Wheels and Tires........................................................................208

Instructions for Transporters...................... 215

Instructions for Transporters...................................................215

In Case of Emergency...................................219

Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance................................219

Running Out of Range..............................................................220

Opening the Hood with No Power........................................221

Jump Starting...............................................................................222

Opening Doors with No Power............................................. 224

Troubleshooting..............................................225

Troubleshooting Alerts.............................................................225

Consumer Information................................. 277

About this Owner Information...............................................277

Feature Availability Statement..............................................279

Disclaimers....................................................................................280

Reporting Safety Defects........................................................282

Certification Conformity.......................................................... 283

Index................................................................... 286

Exterior

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

Exterior lights (Lights on page 74)

1.

Door handles (Doors on page 27)

2.

3. Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 172)

4. Autopilot cameras (Cameras on page 20)

5. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 70)

Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 32)

6.

Front/rear tow eye cover (Instructions for Transporters on page 215)

7.

8. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 208)

9. Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 94)

10. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 30)

Ultrasonic sensors, if equipped (Park Assist on page 83 and Cameras on page 20)

11.

3Overview

Interior Overview

NOTE: Illustrations are provided to improve conceptual understanding only. Depending on vehicle options purchased
and market region, the design may dier but the function is the same.

Interior door handles (Doors on page 27)

1.

Left steering yoke (or steering wheel) buttons

2.
Left Scroll Button (Left Scroll Button on page 67)

◦

High Beam Headlights (Lights on page 74)

◦

Turn Signals (Lights on page 74)

◦

Instrument panel (Instrument Panel on page 14)

3.

Right steering yoke (or steering wheel) buttons

4.

◦ Right Scroll button to control Autopilot features (Right Scroll Button on page 68)

Horn (Horn on page 68)

◦

Wipers (Wipers and Washers on page 77)

◦

Voice Commands (Voice Commands on page 18)

◦

5. Touchscreen (Touchscreen on page 6)

6. Camera (Cabin Camera on page 138)

7. Cabin climate control (Operating Climate Controls on page 146)

Power window switches (Opening and Closing on page 29)

8.

Manual door release (Doors on page 27)

9.

10. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page 36)

11. Brake pedal (Braking and Stopping on page 78)

12. Accelerator pedal (Acceleration Modes on page 87)

4 MODEL S Owner's Manual

13. Wireless phone chargers (Wireless Phone Chargers on page 11)

14. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 76)

Secondary drive mode selector (Shifting on page 71)

15.

16. Glovebox (Glovebox on page 34)

Interior Overview

Rear touchscreen (Rear Touchscreen on page 9)

1.

USB ports (USB Ports on page 11)

2.

Adjustable climate control vents (Operating Climate Controls on page 146)

3.

Console release button (Rear Console on page 34)

4.

Cup holders (Rear Console on page 34)

5.

Wireless phone chargers (Wireless Phone Chargers on page 11)

6.

Rear armrest (Rear Console on page 34)

7.

5Overview

Touchscreen

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 18).

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

Touchscreen on page 8).

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.

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

1.
(see Maps and Navigation on page 156).

Status bar: Find car controls and status in the top bar (see Top Status Bar Icons on page 7).

2.

Drive mode strip: Use to shift into Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. The drive mode strip always displays on the

3.
touchscreen when you touch Controls. (See Shifting on page 71.)

4. Controls: Control various features and customize Model S to suit your preferences. The Controls screen appears
over the map. Touch an option on the Controls screen to display the various settings and preferences associated
with the chosen option.

To search for a specific setting, touch Search at the top of the Controls screen. Make changes directly from the
result or touch the link to jump to that option in Controls.

6 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Touchscreen

When an information icon displays beside a specific setting, touch it to display a popup that
provides helpful details about the associated setting.

NOTE: You can also access Controls by touching anywhere on the side of the touchscreen closest to the driver
and swiping open.

NOTE: Many vehicle controls, settings, and preferences (such as climate, media, and navigation) can be adjusted
hands-free using voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 18).

NOTE: You can send touchscreen feedback to Tesla by long-pressing this icon.

5.

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 Operating Climate Controls on page 146). The passenger climate controls display
when temperature controls have been Split to provide separate controls for the driver and passenger.

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

Customizing My Apps on page 7.

7. 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.

Recent App(s): Displays the most recently used app(s). The number of recent apps displayed here depends on

8.
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.

Climate controls (passenger): Displays when temperature controls have been Split to provide separate controls

9.
for the driver and passenger.

Volume Control: Controls the volume of media player and phone calls (see Volume Controls on page 162). The

10.
volume of navigation instructions is controlled separately (see Maps and Navigation on page 156).

Media Player: See Media on page 162.

11.

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. 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: 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".

Top Status Bar Icons

Touch to lock/unlock all doors and
trunks.

4:20 pm Your vehicle automatically updates the

time. If the time is incorrect, confirm
your vehicle has internet and GPS
connectivity with the latest software.

Displays on the touchscreen status bar
only when Model S detects a
programmed HomeLink within range,
and the touchscreen is not already
displaying the HomeLink screen or
popup. See

Displays on the touchscreen status bar
only when Model S is parked. Add,

configure (including Valet Mode and Use
Easy Entry), or quickly switch driver

profiles. Driver profiles can also be
accessed from the top of any Controls
screen. See

Smart Garage on page 62.

Driver Profiles on page 91.

7Using This Owner's Manual

Touchscreen

Available when Model S is parked, touch
to manually enable or disable Sentry
Mode for the current drive cycle. To
automatically turn Sentry Mode on (or
o) every time you leave your vehicle,
enable the setting from
Safety > Sentry Mode. See Sentry Mode

on page 143 for more information.

NOTE: If you turn Sentry Mode on or o
from Controls > Sentry Mode, the
shortcuts on the vehicle's touchscreen
and mobile app will only work for the
current drive cycle.

Displays when Model S is connected to a
Wi-Fi network.

Displays when Model S Connected to
cellular network. Touch this icon for
quick access to Wi-Fi settings.

Displays when Model S cellular
connectivity is or unavailable. Touch this
icon for quick access to Wi-Fi settings.

Controls >

If an alert appears on your vehicle's touchscreen, touch
Learn More for more details regarding the alert and how
it can be resolved. You can view a list of vehicle alerts
and notifications by touching the bell icon at the top of

Controls.

NOTE: Not all alerts provide additional information at

this time.

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.

Shift into Park.

1.

Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering yoke

2.
(or steering wheel) until the touchscreen turns black.
Pressing the brake pedal while holding down the
scroll buttons does not have any impact and is not
required.

Status of the front passenger airbag (see

Airbags on page 48).

Appears when your vehicle's GPS
location is actively being accessed in the
Tesla mobile app by the owner, an added
driver, or a third party app you're using.
To disable, navigate to Safety > Allow

Mobile Access on the touchscreen.

Popup Messages and Vehicle Alerts

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.

After a few seconds, the Tesla logo appears. Wait

3.
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 65.

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

NOTE: Pressing the scroll buttons only restarts the
touchscreen. It does not restart any other vehicle
component and does not power Model S o and on.

Power

Tilt the Touchscreen (if equipped)

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

WARNING:

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.

8 MODEL S Owner's Manual

When the center display is tilting,

Rear Touchscreen

The rear touchscreen provides rear passengers with
access to:

Temperature: Touch the arrows to decrease/increase

1.
cabin temperature.

Power: Touch to turn the rear climate control system

2.
on or o.

Rear fan: Touch to turn the rear fan on or o, to

3.
adjust fan speed and control the direction of air flow
from the rear vents (see Adjusting the Front and Rear

Vents on page 151).

Seats: Control rear seat heaters and move the front

4.
passenger seat forward/rearward using the arrows.

Media: Play, pause, skip or rewind through the

5.
currently playing song (see

Video: Access video streaming services.

6.

Auto: If Auto is enabled and a passenger is detected,

7.
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.

Volume: Touch to adjust the volume.

8.

Media on page 162).

Touchscreen

NOTE:

Some vehicles manufacture before approximately
September 2021 may require additional hardware to be
compatible with wireless headphones. If the touchscreen
displays this message, use the mobile app to schedule a
service appointment.

Control the rear screen from the front

To control the rear touchscreen from the
front, open the rear screen remote control
app in the bottom bar on the front
touchscreen. Besides audio, video and
climate controls, you can lock the rear
display in the app or by touching
> Display > Lock Rear Display.

Customizing Display and Sound
Settings

Touch Controls > Display to adjust display settings to
suit your preferences:

Appearance: Customize the display to be Dark or

•
Light. When set to Auto, the brightness changes
automatically based on ambient lighting conditions.

Brightness: Drag the slider to manually control the

•
brightness level. If Display Mode is set to Auto, the
touchscreen further adjusts based on both the
ambient lighting conditions and your brightness
preference. Model S remembers your chosen
brightness preference and adjusts the touchscreen
accordingly.

Screen Clean Mode: When enabled, your touchscreen

•
darkens and temporarily disables to facilitate
cleaning. Follow the onscreen instructions to exit
Screen Clean Mode.

Touchscreen Language: Select the language that the

•
touchscreen displays.

NOTE: Model S must be in Park to change the
language. When you change the language, you
experience a brief delay as
restarts the touchscreen.

Model S shuts down and

Controls

NOTE: You can also use the front touchscreen to adjust

climate settings in the rear cabin (see Adjusting Climate

Control Settings on page 146).

NOTE: Adjusting the media and volume controls also
adjusts the front cabin settings.

You can pair Bluetooth Classic headphones by
navigating to Bluetooth Devices and adding new
headphones on the rear touchscreen. Once connected,
you can use the headphones to listen to audio from the
rear touchscreen. The vehicle supports up to two
Bluetooth devices at a time (such as one phone and one
headset).

Voice Recognition Language: Choose the language

•
to be used for voice commands.

Voice Navigation Language: Choose the language

•
that the navigation system uses for spoken
instructions.

NOTE: For languages that require a download, select
the language in the dropdown list to initiate the
download (Wi-Fi connection required).

• Lock Rear Display: Lock access to the rear
touchscreen.

Time: Choose to display time in either 12 or 24 hour

•
format.

9Overview

Touchscreen

• Energy Display: Choose to display remaining energy
and charging units as either a percentage of battery
energy remaining, or as an estimate of the distance
you can drive.

NOTE: When anticipating when you need to charge,
use energy estimate as a general guideline only. Many
factors have an impact on energy consumption. See

Factors Aecting Energy Consumption on page 180.

•

Distance: Choose to display measurements in metric
(kilometers, centimeters, etc.) or imperial (miles,
inches, etc.) units.

• Temperature: Choose to display temperature using
Fahrenheit or Celsius.

• Tire Pressure: Choose to display tire pressures using
BAR or PSI.

In addition to customizing the display, you can enable
Joe Mode to reduce the volume of all chimes that are
not related to critical safety issues. Touch Controls >

Safety > Joe Mode to enable.

Naming your Vehicle

To further personalize your vehicle, you can name it.
Touch Controls > Software > Name Your Vehicle located
on the right side of the touchscreen below the image of
Model S. If your vehicle already has a name, touch the
existing name to change it. Enter the new name in the
popup and touch
appears in the Tesla mobile app.

Save. The name of your Model S also

Erasing Personal Data

You can erase all personal data (saved addresses, music
favorites,
customized settings to their factory defaults. This is
useful when transferring ownership of Model S. Touch
Controls > Service > Factory Reset. Before erasing,
Model S verifies your credentials by prompting you to
enter the user name and password associated with your
Tesla account.

HomeLink programming, etc.) and restore all

10 MODEL S Owner's Manual

In addition to storage compartments and cup holders
(see Interior Storage on page 34), the Model S interior
supports various electronics such as USB ports, wireless
phone chargers, and a 12V power socket.

USB Ports

Model S has five USB ports:

• 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

163).

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.

The USB ports can output power up to approximately
27W (which may vary depending on vehicle
manufacture date).

Playing Media from Devices on page

Interior Electronics

Glovebox USB port:

See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on

page 145 for information about formatting USB flash

drives.

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:

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 Keep Climate On,
Dog Mode, Camp Mode, or Sentry Mode are enabled.
The vehicle is also awake whenever the
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

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.

low voltage battery.

low voltage

Wireless Phone Chargers

Wireless phone chargers are integrated into the front
console, providing up to 15W of power to charge Qi­enabled phones. To charge your phone, place it on one
of the two charge pads. The phone must be in direct
contact with the wireless charger. Do not place objects
between the phone and the charger (for example, credit

11Overview

Interior Electronics

cards, key cards, coins, keys, metal objects, etc.). 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 Keep Climate On, Dog Mode,
Camp Mode, or Sentry Mode is enabled.

NOTE: The wireless phone charger may not work if your
phone case is too thick 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 compartment. To access the low voltage
socket, open the front compartment of the center
console.

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 Cabin Overheat
Protection, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode,
Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle is also awake
whenever the
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
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.

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

CAUTION:

using the low voltage power socket. Doing so can
result in damage.

low voltage battery is being charged or is

low voltage

Do not attempt to jump start Model S

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
depending on vehicle and environmental factors.

each occupant

The power socket is suitable for accessories requiring up
to 12A continuous draw (16A peak).

12 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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.

Interior Electronics

13Overview

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

The instrument panel changes depending on whether Model S is:

• O or Parked (shown below).

•

Driving (see Instrument Panel - Driving on page 15).

•

Charging (see Charging Instructions on page 172).

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

When the car is o and you initially press the brake, indicator lights flash briefly along the top of the instrument

1.
panel. Unless an indicator light applies to a current situation, it should turn o. If an indicator light fails to turn on

o, refer to Indicator Lights on page 16.

or

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

2.

Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance, you can display the percentage

3.
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.

Estimated outside temperature.

4.

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

7. Current time of day.

See Popup Messages and Vehicle Alerts on page 8 for more information about alert popups on your vehicle's
touchscreen.

14 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Seat Belts on page 39).

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. The visualization automatically zooms in and out
based on the detected road type.

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.

The instrument panel displays your location on a map, a wiper menu, Auto Shift out of Park instructions, etc.

1.
When a navigation route is active, the upcoming portion of the route displays.

The speed limit (if available) that is currently being detected by Speed Assist (see Speed Assist on page 137).

2.

Current driving speed.

3.

The currently set cruising speed. When Trac-Aware Cruise Control is available but you haven't set a cruising

4.
speed by engaging Trac-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer, the icon is gray (see Autopilot Features on page

100).

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

5.
(see Autosteer on page 101).

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

6.

Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance, you can display the percentage

7.
of battery energy remaining (touch Controls > Display > Energy Display).

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

Surrounding road users are shown in their corresponding locations.

8.

WARNING:

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.

9. Your Model S.

Although the instrument panel shows surrounding trac, some vehicles may not be displayed.

15Overview

Instrument Panel

10. The power meter displays real-time power usage. During acceleration, the bar fills to the right to represent power
being used. During deceleration (when Model S is moving and you release your foot from the accelerator pedal),
the bar fills to the left with a green color to represent power being fed back to the Battery by regenerative
braking (see Regenerative Braking on page 79).

11. When Autosteer is active and detects the driving lane, it is highlighted in blue (see Autopilot Features on page

100). 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 102).

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 Braking and

Stopping on page 78. Contact Tesla

immediately.

A brake booster fault has been detected.
See Braking and Stopping on page 78.

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

page 78. Contact Tesla immediately.

A parking brake fault is detected.
Contact Tesla. See Parking Brake on page

80.

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 Airbags

on page 48.

Front fog lights are on, if equipped. See

Lights on page 74.

Parking lights (side marker lights, tail
lights, and license plate lights) are on.
See Lights on page 74.

Low beam headlights are on.

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

Lights on page 74.

High beam headlights are currently

The parking brake is manually applied.
See Parking Brake on page 80.

Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a
tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
detected, the indicator flashes. For a
TPMS fault, contact Tesla. See Tire Care

and Maintenance on page 186.

A seat belt for an occupied seat is not
fastened. See Seat Belts on page 39.

16 MODEL S Owner's Manual

turned on, and Auto High Beam (if
equipped) is ready to turn o the high
beams if light is detected in front of
Model S. See Lights on page 74.

High beam headlights are temporarily
turned o because Auto High Beam (if
equipped) is on and is detecting light in
front of Model S. When light is no longer
detected, the high beams automatically
turn back on. See

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

Lights on page 74.

Indicator Description

86. If this indicator remains on, a fault is

detected and you should immediately
contact Tesla.

If a fault is detected that reduces the
performance of the air suspension
system, this amber indicator light
displays (see Air Suspension on page

81). If the problem persists, contact

Tesla.

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

page 81). Contact Tesla.

Vehicle Hold is actively applying the
brakes. See Vehicle Hold on page 85.

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

Traction Control on page 86.

Instrument Panel

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

Transport Mode on page 216.

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
heat your Battery by turning on climate
control with the mobile app. The

snowflake disappears when the Battery is
suciently warm.

A green icon appears when regenerative
braking is limited. See Regenerative

Braking on page 79 for more

information.

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.

Model S is plugged in, you can

17Overview

Voice Commands

NOTE: Voice commands are not available in all
languages. To choose the language you want to use for
voice commands, touch Controls > Display > Voice
Recognition Language.

Use voice commands to easily control settings and
preferences without using the touchscreen. Voice
commands are designed to understand natural requests.
Use them to:

•

Adjust climate preferences.

•

Tweak the windshield wiper speed and frequency.

• Control various aspects of your vehicle.

• Navigate to a location.

• Call a contact.

Interact with apps and settings.

•

To initiate a voice command, fully press the microphone
button on the right side of the steering yoke (or steering
wheel). When a chime sounds, make your request, then
Model S provides onscreen responses.

• "Increase/decrease the fan speed"

• "Turn on/o rear defroster"

"Set the temperature/fan..."

•

• "Turn on recirculate"

Windshield Wipers

Update the windshield wiper speed and frequency
based on changing road and weather conditions:

•

"Speed up the wipers"

• "Increase/decrease windshield wiper speed by..."

"Turn on/o the wipers"

•

Vehicle Controls

You can also modify various controls in your vehicle
using voice commands:

NOTE: Your vehicle must be in Park to enable some
voice commands (such as Sentry Mode, Dog Mode, etc.).

Examples of Voice Commands

Here is a list of example voice commands. This is not an
exhaustive list. Tesla is constantly working to improve
voice commands.

Climate Controls

Adjust your climate preferences using voice commands:

"Make it cooler"

•

• "Make it warmer"

• "Turn on/o the driver's seat heater"

"Cool down the passenger"

•

"Direct airflow to my face"

•

• "Sync climate"

"Sentry Mode on/o"

•

"Keep my car safe"

•

"Lock/unlock the doors"

•

"Turn on Dog Mode"

•

"Fold/unfold the mirrors"

•

"Open/close charge port"

•

"Start/stop charging"

•

"Open service settings"

•

"Open the glovebox"

•

Navigation

To search for, or navigate to, a location, say:

"Where is [location]?"

•

"Drive to [location]"

•

"Navigate to [location]"

•

"Show nearby Superchargers"

•

"I'm feeling hungry/lucky" (see Maps and Navigation

•

on page 156).

• "Stop navigation"

• "Mute voice guidance"

If you have defined a navigation address for your home
or work locations, you can use a voice command to
navigate there by saying "Navigate home" or "Take me
to work".

18 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Contacts

To call or text a contact on your Bluetooth-connected
phone (see

page 60), say:

• "Call [contact name/phone number]"

• "Text [contact name/phone number]"

Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing on

Media

To listen to and adjust your media preferences, say:

"Listen to [song name]"

•

• "Lower/raise the volume"

• "Skip to next"

"Pause/play song"

•

• "Change the source to [media source]"

To improve voice command recognition accuracy,
provide multiple cues in your command, such as artist
and song.

Voice Commands

Apps and Settings

Easily navigate through your apps and settings using
voice commands:

"Open [Toybox/browser/theater/phone]"

•

"Search for..."

•

"The screen is too bright"

•

"Show me the Owner's Manual"

•

Some apps and settings are only accessible while in
Park.

You can also file a bug report by saying "Report" ,
"Feedback", or "Bug report".

For more information on voice commands, go to https://

www.tesla.com/support/voice-commands.

NOTE: To support ongoing quality improvements, Tesla
captures and processes voice command transcriptions
(such as “set the temperature…”). Audio voice
recordings are not collected, and transcriptions are not
associated with your Tesla account or with your vehicle's
identification number. To further protect your privacy,
voice commands containing personal data are not
captured (such as "Navigate to..." or "Make a call to...").

19Overview

Cameras

Your Model S includes the following components that
actively monitor the surrounding area:

1. A camera is mounted above the rear license plate.

Ultrasonic sensors (if equipped) are located in the

2.
front and rear bumpers.

3. A camera is mounted in each door pillar.

Two cameras are mounted to the windshield above

4.
the rear view mirror.

A camera is mounted to each front fender.

5.

Radar (if equipped) is mounted behind the front

6.
bumper.

Model S is also equipped with high precision
electronically-assisted braking and steering systems.

Cabin Camera

Your Model S is equipped with a cabin camera located
above the rear view mirror. For more information, see

Cabin Camera on page 138.

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
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
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
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
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
message.

NOTE: Model S must repeat the calibration process if the
cameras are serviced by Tesla, and in some cases, after a
software update.

Model S has not completed the

instrument panel displays a

instrument panel

Controls >

five lanes) that has clear

Keeping Cameras Free of
Obstructions

Ensure all cameras are clean and free of obstructions
before each drive and before using Autopilot features
(see Cleaning a Camera on page 192). Dirty cameras
and sensors (if equipped), as well as environmental
conditions such as rain and faded lane markings, can
aect Autopilot performance. If a camera is obstructed
or blinded, Model S displays a message on the
instrument cluster and Autopilot features may not be
available. For more information on specific alerts, see

Troubleshooting Alerts on page 225.

20 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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
(see

Mobile App on page 54).

Cameras

21Overview

Keys

Types of Keys

Model S supports the following types of keys:

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.

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

Key card - Tesla provides two key cards that

•
communicates with
frequency identification (RFID) signals. The key card
is used to "authenticate" phone keys to work with
Model S and to add or remove other keys. Unlike the
phone key
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

Key fob - The key fob (if equipped) allows you to

•
press buttons to open the front and rear trunks, and
unlock, lock, and drive
supports automatic locking and unlocking, if available
in your region (see Walk-Away Door Lock on page

27Passive Locking and Unlocking on page 24)

and can be used as a backup to 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:

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.

and key fobs, the key card does not

Model S.

Remember to bring a key with you

Model S using short range radio-

Model S. The key fob also

Phone Key

3. Ensure:

◦

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.

While inside or near the vehicle, open the Tesla

4.
mobile app and touch Set Up Phone Key on the main
screen, or navigate to
Follow the prompts on the mobile app and vehicle
touchscreen to set up your phone key.

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 25).

Security > Set Up Phone Key.

CAUTION:

vehicle (for example, if you are hiking or at the
beach). If you must leave your phone in the
vehicle, disable Bluetooth and/or turn the phone

o.

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 the doors unlock
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

Walk-Away Door Lock on page 27).

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

Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.

1.

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

Do not leave your paired phone in your

when you press

Model S.

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

Once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer
requires an internet connection to be used as a phone
key for
access your phone's contacts, play media from it, etc.,
you must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth
device (see Bluetooth on page 57).

Some smartphones with NFC capability can be used to
lock/unlock your vehicle, just like using a key card.
Ensure the Tesla mobile app is correctly paired to your
vehicle and enable the NFC function on your phone.
Once enabled, simply hold the phone to the driver's side
door pillar to lock or unlock the door. Refer to your
smartphone's instructions for
how to do this.

Model S. However, to use the phone hands-free,

o its Bluetooth setting.

specific information on

22 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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
exterior lights
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.

Model S detects the key card, the

flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold

Keys

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

NOTE:

Away Door Lock on page 27) operates only when you

walk away using a phone key or passive key fob. When
you walk away carrying your key card,
automatically unlock/lock.

Key Fob

Model S does not

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 65). 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.

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, or date of manufacture, your vehicle may
not come with a key fob. Go to http://shop.tesla.com for
more information.

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.

Rear trunk - Double-click to open or close the rear

1.
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.

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

3.

23Opening and Closing

Keys

Once inside, power up Model S by pressing the brake
pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button
on the key fob (see #unique_104 on page ). 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.

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
(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).

one foot

Instructions for changing the battery are provided in

Replacing the Key Fob Battery on page 25.

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

Managing Keys on page 25). 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.

CAUTION:

temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid
contact with solvents, waxes, and abrasive
cleaners.

Protect the key from impact, high

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.

Point the front of the key fob down.

2.

Swipe downwards.

3.

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
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

27). Passive locking and unlocking is automatically

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.

Walk-Away Door Lock on page

liftgate's exterior

24 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Keys

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.

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:

With the key fob placed button side down on a soft

1.
surface, release the bottom cover, using a small

bladed tool.

flat-

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.

Managing Keys

To display a list of all keys 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 Adding and

Removing Keys on page 25.

Remove the battery by lifting it away from the

2.
retaining clips.

While avoiding touching the battery's flat surfaces,

3.
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.

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
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.

NOTE: If you are leasing your vehicle, contact your
leasing company to add or remove keys.

or key fob on one

Adding and Removing Keys

To add a new key:

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

On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks > Keys >

1.
Add Key.

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.

25Opening and Closing

Keys

◦ 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

When complete, the key list includes the new key.

4.
Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the
name of the key.

confirm new key pairing.

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.

On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.

1.

In the key list, find the key that you would like to

2.
delete and touch its associated trash icon.

When prompted, scan an authenticated key on the

3.
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.

Replacing Key cards

If you lose a key card, you can purchase replacement
ones on the Tesla Shop. When ready to pair, simply
follow the steps in Adding and Removing Keys on page

25. Remember to remove your old key cards from

Controls > Locks > Keys for security purposes.

In the event you lose both keys cards, schedule a service
appointment through the mobile app to replace and pair
them.

26 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 by touching
Locks > Auto-Present Handles. Select Exclude Home to
disable door handle presentation at home (set your
home address by touching

Navigate > Set Home).

Controls >

Doors

To prevent children from opening the rear doors,

NOTE:

turn on child locks (see Child Locks on page 28).

You can also use the touchscreen popup to open and
close doors when inside Model Swhile the vehicle is in
Park .

Insert your hand into the handle and pull to open the
door.

Door handles retract if you do not use them within ten
seconds after they extend. Just press a handle to extend
it again. Door handles also retract ten seconds after the
last door closes, when
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.

Model S begins moving, and

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.

NOTE: In the unlikely event that Model S has no low
voltage power, you will be unable to open the doors with
the button on the top of the door handle. See

Doors with No Power on page 224 for more

information.

Opening

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.

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

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
Away Door Lock.

When the doors lock, the exterior lights flash once and
the mirrors fold (if
confirmation sound when Model S locks, touch Controls
> Locks > Lock Confirmation Sound.

NOTE: Touch Toybox > Boombox > Lock Sound to
customize the lock sound when the vehicle is locked
from the outside (Pedestrian Warning System required).

o, touch Controls > Locks > Walk-

Fold Mirrors is on). To also hear a

Model S does not automatically lock if:

27Opening and Closing

Doors

• 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 158.

•

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.

•

The driver does not use the driver door to get out of
the vehicle.

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).

Driver Door Unlock Mode

Enabling Controls > Locks > Driver Door Unlock Mode
only unlocks the driver door when you first unlock
Model S. The driver door unlocks only if a key is present
on the driver side of the vehicle and not the passenger
side. To unlock the remaining doors, long press the
button located at the top of the interior driver door
handle, use the touchscreen, mobile app or press the key
fob a second time.

Car Left Open Notifications

To receive a mobile notification if a door, trunk and/or
window is left open or if
unexpectedly, touch Controls > Locks > Car Left Open
Notifications.

Model S is left unlocked

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.

WARNING:

child locks when children are seated in the rear
seats.

It is recommended that you turn on

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.

28 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Windows

Opening and Closing

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure windows are

closed after locking the vehicle.

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.

UV Index Rating

The roof, windshields, and windows in Model S are
excellent at protecting you from UV (ultraviolet) rays.
The glass components score less than 2 on the UV Index
scale. Review your region’s UV Index
more information. You are still responsible for taking the
necessary precautions for sun protection.

specifications for

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

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 Cold Weather Best Practices on page 153
for information on preparing windows for cold weather.

notification to the mobile app (touch Controls >

CAUTION:

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:

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.

To avoid damage, windows

Before closing a window, it is the

29Opening 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).

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

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 30).

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

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):

Open the trunk, then manually lower or raise the

1.
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.

Confirm that you have set it to the desired height by

3.
closing the liftgate, then reopening it.

CAUTION:

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
you double-click, it closes.

30 MODEL S Owner's Manual

liftgate while opening, when

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.

Depending on configuration (such as

• 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

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

Model S.

Rear Trunk

Rear Trunk Load Limits

Distribute the weight of cargo as evenly as possible
between the front and rear trunks.

CAUTION:

the lower compartment of the rear trunk or more
than 287 lbs (130 kg) on the upper compartment.
Doing so can cause damage.

WARNING:

the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
(see Specifications on page 201). The GVWR is
the maximum allowable total mass of the vehicle
including all passengers, fluids, and cargo.

Never load more than 88 lbs (40 kg) in

When loading cargo, always consider

31Storage Areas

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.

•

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

WARNING:

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.

Before opening or closing the hood, it

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:

Lower the hood until the striker touches the latches.

1.

Place both hands on the front of the hood in the

2.
areas shown (in green), then press down firmly to
engage the latches.

Carefully try to lift the front edge of the hood to

3.
ensure that it is fully closed.

CAUTION:

• 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:

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. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure
that the front trunk is properly closed before
driving.

To prevent damage:

Before driving, you must ensure that

If the front trunk is left open when you attempt to shift
out of Park, a notification requiring you to confirm your
intent to drive appears on the touchscreen. If you
choose to keep the front trunk open while driving, your
vehicle speed is limited.

32 MODEL S Owner's Manual

The front trunk locks when:

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

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

Door Lock on page 27 is turned on).

•

Valet mode is active (see Valet Mode on page 92).

Front Trunk Load Limit

Distribute the weight of cargo as evenly as possible
between the front and rear trunks.

Front Trunk

CAUTION:

the front trunk. Doing so can cause damage.

WARNING:

the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
(see Specifications on page 201). The GVWR is
the maximum allowable total mass of the vehicle
including all passengers, fluids, and cargo.

Never load more than 110 lbs (50 kg) in

When loading cargo, always consider

Interior Emergency Release

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

Press the interior release button to unlatch the front
trunk, then push up on the hood.

NOTE: The interior release button glows following a brief
exposure to ambient light.

WARNING:

front trunk. Never shut the front trunk when a
person is inside.

WARNING:

objects inside the front trunk do not bump against
the release button, causing the hood to
accidentally open.

People should never climb inside the

Care should be taken to ensure that

33Storage Areas

Interior Storage

Center Console

In addition to housing an RFID transmitter that reads key
fobs and key cards (see Keys on page 22), the center
console includes cup holders, two storage
compartments, various chargers (see

on page 11), and a rear touchscreen.

To open the main storage compartment, squeeze the
latch under the front lip. Open the front storage
compartment by sliding its cover forward.

Interior Electronics

Glovebox

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

Rear 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 Interior Electronics on page 11), 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 139).

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

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 92). It does not lock when Model S is

locked by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen.

WARNING:

closed to prevent injury to a passenger if a
collision or sudden stop occurs.

o.

Valet

When driving, keep the glovebox

34 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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.

Interior Storage

35Storage Areas

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:

Sit upright with both feet on the floor and the seat

1.
back in an upright position.

Make sure you can easily reach the pedals and that

2.
your arms are slightly bent when holding the steering
yoke (or steering wheel). Your chest should be at
least 10 inches (25 cm) from the center of the airbag
cover.

Place the shoulder section of the seat belt mid-way

3.
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.

Move seat forward/backward and adjust the seat’s

1.
height and tilt angle up/down.

Adjust backrest.

2.

Adjust lumbar support.

3.

WARNING:

that the area around the seat is free of obstacles
(people and objects).

WARNING:

Doing so increases the risk of a collision.

WARNING:

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.

Before adjusting a front seat, check

Do not adjust seats while driving.

Riding in a moving vehicle with the

36 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Front and Rear Seats

Calibrating Seats

(If equipped) You can calibrate the driver seat. This is
useful if you find your seat range limited or your driver
profile does not automatically adjust the seat for you.
Navigate to
Mirrors Calibration and follow the instructions on the
touchscreen.

Controls > Service > Driver Seat, Steering &

WARNING: Ensure nothing is behind or

underneath the driver seat during calibration.
Failure to do so may cause serious injury.

Folding Rear Seats

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

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.

To return the seats to their upright position, pull
upwards until it locks into place. To
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.

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.

confirm that the seat

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.

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.

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 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.

Insert a short, flat object (such as a small flat-head

3.
screwdriver) into the opening on the inside base of
the opposite post and pull the head support upward.

37Seating 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:

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.

To avoid burns resulting from

Seat Covers

WARNING:

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.

Do not use seat covers on front seats.

38 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.

All 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.
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 (see Installing Seat Belt

Retained Child Seats on page 44).

The seat belt reel automatically tightens or locks to
prevent movement of occupants if Model S experiences
a force associated with hard acceleration, braking,
cornering, or an impact in a collision.

To securely hold child safety seats, all

Seat Belt Reminders

The seat belt reminder
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.

WARNING:

in all seating positions. Do not disable a seat belt
reminder when the seating position is occupied by
a passenger.

Seat belts must be worn by passengers

on the instrument

2. Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the belt lays
across the pelvis, chest and mid-point of your collar
bone, between the neck and shoulder. Ensure the belt
is routed correctly and is not twisted. Never sit on the
seat belt or any seat belt component.

WARNING: A twisted or incorrectly routed seat
belt can cause damage and interfere with the
functionality of the seat belt system.

3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and press
together until you hear a click indicating it is locked
in place.

Pull the belt to check that it is securely fastened.

4.

Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward the reel to

5.
remove excess slack.

flat

To Release a Belt

Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the belt from
retracting too quickly, then press the button on the
buckle. The belt retracts automatically. Ensure there is
no obstruction that prevents the belt from fully
retracting. The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt
does not fully retract, contact Tesla.

Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant

Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the seat belt
over the abdominal area. Wear the lap section of the
belt as low as possible across the hips, not the waist.
Position the shoulder portion of the belt between the
breasts and to the side of the abdomen. Consult your
doctor for

specific guidance.

To Fasten a Belt

1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat. See (see

Correct Driving Position on page 36) for details on

the correct position of the driver's seat.

39Seating and Safety Restraints

Seat Belts

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.

The rear outboard seats are equipped with shoulder pre­tensioners to retract the seat belt webbing to reduce
forward movement of the occupant.

WARNING: Do not bend, sit on, or interfere with
the pre-tensioner assembly. Doing so can cause
damage that interferes with the proper
functionality of the seat belt system.

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

WARNING: If the seat belt is uncomfortable, adjust

the seating position instead of wearing the seat
belt incorrectly.

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 collision.
The pre‑tensioners automatically retract both the seat
belt lower anchor and the upper shoulder webbing,
reducing slack in both the lap and diagonal portions of
the belts, resulting in reduced forward movement of the
occupant.

To confirm that seat belts are operating correctly,
perform these checks on each seat belt.

With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing nearest

1.
the buckle a quick and forceful pull. The buckle
should remain securely locked.

With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing closest

2.
to the door a quick and forceful pull. The permanent
seat belt attachment should remain securely locked.
Never attempt to remove this attachment.

With the belt unfastened, unreel the webbing to its

3.
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.

With the webbing half unreeled, hold the tongue

4.
plate and pull forward quickly. The mechanism should
lock automatically and prevent further unreeling.

If a seat belt fails any of these tests, repair immediately.
Do not allow occupants to sit in a seat with a failed seat
belt.

For information about cleaning seat belts, see Seat Belts

on page 194.

Seat Belt Warnings

WARNING:

occupants at all times, even if driving for a very
short distance. Failure to do so increases the risk
of injury or death if a collision occurs.

WARNING:

safety seat as described in the Owner's Manual.
Always follow the child safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing.

40 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Seat belts should be worn by all

Secure small children in a suitable child

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: Never sit on top of any seat belt
component. Doing so can cause damage or
improper deployment of safety equipment.

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, or
have been cut or damaged in any way must be
replaced immediately.

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. Use the mobile app to schedule a
service appointment.

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 seat
belt with slack 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, schedule a
service appointment.

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

Seat Belts

41Seating and Safety Restraints

Child Safety Seats

Passenger Front Airbag Must Be OFF

Your Model S seat belts are designed for adults and larger children. You must restrain infants and small children in
the rear seats only, and you must use a suitable child safety seat appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and size.

WARNING: Never seat a child in the front passenger seat, even if using a child restraint system.

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 48).

When driving with a child seated on the front passenger seat (if permitted), always double-check
the status of the passenger front airbag to

To protect an adult subsequently occupying the front passenger seat, always double-check the
passenger front airbag to

WARNING:

seated in the front passenger seat. If the passenger front airbag fails to disable with a child seat in position,
place the child and child restraint system in the rear seat and use the mobile app to schedule a service
appointment immediately.

WARNING:

increases the risk of injury. Pay attention to all warnings displayed on the touchscreen.

WARNING:

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 91).

It is the driver's responsibility to confirm that the passenger front airbag is OFF when a child is

Always ensure that all Model S seats are locked in position before traveling. Failure to do so

Do not associate the Easy Entry setting with the driver's profile when a child is seated in a rear

confirm that it is ON.

confirm that it is OFF.

42 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 www.nhtsa.gov/ChildSafety/Guidance.

Category Infants Toddlers Young children

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

than 57 in. (145 cm) tall

Weight Up to at least 20 lbs (9

kg)*

Type of child safety seat Rear facing (or

convertible)

Seat position Rear facing only* Rear facing as long as

Recommended
attachment method

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.***

Over 20 lbs (9 kg)
(minimum) and up to 40 lbs
(18 kg)*

Forward facing (or
convertible)*

possible, then forward
facing*

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

Secure the booster seat
using lower LATCH
anchors (if available) and
then restrain the child with
the seat belt. If the
booster seat is not
equipped with LATCH
anchors, then secure the
booster seat with the child
using the seat belt.
However, if the combined
weight of the child and
booster seat exceeds
65 lbs (29 kg), secure the
booster seat with the child
using the seat belt only.

* 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

*** 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: http://

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

UCSSS.

43Seating 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.

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
engages only when the seat belt is at its maximum
extension point.

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.

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.

Place the child safety seat in Model S, and fully

1.
extend the seat belt. Route and buckle the seat belt
in accordance with the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.

fully extended. The ALR system

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.

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.

Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove all slack in

2.
the seat belt while
seat into the Model S seat.

44 MODEL S Owner's Manual

firmly pushing the child safety

3. Once all slack has been removed, forcefully pull the
seat belt webbing to confirm that the automatic
locking retractor (ALR) is engaged.

NOTE: The ALR disengages only after unbuckling and
fully retracting the seat belt webbing. Once
disengaged, the belt must be fully extended to re­engage the locking mechanism.

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

Attaching Upper Tether Straps on page 46).

Installing ISOFIX (LATCH) Child
Seats

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

identified by a child safety seat identification

Child Safety Seats

To install a
equipped) to allow access to the anchors.

LATCH child safety seat, lift the flap (if

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.

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
fits snugly. The flap (if equipped) remains open when
the child seat is installed.

firmly against the seat back to ensure it

45Seating and Safety Restraints

Child Safety Seats

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

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:

to the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat.

WARNING:

CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THE CENTER SEATING
POSITION.

Tighten upper tether straps according

USE ONLY SEAT BELT RETAINED

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:

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

Position single-strap tethers for the outboard seating
positions to route on the outside of the head support.
Position a single strap in the center seating position to
route 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.

•

46 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Child Safety Seats

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.

If the seat moves more than one inch (2.5 cm), it is

2.
too loose. Tighten the belt or reconnect the LATCH
retained child safety seat.

If you are unable to reduce slack, try a dierent seat

3.
location or try another child safety seat.

Child Safety Seat Warnings

WARNING:

child safety seat using the seat’s integrated 5­point harness for as long as possible.

WARNING:

seat belt that is being used to install a child safety
seat or booster seat.

WARNING:

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:

one anchor point. In a collision, one anchor point
may be incapable of securing both seats.

WARNING:

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:

straps for damage and wear.

WARNING:

the child is secured in a child safety seat.

WARNING:

been involved in a collision. Have the seat
inspected or replaced as described in the child
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Children should ride in a rear facing

Do not use seat belt extenders on a

When seating larger children, make

Never attach two child safety seats to

Child restraint anchors are designed to

Always check harnesses and tether

Never leave a child unattended, even if

Never use a child safety seat that has

WARNING:

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.

WARNING:

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:

children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions.

WARNING:

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:

held on an adult's lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety seat at all
times.

WARNING:

follow all instructions provided in this document
and by the manufacturer of the child safety seat.

Extreme hazard! Do not seat a child on

Child restraint systems are designed to

According to collision statistics,

Do not use a forward facing child

Do not allow a baby or infant to be

To ensure children are safely seated,

47Seating 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.

Passenger knee airbag

1.

Passenger front airbag

2.

3. Seat-mounted side airbags

4. Curtain airbags

Driver knee airbag

5.

Driver front airbag

6.

48 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
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
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.

inflate instantly with considerable force

inflate in all frontal collisions, such

WARNING:

accommodate a person with disabilities in a way
that may aect the airbag system, use the mobile
app to schedule a service appointment.

Before modifying your vehicle to

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

Seat-mounted airbags: A seat-mounted side airbag in

•
the front seats helps protect the pelvis and the
thorax region of the torso. The seat-mounted airbag
on the inside portion of the driver's seat helps protect
the head and torso. Seat-mounted airbags on both
the impacted and non-impacted side of the vehicle

inflate in the event of a severe side impact or a severe
oset frontal impact.

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

eectively.

inflate only if a severe

The Passenger Airbag
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 also displays when the seat is
unoccupied. When driving with a child
seat on the front passenger seat (if
permitted in your market region), always
double-check the status of the
passenger front airbag to
is OFF.

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

The airbag indicator displays on the touchscreen for a
few seconds at the start of every drive to check the
following functionality:

Airbags

•

Seat belt pre-tensioners

•

Impact sensors

•

Occupant/seat belt sensors

•

Passive safety component wiring harnesses

•

Onboard RCM components (ex: accelerometer and

•
other passive safety components)

After this check, the airbag indicator turns o. If the
airbag system detects a fault in any of the previously
mentioned components, the airbag warning indicator
stays on. In this case contact Tesla service immediately.
Do not drive the vehicle until the airbag system is
inspected by Tesla.

O indicator

confirm that it

inflate when a

Airbag Status Indicator

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

49Seating and Safety Restraints

Airbags

Front Passenger Occupant Detection

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

NOTE: The occupancy classification system (OCS) automatically detects when inflating the passenger front airbag
would be unnecessary or potentially harmful.

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

Object Classification OCS Passenger

Airbag Status*

Empty OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

Object OFF or ON PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

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

Large child OFF or ON PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

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. Use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment.

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
approximately six seconds can occur before the touchscreen displays the PASS AIRBAG OFF status. If it fails to do
so, use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment 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/

or PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

or PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

or PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

20 lbs (9 kg) or less, a delay of

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 use the mobile app to schedule a service
appointment 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:

previously described, use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment immediately.

50 MODEL S Owner's Manual

If the front passenger airbag is not turning on or o as expected based on the weight thresholds

Airbags

WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to confirm that the passenger front airbag is OFF when a child is
seated in the front passenger seat (if permitted). If the passenger front airbag fails to disable with a child seat
in position, place the child and child restraint system in the rear seat and use the mobile app to schedule a
service appointment 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.

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

Ensuring Accurate Occupant
Detection

To help ensure an occupant in the front passenger seat
can be accurately detected, 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
See Examples of Correct and Incorrect Seating

Positions on page 51.

Remain positioned on the seat cushion and not lift

•
their weight
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

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.

o the seat (for example, by pushing

classification system:

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 be seated in a rear seat.

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. Use the
mobile app to schedule a service appointment.

WARNING: To ensure accuracy of the occupant
detection system, do not make any modifications
to the front passenger seat and do not use seat
covers. Modifying the seat, or using seat covers,
can restrict deployment of the seat-mounted side
airbags 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:

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 use the mobile
app to schedule a service appointment to have the
airbag system checked.

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

51Storage Areas

Airbags

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

Inflation

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:

• United States only: Your vehicle automatically dials
911 if Controls > Safety > Automatic 911 calls is
enabled. Cancellation instructions as well as a
countdown timer display on the touchscreen.

Doors unlock, and the door handles extend.

•

Hazard warning lights turn on.

•

Interior lights turn on.

•

High voltage is disabled (you must use the mobile

•
app to schedule a service appointment to restore
high voltage power).

Windows go to the vent position.

•

Vehicle applies the brakes to come to a stop.

•

Eects

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

NOTE: Depending on the nature of the impact and the
forces involved, doors may not unlock in a collision
and/or damage may prevent them from opening. In such
cases, the door may need to be opened using the
interior manual release, or other means of extrication
(for example, exiting through another door, breaking the
window, etc.).

Airbag Warnings

WARNING:

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

WARNING:

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:

their arms over the airbag module, as an inflating
airbag can cause fractures or other injuries.

Do not place objects over or near

All occupants, including the driver,

Front seat occupants should not place

52 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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

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 inches
(25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and an
airbag.

WARNING: Children should not be seated on the
front passenger seat unless permitted by
regulations in your market region. 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 in a rear-facing child restraint
system on a seat equipped with an operational
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. These include but are not
limited to: steering wheel covers, decals, seat
cushions, pillows, etc. 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

53Seating and Safety Restraints

Mobile App

The Tesla mobile app allows you to communicate with
Model S remotely using your iPhone® or Android™
phone.

NOTE: The information below may not represent an
exhaustive list of the functions available on the Tesla
mobile app. To ensure access to new and improved
features, download updated versions of the mobile app
as they become available.

To Use the Mobile App

To set up the Tesla mobile app to communicate with
your Model S:

Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.

1.

2. Log in to the Tesla mobile app by entering your Tesla
account credentials.

Enable mobile access to your Model S by touching

3.
Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access.

Your phone and vehicle must both be actively
connected to cellular service or Wi-Fi for the mobile app
to communicate with your vehicle. Tesla recommends
that you always have a functional physical key readily
available if parking in an area with limited or absent
cellular service, such as an indoor parking garage.

NOTE: In the event that you require lockout assistance
from Tesla due to a non-warranty issue, such as having
limited cellular connectivity and having no secondary
key available, your expenses are not covered under the
Roadside Assistance policy.

NOTE: Tesla does not support the use of third party
applications to contact Model S.

• View your vehicle’s odometer, VIN, and current
software version.

Media settings appear on the mobile app to pause, play,
rewind, fast forward, and adjust the volume of the media
currently playing in the vehicle. You may need to enable
Media settings by touching
Allow Mobile Control.

For supported video sources, send videos to Tesla
Theater by sharing the link through the mobile app.
Navigate to the movie, show, or video you want to play
on your phone and touch the share button. Share the
video with the Tesla app and it appears on the
touchscreen if

Model S is in Park.

Audio Settings > Options >

Profile

In the Profile tab located at the top corner, you can:

Switch to a dierent vehicle associated with your

•
Tesla account, if you have access to more than one.

Navigate the Tesla Shop.

•

Manage your account information and view your

•
order history.

View and customize notifications you receive under

•
the Settings tab, such as Calendar sync, when your
security alarm has been triggered, charging updates,
and new software updates. You can start updates
from afar and check its progress.

Controls

The Controls tab allows you to do the following:

Open the front or rear trunk.

Overview

When both your phone and the vehicle have internet
service, the Tesla mobile app's home screen allows you
to:

Lock or unlock your vehicle.

•

Enable or disable the heating or air conditioning and

•
monitor the cabin climate.

• Check your vehicle's charging information. Charging
details also appear when a charging cable is plugged
in.

• Open or close the charge port.

NOTE: Twisting red lines next to the Battery icon
indicate that the Battery is actively heating up
(including while charging or preparing to charge).

• See where your vehicle is located.

• View your vehicle’s estimated range.

• Open the front trunk.

54 MODEL S Owner's Manual

•

Lock or unlock Model S from afar.

•

NOTE: Your vehicle does not automatically re-lock if
you unlock from the mobile app.

Open or close the charge port.

•

Flash the lights or honk the horn to find where

•
Model S is parked.

Enable Keyless Driving.

•

NOTE: Keyless Driving can be used when you do not
have your key or to bypass PIN to Drive in cases
where you forgot your PIN or your touchscreen is
unresponsive (see

Open and close your garage door if your vehicle has

•
a programmed HomeLink connection, if available (see

Smart Garage on page 62).

Vent the windows.

•

PIN to Drive on page 139).

Mobile App

Climate

You can check the interior temperature and heat or cool
the cabin before driving (even if it’s in a garage), control
the seat heaters, and defrost the windshield:

• Enable or disable Defrost Car, which helps melt snow,
ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and
mirrors, by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

• Enable or disable Dog Mode or Camp Mode.

•

Enable Cabin Overheat Protection, which prevents
the cabin from getting too warm in hot ambient
conditions. You can choose whether you want the
A/C or just the fan to run when the temperature in
the cabin exceeds
temperature (if available). See Operating Climate

Controls on page 146 for more information.

• Vent or close the windows.

Precondition the cabin to your desired temperature

•
and turn on or o the steering yoke (or steering
wheel) and seat heaters.

Using the mobile app to precondition Model S also
warms the Battery as needed. The mobile app will notify
you once your vehicle has reached the desired
preconditioning temperature.

NOTE: 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 your Tesla mobile app to
enable
This can help thaw ice on the charge port latch so the
charge cable can be removed or inserted.

Defrost Car for approximately 30-45 minutes.

105° F (40° C) or the selected

• Pair your phone to the vehicle (see

page 22).

• Enable or disable Sentry Mode (see How to Use

Sentry Mode (With a USB Flash Drive) on page 143).

• Enable or disable Valet Mode (see Valet Mode on

page 92).

•

Enable or disable Speed Limit Mode and receive
notifications when the vehicle's driving speed is
within approximately
selected maximum speed (see Speed Limit Mode on

page 140).

3 mph (5 km/h) of your

Phone Key on

Upgrades

View and purchase the latest upgrades available for your
vehicle, such as full self-driving.

Service

See Schedule Service on page 184 for information on
how to schedule service through the mobile app.

Roadside

View roadside resources and request roadside
assistance (where applicable). For more information on
Roadside Assistance, see Contacting Tesla Roadside

Assistance on page 219.

Granting Access to a Second Driver

Add and remove access permission for an additional
driver from the Tesla mobile app.

Location

Locate Model S with directions, or track its movement
across a map.

Summon

You can park or retrieve Model S using Summon (see

Summon on page 121) or Smart Summon (see Smart
Summon on page 123).

Schedule

Enable scheduled charging or departure, and
precondition the vehicle. See Scheduled Charging and

Scheduled Departure on page 179 for more information.

Scheduled charging or departure can also be saved
based on a preferred location.

Security

The Security tab allows you to do the following:

NOTE: Tesla mobile app version 4.3.1 or higher is
required. Additional drivers can either use a previously
registered Tesla Account or use the app to create a new
Tesla Account.

To add an additional driver, in the Tesla mobile app from
the vehicle home screen, go to Security > Add Driver
and follow the onscreen instructions.

NOTE: The additional driver has access to all app
features except purchasing upgrades.

To remove access, use the mobile app and go to
Security > Manage Drivers and follow the onscreen
instructions.

55Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available as a data connection method and is
often faster than cellular data networks. Connecting to
Wi-Fi is especially useful in areas with limited or no
cellular connectivity. To ensure fast, reliable delivery of
software and map updates, Tesla recommends leaving
Model S connected to a Wi-Fi network whenever
possible (for example, when parked at home).

To connect to a Wi-Fi network:

1.

Touch Controls > Wi-Fi icon at the top of the
Controls screen. Model S begins to scan and display
detected Wi-Fi networks that are within range.

NOTE: If a known Wi-Fi network does not appear in
the list, move Model S closer to the access point or
consider using a range extender.

NOTE: When connecting to a 5GHz network (if
available), check which channels are supported in
your region.

5GHz Network Channels Supported

36-48 52-64 100-140 149-165

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, enter the

2.
password (if necessary), then touch Confirm.

NOTE: Model S does not currently support
connections to captive Wi-Fi networks (a captive Wi­Fi, commonly used by public hotspots, requires you
to access a custom web portal and agree to terms of
service prior to allowing you to log in).

Model S connects to the Wi-Fi network. Whenever

3.
the network is within range, Model S connects to it
automatically.

You can also connect to a hidden network that isn't
shown on the list of scanned networks. Just touch Wi-Fi
Settings, enter the name of the network in the resulting
dialog box, select the security setting, then touch Add

Network.

NOTE: If more than one previously connected network is

within range, Model S connects to the one most recently
used.

NOTE: At Tesla Service Centers, Model S automatically
connects to the Tesla Service Wi-Fi network.

Hotspots and Connectivity

You can also use a mobile hotspot or your phone's
Internet connection via Wi-Fi tethering (subject to fees
and restrictions of your mobile carrier) to access the
internet. To remain connected to Wi-Fi when shifting
into Drive or Reverse, choose the connection from the
Wi-Fi settings screen, then touch
Drive.

56 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Remain connected in

Bluetooth

Bluetooth® Compatibility

You can use various Bluetooth devices in
Model S provided it is paired and within
operating range. For example, you can pair
your Bluetooth-capable phone so you can
use it hands-free. In addition to phones,
you can pair other Bluetooth-enabled
devices with
can pair an iPod Touch, iPad, Android
tablet, etc. from which you can play music.

Before using your phone or other Bluetooth device with
Model S, you must pair it. Pairing sets up Model S to
communicate with supported Bluetooth-capable
devices. You can pair up to ten Bluetooth phones. Unless
you've
if the phone
range, Model S always connects to the last phone that
was used (provided it is within range). To connect to a
dierent phone, see Connecting to a Paired Device on

page 58.

NOTE: Authenticating your phone to use as a key (see

Keys on page 22) does not also allow you to use the

phone hands-free, play media from it, etc. You must also
pair it as described below.

NOTE: On many phones, Bluetooth turns o if the
phone’s battery is low.

NOTE: Although Bluetooth typically supports wireless
communication over distances of up to approximately
30 feet (nine meters), performance can vary based on
the phone, or other device, you are using.

specified a specific phone as a Priority Device, or

specified as Priority Device is not within

CAUTION:

vehicle (for example, if you are hiking or at the
beach). If you must leave your phone in the
vehicle, disable Bluetooth and/or turn the phone

o.

Do not leave your paired phone in your

Model S. For example, you

Pairing a Bluetooth Device

Pairing allows you to use your Bluetooth-capable phone
hands-free to make and receive phone calls, access your
contact list, recent calls, etc. It also allows you to play
media
Model S can connect to it whenever the phone is within
range.

files from your phone. Once a phone is paired,

3. Touch the Bluetooth icon located
Controls screen.

4. On the touchscreen, touch Add New Device > Start
Search. The Bluetooth settings screen displays a list
of all available Bluetooth devices within operating
distance.

5.

Choose the phone (or device) with which you want to
pair. When pairing a phone, the Bluetooth settings
screen displays a randomly generated number. Your
phone also display a number.

6. Check that the number displayed on your phone
matches the number on the Bluetooths settings
screen. Then, on your phone,
to pair.

If prompted on your phone, specify whether you

7.
want to allow
information, such as calendar, contacts and media
files (see Importing Contacts and Recent Calls on

page 57).

If you are experiencing issues importing or connecting
to Bluetooth, see Troubleshooting Bluetooth on page

58 for more information.

When paired, Model S automatically connects, and the
Bluetooth settings screen displays the Bluetooth symbol
next to the device name to indicate that the connection
is active.

You can display the Bluetooth settings screen at any
time and change the settings associated with a
connected device. For example, you can designate a
connected phone as the Priority Device. This is useful in
situations where you have connected more than one
phone, and both phones are frequently used in
at the same time. Model S automatically attempts to
connect to the priority device before others. If a priority
device is not specified, or is not within range, Model S
connects to the most recently used phone (if
applicable).

NOTE: Model S can only support up to two Bluetooth
devices at a time (such as two controllers, or one phone
and one controller).

Model S to access your personal

at the top of the

confirm that you want

Model S

Importing Contacts and Recent
Calls

To pair a phone, follow these steps while sitting inside
Model S:

1. Ensure both the touchscreen and the phone are
powered on.

On your phone, enable Bluetooth and ensure it is

2.
discoverable.

NOTE: On some phones, this may require you to go
to Bluetooth Settings for the remainder of the
procedure.

Once a phone is paired, use the Bluetooth settings
screen to specify whether you want to allow access to
your phone’s contacts, recent calls and text messages. If
you allow access, you can use the phone app to make
calls and send messages to people in your list of
contacts and on your recent calls list (see

Calendar, and Web Conferencing on page 60). Before

contacts can be imported, you may need to either set
your phone to allow syncing, or respond to a popup on
your phone to

confirm that you want to sync contacts.

Phone,

57Connectivity

Bluetooth

This varies depending on the type of phone you are
using. For details, refer to the documentation provided
with your phone.

If you are having trouble importing contacts or paiting
with Bluetooth, see Troubleshooting Bluetooth on page

58 for more information.

NOTE: You can turn access to your contacts and recent
calls on or
icon on the touchscreen, choosing your phone, and then
changing the associated access settings.

o at any time by touching the Bluetooth

Unpairing a Bluetooth Device

If you want to disconnect your phone, or Bluetooth
device, and use it again later, simply touch Disconnect
on the Bluetooth settings screen. If you no longer want
to use your device with
Device. Once you forget a device, you must pair it again
if you want to use it with Model S (see Pairing a

Bluetooth Device on page 57).

NOTE: Your phone automatically disconnects when you
leave Model S.

NOTE: Unpairing the phone has no eect on using the
phone as a key. To forget an authenticated phone, see

Managing Keys on page 25.

Model S, touch Forget This

Connecting to a Paired Device

Model S automatically connects to a phone that you
designated as Priority Device on the Bluetooth settings
screen. If you have not set a phone as a priority,
connects to the last phone to which is was connected,
provided it is within operating range and has Bluetooth
turned on. If the last phone is not within range, it
attempts to connect with the next phone that it has
been paired with.

To connect to a dierent phone, touch the Bluetooth
icon at the top of the Controls screen. The Bluetooth
settings screen displays a list of paired phones. Choose
the phone you want to connect to, then touch
If the phone you want to connect to is not listed, you
must pair the phone. See Pairing a Bluetooth Device on

page 57.

When connected, the Bluetooth settings screen displays
the Bluetooth symbol next to the phone's name to show

Model S is connected to the phone.

that

Model S

Connect.

BLE is used for passive functions like phone key.

NOTE: Do not unpair your vehicle to your phone or
remove it as phone key without a working key card
nearby.

Try the following to troubleshoot Bluetooth, starting
with your smartphone.

Smartphone Troubleshooting

Bluetooth may not connect due to settings and updates
on your smartphone:

Enable Bluetooth on your phone. If already enabled,

•
disable and re-enable Bluetooth again.

• Ensure Airplane Mode is turned o.

Charge your phone; if your phone battery is too low,

•
it may not support Bluetooth functions.

• Pair your device properly. If already paired, try
unpairing and re-pairing again.

Update your phone to the latest software provided

•
by the manufacturer.

Check that your vehicle's sound system is selected as

•
the audio output source.

Ensure your phone's settings allow for Bluetooth (ex:

•
data is turned on or you are connected to Wi-Fi).

Turn your phone o and on again.

•

Ensure location permissions set to “Always On” for

•
the mobile app.

Tesla Mobile App Troubleshooting

Check the Tesla mobile app:

Confirm the Tesla mobile app is up to date on

•
software.

Verify you're logged into the Tesla mobile app while

•
using your phone key.

Ensure the Tesla app is running in the background.

•

Double check that you have completely set up your

•
profile in the mobile app and properly configured
your settings.

Vehicle Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Bluetooth

Your vehicle uses Bluetooth and BLE (Bluetooth Low
Energy) to seamlessly connect your smartphone to
Model S. Due to several potential factors, Bluetooth or
BLE may sometimes disconnect or experience issues in
the pairing process. Connecting to Bluetooth allows your
vehicle to use phone functions such as audio, phone
calls, calendars, text messages, etc.

58 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Your vehicle's settings may aect its ability to pair with
your smartphone:

Charge Model S: If the vehicle Battery is too low, you

•
may lose Bluetooth function.

• Update vehicle software and make sure it is always
up to date. Check for new software updates available
by navigating to

Controls > Software

• Reboot your vehicle.

If Bluetooth still does not work, unpair from your vehicle
AND smartphone. Then try re-pairing both again.

For BLE phone key issues, when in the vehicle, navigate
to

Controls > Locks and remove your phone as "Phone
as Key". Then set it back up again. But only do this while
you are in the vehicle and have a reliable back up key
available (such as a key card).

Bluetooth

59Connectivity

Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing

Using the Phone App

NOTE:

You can also make a phone call by touching a pin
on the map and choosing the phone number (if
available) on the popup screen.

When your phone is connected to Model S
using Bluetooth (see Bluetooth on page

57), and you have allowed access to

information on your phone (see Importing

Contacts and Recent Calls on page 57),

you can use the phone app to display and
make a hands-free call to anyone listed on
your phone.

•

Calls: Displays recent calls in chronological order with
the most recent call listed first.

Messages: Displays message in chronological order

•
with the most recent message listed first. You can
view, send, and receive text messages. Instead of
typing a text message, touch the microphone button
on the right side of the
wheel) to enter text using your voice.

WARNING:

the safety of occupants as well as other road
users, do not view or send text messages when
the vehicle is in motion. Pay attention to road
and trac conditions at all times when driving.

Contacts: Contacts are listed in alphabetical order

•
and can be sorted by first name or last name. You can
also choose a letter on the right side of the list to
quickly scroll to the names that begin with the
selected character. When you touch a name on your
contacts list, the contact's available number(s)
displays on the right pane, along with other available
information (such as address). Touch the contact's
number to make a call.

Favorites: Displays the contacts from your phone that

•
you have identified as Favorites.

Calendar: Displays calendar entries from your phone

•

Calendar on page 60). If an entry includes a

(see
phone number or an address, you can make a phone
call, or navigate to a destination, by touching the
corresponding information in the calendar entry.

To minimize distraction and ensure

steering yoke (or steering

Receiving a Phone Call

When your phone receives an incoming call, the
touchscreen displays the caller’s number or name (if the
caller is in your phone’s contact list and
access to your contacts).

Touch one of the options on the touchscreen to Answer
or Ignore the call. Depending on the phone you are
using and what speakers you used for your most recent
call, your phone may prompt you to choose which
speakers you want to use for the incoming call.

WARNING:

while driving. Using or programming a phone while
driving, even with Bluetooth enabled, can result in
serious injury or death.

WARNING:

use of phones while driving, including, but not
limited to, laws that prohibit texting and require
hands-free operation at all times.

Stay focused on the road at all times

Follow all applicable laws regarding the

Model S has

In Call Options

When a call is in progress, the call displays on the
touchscreen. To adjust the call volume, roll the left scroll
button during a call. Tilt the left scroll button left to
mute/unmute and tilt right to end the call.

Calendar

The calendar displays scheduled events
from your phone’s (iPhone® or Android™)

calendar for the current and next day. The
calendar is conveniently integrated with
the phone app so you can dial into your
meeting from a Calendar entry. It is also
integrated with the navigation system so
you can navigate to the event's location.

Making a Phone Call

You can make a phone call by:

• Speaking a voice command (see Voice Commands on

page 18). Voice commands are a convenient, hands-

free way to call or text your contacts.

• Touching a phone number shown in a list in the
phone app - Contacts, Calls, or Calendar.

• Using the Model S on-screen dialer in the Phone app.

NOTE: If it is safe and legal to do so, you can also initiate
a call by dialing the number or selecting the contact
directly from your phone.

60 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Ensure your phone is paired to Model S.

1.

Ensure your are logged into the Tesla mobile app.

2.

3. In your Tesla mobile app, touch Profile > Settings >

Calendar Sync.

NOTE: To ensure you have access to all of the

calendar's features, it is recommended that you use
the most recent version of the mobile app.

4. On your phone, go to Settings and allow access/give
permission to share your calendar with the Tesla
mobile app. The mobile app can then periodically
(and automatically) send calendar data from your
phone to

Model S.

Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing

If a calendar event includes an address, a navigation
arrow displays to indicate that you can touch the
address to navigate to the event's location. When an
event on your calendar takes place within the next hour
and has a uniquely specified address, the touchscreen
notifies you if there is a better route due to trac, even
when you’re not actively using navigation.

If an event has a uniquely specified address and takes
place within two hours of you entering your vehicle and
preparing to drive,
the event's address (see Automatic Navigation on page

158).

Touch an event's information icon to display all notes
associated with the event. If the notes include one or
more phone numbers, the information icon shows a
phone icon and the calendar displays the
number found. Touch to initiate a phone call. You can
also initiate a phone call by touching any number in an
event's notes popup screen (this is especially useful for
conference calls). If notes include a web link, you can
touch the link to open it in the Web browser.

Zoom

Model S automatically routes you to

first phone

Seamlessly take meetings and calls
through your vehicle's touchscreen. To set
up, touch the Zoom app and sign in or
enter the meeting ID. You can even access
meetings shown on your calendar or in text
messages by touching the Zoom link. Your
vehicle's cabin camera can be used in calls
over Zoom only when Model S is Parked.
When the vehicle is shifted out of Park in
the middle of a Zoom call, the cabin
camera turns
only. Use the touchscreen to turn on/o
the video, mute/unmute yourself, and
customize various preferences for your
meeting.

WARNING:

the vehicle is “temporarily parked” on a public
road (such as when the vehicle is parked along the
curb or in a spot that is not a designated parking
spot)..

WARNING:

follow all applicable laws while driving, including,
but not limited to, laws that require hands-free
operation at all times.

Do not to use the video function when

Stay focused on your surroundings and

o and you switch to audio

61Connectivity

Smart Garage

myQ

If equipped, Model S can intelligently
connect to your myQ smart garage, which
allows you to remotely monitor and control
your garage door from the vehicle's
touchscreen. This is convenient if you
forget to close your garage door, want to
allow friends and family inside, or need the
garage to open or close automatically
when your vehicle is detected nearby.

Follow these steps to set up myQ on your vehicle:

1. Your garage door must be myQ compatible. Use the
myQ Compatibility tool (https://www.myq.com/app/

myq-compatibility) to determine this.

2. Ensure your garage is Wi-Fi compatible. myQ uses
Wi-Fi to communicate with your smart phone and
vehicle. Some garages will have a Wi-Fi or myQ
symbol on the hub. Your garage must have a strong
Wi-Fi signal to control and monitor your garage
through your vehicle.

NOTE: If your garage is not compatible, you may be
able to purchase an external myQ hub to use this
feature.

Download the myQ app from your smart phone's app

3.
store. Use the app to set up your account information
and pair the garage to your phone. myQ requires a
paid subscription, which you can purchase in the app.

Check that your vehicle is running the latest available

4.
software version and has Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity.

Touch the garage icon at the top of the touchscreen

5.
or navigate to Controls > Locks > myQ Connected
Garage > Link Account and follow the instructions to
pair the garage with Model S. Once paired,
monitoring and controlling the garage becomes
available on the touchscreen, where you can further
customize myQ.

For more information, questions, or troubleshooting
assistance, visit

www.myQ.com/Tesla.

WARNING:

Transceiver with a device that does not have safety
stop and reverse features. Using a device without
these safety features increases the risk of injury or
death.

Do not use the HomeLink Universal

Supported Modes

HomeLink supports three dierent transmit modes,
which is how your vehicle and the RF device
communicate. Selecting a transmit mode is determined
by your RF device's compatibility:

•

Standard Mode: Use Standard Mode if your RF device
is equipped with a remote control that must be used
to operate the device (for example, a remote­controlled garage door). This mode is the most
commonly used transmit mode for HomeLink
devices.

• D-Mode or UR-Mode: Use D-Mode or UR-Mode if the
RF device does not have a remote control, and the
receiver has a "Learn" button (may also be called
"Program" or "Smart"). D-Mode and UR-Mode
function similarly in that Model S communicates
directly with the device's receiver as opposed to the
remote control.

NOTE: D-Mode is used primarily in North America
whereas UR-Mode is popular in Europe, the Middle
East, and Asia. To determine the mode your device is
compatible with, contact HomeLink by going to

www.homelink.com or calling 1-800-355-3515.

Each of your devices can be set to a dierent mode. For
example, your garage door can be set to Standard
Mode, your front gate can be set to D-Mode, etc. To
change a transmit mode, touch the HomeLink icon at
the top of the
want to change. Then, select Program and choose the
desired mode for your device. Confirm by touching Set

Mode and follow the onscreen instructions.

NOTE: Check the product information for your

HomeLink device to determine which mode is
compatible with your device.

Controls screen and select the device you

HomeLink Universal Transceiver

If your vehicle is equipped with the
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, you can
operate up to three Radio Frequency (RF)
devices, including garage doors, gates,
lights, and security systems.

NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture, market
region, and options selected at time of purchase, some
vehicles are not equipped with a HomeLink Universal
Transceiver.

62 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Programming HomeLink

To program HomeLink®:

1. Park Model S so that the front bumper is in front of
the device you want to program.

CAUTION:

during programming. Therefore, before
programming, make sure that the device is clear
of any people or objects.

2. Check that the device's remote control has a healthy
battery. Tesla recommends replacing the battery in
the device's remote control before Programming
HomeLink.

Your device might open or close

Smart Garage

3. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls
screen.

4. Touch Create HomeLink.

5. On the HomeLink screen, enter a name for the device,
then touch Enter or Add New HomeLink.

6.

Choose the mode you wish to use (Standard, D­Mode, or UR-Mode), then touch Set Mode.

7. Touch Start and follow the onscreen instructions.

NOTE: If you see a screen called “Train the receiver”
while programming the device, remember that this is
a time-sensitive step. After pressing the Learn/
Program/Smart button on the device's remote
control, you have only approximately 30 seconds to
return to your vehicle and press
press the trained HomeLink device name twice.
Consider having an assistant to ensure you can
complete this step within 30 seconds.

Once your device is programmed, touch Save to

8.
complete the programming.

Ensure HomeLink works as expected. In some cases,

9.
you may need to repeat the programming process
multiple times before succeeding.

Once programmed, you can operate the device by
touching its corresponding HomeLink icon on the
touchscreen. HomeLink remembers the location of your
programmed devices. When you approach a known
location, the HomeLink control on the touchscreen
automatically appears. When you drive away, it
disappears.

NOTE: For additional assistance or compatibility
questions, contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call

1-800-355-3515).

Continue, and then

◦ Select the

checkbox if you want Model S to sound a chime
when a signal has been sent to open or close the
device.

As you approach (or drive away from) a device that is
set to operate automatically, the HomeLink status icon
displays a count-down message to let you know when
the device automatically opens or closes. In situations
where you don't want the device to automatically open
or close, touch
any time during the count-down message.

NOTE: Do not rely on HomeLink to ensure the device
fully closes.

Chime for Auto-open and Auto-close

Skip Auto-Open or Skip Auto-Close at

Resetting the Location of the
HomeLink Device

If you experience situations in which you sometimes
drive up to your HomeLink device and it doesn't open,
or the touchscreen does not display a
approach a programmed device, you may need to reset
the device's location. To do so, park as close as possible
to the HomeLink device (garage door, gate, etc.) and
display the HomeLink settings page by touching the
HomeLink icon at the top of the
the name of the device you want to reset, then touch
Reset Location.

notification as you

Controls screen. Touch

Deleting a Device

To delete a HomeLink device, touch the HomeLink icon
at the top of the
Settings. Touch the name of the device you want to
delete, then touch Delete.

Controls screen, then touch HomeLink

Auto Opening and Closing

To operate a HomeLink device without using the
touchscreen, you can automate the device to open as
you approach, and close as you drive away:

Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls

1.
screen, touch HomeLink Settings, then choose the
device you want to automate.

Adjust the device's HomeLink settings as needed:

2.
Select the Auto-open when arriving checkbox if

◦

you want the device to open as you approach.

◦ Touch the arrows to specify the distance you want

Model S to be from the device before it opens.

Select the Auto-close when leaving checkbox if

◦

you want the device to close as you drive away.

◦ Select the Auto-fold mirrors checkbox if you want

mirrors to fold when you arrive at the HomeLink
location. This is useful for narrow garages.

NOTE: You can also perform a factory reset to erase
your HomeLink settings, along with all other personal
data (saved addresses, music favorites, imported
contacts, etc.). See Erasing Personal Data on page 10.

NOTE: For security reasons, delete your HomeLink
devices if you sell your

Model S.

Troubleshooting HomeLink

Standard Mode

In Standard Mode, Model S records the RF signal from
your HomeLink device's remote control. The
touchscreen instructs you to stand in front of the
vehicle, point the device's remote control at the front
bumper, and press and hold the button until the
headlights
learned the remote control and you can touch Continue
on the touchscreen. If the headlights do not flash:

flash. When the headlights flash, Model S has

63Connectivity

Smart Garage

• Check the batteries in the remote control. It is a good
idea to replace the batteries before you start
programming.

• Ensure you are standing in front of Model S with the
device's remote control positioned within two inches
(five cm) of the Tesla emblem.

•

Press and hold the button on your device's remote
control until the headlights flash. In some cases you
must hold the button on the remote control for up to
three minutes.

NOTE: Some HomeLink remote controls require
multiple short presses (approximately one second
each press) instead of one long duration press. If you
are unsuccessful after multiple attempts of using long
presses, try repeated presses of one second each.

D-Mode and UR-Mode

In D-Mode and UR-Mode, the device’s receiver learns
Model S. The touchscreen instructs you to press the
"Learn" button (may also be called "Program" or
"Smart") on the device's receiver. If this does not work,
refer to the following guidelines:

Park Model S with its bumper as close as possible to

•
the garage door, gate, etc. that you are trying to
program.

Make sure you are pressing the receiver's Learn/

•
Program/Smart button. For instructions on how to
put the receiver into learning mode, refer to the
product details provided with your RF device that
you are trying to program.

If you see a screen called "Train the receiver" while

•
programming the device, remember that this is a
time-sensitive step. After pressing the Learn/
Program/Smart button on the device's remote
control or receiver, you only have approximately 30
seconds to return to your vehicle, press
then press the trained HomeLink device name twice.
Consider having someone assist you with this step.

Most devices stay in learning mode for only three to

•
five minutes. Immediately after pressing the device's
Learn/Program/Smart button, follow the instructions
displayed on the vehicle's touchscreen.

For additional assistance or compatibility questions,
contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call

1-800-355-3515).

Continue,

64 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Starting and Powering O

Starting

When you open a door to enter Model S, the
touchscreen powers 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

If Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S
automatically selects Drive or Reverse based on the
detected surroundings . 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.

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 Shifting on page 71.

NOTE: If PIN to Drive is enabled (see PIN to Drive on

page 139), you must enter a valid PIN on the

touchscreen before you can drive Model S.

Shifting on page 71).

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

Always keep your phone key or a key card with you.
After driving, your key is needed to restart Model S. And
when you leave the vehicle, you must bring your key
with you to lock
automatically.

Model S, either manually or

Powering O

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

Drive Disabled - Requires Authentication

If Model S does not detect a key when you press the
brake (a 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.

When you finish driving and shift into Park, 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 after a short
period 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, your
vehicle shifts into Park when you open the door to exit.
To keep your vehicle in Neutral, see Instructions for

Transporters on page 215.

Power Cycling the Vehicle

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

65Driving

Starting and Powering O

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

on page 8).

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.

66 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)

Adjusting the Steering Yoke (or
Steering Wheel) Position

Depending on options purchased, you may have either a
steering yoke or a steering wheel: the design may dier
but the function is the same.

To adjust the steering yoke (or steering wheel), touch
Controls and touch the Steering icon.

Use the left scroll button on the steering yoke (or
steering wheel) to move the steering yoke (or steering
wheel) to the desired position:

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

To move the steering yoke (or steering wheel) closer

•
to you, or further away from you, press the left scroll
button to the left or right.

You can also customize what you want the left scroll
button to control, such as Climate or Dashcam status. To
customize, hold down the left scroll button and navigate
the menu on the instrument cluster.

WARNING:

wheel) adjustments while driving.

Do not make steering yoke (or steering

Overview of Buttons

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

Right turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 75).

1.

High beam headlights* (see High Beam Headlights on

2.

page 74).

Left turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 75).

3.

Left scroll button (see Left Scroll Button on page

4.

67).

Horn (see Horn on page 68).

5.

Identifier that is always illuminated to indicate that

6.
the right scroll wheel can be used with cruise control.

Wipers* (see Wipers and Washers on page 77).

7.

Right scroll button (see Right Scroll Button on page

8.

68).

Voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 18).

9.

Adjusting Steering Eort

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

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

2. Choose a steering option:
Comfort - Reduces the eort required to turn the

◦

steering yoke (or steering wheel). 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 (or steering wheel). When driving at
higher speeds, Model S feels more responsive.

*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
touchscreen to restart (see Restarting the Touchscreen

on page 8).

Model S is parked causes the

Left Scroll Button

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

67Driving

Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)

•

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 70).

When adjusting the position of the steering yoke (or

•
steering wheel), roll the button up/down to adjust
the tilt/angle and press the button to the left or right
to move the steering yoke (or steering wheel) closer
or further (see Adjusting the Steering Yoke (or

Steering Wheel) Position on page 67).

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).

For incoming calls, press the scroll button to answer.

•
During the call, press the scroll button again to hang
up.

•

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

Autosteer on page 101). If Autopilot Activation is set

to Double Click (touch Controls > Autopilot >

Autopilot Activation), a single push engages Trac-
Aware Cruise Control (see Trac-Aware Cruise

Control on page 100) only and you 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 Summon on page 121).

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.

Heated Steering Yoke (or Steering
Wheel)

To warm up the steering yoke (or steering wheel), touch
the temperature icon on the touchscreen to display
climate controls (see Overview of Climate Controls on

page 146), then touch the steering yoke (or steering

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

Right Scroll Button

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

68 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Horn

For vehicles manufactured as of approximately January
2024: To sound the horn, press the middle of the

steering yoke (or steering wheel).

Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)

For vehicles manufactured prior to approximately
January 2024: To sound the horn, press and hold the

horn button on the right side of the steering yoke (or
steering wheel).

69Driving

Mirrors

Adjusting Exterior Mirrors

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

(or steering wheel) 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.

Mirror Auto Tilt automatically tilts mirrors downward
when backing up. To turn this feature on or
Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Tilt. To adjust the auto­tilt position, make mirror adjustments with Model S
shifted into Reverse. When you shift out of Reverse,
mirrors tilt back to their normal (upward) position. But
now that you have adjusted them for backing up, they
automatically tilt to the selected downward position
whenever you shift into Reverse.

To reduce glare when driving at night, the rear view
mirror and exterior side mirrors dim automatically. To
enable or disable this feature, touch Controls > Mirrors >

Mirror Auto Dim.

NOTE: Both exterior mirrors have heaters that turn on

and o with the rear window defroster.

o, touch

To set the mirrors to fold automatically whenever you
exit and lock
Auto Fold. The mirrors unfold automatically when you
unlock Model S.

You can also set mirrors to fold automatically whenever
you arrive at a
having to manually fold them each time you arrive at a
frequented place. To set up, stop at the location you
want to save (or drive at less than
fold the mirrors. Touch Save Location when it appears
briefly on the Fold Mirrors control.

If you no longer want mirrors to automatically fold,
touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors when they fold at the
saved location and then touch Remove Location.

When you leave the saved location, mirrors unfold when
your driving speed reaches 3 mph (6 km/h), or when
you touch

NOTE: Mirrors can automatically fold if you return to a
saved location and are driving below 31 mph (50 km/h).

NOTE: You can override the automatic folding/unfolding
of mirrors at any time (for example,
power) by pushing the mirror assembly away from you
to unfold, or pulling it toward you to fold.

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

153 for information on how to ensure your mirrors

function properly in cold weather.

You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink
(see Smart Garage on page 62). To enable, go to
HomeLink > Auto-Fold Mirrors when Nearby.

Model S touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror

specific location, which saves you from

3 mph (6 km/h)), and

Controls > Unfold Mirrors.

Model S has no

Cold Weather Best Practices on page

Rear View Mirror

Adjust the rear view mirror 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).

Folding Mirrors

To manually fold and unfold exterior mirrors (for
example, parking in a narrow garage, tight space, etc.),
touch Controls > Fold/Unfold Mirrors.

When you manually fold the mirrors, they remain folded
until your driving speed reaches 31 mph (50 km/h) (or
until you manually unfold them by touching Controls >

Unfold Mirrors).

NOTE: You cannot fold a mirror when driving over 31

mph (50 km/h).

70 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Shifting

Shift 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 or N for
Neutral.
touchscreen when you touch Controls.

The drive mode strip is always available on the

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

instrument panel displays an alert, a

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 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

the Touchscreen on page 71).

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

WARNING:

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.

As always, be aware of your vehicle

Shift Using

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

The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays Park and
Neutral at all times. To shift into Park when driving
below 5 mph (8 km/h), touch the button on the drive
mode strip while pressing the brake pedal. In emergency
situations when driving above
and hold the Park button to slowly bring the vehicle to a
stop.

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

5 mph (8 km/h), press

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 Shift Using the Center Console on

page 72).

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.

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 72).

71Driving

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
pressing both scroll buttons on the steering yoke (or
steering wheel). However, if you press and hold both
buttons simultaneously, the drive mode selector
activates

the Touchscreen on page 8).

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

and the touchscreen restarts (see Restarting

briefly

Park

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

Model S automatically shifts into Park to prevent roll­away while driving in low speeds. This happens
whenever you connect a charge cable, unbuckle your
seat belt, or open the door while in Drive or Neutral.
Ensure the charge cable is removed, buckle your seat
belt, and close the door before shifting out of Park.

Attempting to engage the parking brake above 5 mph (8
km/h) will result in emergency braking (see Braking and

Stopping on page 78).

NOTE: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not
functioning properly, you can press and hold the Park
button on the touchscreen's drive mode strip to bring
Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the
vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

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

CAUTION:

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:

ensure the vehicle is in Park before exiting. Never
rely on Model S to automatically shift into Park for
you.

Model S will not shift out of Park if a

It is the driver's responsibility to always

center console.

Park

1.

Reverse

2.

Neutral

3.

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
Model S is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
in Reverse.

center console. You can shift into Drive when

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
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.

Model S is stopped or moving less than

72 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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.

• Choose Neutral from the drive mode selector on the .

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
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
5 mph (8 km/h).

Model S automatically shifts into Park when you open
the driver's door to exit the vehicle unless the vehicle is
in certain modes such as Transport or Car Wash Mode
which allows the vehicle to stay in
you leave.

Neutral icon displays at the bottom of the

Model S is moving slower than approximately

Neutral even when

Shifting

Keeping Your Vehicle in Neutral
(Transport Mode)

To keep Model S in Neutral when you exit, allowing it to
roll freely (for example, pulling onto a
must activate Transport mode:

Shift into Park.

1.

Press the brake pedal.

2.

Touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen

3.
displays a message reminding you how to properly
transport Model S.

Press the Transport Mode. It turns blue to show that

4.
Model S is now in Transport Mode. 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 Activate

Transport Mode on page 216.

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
manually apply the parking brake by touching Controls
> Safety > Parking Brake.

center console to shift into Park or if you

flatbed truck), you

73Driving

Lights

Controlling Lights

Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.

NOTE: You can also access an abbreviated lights menu

while driving by touching the High Beam button on the
steering yoke (or steering wheel). 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
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

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, or whenever the wipers are active. If you
change to a dierent setting, lights always revert to
Auto on your next drive.

Touch one of these options to change and retain the
exterior light setting until adjusted again or the next
time you drive:

Model S.

Model S, when

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.

Dome 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.

You can also manually turn an individual dome light on
or o by touching 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.

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.

O: Exterior lights turn o. When driving, daytime

•
running lights may remain on based on regulations in
various market regions.

Parking: Parking lights, side marker lights, tail lights

•
and license plate lights turn on.

On: Low beam headlights, side marker lights, parking

•
lights, tail lights, and license plate lights turn on.

CAUTION:

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

Ensure the headlights and rear lights

o, fog lights also turn o.

The rear fog indicator displays on the
instrument panel whenever rear fog lights
(if equipped) are on.

NOTE: If you lock Model S using the Tesla mobile app or
key card, the headlights immediately turn o. However, if
the vehicle locks because Walk-Away Door Lock is
enabled (see
headlights automatically turn o after one minute.

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.

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.

Walk-Away Door Lock on page 27), the

High Beam Headlights

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

Press and quickly release to flash high beam

•
headlights.

74 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Lights

• 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.

Auto High Beam (if equipped)

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 wheel), 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: 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 (or steering wheel). Auto High Beam is re-enabled
every time Autosteer is activated.

steering yoke (or

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
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.

WARNING:

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.

Auto High Beam is a convenience only

o

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.

Coat Hangers on page 35). To turn a

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.

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.
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.

Illuminates

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

Turn Signals

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

steering yoke (or steering

75Driving

Lights

If Controls > Lights > 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
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.

first maneuver is complete, the turn

If a severe crash is detected by your vehicle, the hazard
warning
quickly to increase visibility. Pressing the hazard warning
flashers once will return the lights to their normal
cadence. Pressing a second time turns all hazard
warning

flashers will automatically turn on and flash

flashers o.

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

o.

flash. Press again to turn

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

Condensation in Head or Tail Lights

Due to weather changes, humidity levels, or recent
exposure to water (such as a car wash), condensation
may occasionally accumulate in your vehicle’s head or
tail lights. This is normal— as the weather gets warmer
and humidity decreases, condensation often disappears
on its own. If you notice water buildup within the
exterior lenses, or if the condensation
visibility of the exterior lights, contact Tesla Service.

aects the

76 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Wipers and Washers

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

Press the wiper button on the steering yoke (or steering
wheel) 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
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 (or steering wheel) up or down to choose your
desired setting.

fluid—the

Wipers and Washers

NOTE:

Autosteer and trac-aware cruise control
require wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is
automatic and you cannot change it.

NOTE: The Auto setting is currently in BETA. If
uncertain about using the Auto setting while in the
BETA phase, Tesla recommends operating the
wipers manually, as necessary.

◦ 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

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

Voice Commands on page 18).

CAUTION:

wipers, do not leave the wipers set to Auto
when washing Model S.

To avoid the risk of damaging the

o.

Turn the wipers o.

1.

Choose how you want the wipers to operate:

2.
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
windshield, the wipers do not operate.

Model S does not detect liquid on the

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

Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid on page 196.

CAUTION:

that the hood is fully closed before activating the
windshield wipers.

CAUTION:

turning the wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that can
damage the rubber on the wiper blades.

CAUTION:

blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.

To avoid damaging the hood, ensure

Remove ice from the windshield before

In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper

77Driving

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
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
failure. However, braking distances may
increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy
braking.

instrument panel displays this red

If the
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
a stop when safe to do so.

instrument panel displays this amber

The
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

Boost Compensation on page 79).

WARNING:

equipped with the optional Carbon Ceramic Brake
Kit in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit
(-10 degrees Celsius), the instrument panel
displays an alert indicating that stability and
braking performance may be degraded in cold
weather. You may need to increase the amount of
pressure you apply to the brake pedal when
driving in cold weather. Be aware of this reduced
performance and drive cautiously in cold weather
conditions.

When driving a Model S Plaid

briefly flashes amber on

aected by an ABS

firm to bring the vehicle to

Hydraulic

WARNING:

Braking is Limited feature is not available on Model
S that have the "Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit"
installed.

The Apply Brakes When Regenerative

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.

If an alternative method is needed to bring the vehicle to
a stop, press and hold the Park button on the
touchscreen's drive mode strip to apply the brakes and
remove drive torque while the button is held. Touch

Controls to display the drive mode strip.

WARNING:

interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase
braking distance.

WARNING:

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:

Collision Avoidance Assist on page 134) 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.

CAUTION:

are not functioning properly, press and hold the
Park button on the center console or
touchscreenon the drive stalk to bring Model S to a
stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle
unless absolutely necessary.

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so

Always maintain a safe distance from

Automatic Emergency Braking (see

In emergency situations, if the brakes

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

Hazard Warning Flashers on page 76).

o (see

78 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Braking and Stopping

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,
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.

Model S is equipped with brake disc wiping.

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

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.

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

& Steering > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking
is Limited.

WARNING:
Braking is Limited may not operate if the brakes

are extremely hot.

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

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

Apply Brakes When Regenerative

Controls > Pedals

stier when pressed.

CAUTION:

are not functioning properly, press and hold the
Park button on the center console or
touchscreenon the drive stalk to bring Model S to a
stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle
unless absolutely necessary.

WARNING:

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.

In emergency situations, if the brakes

Always maintain a safe driving distance

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
may hear a sound when you press the brake pedal. To

Model S, apply steady force to the brake pedal

stop
without releasing or pumping. Drive cautiously and
maintain a safe distance from other road users—brake
pedal responsiveness and braking performance may be
degraded.

stier to press and you

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

The left side of the power meter represents power

1.
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.

The right side of the power meter shows power being

2.
output by the Battery, such as that used to accelerate
the vehicle or to cool the cabin. When you press the
accelerator pedal, the power meter
with black (or white if the display is dark).

fills to the right

79Driving

Braking and Stopping

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. Touch
Tire > Tires to select winter tires and quicken this
process.

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.

NOTE: Because Model S uses regenerative braking, the
brake pads are typically used less frequently than those
in traditional braking systems. To avoid the accumulation
of rust and corrosion, Tesla recommends frequently
pressing the brake pedal to apply the mechanical brakes
and dry the brake pads and rotors.

WARNING:

may experience loss of traction during
regenerative braking.

In snowy or icy conditions, Model S

Service > Wheel &

WARNING:

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:

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.

In snowy or icy conditions the rear

Your Model S may display an alert if

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.

Parking Brake

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):

Touch Controls > Safety.

1.

Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking Brake. If

2.
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

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

CAUTION:

electrical power, you cannot access the
touchscreen and are therefore unable to release
the parking brake without first jump starting (see

Jump Starting on page 222).

In the unlikely event that Model S loses

instrument panel.

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

Subsystems on page 206. Additionally, Tesla

recommends cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers
every year or
where roads are salted during winter months.

WARNING:

damages the braking system and can result in a
braking hazard.

12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area

Neglecting to replace worn brake pads

specifications

80 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Air Suspension

NOTE: When Model S starts, you may hear the sound of
the compressor as the air suspension system’s reservoir
fills with air.

Your Model S is equipped with Adaptive Air Suspension
that oers superior ride quality and allows you to
choose a softer or
When carrying loads, the system also maintains a level
height between the front and rear. You can manually
adjust the ride height to suit your circumstances (for
example, you can raise
ground clearance, such as when driving on a steep
driveway or ramp, in deep snow, over large speed
bumps, parking curbs, etc.).

firmer ride based on your preference.

Model S when you need extra

If a fault is detected that reduces the
performance of the adaptive air suspension
system, a yellow indicator lights up on the
instrument panel. If the problem persists,
contact Tesla.

If a fault is detected that disables the
adaptive air suspension system, a red
indicator lights up on the instrument panel.
Contact Tesla.

Adjusting Ride Height

CAUTION:

ensure Model S is clear of all obstacles, above and
below.

You can manually adjust the ride height by pressing the
brake pedal and touching
touchscreen. The ride height settings that are available
depend on your driving speed and other conditions (for
example, the suspension does not lower if a door is
open). Drag the slider to choose from these options:

Very High - When set to Very High, the suspension

•
automatically lowers to the default ride height*,
which is Medium or Low, after driving approximately
100 feet (30 meters) or when driving speed reaches
15 mph (24 km/h). To maintain the Very High setting
for an unlimited distance until your driving speed
reaches the speed threshold, touch Persist until 15
mph in the setting for Very High.

High - When set to High, the suspension

•
automatically lowers to the default ride height*,
which is Medium or or Low, after driving
approximately 100 feet (30 meters) or when driving
speed reaches
High setting for an unlimited distance until your
driving speed reaches the speed threshold, touch
Persist until 35 mph.

NOTE: You can also raise the suspension to High by
touching the Raise Suspension shortcut on the main
Controls window.

Before adjusting the suspension height,

Controls > Suspension on the

35 mph (56 km/h). To maintain the

• Low

- Lowering the height can improve
aerodynamics, make it easier to load or unload cargo
and passengers, and improve handling.

*If the Default Ride Height to Low setting is turned o,
the ride height is adjusted between Medium and Low to
balance ride comfort with handling and range. To
optimize handling and range, turn on the

Height to Low setting.

CAUTION: Avoid driving aggressively (hard

accelerations, sharp turns, etc.) when the
suspension is set to High or Very High. Doing so
can cause vibration and increase the possibility of
damage.

Default Ride

Adaptive Suspension Damping

The settings associated with Adaptive Suspension
Damping provide real-time adjustments to the

suspension system to optimize both ride and handling.
Choose from:

Comfort - Provides a gentler ride for a relaxed driving

•
experience.

Auto - Adjusts to a wide range of roads and driving

•
styles, providing a

Sport - Provides a firmer, more controlled ride that

•
increases driver engagement and connection to the
road.

Advanced - Can be used to fine tune the suspension

•
by dragging individual sliders that adjust
Comfort and Handling.

Touch Show Suspension Data to display detailed
information about the dampers for each wheel, including
ride height, compression and rebound values, and body
accelerations.

NOTE: When Adaptive Suspension Damping is set to
Comfort or Auto, the suspension may raise to improve

ride comfort on rough roads. (U.S. only) This feature
depends on the availability of up-to-date map data that
includes data indicating rough road sections.

Use Comfort Damping in Autopilot (if equipped) - By
default, damping automatically sets to the Comfort
setting when using Autopilot, and reverts back to your
chosen setting when Autopilot is no longer in use. Turn
this setting

NOTE: Settings for Adaptive Suspension Damping are
disabled when Track Mode (if equipped) is engaged.
Track Mode automatically optimizes adaptive damping
settings to support aggressive driving on a closed circuit
driving course (see Track Mode on page 88).

o to disable this feature.

fluid yet well controlled ride.

Ride

• Medium - The Medium setting ensures optimum
comfort and handling under all loading conditions.

81Driving

Air Suspension

Real-time Visualization

The image of your Model S on the Suspension screen
provides a real-time visualization of the status of the air
suspension system. In addition to visually showing
changes to the ride height, it displays Compression and
Rebound lines that
controlling the dampers for each wheel based on your
chosen settings and changing road conditions. Both are
controlled simultaneously. Touch
to display detailed information about the dampers for
each wheel, including ride height, compression and
rebound values, and body accelerations.

Auto-Raising Locations

Whenever you raise the suspension to High or Very
High, the location is automatically saved. By saving the

location, you do not need to manually raise the
suspension every time you arrive at a frequently-used
location where you have previously raised the
suspension. When you return to the saved location,
Model S raises the suspension and the instrument panel
displays a message indicating that the suspension is
being raised.

reflect how the suspension system is

Show Suspension Data

When saving locations, Model S also saves the Persist
until XX mph setting (if specified).

NOTE: When returning to a saved location and driving
faster than the
allow, the suspension does not raise until Model S slows
down.

NOTE: After leaving a saved location, the suspension
automatically lowers. However, it may not lower until
Model S meets the speed and distance threshold at
which the suspension lowers.

NOTE: If Model S reaches a saved location and the
existing suspension setting is already higher than the
level that has been saved for that location, the ride
height is not adjusted.

High and Very High suspension settings

To remove an auto-raising location

If you do not want the suspension to automatically raise
at a location, touch to deselect Always raise at this
location in the popup that appears when you arrive at a
saved location. Or, when using the Raise Suspension
shortcut on the main Controls window, touch to deselect

Location Saved.

Self-Leveling

Model S equipped with air suspension automatically self­levels, even when power is o. To prevent damage when
jacking or lifting the vehicle, you must activate Jack
Mode to disable self-leveling (press the brake pedal and
touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode). For more
details, see

82 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Jack Mode on page 198.

How Park Assist Works

This feature may be temporarily limited or inactive until
it is enabled with a future software update for vehicles
manufactured as of approximately January 2023.

Model S is designed to detect the presence of objects.
When driving slowly (for example, when parking), the
vehicle alerts you if an object is detected in close
proximity of your
objects are detected in front of Model S when you are in
Drive, and behind Model S when you are 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).

Model S. The vehicle alerts you when

Park Assist

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 84).

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 (if
equipped) or cameras, or too close or too far from
the sensors or cameras. 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.

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 you start driving faster than the
speed at which Park Assist operates. When reversing,
visual feedback also displays on the touchscreen (see

Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 94). You can manually

close the park assist view on the touchscreen by
touching the

When driving at low speeds with the Camera app
displayed on the touchscreen, you can switch to the
Park Assist view by touching 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 Controlling Audible

Feedback on page 84), an audible beep sounds as you

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

X.

NOTE: If Park Assist is unable to provide feedback, the

instrument panel displays an alert message.

83Driving

Park Assist

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

CAUTION: Do not install accessories or stickers on
or near the sensors (if equipped) or cameras.

Controlling Audible Feedback

You can use Park Assist with or without audible
feedback. To turn chimes on or
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 the speed at
which Park Assist operates.

o, touch Controls >

Limitations and False Warnings

Park Assist may not function correctly in these
situations:

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

rolls freely in the opposite direction you

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 94).

One or more of the sensors (if equipped) 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:

(such as curbs or low barriers) can move into a
blind spot. Model S cannot alert you about an
object while it is in a blind spot.

Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog).

•

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

•

Park Assist’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 (if equipped) are aected by other

•
electrical equipment or devices that generate
ultrasonic waves.

You are driving in a location where the sensors' (if

•
equipped) 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 Park Assist (such as a bike
rack or bumper sticker).

Shorter objects that are detected

84 MODEL S Owner's Manual

When Model S is stopped, Vehicle Hold can continue to
apply the brakes even after you remove your foot from
the brake pedal.

When the vehicle's stopping mode is set to Hold, Vehicle
Hold is automatically enabled any time the vehicle
comes to a complete stop.

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.
the driver has left the vehicle.

Model S also shifts into Park if it detects that

Vehicle Hold

85Driving

Traction Control

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

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.

instrument panel displays an alert

The
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.

86 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 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.).

NOTE: You can improve the eciency of the cabin
heating by reducing your selected acceleration mode.
This allows the heat pump system to take more heat
from the Battery to eciently heat the cabin, instead of
maintaining the Battery's ability to provide peak
acceleration performance. This helps to maximize
driving
subsequently increasing the acceleration mode, the
Battery requires time to warm up before the increased
level of acceleration is available.

eciency in colder weather. Note that when

WARNING:

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.

Drag Strip Mode is designed for use on

How to Launch the Vehicle

The touchscreen provides visual instructions on how to
launch:

1.

Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Drag Strip
Mode.

Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that the

2.
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.

Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that Drag

5.
Strip Mode is Ready to Launch.

Once you see "Cheetah Stance Enabled" and "Ready

6.
to launch" on the instrument panel, release the brake
pedal to launch the vehicle.

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

Model S is useful

Drag Strip Mode

Drag Strip Mode preconditions the Battery and drive
unit to ideal operating temperatures for timed
acceleration.
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.

Model S stays in Drag Strip Mode for three

87Driving

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 before, 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
height is automatically set to Low and the suspension no
longer automatically raises for comfort over rough
surfaces.

WARNING:

experienced drivers familiar with closed circuit
driving courses. Do not use on public roads. It is
the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle and all times to ensure safety
to self and others. Vehicle behavior (including
traction and stability control) diers when using
Track Mode and driver must exercise caution at all
times.

WARNING:

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Ratings) must not exceed the
maximums stated on the Vehicle Certification label
(see Vehicle Loading on page 202).

confidence in dynamic maneuvers. Ride

Track Mode is designed for use only by

For speeds above 158 mph (255 km/h),

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:

Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode.

1.

4. Shift into gear and

If you started the Lap Timer, each time you pass the
start/finish location, the timer resets for the next lap.
See Using the Lap Timer on page 89.

When Track Mode is on:

◦ Autopilot features are unavailable.

◦ The Slip Start setting is overridden.

◦

Energy usage increases.

◦

Entertainment features are unavailable.

Settings for Adaptive Suspension Damping are

◦

disabled (Track Mode automatically optimizes
adaptive damping to support aggressive driving).

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

NOTE: If Model S powers o while Track Mode is still
enabled for Post-Drive cooling, the touchscreen
displays a popup that provides quick access to re­enabling it when you power Model S back on.

GO!

o Model S also turns o Track

o, all settings return to their

Top Speed, Tires, and Tire Pressures

A Model S equipped with Tesla Carbon Ceramic brakes is
capable of achieving a top speed of 200 mph (322
km/h).

To support this top speed, Model S must be equipped
with the following tires at the recommended pressures:

When enabled, TRACK displays on the instrument
panel above the driving speed, and a Track Mode
pane appears on the map. The Track Mode pane
displays important at-a-glance status information
about the Battery and the motors (see

Vehicle Health on page 89) and a real-time

accelerometer (see G-Meter on page 90).

If desired, customize the Track Mode settings by

2.
touching Customize on the Track Mode pane of the
touchscreen (see Customizing Track Mode on page

89). You can also customize the Track Mode

settings by touching Pedals & Steering > Driving,
then touching
setting.

NOTE: For optimum performance, wait for the
battery and motor temperatures to reduce if
highlighted in yellow or red.

If desired, start the Lap Timer (see Using the Lap

3.

Timer on page 89).

88 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Customize next to the Track Mode

Monitoring

Goodyear Supercar 3RCold - 32 psi*

Hot - 36 psi*
Hot on high load/banked tracks

- 40 psi*

Michelin PS4S Cold - 32 psi*

Hot - 40 psi*

* For both axles at curb loading conditions.

WARNING:

(322 km/h) unless Model S is equipped with the
Tesla Carbon Ceramic brake kit and the
appropriate tires described above.

Never attempt to drive at 200 mph

Track Mode

Customizing Track Mode

To customize Track Mode, touch Customize on the Track
Mode pane that appears on the map when you enable
Track Mode. You can also access the Track Mode
settings by touching
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
a name for the settings profile, then adjusting these
settings to suit your preferences or driving scenario, or
customize for a specific track:

• Handling Balance - Drag the slider to customize the

•

•

•

•

profile by touching Add New Settings, entering

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 and is similar to driving without track mode
engaged. Choosing -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.

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%. When using base brakes, Tesla recommends
the 100% setting to prevent overheating. Overheating
is not a concern on a
Ceramic 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 (displays only if Model S is not
equipped with Tesla's Carbon Ceramic brake kit) -

Enable to display brake temperatures as well as
warnings associated with the braking system. You
may want to disable in situations in which you have
installed an aftermarket high performance braking
system.

NOTE: Warnings are automatically disabled on a
Model S equipped with the optional Tesla Carbon
Ceramic brake kit.

Controls > Pedals & Steering, then

Model S equipped with Carbon

• Save Dashcam for Laps
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 USB Drive Requirements

for Recording Videos on page 145). The USB flash

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
time is being lost or gained.

The currently chosen setting displays on the
touchscreen in the top left corner of the Track Mode
pane.

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.

file on the USB flash drive, to determine where

- Enable if you want to save a

Using the Lap Timer

When you enable Track Mode, the map displays a Lap
Timer. Drop a pin on the map to define the lap's start/
finish location. Then press START to begin the driving
(lapping) session. Once started, the Lap Timer starts
counting when you drive
finish location where you dropped the pin. 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.

If Save Dashcam for Laps is enabled (see Customizing

Track Mode on page 89), and a properly formatted USB

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

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

file that provides detailed information

Model S past the lap's start/

Monitoring Vehicle Health

You can easily monitor the health of Model S when using
Track Mode by glancing at the touchscreen and the
instrument panel.

89Driving

Track Mode

The touchscreen displays bars that graphically represent
the temperatures of the Battery and motors. These bars
display with no color when operating within their ideal
temperature range. However, as the Battery or a motor
begins to suer from reduced performance due to
temperature, the associated bar is highlighted in yellow.
Then, as the performance becomes more limited, the
color of the bar progresses toward red.

The instrument panel displays dynamic readings of tire
pressures and colors a tire's pressure reading red if the
tire pressure becomes low.

If Model S is not equipped with Tesla's Carbon Ceramic
brake kit, the instrument panel also displays temperature
warnings from the front and rear brakes, using yellow as
the brakes reach thermal limits and red when thermal
limits are further exceeded.

NOTE: A component displayed in red may indicate the
need for the component to cool significantly before it
can perform adequately.

CAUTION:

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.

Any vehicle damage or injuries caused

G-Meter

In Track Mode, a real-time G-Meter displays on the Track
Mode pane on the touchscreen. The G-Meter graphically
displays peak lateral and longitudinal acceleration 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.

90 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Driver Profiles

When you first adjust the driver’s seat, steering yoke (or
steering wheel) 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.

To save your profile settings to the cloud and access
them across multiple Tesla vehicles, set up a Tesla Profile
(see Using Tesla Profiles on page 91).

To add a new driver profile, touch the
driver profile icon at the top of the
touchscreen. Then touch Driver Profile
Settings > Add New Driver, type the
driver's name and touch Create Profile.
Follow the onscreen instructions
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 (or steering wheel) are
automatically adjusted to make it easy to enter and exit
Model S.

If you change the position of the driver’s seat, steering
yoke (or steering wheel), 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.

To delete a driver profile, touch the driver profile icon at
the top of the touchscreen, touch Driver Profile Settings
and select the driver profile you want to remove. Once
selected, Delete the driver profile.

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 92).

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 (or steering wheel).

to save

Selecting Between Driver Profiles

To adjust
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

Profiles on page 91 to learn more about

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

Model S based on a driver’s

profile. See Using Tesla

Using Tesla

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
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
using.

To set up a Tesla Profile for additional drivers, share your
vehicle with them from the mobile app and navigate to
Security & Drivers > Manage Drivers > Add Driver. Their
Tesla Profile will appear in the Driver Profile settings
after accepting the invitation from their Tesla Account. If
you remove their access to the vehicle, it also removes
their Tesla
mobile app access, see

Driver on page 55. In addition, you can change your

profile picture from your Tesla Mobile App.

NOTE: Some vehicle settings are synced only between
similar vehicle models. If the seat, steering, and mirror
positions do not restore as expected, touch
Service > Driver Seat, Steering, & Mirrors Calibration on
the aected vehicles. If the setting for Autopilot
Activation does not restore as expected, touch Controls
> Autopilot > Autopilot Activation (see Autopilot

Settings on page 100).

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

To remove your Tesla Profile from a vehicle, remove that
vehicle from your Tesla account:

In the Tesla mobile app, touch the profile icon in the

1.
top-right corner.

Touch Add/Remove Products.

2.

Touch Remove.

3.

Select the vehicle you'd like to remove.

4.

Profile. For more information on granting

Profiles

Profile that is synced to every

profile that you were previously

Granting Access to a Second

Controls >

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

• Navigation, temperature, lights and display settings.

• Autopilot and driving preferences.

profile settings are:

91Driving

Driver Profiles

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
to a key, first ensure you are using your desired driver
profile, then touch Controls > Locks > Keys. You can
toggle the driver icon to link or delete a key to the
desired driver
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
multiple driver profiles to a single key.

profile. The name of the driver profile

profile, but you cannot link

profile

Easy Entry

You can define an Easy Entry setting that moves the
steering yoke (or steering wheel) 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 (or steering
wheel) and driver's seat automatically adjust when in
Park and the driver's seat belt is unbuckled, allowing an
easy exit from
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).

Model S. When returning to the vehicle

• Driver

• Some apps, such as Toybox and Theater, 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,

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

Profiles are not accessible.

Model S connects to it.

Starting Valet Mode

With Model S in Park, touch the driver profile icon at the
top of the

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
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.

Controls screen, then touch Valet Mode.

Model S is in Park). When using the

To use Easy Entry with a driver profile, ensure the Use

Easy Entry box is checked.

WARNING:

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.

Never use Easy Entry to move the

Valet Mode

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

Key card must be used to access and drive Model S.

•

• 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.

NOTE: If PIN to Drive is enabled (see PIN to Drive on

page 139), you must enter the driving PIN 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.

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.

92 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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, do either of the following:

Touch Controls > Software.

•

Touch Controls > Trips.

•

• Open the mobile app and scroll down to the bottom
of the main screen.

Trip Information

93Driving

Rear Facing Camera(s)

Camera Location

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

WARNING:

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.

To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean
and free of obstructions. See Cleaning on page 192.

Never depend on the cameras to

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
(or steering wheel). These lines adjust as you move the
steering yoke (or steering wheel).

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 Park Assist also appears on

instrument panel (see Park Assist on page 83).

the

To display the view from the rear view
cameras at any time, open the app
launcher and touch the Camera app.

If a black screen appears on the touchscreen instead of
the rear view camera feed when in Reverse, use the rear
view mirrors and ensure your surroundings are safe
before continuing to Reverse. If inoperability of the rear
view camera persists, use the mobile app to schedule a
service appointment.

94 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Pedestrian Warning System

(If equipped) The Pedestrian Warning System causes
Model S to emit sound when driving below
approximately 32 km/h (19 mph), 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
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.

Model S is shifted out

95Driving

About Autopilot

Autopilot is a suite of advanced driver assistance features that are intended to make driving safer and less stressful.
None of these features make Model S fully autonomous or replace you as the driver. Autopilot features come
standard with all new Tesla vehicles.

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may
not be equipped with the following features, or a feature may not operate exactly as described.

Basic Autopilot includes Trac-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.

• Trac-Aware Cruise Control: Maintains your speed and an adjustable following distance from the vehicle in front
of you, if there is one (see

•

Autosteer: Maintains your speed and distance from a leading vehicle while also intelligently keeping Model S in its
lane (see Autosteer on page 101).

Trac-Aware Cruise Control on page 100).

WARNING:

all times and be mindful of road conditions, surrounding trac, and other road users (such as pedestrians and
cyclists). Always be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to follow these instructions could cause
damage, serious injury, or death.

Enhanced Autopilot includes additional features. Enhanced Autopilot Features are designed to further reduce driver
workload and make common actions, such as changing lanes or parking, easier.

• Auto Lane Change: Moves Model S into an adjacent lane when you engage the turn signal and Autosteer is active
(see Auto Lane Change on page 102).

Navigate on Autopilot: Actively guides Model S from a highway’s on-ramp to o-ramp, including performing lane

•
changes, navigating interchanges, automatically engaging the turn signal, and taking the correct exit (see

Navigate on Autopilot on page 102).

Autopark: Parks Model S, either parallel or perpendicularly (see Autopark on page 119).

•

Summon: Moves Model S forward or backward, even while you’re outside the vehicle. This is useful for parking in

•
tight parking spots (see

Smart Summon: Moves Model S out of a parking space and through more complex environments, maneuvering

•
around obstacles and other vehicles, to meet you or go to a predetermined target (see Smart Summon on page

123).

WARNING:

be mindful of road conditions, surrounding trac, and other road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists).
Always be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage, serious
injury or death.

Full Self-Driving Capability includes:

Basic Autopilot is a hands-on feature. Keep your hands on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) at

Summon on page 121).

Enhanced Autopilot is a hands-on feature. Keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times and

Trac Light & Stop Sign Control: Maintains your speed, keeps a following distance, and keeps Model S in its lane

•
while also slowing down and stopping for trac lights and stop signs (see Trac Light and Stop Sign Control on

page 108).

Autosteer on City Streets (Full Self-Driving (Beta)): Attempts to drive to your destination by following curves in

•
the road; stopping at and negotiating intersections, stop signs, and roundabouts; making left and right turns; and
entering/exiting highways (see Full Self-Driving (Beta) on page 115).

WARNING:

times and be mindful of road conditions, surrounding trac, and other road users (such as pedestrians and
cyclists). Pay attention to the road at all times and always be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to
follow these instructions could cause damage, serious injury or death.

Autopilot uses the cameras on Model S, which monitor the surrounding area and detect other vehicles, pedestrians,
road markings, and obstacles such as barriers and curbs. There are cameras mounted on the front, rear, left, and
right sides of Model S (see Cameras on page 20).

Model S may also be equipped with a cabin camera, mounted in the rear-view mirror, that monitors driver
attentiveness. It is your responsibility to keep your hands on the wheel, pay attention to the road, and be ready to
take immediate action at any time.

96 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Full Self-Driving Capability is a hands-on feature. Keep your hands on the steering wheel at all

About Autopilot

When Autopilot is engaged, Model S shows a series of escalating warnings reminding you to keep your hands on the
wheel and pay attention to the road. If there is no response, Autopilot disengages and is unavailable for the
remainder of the drive.

WARNING: Autopilot 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 Autopilot 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.

It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the limitations of Autopilot and be ready to take control at all
times. For more limitations, cautions, and warnings, see Limitations and Warnings on page 125.

97Autopilot

About Autopilot

Autopilot Conditions

Ensure all cameras are clean and free of obstructions before each drive and before using Autopilot features (see

Cleaning a Camera on page 192). Dirty cameras and sensors (if equipped), as well as environmental conditions such

as rain and faded lane markings, can aect Autopilot performance. If a camera is obstructed or blinded, Model S
displays a message on the instrument cluster and Autopilot features may not be available. For more information on
specific alerts, see Troubleshooting Alerts on page 225.

Before you can use Autopilot features, and after some Service visits, you must drive a short distance to calibrate
cameras. For more information, see Drive to Calibrate Cameras on page 20.

In addition, these features may not work as intended when:

• The road has sharp curves or significant changes in elevation.

Road signs and signals are unclear, ambiguous, or poorly maintained.

•

• Visibility is poor (due to heavy rain, snow, hail, etc. or poorly lit roadways at night)

• You are driving in a tunnel or next to a highway divider that interferes with the view of the camera(s)

Bright light (such as from oncoming headlights or direct sunlight) interferes with the view of the camera(s).

•

The list above does not represent an exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with proper operation of
Autopilot features.

For more information, see Limitations and Warnings on page 125.

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may
not be equipped with the following features, or a feature may not operate exactly as described.

Autopilot
Feature

Trac­Aware

Cruise
Control

Autosteer

Available When

You are driving between

•

NOTE: You can activate Trac-Aware Cruise Control at lower speeds if there is a vehicle detected
at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) ahead of Model S.

You are driving between

•

NOTE: You can activate Autosteer at lower speeds if there is a vehicle detected at least 5 feet (1.5
meters) ahead of Model S.

NOTE: On a residential road, a road without a center divider, or a road that is not controlled
access, the maximum allowed cruising speed is limited and the instrument panel displays a
message. The restricted speed will be the speed limit of the road plus

•

Headlights are set to On or Auto. Although Autopilot is available both during the day and in low
light conditions (dusk or dark), Autosteer aborts or is unavailable if headlights are set to O.
When Autosteer is engaged, is automatically enabled (see #unique_309 on page ) and
wipers are set to Auto.

18 mph (30 km/h) and 85 mph (140 km/h)

18 mph (30 km/h) and 85 mph (140 km/h)

5 mph (10 km/h).

Navigate on
Autopilot

98 MODEL S Owner's Manual

You are driving between

•

NOTE: You can activate Navigate on Autopilot at lower speeds if there is a vehicle detected at
least 5 feet (1.5 meters) ahead of Model S.

• You are driving on a controlled-access highway. When you leave a controlled-access highway,
Navigate on Autopilot reverts to Autosteer.

18 mph (30 km/h) and 85 mph (140 km/h).