Tesla 2012- 21013 S User manual

MODEL S
OWNER’S MANUAL
book.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

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 ModelS 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:
[e-mail].
©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
other countries:
HOMELINK® and the HOMELINK® house icon are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. Bluetooth® is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Android™ and
Google Maps™ are trademarks of Google, Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM
Radio Inc. Pandora is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc. Spotify is a registered trademark of the Spotify
Group. All other trademarks contained in this document are the property of their respective owners and their use
herein does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of their products or services. The unauthorized use of any
trademark displayed in this document or on the vehicle is strictly prohibited.
TESLA TESLA MOTORS TESLA
ROADSTER
MODEL S
book.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

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
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
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
book.book Page i Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

1.1
OVERVIEW
Interior Overview............................................... 1.2
Exterior Overview ............................................. 1.3
book.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Interior Overview
Interior Overview
1.2 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
OVERVIEW
1. Interior doors (page 2.4)
2. High beams (page 4.13)
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.
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)
book.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Exterior Overview
OVERVIEW 1.3
Exteri or Overvi ew
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)
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)
book.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

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
book.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Doors
Doors
2.2 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
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 Model S with your key with you and 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).
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.
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.
•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).
book.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Doors
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.3
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.
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.
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.
book.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Doors
Doors
2.4 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
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.
book.book Page 4 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Doors
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.5
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.
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.
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.
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.
book.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Doors
Doors
2.6 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
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.
book.book Page 6 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Windows
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.7
Windo ws
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.
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.
book.book Page 7 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Rear Trunk
Rear Trunk
2.8 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Rear Trunk
Opening
To open the rear trunk, do one of the following:
•To u c 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.
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.
book.book Page 8 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Rear Trunk
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.9
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.
book.book Page 9 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Front Trunk
Front Trunk
2.10 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Front Trunk
Opening
To open the front trunk:
•To u c 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.
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.
book.book Page 10 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Front Trunk
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.11
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.
book.book Page 11 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Sunroof
Sunroof
2.12 MODEL S OWNERS 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.
To u c h 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 c h OPEN twice to open the sunroof fully.
To u c h 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 c h VENT to open the sunroof slightly.
To stop the sunroof from moving at any time,
touch the image of the sunroof.
WARNING: Do not allow occupants to
extend any part of their body through the
sunroof. Doing so can cause serious
injury from flying debris, tree branches, or other
obstructions.
WARNING: Before closing the sunroof,
ensure that occupants, especially
children, do not have any body part
extended through the sunroof opening. Failure
to do so can cause serious injury.
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.
book.book Page 12 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Glove Box
OPENING AND CLOSING 2.13
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.
book.book Page 13 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM

Cup Holders
Cup Holders
2.14 MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Cup Holde rs
Opening and Closing
To expose a cup holder, slide back the armrest.
book.book Page 14 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 12:33 PM