Tesla S Europe 2014 Owner's Manual
MODEL S
OWNER’S MANUAL
DOCUMENT APPLICABILITY
This document describes the features available at time of printing for:
MODEL S SOFTWARE Version: 5.0
Features released in subsequent versions of software are not described in this document. However, you can
display information about the newest features by viewing the Release Notes on the ModelS touchscreen. These
Release Notes are displayed on the touchscreen after a software update, and can be displayed at any time by
touching the Tesla “T” at the top center of the touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes link (see
page 5.24). If information provided in this document conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release
Notes take precedence.
ILLUSTRATIONS
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 Model S may appear
slightly different.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
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.
ERROR OR OMISSIONS
To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this manual, please send an email to:
ownersmanualfeedback@teslamotors.com.
©2012-2013 TESLA MOTORS, INC. All rights reserved.
All information in this document and all MODEL S® software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property
rights of Tesla Motors, 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 Motors, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available
upon request. The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and
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ROADSTER
MODEL S
P/N: 1028871-07-A REV: 1 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
Interior Overview............................................... 1.2
Exterior Overview ............................................. 1.3
OPENING AND CLOSING
Doors..................................................................... 2.2
Windows.............................................................. 2.7
Rear Trunk........................................................... 2.8
Front Trunk....................................................... 2.10
Sunroof............................................................... 2.12
Glove Box .......................................................... 2.13
Cup Holders...................................................... 2.14
SEATING AND SAFETY
RESTRAINTS
Front and Rear Seats...................................... 3.2
Seat Belts............................................................ 3.4
Child Safety Seats............................................ 3.7
Tesla Built In Rear Facing Child Seats..... 3.11
Airbags ............................................................... 3.15
DRIVING
Driver Profiles ................................................... 4.2
Steering Wheel................................................. 4.3
Mirrors.................................................................. 4.5
Starting and Powering Off........................... 4.6
Gears .................................................................... 4.7
Instrument Panel.............................................. 4.8
Lights ................................................................... 4.11
Wipers and Washers..................................... 4.15
Park Assist......................................................... 4.16
Trip Information.............................................. 4.18
Energy Usage................................................... 4.19
Brakes ................................................................ 4.20
Traction Control............................................. 4.22
Cruise Control................................................. 4.23
Rear View Camera ........................................ 4.24
Maps..................................................................... 5.19
Navigation ....................................................... 5.20
Security Settings............................................ 5.22
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver............ 5.23
Software Updates.......................................... 5.24
Mobile App....................................................... 5.25
CHARGING
Electric Vehicle Components...................... 6.2
Battery Information ........................................ 6.4
Charging Model S ............................................ 6.5
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule................................... 7.2
Tire Care and Maintenance .......................... 7.3
Temporary Tire Repair................................... 7.8
Cleaning.............................................................. 7.12
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets................. 7.15
Fluid Reservoirs............................................... 7.16
Fuses.................................................................... 7.19
Jacking and Lifting........................................ 7.23
Parts and Accessories.................................. 7.24
SPECIFICATIONS
Identification Labels ....................................... 8.2
Vehicle Loading................................................ 8.3
Dimensions and Weights.............................. 8.5
Subsystems ........................................................ 8.6
Wheels and Tires.............................................. 8.8
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
About Roadside Assistance......................... 9.2
Instructions for Transporters ...................... 9.3
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Disclaimers ....................................................... 10.2
Reporting Concerns...................................... 10.3
USING THE TOUCHSCREEN
Touchscreen Overview .................................. 5.2
Touchscreen - Controls................................. 5.4
Touchscreen - Settings ................................. 5.6
Climate Controls............................................... 5.8
Active Air Suspension ................................... 5.11
Media and Audio............................................. 5.12
Phone .................................................................. 5.17
1.1
Interior Overview............................................... 1.2
Exterior Overview ............................................. 1.3
OVERVIEW
Interior Overview
OVERVIEW
Interior Overview
1. Interior doors (page 2.4)
2. High beams (page 4.12)
Turn signals (page 4.14)
Wipers and washers (page 4.15)
3. Cruise control (page 4.23)
4. Steering wheel buttons - left (page 4.3)
5. Instrument panel (page 4.8)
6. Steering wheel buttons - right (page 4.4)
7. Gear selector (page 4.7)
8. Touchscreen (page 5.2)
NOTE: Touch Controls in the bottom left
corner of the touchscreen to control
Model S features such as doors, locks, and
lights.
1.2 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
9. Glove box button (page 2.13)
10. Power window switches (page 2.7)
11. Exterior mirror adjustment switches
(page 4.5)
12. Seats (page 3.2)
13. Steering column adjuster (page 4.3)
14. Horn (page 4.4)
15. Brakes (page 4.20)
16. Hazard warning lights (page 4.14)
17. Cabin climate control (page 5.8)
18. Cup holders (page 2.11)
Exterior Overview
Exterior Overview
1. Exterior lights (page 4.11)
2. Door handles (page 2.4)
3. Sunroof (page 2.12)
4. Charge port (page 6.5)
5. Exterior mirrors (page 4.5)
OVERVIEW 1.3
6. Front trunk (page 2.10)
7. Wheels and tires (page 8.8)
8. Rear view camera (page 4.24)
9. Rear trunk/liftgate (page 2.8)
10. Parking sensors - optional (page 4.16)
2.1
OPENING AND CLOSING
Doors
Keyless Locking and Unlocking.................. 2.2
Using the Key..................................................... 2.2
Using Exterior Door Handles ...................... 2.4
Using Interior Door Handles........................ 2.4
Interior Locking and Unlocking.................. 2.4
Child-protection Locks................................... 2.5
Drive-away Locking......................................... 2.5
Walk-away Locking......................................... 2.5
Unlocking with a Dead Key Battery.......... 2.5
Opening Interior Doors with No Power... 2.6
Windows
Opening from the Exterior ........................... 2.7
Opening and Closing from the Interior.... 2.7
Locking Rear Windows.................................. 2.7
Rear Trunk
Opening................................................................ 2.8
Closing.................................................................. 2.8
Adjusting the Opening Height .................... 2.8
Interior Release ................................................. 2.9
Opening with No Power ................................ 2.9
Front Trunk
Opening.............................................................. 2.10
Closing................................................................ 2.10
Interior Emergency Release ........................ 2.11
Opening with No Power ............................... 2.11
Sunroof
Opening and Closing .................................... 2.12
Glove Box
Opening and Closing .................................... 2.13
Cup Holders
Opening and Closing .................................... 2.14
Doors
OPENING AND CLOSINGDoors
Keyless Locking and Unlocking
Model S has sensors that can recognize the
presence of a key. The sensors are located at
each end of the dash panel and behind the rear
bumper, and 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 M odel S wi th your key wi th you a nd press
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 page 2.4), door handles extend
automatically when Model S unlocks.
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
page 2.5).
Doors
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. Trun k
• 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.
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
door s a nd tr un ks mus t b e c lo se d). Ha za rd
warning lights flash once and door
handles retract.
• Press and hold to lower all windows.
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 page 4.6).
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can
affect the key. If this happens, move the key at
least 30 cm away from other electronic devices
(phone, laptop, etc).
2.2 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Doors
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 described on
page 2.5.
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,
water damage and high temperatures.
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.
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.
5. Align the battery, then press the key and
battery together until they snap into place.
Used batteries contain harmful
substances. Seek advice on disposal from
Tesla or your local authority.
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 cover 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.
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.3
Doors
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 >
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 is
designed to temporarily disable the
Auto-Present Handles feature when:
• The key has been out of range for more
than 24 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 > Child
Protection Locks) to turn on the
child-protection locks (see page 2.5).
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.
2.4 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Doors
Child-protection Locks
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 > Child
Protection Locks.
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn
child-protection 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 8 km/h. To turn this feature on
or off, touch Controls > Settings > Drive-Away
Door Lock.
Unlocking with a Dead Key Battery
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), position the key near the base of the
passenger side windshield wiper, as shown.
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 > Walk-Away Door Lock.
NOTE: If all doors are closed and you
double-click the key to unlock Model S,
walk-away locking is temporarily suspended
until the next time you use the key to lock
Model S. This allows you to keep Model S
unlocked in your garage.
To drive Model S, place the key against the
center console, immediately below the 12V
power outlet, then press the brake pedal to turn
Model S on.
For instructions on how to replace the key’s
battery, see page 2.3.
NOTE: Unlocking Model S using this method
disables walk-away locking. You must manually
re-enable walk-away locking after replacing the
key’s battery.
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.5
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.
Doors
2.6 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Windows
Windows
Opening from the Exterior
To open windows from outside Model S, press
and hold the unlock button on the key.
Opening and Closing from the
Interior
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.
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.
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
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.7
Rear Trunk
Rear Trunk
Opening
To open the rear trunk, do one of the following:
• To uc h 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.
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
page 2.9.
Rear 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 page 2.8).
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.
2. Press and hold the button on the underside
of the liftgate for 2 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.
2.8 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Rear Trunk
Interior Release
To open the trunk from inside Model S, press
the interior release switch 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
the child-protection locks are turned on (see
page 2.5), 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 2.9
Front Trunk
Front Trunk
Opening
To open the front trunk:
• To uc h 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 situations
where Model S has no electrical power, see
page 2.11.
Front Trunk
Closing
Lower the hood, then place both hands on the
front of the hood as shown. Press down firmly
with both hands to engage the latches. Lift the
front edge of the hood to ensure it is fully
closed.
WARNING: Slamming or dropping the
hood can cause damage, and does not
ensure that it is properly closed.
WARNING: Do not drive with the hood
secured by the secondary catch alone.
2.10 MODEL S OWNERS 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. 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 2.11
Sunroof
Sunroof
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.
To u ch OPEN once to open the sunroof to its
comfort position (80% 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.
To u ch OPEN twice to open the sunroof fully.
To u ch 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.
To u ch VENT to open the sunroof slightly.
To stop the sunroof from moving at any time,
touch the image of the sunroof.
WAR N I N G: Do n o t allo w occ u p a nts t o
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.
CAUTION: Remove snow and ice before
opening the sunroof. Opening a sunroof
covered in snow and ice can cause
damage.
CAUTION: Do not carry objects in
Model S that protrude through the
sunroof. Doing so can damage the
sunroof’s seals and anti-trap mechanism.
2.12 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Glove Box
Glove Box
Opening and Closing
To open the glove box, press the switch located
to the right 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 walk-away
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.
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.13
Cup Holders
Cup Holders
Opening and Closing
To expose a cup holder, slide back the armrest.
Cup Holders
2.14 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
3.1
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS
Front and Rear Seats
Correct Driving Position................................ 3.2
Adjusting the Driver’s Seat........................... 3.2
Folding Rear Seats........................................... 3.3
Raising Rear Seats ........................................... 3.3
Head Supports................................................... 3.3
Seat Covers......................................................... 3.3
Seat Belts
Wearing Seat Belts......................................... 3.4
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant ........ 3.4
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners................................ 3.5
Testing Seat Belts ............................................ 3.5
Seat Belt Warnings......................................... 3.6
Child Safety Seats
Guidelines for Seating Children .................. 3.7
Choosing a Child Safety Seat ...................... 3.7
Seating Larger Children................................. 3.8
Installing Child Safety Seats......................... 3.8
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats 3.8
Installing ISOFIX Child Seats....................... 3.9
Attaching Upper Tether Straps ................ 3.10
Testing a Child Safety Seat ........................ 3.10
Warnings - Child Safety Seats................... 3.10
Tesla Built In Rear Facing Child
Seats
Usage Restrictions.......................................... 3.11
Opening............................................................... 3.11
Folding................................................................ 3.12
Seating a Child ................................................ 3.13
Warnings - Tesla Child Seats..................... 3.14
Airbags
Location of Airbags....................................... 3.15
How the Airbags Work................................. 3.16
Types of Airbags ............................................ 3.16
Disabling the Front Passenger Airbag... 3.17
Inflation Effects............................................... 3.18
Airbag Warning Indicator ........................... 3.18
Airbag Warnings............................................. 3.18
Front and Rear Seats
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTSFront 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 a t le ast 25 cm from the cente r 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.
Front and Rear Seats
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: Do not adjust seats while
driving. Doing so increases the risk of a
collision.
WARNING: Riding in a moving vehicle
with the seat back reclined can result in
serious injuries in a collision, as you could slide
under the lap belt or be propelled into the seat
belt. Ensure your seat back is reclined no more
than 30 degrees when the vehicle is moving.
3.2 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Front and Rear Seats
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.
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.
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS 3.3
Seat Belts
Seat Belts
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.
The seat belt reel automatically locks to prevent
movement of occupants if ModelS 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
object (such as a briefcase) from an
unoccupied seat. If the reminder light continues
to stay on, contact Tesla.
To Fa s te n a B el t
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat (for
correct driving position, see page 3.2).
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward the
reel to remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
belt from retracting too quickly, then press the
button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
that prevents the belt from fully retracting. The
belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt does
not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant
Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the lap
section of the belt as low as possible across the
hips, not the waist. Position the shoulder
portion of the belt between the breasts and to
the side of the abdomen. Consult your doctor
for specific guidance.
WARNING: Never place anything
between you and the seat belt to cushion
the impact in the event of an accident.
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.
3.4 MODEL S OWNERS 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.
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.
WAR N I N G: On c e the s e a t bel t
pre-tensioners 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.
Testing Seat Belts
To confirm that seat belts are operating
correctly, perform these three simple checks on
each seat belt.
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the
webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull.
The buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling is
free from snags, and visually check the
webbing for wear. Allow the webbing to
retract, checking that retraction is smooth
and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the
tongue plate and pull forward quickly. The
mechanism should lock automatically and
prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact
Tesla immediately.
For information about cleaning seat belts, see
page 7.13.
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS 3.5
Seat Belts
Seat Belts
Seat Belt Warnings
WARNING: Seat belts should be worn by
all occupants for every journey no matter
how short. 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 (see page 3.7).
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 (see page 3.4).
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 n acci dent mu st be i nsp ect ed o r
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
Te s la .
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.
3.6 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Child Safety Seats
Child Safety Seats
Guidelines for Seating Children
You must restrain infants and small children
using a child safety seat appropriate for the
child’s age, weight, and size. Carefully follow
the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat. Never use child safety
If your ModelS is equipped with 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
page 3.11).
seats in the front row passenger seat.
Refer to the tables below for guidelines on the type of seatbelt installed and ISOFIX installed child
restraint you should used based on the weight of the child.
Seatbelt Installed Child Restraints
Front
Mass Group
Passenger
Group 0 up to 10 kg L U U
Group 0+ up to 13 kg L U U
Group 1 9 - 18 kg UF* U, UF U, UF
Group II 15 - 25 kg UF* U, UF U, UF
Group III 22 - 36 kg UF* U, UF U, UF
U: Universal rear facing child restraint
UF: Universal forward facing child restraint
L: Suitable for these particular child restraints - Maxi-Cosi Cabrio/Cabriofix E4 04443517 or Takata Mini E4
04443717
*: Seat must be placed in rearmost highest position
Rear
Outboard
Rear
Centre
ISOFIX Installed Child Restraints
Vehicle ISOFIX Position
Mass Group Size Class Fixture Rear Outboard Rear Centre
Group 0 up to 10 kg E R1 IL IL
Group 0+ up to 13 kg E R1 IL IL
DR2 IL IL
CR3 IL IL
Group 1 9 - 18 kg D R2 U, UF IL
CR3 U, UF IL
BF2 IUF IUF
B1 F2x IUF IUF
AF3 IUF IUF
IL: Suitable for any semi-universal child restraint (any rear or forward facing restraint with support leg)
IUF: Suitable for any universal child restraint (forward facing with tether)
NOTE: If the combined weight of the child and the child safety seat is over 29 kg, Tesla recommends
attaching the safety seat using the seat belt and upper tether strap. In addition to safety, this has
the added benefit of ensuring the seat belt reminder does not stay lit. Always follow the seat belt
manufacturer’s instructions when installing child safety seats.
SEATING AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS 3.7
Child Safety Seats
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 ISOFIX system to secure booster seats,
even in situations where the booster seat is
equipped with the ISOFIX 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 page 3.8).
• ISOFIX* retained - these seats can attach to
anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear
seats (see page 3.9).
Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions and the table on page 3.7 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.
Always follow the detailed instructions
provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
General guidelines are provided below.
1. Place the child safety seat in ModelS, route
the seat belt, and secure the buckle 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 ModelS seat.
3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat has
an upper tether, attach it to the back of the
seat (see page 3.10).
3.8 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
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