Tesla S 2015 Owner's Manual
Overview........................................................................................ 2
Interior Overview........................................................................ 2
Exterior Overview.......................................................................3
Opening and Closing.................................................................4
Doors............................................................................................... 4
Keyless Locking and Unlocking4Using the Key4Using Exterior Door Handles6Using Interior Door Handles6Interior Locking and Unlocking6Child-protection Lock7Drive-away Locking7Walk-away Locking7Unlocking When the Key Doesn't Work7Opening Interior Doors with No Power8
Windows........................................................................................ 9
Opening and Closing9Locking Rear Windows9
Rear Trunk................................................................................... 10
Opening10Closing10Adjusting the Opening Height10Interior Release11Opening with No Power11
Front Trunk.................................................................................. 12
Opening12Closing12Interior Emergency Release13Opening with No Power13
Glove Box.....................................................................................14
Opening and Closing14
Sunroof..........................................................................................15
Opening and Closing15
Cup Holders.................................................................................16
Opening and Closing16
Seating and Safety Restraints.............................................. 17
Front and Rear Seats............................................................... 17
Correct Driving Position17Adjusting the Driver’s Seat17Seat Heaters18Folding Rear Seats18Raising Rear Seats19Head Supports19Seat Covers19
Seat Belts.................................................................................... 20
Wearing Seat Belts20Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant20Seat Belt Pre-tensioners21Testing Seat Belts21Seat Belt Warnings21
Child Safety Seats.................................................................... 23
Guidelines for Seating Children23Choosing a Child Safety Seat24Seating Larger Children25Installing Child Safety Seats25Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats25Installing LATCHChild Seats26Attaching Upper Tether Straps26Testing a Child Safety Seat27Warnings - Child Safety Seats27
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats............................. 28
Usage Restrictions28Opening28Folding28Seating a Child30Warnings - Tesla Child Seats30
Airbags......................................................................................... 32
Location of Airbags32How the Airbags Work33Types of Airbags33Passenger Front Airbag34Inflation Effects35Airbag Warning Indicator35Airbag Warnings35
Driving.......................................................................................... 36
Driver Profiles............................................................................ 36
Creating a Driver Profile36Restoring a Driver’s Profile36Saved Driver Settings36
Steering Wheel..........................................................................37
Adjusting Position37Adjusting Sensitivity37Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons37Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons38Using Voice Commands38Heated Steering Wheel39Horn39
Mirrors.......................................................................................... 40
Adjusting Exterior Side Mirrors40Rear View Mirror40
Starting and Powering Off.....................................................41
Starting Model S41Powering Off41
Gears............................................................................................. 42
Shifting Gears42Leaving Model S in Neutral - Tow Mode42
Instrument Panel...................................................................... 43
Instrument Panel Overview43Indicator Lights44
Lights............................................................................................ 47
Controlling Lights47Headlight High Beams49Headlights After Exit50Cornering Lights50Turn Signals50Hazard Warning Flashers50
Wipers and Washers................................................................51
Wipers51Washers51
Brakes........................................................................................... 52
Braking Systems52Brake Wear52Regenerative Braking53Parking Brake53
Traction Control........................................................................54
How It Works54
Speed Assist...............................................................................55
How Speed Assist Works55Controlling Speed Assist56Limitations and Inaccuracies56
Lane Departure Warning.......................................................57
How Lane Departure Warning Works57Controlling Lane Departure Warning57Limitations and Inaccuracies57
Forward Collision Warning...................................................58
How Forward Collision Warning Works58Visual and Audible Feedback58Controlling Forward Collision Warning58Limitations58
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.............................................. 60
Operating Traffic Aware Cruise Control60Instrument Panel Indicator Lights62Changing the Set Speed62Overtake Acceleration63Canceling and Resuming64Limitations64
Park Assist.................................................................................. 66
How Park Assist Works66Visual and Audio Feedback66Controlling Audible Feedback67Limitations and False Warnings67Other Parking Aids67
Hill Start Assist..........................................................................68
Trip Information........................................................................69
Displaying Trip Information69
Getting Maximum Range...................................................... 70
Driving Tips to Maximize Range70Energy App70Saving Energy70
Rear View Camera.....................................................................71
Camera Location71
Using the Touchscreen...........................................................72
Touchscreen Overview...........................................................72
The Big Picture72
Controls........................................................................................74
Controlling Model S Features74
Settings.........................................................................................77
Customizing Model S77Erasing Personal Data 79
Climate Controls.......................................................................80
Overview of Climate Controls80Customizing Climate Control81Ventilation82Climate Control Operating Tips82
Smart Air Suspension............................................................. 83
Manual Height Adjustments83Location-Based Suspension83Automatic Lowering84Jack Mode84
Media and Audio.......................................................................85
Overview85AM and FM Radio85XM Radio85Internet Radio85Media Settings86Favorites86My Music & Devices86USB Connections8712V Power Socket87
Phone............................................................................................88
Bluetooth®Compatibility88Pairing a Bluetooth Phone88Importing Contacts88Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone88Connecting to a Paired Phone89Making a Phone Call89Receiving a Phone Call89In Call Options89
Maps and Navigation..............................................................90
Overview90Using Maps90Starting Navigation90During Navigation91Favorite Destinations92Updated Maps92
Calendar.......................................................................................93
Overview93Calendar and Navigation94
Security Settings...................................................................... 95
About the Security System95
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.......................................96
About HomeLink96Programming HomeLink96Troubleshooting HomeLink96
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................98
Software Updates.................................................................... 99
Loading New Software99Viewing Release Notes99
Mobile App............................................................................... 100
Model S Mobile App100
Charging......................................................................................101
Electric Vehicle Components..............................................101
High Voltage Components101Charging Equipment102
Battery Information............................................................... 103
About the Battery103Battery Care103
Charging Model S...................................................................104
Opening the Charge Port104Plugging In104During Charging105Stopping Charging105Charge Port Light105Changing Charge Settings106Charging Status107
Maintenance............................................................................. 108
Maintenance Schedule..........................................................108
Service Intervals108Daily Checks108Monthly Checks108Fluid Replacement Intervals108High Voltage Safety108
Tire Care and Maintenance.................................................109
Maintaining Tire Pressures109Inspecting and Maintaining Tires110Replacing Tires and Wheels111Tire Types111Driving in Low Temperatures112Using Tire Chains112Tire Pressure Monitoring112
Temporary Tire Repair...........................................................114
Tire Repair Kit114Inflating with Sealant and Air115Inflating with Air Only116Replacing the Sealant Canister117
Cleaning.......................................................................................118
Cleaning the Exterior118Cleaning the Interior119Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Repair120Using a Car Cover120Floor Mats120
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.......................................... 121
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades121Cleaning Washer Jets121
Contents
Fluid Reservoirs.......................................................................123
Removing the Maintenance Panel123Checking Battery Coolant123Checking Brake Fluid124Topping Up Washer Fluid125
Fuses............................................................................................126
Fuse Box Locations126Replacing a Fuse126Fuse Box 1127Fuse Box 2129Fuse Box 3131
Jacking and Lifting.................................................................132
Jacking Procedure132
Parts and Accessories...........................................................133
Parts, Accessories, and Modifications133Body Repairs133
Specifications...........................................................................134
Identification Labels.............................................................. 134
Vehicle Identification Number134Emission Control Label134
Vehicle Loading.......................................................................135
Load Capacity Labeling135Calculating Load Limits136Towing a Trailer137Roof Racks137
Dimensions and Weights..................................................... 138
Exterior Dimensions138Weights139
Subsystems...............................................................................140
Motor140Transmission140Steering140Brakes141Suspension141Battery - 12V141Battery - High Voltage142
Wheels and Tires.....................................................................143
Wheel Specifications143Wheel Alignment Values143Tire Specifications144Understanding Tire Markings145Uniform Tire Quality Grading147Wheels and Tires Glossary148
Roadside Assistance............................................................. 149
Contacting Roadside Assistance......................................149
Instructions for Transporters............................................. 150
Use a Flatbed Only150Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only)150Activate Tow Mode150Connect the Tow Chain151Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the Wheels152
Consumer Information..........................................................153
About this Owner Information...........................................153
Illustrations153Errors or Inaccuracies153Location of Components153Document Applicability153Copyrights and Trademarks154
Disclaimers................................................................................ 155
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders155Quality Control155California Proposition 65155
Reporting Concerns...............................................................156
Contacting Tesla156Reporting Safety Defects - US156Reporting Safety Defects - Canada156
Declarations of Conformity.................................................157
Key and Passive Unlocking System157Tire Pressure Monitoring System158Media Control Unit158HomeLink159Radio Frequency Information159
Interior Overview
1. Interior doors (Using Interior Door
Handles on page 6)
2. Cruise control (Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control on page 60)
3. High beams (Headlight High Beams on
page 49), Turn signals (Turn Signals on
page 50), Wipers and washers (Wipers
and Washers on page 51).
4. Steering wheel buttons - left (Using Left
Steering Wheel Buttons on page 37)
5. Instrument panel (Instrument Panel
Overview on page 43)
6. Steering wheel buttons - right (Using
Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page
38)
7. Gear selector (Shifting Gears on page
42)
8. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on
page 72)
9. Glove box button (Glove Box on page
14)
2 Model S Owner's Manual
10. Power window switches (Opening and
Closing on page 9)
11. Exterior mirror adjustment switches
(Mirrors on page 40)
12. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page
17)
13. Steering column adjuster (hidden from
view in the above image) (Steering Wheel
on page 37)
14. Horn (Horn on page 39)
15. Brakes (Brakes on page 52)
16. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning
Flashers on page 50)
17. Cabin climate control (Climate Controls
on page 80)
18. Cup holders (Cup Holders on page 16)
Note: On RHD (Right Hand Drive) vehicles, the
controls illustrated above are arranged
similarly, but are mirrored on the right side of
the vehicle.
Exterior Overview
1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 47)
2. Door handles (Using Exterior Door
Handles on page 6)
3. Sunroof (Sunroof on page 15)
4. Charge port (Charging Model S on page
104)
5. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 40)
6. Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 12)
7. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on
page 143)
8. Rear view camera (Rear View Camera on
page 71)
9. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page
10)
10. Parking sensors (Park Assist on page
66)
Overview 3
Doors
Keyless Locking and Unlocking
Model S has sensors that can recognize the
presence of a key. The sensors have a range
of approximately three feet (one meter).
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, walking up to Model S when you
have your key with you automatically unlocks
the doors. Similarly, open the trunk by just
walking up to Model S with your key, then
pressing the switch located under the trunk’s
exterior handle.
Press a door handle, and it extends. Or, if the
AUTO-PRESENT HANDLES setting is turned
on (see Using Exterior Door Handles on page
6), door handles extend automatically.
If you turn on the walk-away locking setting
using the touchscreen, Model S locks when
you walk away carrying your key with you
(see Walk-away Locking on page 7).
Warning: To avoid any possibility of
interference between a pacemaker and
the keyless system's antennas, people
with implanted pacemakers should
ensure their pacemaker is kept at least
nine inches (22 cm) away from any
keyless drive antenna mounted in
Model S. Antenna locations are shown
below:
1. Center of the rear bumper.
2. Under the rear seats.
3. Center console.
4. Leftmost side of the dashboard.
5. Rightmost side of the dashboard.
6. Right Hand Drive vehicles only - at the
base of the left (passenger side)
windshield wiper.
7. Left Hand Drive vehicles only - at the base
of the right (passenger side) windshield
wiper.
8. Center of the front trunk.
Using the Key
To quickly familiarize yourself with the key,
think of the key as a miniature version of
Model S, with the Tesla badge representing
the front. The key has three buttons that feel
like softer areas on the surface.
1. Trunk
• Double-click to open the rear trunk.
• If Model S is equipped with a powered
liftgate, double-click to close the rear
trunk. You can also single-click to
stop the liftgate when it is moving.
• Hold the button down for 1-2 seconds
to open the charge port door.
2. Lock/Unlock All
• Double-click to unlock doors and the
rear trunk. Hazard warning lights flash
twice and door handles extend.
• Single-click to lock doors and trunks
(all doors and trunks must be closed).
Hazard warning lights flash once and
door handles retract.
3. Front trunk (also called the "frunk")
• Double-click to open the front trunk.
You do not need to point the key at Model S,
but you must be within operating range
(which varies depending on the strength of
the key’s battery). If Model S is unable to
detect the key, the touchscreen displays a
message indicating that a key is not inside.
Place the key where Model S can best detect
it, which is below the 12V power socket (see
Key Not Inside on page 41).
4 Model S Owner's Manual
Doors
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can
affect the key. If this happens, move the key
at least one foot (30 cm) away from other
electronic devices (phone, laptop, etc). If the
key does not work, you may need to change
its battery. If the key’s battery is discharged,
you can open Model S by following the
unlocking procedure. See Unlocking When the
Key Doesn't Work on page 7.
Caution: Remember to bring the key with
you when you drive. Although you can
drive Model S away from its key, you will
be unable to power it back on after it
powers off.
Caution: Protect the key from impact,
high temperatures, and damage from
liquids. Avoid contact with solvents,
waxes and abrasive cleaners.
Replacing the Key Battery
The key’s battery lasts for approximately a
year. When the battery is low, a message
displays on the instrument panel. Follow these
steps to replace it:
1. Place the key, button side down, on a soft
surface.
5.
Align the battery, then press the key and
battery together until they snap into
place.
Getting More Keys
If you lose a key or require an additional one,
contact Tesla. Model S can recognize up to
three keys.
When ordering a new key for Model S, take all
available keys with you for reprogramming.
2. Release the battery using a small flat
bladed tool.
3. Remove the battery by pushing it toward
the center of the key to release it from the
front retaining clips.
4. Insert the new battery (type CR2032) with
the ‘+’ side facing up. Avoid touching the
flat surfaces of the battery, and wipe the
battery clean before fitting. Finger marks
can reduce battery life.
Opening and Closing 5
Doors
Using Exterior Door Handles
A light press on a door handle extends it,
provided Model S detects a valid key nearby.
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you can set the door handles to
extend automatically whenever you approach
the driver’s side carrying the key. On the
touchscreen, touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Auto-Present Handles > On.
Insert your hand into the handle and pull to
open the door.
Door handles retract if you do not use them
within one minute after they extend. Just
press a handle to extend it again. Door
handles also retract a minute after the last
door closes, when Model S begins moving,
and when you lock Model S.
Note: To preserve battery life, Model S is
designed to temporarily disable the AutoPresent Handles feature when:
• The key has been out of range for more
than 48 hours.
• The key remains within range for five
minutes after all doors have been closed.
In these cases, extend the handles by
touching the driver’s door handle or pressing
the unlock button on the key. There is no need
to reset the setting. The next time you
approach Model S, provided the above
conditions do not apply, handles automatically
extend.
Whenever a door is open, the Door
Open indicator displays on the
instrument panel. The image of the
Model S on the touchscreen Controls
window also shows which door or
trunk is open.
Using Interior Door Handles
Pull the interior door handle toward you to
open the door.
Note: To prevent children from opening rear
doors using the interior handles, use the
touchscreen, Controls > Settings > Vehicle >
Child Protection Lock, to turn on the childprotection locks (see Child-protection Lock on
page 7).
Interior Locking and Unlocking
From inside Model S, you can use the
touchscreen to lock or unlock doors and
trunks, provided a valid key is inside the
vehicle. Touch Controls > Lock/Unlock. The
current lock status displays on the bottom left
of the instrument panel.
Note: If a door or trunk is still open when you
lock Model S, it locks when you close it.
6 Model S Owner's Manual
Doors
Child-protection Lock
Model S has child-protection locks on the rear
doors and liftgate to prevent them from being
opened using interior handles. Use the
touchscreen to turn child protection locks on
or off. Touch Controls > Settings > Vehicle >
Child Protection Lock.
Note: It is recommended that you turn childprotection locks on whenever children are
seated in the rear seats.
Drive-away Locking
Model S can automatically lock all doors
(including the trunks) whenever your driving
speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h). To turn this
feature on or off, touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Drive-Away Door Lock.
Walk-away Locking
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, Model S doors and trunks can
automatically lock whenever you walk away
carrying the key.
To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls >
Settings > Vehicle > Walk-Away Door Lock.
Note: If all doors are closed and you doubleclick the key to unlock Model S, walk-away
locking is temporarily suspended until Model S
powers on (such as when you press the Brake
pedal to put the car in a driving gear), or until
you use the key to lock Model S. This allows
you to keep Model S unlocked in your garage.
Unlocking When the Key Doesn't Work
If Model S does not unlock when you walk up
to it, or when you press the unlock button on
your key, the key’s battery may be dead. If
this is the case, you can still unlock and drive
Model S.
To unlock Model S (and disable the security
alarm), first position the key near the base of
the passenger side windshield wiper, as
shown. Then press the passenger door handle.
It is important to position the key in the
correct position. If Model S doesn't unlock, try
adjusting the position of the key.
To drive Model S, place the key against the
center console, immediately below the 12V
power outlet, then press and hold the brake
pedal to turn Model S on.
Note: Unlocking Model S using this method
disables walk-away locking. You must
manually re-enable walk-away locking after
replacing the key’s battery.
For instructions on how to replace the key’s
battery, see Replacing the Key Battery on
page 5.
Opening and Closing 7
Doors
Opening Interior Doors with No Power
If Model S has no electrical power, front doors
open as usual using the interior door handles.
To open the rear doors, fold back the edge of
the carpet below the rear seats to expose the
mechanical release cable. Pull the mechanical
release cable toward the center.
8 Model S Owner's Manual
Windows
Opening and Closing
Press down on a switch to lower the
associated window all the way down. Window
switches operate at two levels. To lower a
window partially, hold the switch and release
when the window is at the desired position.
Similarly, pull a switch to raise the associated
window. This also operates at two levels—
when raising, hold the switch and release
when the window is at the desired position.
Warning: Before closing a power window,
it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure
that all occupants, especially children, do
not have any body parts extended
through the window’s opening. Failure to
do so can cause serious injury.
Warning: When leaving Model S, always
take your key with you. Leaving the key
in Model S allows all doors, windows, and
controls to be fully operational and can
cause hazardous, unauthorized or
unintentional use of Model S.
Locking Rear Windows
To prevent passengers from using the rear
window switches, press the rear window lock
switch. The switch light turns on. To unlock
rear windows, press the switch again.
Warning: To ensure safety, it is
recommended that you lock the rear
windows whenever children are seated in
the rear seats.
Warning: Never leave children
unattended in Model S.
Opening and Closing 9
Rear Trunk
Opening
To open the rear trunk, do one of the
following:
• Touch Controls > Trunk on the
touchscreen.
• Double-click the Trunk button on the key.
• Press the switch located under the
exterior handle (if not equipped with the
optional tech package, you must first
unlock Model S).
When the liftgate is open, the
instrument panel displays the Door
Open indicator light. The image of
the Model S on the touchscreen
Controls window also displays the
open trunk.
Closing
To close the trunk, pull down on the liftgate
and push firmly, ensuring it is fully closed.
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you can close the powered liftgate
by:
• Double-clicking the trunk button on the
key.
• Touching Controls > Trunk on the
touchscreen.
• Pressing the switch located on the
underside of the liftgate (see Adjusting
the Opening Height on page 10).
If a powered liftgate senses an obstruction
when closing, it automatically opens and
sounds two chimes. Remove the obstruction
and try closing it again. If it cannot close the
second time, powered operation is
temporarily disabled. Manually closing it
restores powered operation.
Note: The power closing feature is also
temporarily disabled if you leave the powered
liftgate open for more than an hour.
Adjusting the Opening Height
If Model S is equipped with a powered liftgate,
you can adjust its opening height to make it
easier to reach:
1. Open the liftgate, then lower it to the
desired opening height.
To stop a powered liftgate while it is moving,
single-click the Trunk button on the key. Then,
when you double-click the Trunk button, it
moves again, but in the opposite direction
(provided it was not almost entirely open or
closed when you stopped it). For example, if
you single-click to stop the liftgate while it is
opening, when you double-click, it closes.
To open the trunk in the unlikely situation in
which Model S has no electrical power, see
Opening with No Power on page 11.
10 Model S Owner's Manual
2. Press and hold the button on the
underside of the liftgate for two seconds
until you hear a confirmation beep.
3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired
height by closing the liftgate, then
reopening it.
Rear Trunk
Interior Release
To open the trunk from inside Model S, press
the interior release switch located inside the
rear trunk and push the liftgate up.
If Model S is equipped with the optional tech
package, you do not need to push it up. When
you press the release switch, it opens, and
when you pull the switch, it closes.
Note: The interior release switch is disabled if
child-protection locks are turned on (see
Child-protection Lock on page 7), or if
Model S is moving.
Opening with No Power
If Model S has no electrical power, you can
open the rear trunk from inside. Use the
mechanical release cable located on the
underside of the liftgate, next to the interior
light.
1. Remove the cover by pulling its lower
edge very firmly toward you.
2. Pull the cable to release the latch.
3. Push the liftgate open.
Opening and Closing 11
Front Trunk
Opening
To open the front trunk:
• Touch Controls > Front Trunk on the
touchscreen, or double-click the front
trunk button on the key.
• Pull the hood up.
The door open indicator displays on
the instrument panel when the front
trunk is open. The image of the
Model S on the touchscreen Controls
window also displays the open trunk.
To open the front trunk in the unlikely
situation in which Model S has no electrical
power, see Opening with No Power on page
13.
Closing
The Model S body is made of lightweight
aluminum. Therefore, the 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 close the
hood:
• Lower the hood fully until it touches the
latch.
• Place both hands on the front of the hood
in the areas shown, then press down
firmly to engage the latches.
• Lift the front edge of the hood to ensure it
is fully closed.
Caution: To prevent damage:
• Apply pressure only to the green
areas illustrated above. 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 leading
edge of the hood because this can
crease the edge.
• Do not slam or drop the hood.
Warning: Do not drive with the hood
secured by the secondary catch alone.
12 Model S Owner's Manual
Front Trunk
Interior Emergency Release
An interior release button inside the front
trunk allows a person locked inside to get out.
This release button is active whenever
Model S is stationary.
Press the interior release button to open the
front trunk, then push up on the hood.
Note: The button glows for several hours after
a brief exposure to ambient light.
Opening with No Power
If Model S has no electrical power, or if you
are unable to open the front trunk using the
touchscreen or key, pull the mechanical
release lever located below the glove box (not
available on newer models). This releases the
primary catch.
Then push down on the secondary catch lever
and lift the hood. You may need to push the
hood down slightly to release the pressure
against the secondary catch.
Opening and Closing 13
Glove Box
Opening and Closing
To open the glove box, press the switch
located on the side of the touchscreen. If you
leave the glove box open for five minutes, its
light automatically turns off.
Note: The glove box locks whenever Model S
is locked externally, using the key or walkaway locking. It does not lock when Model S is
locked using the touchscreen.
Warning: When driving, keep the glove
box closed to prevent injury to a
passenger if a collision or sudden stop
occurs.
14 Model S Owner's Manual
Sunroof
Opening and Closing
If your Model S is equipped with a sunroof,
touch Controls > Sunroof on the touchscreen
to operate it. Drag, or tap on, the sunroof
slider bar, or touch the image of the sunroof
and drag it. The sunroof moves to the
selected position.
Touch OPEN once to open the sunroof to its
comfort position (75% open to minimize wind
noise). Or, move the sunroof to the comfort
position by dragging the slider bar to the
indent position. If you find wind noise (which
varies depending on driving speed) excessive,
even with the sunroof in the comfort position,
open a window slightly.
Touch OPEN twice to open the sunroof fully.
Touch CLOSE to fully close the sunroof.
If the sunroof’s safety mechanism detects any
obstruction, it does not close. If, after
removing the obstruction, it still does not
close, touch and hold CLOSE to override the
sunroof’s anti-trap mechanism.
Touch VENT to open the sunroof slightly.
To stop the sunroof from moving at any time,
touch the image of the sunroof.
Warning:
extend any part of their body through the
sunroof. Doing so can cause serious injury
from flying debris, tree branches, or other
obstructions.
Warning: Before closing the sunroof,
ensure that occupants, especially
children, do not have any body part
extended through the sunroof opening.
Failure to do so can cause serious injury.
Do not allow occupants to
Caution: Remove snow and ice before
opening the sunroof. Opening a sunroof
covered in snow and ice can cause
damage.
Caution: Do not carry an object that
protrudes through the sunroof. Doing so
can damage the sunroof’s seals and antitrap mechanism.
Opening and Closing 15
Cup Holders
Opening and Closing
To expose a cup holder, slide back the
armrest.
16 Model S Owner's Manual
Front and Rear Seats
Correct Driving Position
The seat, head support, seat belt and airbags
work together to maximize your safety. Using
these correctly ensures greater protection.
Position the seat so you can wear the seat belt
correctly, while being as far away from the
front airbag as possible:
1. Sit upright with both feet on the floor and
the seat back reclined no more than 30
degrees.
2. Make sure you can easily reach the pedals
and that your arms are slightly bent when
holding the steering wheel. Your chest
should be at least 10 inches (25 cm) from
the center of the airbag cover.
3. Place the shoulder section of the seat belt
mid-way between your neck and your
shoulder. Fit the lap section of the belt
tightly across your hips, not across your
stomach.
Model S seats include integrated head
supports that cannot be adjusted or removed.
Adjusting the Driver’s Seat
1. Adjust lumbar support.
2. Adjust backrest.
3. Move seat forward/backward.
4. Adjust the seat’s height and tilt angle.
Warning:
driving. Doing so increases the risk of a
collision.
Warning: Riding in a moving vehicle with
the seat back reclined can result in
serious injuries in a collision, as you could
slide under the lap belt or be propelled
into the seat belt. Ensure your seat back
is reclined no more than 30 degrees when
the vehicle is moving.
Do not adjust seats while
Seating and Safety Restraints 17
Front and Rear Seats
Seat Heaters
The front seats are equipped with heating
pads that operate at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest). To operate the seat
heaters, see Climate Controls on page 80.
If Model S is equipped with the optional cold
weather package, you can also control seat
heaters in the rear seats, as well as heated
wipers by touching Controls > Cold Weather
(see Controls on page 74). When equipped
with executive seats, you can control the seat
and the backrest separately in each second
row passenger seat.
Folding Rear Seats
Model S has a split rear seat that can fold
forward.
Before folding, remove items from the seats
and the rear foot well. To allow the rear seat
backs to fold completely flat, you may need to
move the front seats forward.
To fold a rear seat, press the corresponding
lever and fold the seat forward.
18 Model S Owner's Manual
Raising Rear Seats
Before raising a rear seat, make sure that the
seat belts are not trapped behind the
backrest.
Pull the seat back upward until it locks into
place.
To confirm that the seat back is locked in the
upright position, try pulling it forward.
Warning: Always ensure the seat backs
are locked in their upright position.
Failure to do so increases the risk of
injury.
Head Supports
Seats include integrated head supports that
cannot be adjusted or removed.
Seat Covers
Do not use seat covers on Model S. Doing so
could restrict deployment of the side air bags
if an accident occurs. It can also reduce the
accuracy of the occupant detection system.
Front and Rear Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints 19
Seat Belts
Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the
most effective way to protect occupants if a
collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are
equipped with three-point inertia reel seat
belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically
tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
(see Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
on page 25).
The seat belt reel automatically locks to
prevent movement of occupants if Model S
experiences a force associated with hard
acceleration, braking, cornering, or an impact
in a collision.
The seat belt reminder on the
instrument panel alerts you if a seat
belt for an occupied seat is not
fastened. If the belt remains
unfastened, the reminder flashes and
an intermittent chime sounds. If all
occupants are buckled up and the
reminder stays on, re-fasten 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.
2.
Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the pelvis, chest and
mid-point of your collar bone, between
the neck and shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and
press together until you hear a click
indicating it is locked in place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward
the reel to remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
belt from retracting too quickly, then press
the button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
that prevents the belt from fully retracting.
The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt
does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant
Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
lap section of the belt as low as possible
across the hips, not the waist. Position the
shoulder portion of the belt between the
breasts and to the side of the abdomen.
Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
To Fasten a Belt
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat.
Warning: Never place anything between
you and the seat belt to cushion the
impact in the event of an accident.
20 Model S Owner's Manual
Seat Belts
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners
The front seat belts are equipped with
pre‑tensioners that work in conjunction with
the airbags in a severe frontal collision. The
pre‑tensioners automatically retract both the
seat belt anchor and the seat belt webbing,
reducing slack in both the lap and diagonal
portions of the belts, resulting in reduced
forward movement of the occupant.
Testing Seat Belts
To confirm that seat belts are operating
correctly, perform these three simple checks
on each seat belt.
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the
webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull.
The buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling
is free from snags, and visually check the
webbing for wear. Allow the webbing to
retract, checking that retraction is smooth
and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the
tongue plate and pull forward quickly. The
mechanism should lock automatically and
prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact
Tesla immediately.
Seat Belt Warnings
Warning: Seat belts should be worn by all
If the pre-tensioners and airbags did not
activate in an impact, this does not mean they
malfunctioned. It usually means that the
strength or type of force needed to activate
them was not present.
Warning: Once the seat belt pretensioners have been activated, they
must be replaced. After any accident,
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners
and any associated components checked
and, if necessary, replaced.
Seating and Safety Restraints 21
occupants at all times, even if driving for
a very short distance. Failure to do so
increases the risk of injury or death if an
accident occurs.
Warning: Secure small children in a
suitable child safety seat. Always follow
the child safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing.
Warning: Ensure that all seat belts are
worn correctly. An improperly worn seat
belt increases the risk of injury or death if
an accident occurs.
Warning: Do not wear seat belts over
hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing,
such as pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. The
pressure from the seat belt on such items
can cause injury.
Warning: Seat belts should not be worn
with any part of the strap twisted.
Warning: Each seat belt assembly must
be used by one occupant only. It is
dangerous to put a seat belt around a
child being carried on an occupant’s lap.
Warning: Seat belts that have been worn
in an accident must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage to the
assembly is not obvious.
Warning: Seat belts that show signs of
wear (such as fraying), or have been cut
or damaged in any way, must be replaced
by Tesla.
Seat Belts
Warning: Avoid contaminating a seat
belt’s components with any chemicals,
liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning products. If a
seat belt fails to retract or latch into the
buckle, it must be replaced immediately.
Contact Tesla.
Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can prevent a seat belt
mechanism from taking up slack, or that
can prevent a seat belt from being
adjusted to remove slack. A slack belt
greatly reduces occupant protection.
Warning: Do not make modifications that
can interfere with the operation of a seat
belt, or that can cause a seat belt to
become inoperable.
Warning: When seat belts are not in use,
they should be fully retracted and not
hanging loose. If a seat belt does not fully
retract, contact Tesla.
22 Model S Owner's Manual
Child Safety Seats
Guidelines for Seating Children
Your Model S seat belts in the front and second row seats are designed for adults and larger
children. You must restrain infants and small children in the second row seats only, and you must
use a suitable child safety seat appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and size. Never use child
safety seats in the front row passenger seat. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the child safety seat.
If your Model S is equipped with the optional Tesla built-in rear facing child seats, these seats are
child safety seats and are designed only for children within a specific height and weight range
(see Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats on page 28).
Seating and Safety Restraints 23
Child Safety Seats
Choosing a Child Safety Seat
All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear (second row) seats. Always use a child safety
seat suitable for a young child’s age and weight.
Infants Toddlers Young
Age Birth to 1 year* Over 1 year* 4 years and
Weight Up to at least 20 lbs (9 kg)* Over 20 lbs (9 kg) (minimum)
Type of child
safety seat
Seat position Rear facing only* Forward facing* Forward
Recommended
attachment
method
* Many child safety seats currently available allow children to ride rear-facing using the child
safety seat’s integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS. Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible.
CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND CAREFULLY
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
** LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, this is also called Lower
Universal Anchorage System (LUAS), or CANFIX.
*** Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
Rear facing (or convertible) Forward facing (or
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.***
and up to 40 lbs (18 kg)*
convertible)*
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.***
children
older, and
less than 57
in. (145 cm)
tall
Over 40 lbs
(18 kg)
Seat belt
retained
booster
seat
facing
Attach
booster
seats using
the seat
belt only.
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 your state, go to: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/
childsafety_laws.html.
24 Model S Owner's Manual
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 using
the seat belts. Do not use the LATCH system
to secure booster seats, even in situations
where the booster seat is equipped with the
LATCH system.
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 (see
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
on page 25).
• LATCH retained - these seats can attach
to anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear
seats (see Installing LATCH Child Seats on
page 26).
Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions and the table on Child Safety
Seats on page 23 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 falls into the
correct weight range for the seat.
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) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
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, engage the belt's automatic
locking retractor by pulling the seat belt
webbing until it is fully extended. The ALR
system engages only when the seat belt is at
its maximum extension point.
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 re-engage the locking
mechanism whenever you install a child safety
seat.
Always follow the detailed instructions
provided by the child safety seat
manufacturer. General guidelines are provided
below.
1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and
fully extend the seat belt. Route and
buckle the seat belt in accordance with
the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove
all slack in the seat belt while firmly
pushing the child safety seat into the
Model S seat.
3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat
has an upper tether, attach it to the back
of the seat (see Attaching Upper Tether
Straps on page 26).
Seating and Safety Restraints 25
Child Safety Seats
Installing LATCH Child Seats
Lower LATCH anchor positions are provided
in the second-row outboard seating positions
and are located between the seat's back rest
and rear cushion. The exact location of each
anchor is identified by a child safety seat
identification button, illustrated below. The
button is located on the seat back, directly
above its associated anchor.
Install LATCH seats in the outboard seating
positions only. Use only a seat belt retained
seat in the center position.
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. Always position single-strap
tethers so that it runs over the center of the
Model S head support. Tighten dual-strap
tethers to run on each side of the head
support. Tighten according to the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: To prevent single-strap tethers from
moving from side to side, the top of the head
support deforms.
To install a LATCH retained child safety seat,
slide the safety seat latches onto the anchor
bars until they click into place. Carefully read
and follow the instructions provided by the
child safety seat manufacturer.
Once installed, test the security of the
installation before seating a child. Attempt to
twist the child safety seat from side to side
and try to pull it away from the seat, then
check that the anchors are still securely in
place.
26 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.
2. If the seat moves more than one inch
(2.5 cm), it is too loose. Tighten the belt
or reconnect the LATCH retained child
safety seat.
3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child
safety seat.
Warnings - Child Safety Seats
Warning: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a
child on the front passenger seat even if
you are using a child safety seat. This seat
has an airbag in front of it. Although this
airbag is disabled when Model S detects a
lightweight passenger, do not rely on
technology to protect your child.
Warning: Do not use a forward facing
child safety seat until your child weighs
over 20 lbs (9 kg) and can sit
independently. Up to the age of two, a
child's spine and neck are not sufficiently
developed to avoid injury in a frontal
impact.
Warning: Do not allow a baby or infant to
be held on a lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety
seat at all times.
Warning: To ensure children are safely
seated, follow all instructions provided in
this document and by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat.
Warning: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for as long as
possible.
Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
when installing a child safety seat or
booster seat.
Warning: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported
and the child’s seat belt is properly
adjusted and fastened. The shoulder
portion of the belt must be away from the
face and neck, and the lap portion must
not be over the stomach.
Warning: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,
one anchor point may be incapable of
securing both seats.
Warning: Child restraint anchorages are
designed to withstand only those loads
imposed by correctly fitted child
restraints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seatbelts,
harnesses, or for attaching other items or
equipment to the vehicle.
Warning: Always check harnesses and
tether straps for damage and wear.
Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
on a seat belt that is being used to install
a child safety seat or booster seat.
Warning: Never leave a child unattended,
even if the child is secured in a child
safety seat.
Warning: Never use a child safety seat
that has been involved in an accident.
Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
described in the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Seating and Safety Restraints 27
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Usage Restrictions
The optional Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37" (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the
lap belt. Follow all instructions provided and
do not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
Opening
1. Remove the cover from the trunk floor
and pull the strap to lift the seat assembly
upward.
4. Pull the handle to release the head
supports from the seat back, then pull the
head supports toward you to unfold them.
5. Raise the seat back to the upright position
and push until it locks into position.
Visually check to ensure that the retaining
catches are engaged.
2. Push the seat assembly into position.
6. Check that the seat back and seat base
are securely retained in the upright
position by trying to pull the seat back
toward you.
Folding
Caution:
the seat belts to prevent them from
3. Undo the Velcro strap.
28 Model S Owner's Manual
getting trapped in the seat mechanism
and being damaged.
1. Pull the handle to release the seat back
and pull the seat back fully forward.
Before folding the seats, fasten
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
2. Push the lever to release the head
supports from the seat back, then fold
back onto the seat.
3. Secure the Velcro strap.
4. Pull the strap at the rear of the seat to
fold the seat assembly into the trunk floor.
5. Replace the cover on the trunk floor.
Seating and Safety Restraints 29
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Seating a Child
The Tesla built-in rear facing child seats are
child restraint systems and must only be used
for children over 37" (94 cm) tall and
weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2
kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the
lap belt. Follow all instructions provided and
do not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
1. Position the child in the seat with arms
through the loops of the seat belts.
2. Connect the two halves of the seat belt
tongue.
3. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle
and ensure it is securely fastened.
7. Slide the shoulder clips into place to
ensure the upper portion of the belts
remain positioned over the child’s
shoulders.
4. Adjust the shoulder belts so they run over
the top of the child’s shoulders and away
from the face.
5. Connect the chest clip and adjust it to be
as high as possible without causing the
shoulder belts to touch the child’s neck.
6. Pull the lower straps until the child is
securely held in the seat.
To release, press the button on the buckle,
release the chest clip, and separate the two
halves of the seat restraint.
Warnings - Tesla Child Seats
Warning:
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37"
30 Model S Owner's Manual
The Tesla built-in rear facing
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