Tesla MODEL S 2021 User manual

MODEL S
2021 +
OWNER'S MANUAL
Software version: 2022.16
North America

YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL
For the latest and greatest information that is customized to your vehicle, view the Owner’s Manual on your vehicle’s
touchscreen by touching Controls > Service > Owner's Manual. The information is specific to your vehicle depending on
the features you purchased, vehicle configuration, market region and software version. In contrast, owner information
that is provided by Tesla elsewhere is updated as necessary and may not contain information unique to your vehicle.
RELEASE NOTES
Information about new features is displayed on the touchscreen after a software update, and can be viewed at any time
by touching Controls > Software > Release Notes. If the content in the Owner's Manual on how to use your vehicle
conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release Notes take precedence.
ILLUSTRATIONS AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
The illustrations provided in this document are for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options, software
version and market region, the information displayed on the touchscreen in your vehicle may appear slightly dierent.
All specifications and descriptions contained in this document are verified to be accurate at the time of printing.
However, because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make product modifications at any
time. To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, please send an email to:
ownersmanualf[email protected]om.
SAFETY INFORMATION
You can find safety information in your Model S Owner's Manual on the touchscreen.
For detailed information about your Model S, go to the Tesla website for your region, log on to your Tesla account, or
sign up to get an account.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Model S, call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
© 2012-2022 TESLA, INC.
All information in this document and all vehicle software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the
prior written permission of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available upon request. Shown here are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla, Inc. in the United States and other countries:

Overview................................................................ 2
Exterior Overview............................................................................2
Interior Overview............................................................................. 3
Touchscreen Overview.................................................................. 5
Opening and Closing.........................................8
Keys.......................................................................................................8
Doors...................................................................................................13
Windows............................................................................................15
Rear Trunk.........................................................................................16
Front Trunk....................................................................................... 18
Interior Storage and Electronics...............................................21
Seating and Safety Restraints..................... 26
Front and Rear Seats...................................................................26
Seat Belts......................................................................................... 29
Child Safety Seats.........................................................................32
Airbags..............................................................................................38
Driving..................................................................44
Driver Profiles.................................................................................44
Steering Yoke................................................................................. 46
Mirrors............................................................................................... 49
Starting and Powering O..........................................................51
Shifting.............................................................................................. 53
Lights................................................................................................. 56
Instrument Panel........................................................................... 59
Wipers and Washers....................................................................63
Braking and Stopping................................................................. 64
Traction Control.............................................................................67
Park Assist....................................................................................... 68
Vehicle Hold.................................................................................... 70
Acceleration Modes.......................................................................71
Track Mode...................................................................................... 72
Trip Information............................................................................. 74
Getting Maximum Range............................................................75
Rear Facing Camera(s)............................................................... 77
Pedestrian Warning System......................................................78
Cold Weather Best Practices....................................................79
Autopilot...............................................................81
About Autopilot..............................................................................81
Trac-Aware Cruise Control.................................................... 84
Autosteer..........................................................................................88
Navigate on Autopilot.................................................................93
Trac Light and Stop Sign Control....................................... 96
Autopark.........................................................................................103
Summon..........................................................................................105
Smart Summon............................................................................ 108
Active Safety Features....................................111
Lane Assist....................................................................................... 111
Collision Avoidance Assist........................................................ 114
Speed Assist................................................................................... 117
Cabin Camera.................................................................................118
Using the Touchscreen.................................. 119
Controls............................................................................................ 119
Climate Controls...........................................................................125
Maps and Navigation...................................................................131
Media................................................................................................ 137
Entertainment...............................................................................140
Phone and Calendar................................................................... 143
Air Suspension..............................................................................146
Voice Commands.........................................................................148
Security Settings......................................................................... 150
Dashcam and Sentry Mode.......................................................151
HomeLink Universal Transceiver............................................154
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................... 156
Software Updates........................................................................ 157
Mobile App.....................................................................................159
Charging..............................................................161
Electric Vehicle Components...................................................161
High Voltage Battery Information.........................................163
Charging Instructions................................................................ 164
Maintenance......................................................170
Maintenance.................................................................................. 170
Tire Care and Maintenance.......................................................172
Cleaning...........................................................................................177
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets............................................... 181
Fluid Reservoirs............................................................................182
Jacking and Lifting..................................................................... 184
Parts and Accessories................................................................185
Specifications...................................................186
Identification Labels...................................................................186
Vehicle Loading............................................................................187
Dimensions.....................................................................................189
Subsystems..................................................................................... 191
Wheels and Tires..........................................................................193
Roadside Assistance.................................... 200
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance.............................. 200
Instructions for Transporters.................................................. 201
Consumer Information................................ 206
About this Owner Information..............................................206
Disclaimers....................................................................................207
Reporting Safety Defects........................................................209
Radio Regulatory Compliance................................................210
Troubleshooting Alerts.............................................................. 213
Index................................................................... 255
Contents

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, and options purchased, your vehicle may look slightly
dierent than described.
1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 56)
2. Door handles (Doors on page 13)
3. Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 164)
4. Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 81)
5. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 49)
6. Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 18)
7. Front/rear tow eye cover (Instructions for Transporters on page 201)
8. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 193)
9. Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 77 and About Autopilot on page 81)
10. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 16)
11. Ultrasonic sensors (Park Assist on page 68 and About Autopilot on page 81)
Exterior Overview
2 MODEL S Owner's Manual

1. Interior door handles (Doors on page 13)
2. Left steering yoke buttons
◦ Left Scroll Button (Left Scroll Button on page 46)
◦ High Beam Headlights (High Beam Headlights on page 56)
◦ Turn Signals (Turn Signals on page 57)
3. Instrument panel (Instrument Panel on page 59)
4. Right steering yoke buttons
◦ Right Scroll button to control Autopilot features (Right Scroll Button on page 47)
◦ Horn (Horn on page 47)
◦ Wipers (Wipers and Washers on page 63)
◦ Voice Commands (Voice Commands on page 148)
5. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on page 5)
6. Camera (Cabin Camera on page 118)
7. Cabin climate control (Climate Controls on page 125)
8. Power window switches (Opening and Closing on page 15)
9. Manual door release (Doors on page 13)
10. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page 26)
11. Brake pedal (Braking and Stopping on page 64)
12. Accelerator pedal (Acceleration Modes on page 71)
13. Wireless phone chargers (Wireless Phone Chargers on page 23)
Interior Overview
3Overview

14. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 58)
15. Secondary drive mode selector (Shifting on page 53)
16. Glovebox (Glovebox on page 21)
1. Rear touchscreen (Rear Touchscreen on page 7)
2. USB ports (USB Ports on page 21)
3. Adjustable climate control vents (Climate Controls on page 125)
4. Console release button (Second Row Console on page 21)
5. Cup holders (Second Row Console on page 21)
6. Wireless phone chargers (Wireless Phone Chargers on page 23)
7. Rear armrest (Second Row Console on page 21)
Interior Overview
4 MODEL S Owner's Manual

In addition to the instrument panel, Model S is equipped with a front and rear touchscreen.
NOTE: Throughout this Owner's Manual, the front touchscreen is referred to as the "touchscreen" whereas the rear
touchscreen is referred to as the "rear touchscreen".
WARNING: Always pay attention to road and trac conditions when driving. To minimize driver distraction and
ensure the safety of vehicle occupants as well as other road users, avoid using the touchscreen to adjust
settings while the vehicle is in motion.
Use the touchscreen to control many features that, in traditional cars, are controlled using physical buttons (for
example, adjusting the cabin heating and air conditioning, headlights, etc.). You also use the touchscreen to control
media, navigate, use entertainment features, and customize Model S to suit your preferences. For hands-free access
to common touchscreen controls, use voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 148). The main component
of the touchscreen is the map area. Other main components are shown here:
NOTE: Illustrations are provided to improve conceptual understanding only. Depending on vehicle options, software
version, market region and regional and language settings, the details displayed on the screen will dier.
1. Navigation: Change the orientation of the map, find or navigate to a destination, and change navigation settings
(see Maps and Navigation on page 131).
2. Drive mode strip: Use to shift into Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. The drive mode strip always displays on the
touchscreen when you touch Controls (see Shifting on page 53).
3. Controls: Control various features and adjust settings to customize your Model S (see Controls on page 119).
4. Climate controls (driver): Use the left and right arrows to decrease/increase cabin temperature. Touch Split on
the popup to display separate controls for the driver and passenger. Touch the temperature icon to customize
climate control settings (see Climate Controls on page 125). The passenger climate controls display when
temperature controls have been Split to provide separate controls for the driver and passenger.
5. My Apps: For one-touch access to frequently used apps and controls, you can choose what displays here. See
Customizing My Apps on page 6.
Touchscreen Overview
5Overview

6. App Launcher: Touch the app launcher to open the app tray. Then touch any app to open it. The app you choose
displays on top of the map. To close an app, drag it downward.
NOTE: You cannot completely close Media Player. When you drag Media Player down, it displays Mini-Player
which allows you see what's playing, pause/play, and skip reverse/forward.
7. Recent App(s): Displays the most recently used app(s). The number of recent apps displayed here depends on
how many apps have been added to My Apps. If you add the maximum number of apps to My Apps, only the
most recent app displays.
8. Volume Control: Controls the volume of media player and phone calls (see Volume Controls on page 137). The
volume of navigation instructions is controlled separately (see Maps and Navigation on page 131).
9. Media Player: See Media on page 137.
Popup messages appear at the bottom of the touchscreen. For example, a seat belt reminder appears if a seat belt is
unfastened in an occupied seat, an alert appears to notify you of an incoming phone call, a text message appears
(when applicable), and voice commands appear when in use. If applicable, touch options from these popup
messages (for example, accept/decline a phone call, choose an option from the headlight menu, etc.). To dismiss a
popup message, swipe it downward.
The bottom of the touchscreen may also display the following:
Displays the status of the front passenger airbag (see Airbags on page 38).
Customizing My Apps
For one-touch access to commonly used apps and controls, you can customize what displays in the My Apps area on
the touchscreen's bottom bar:
1. Enter customization mode by touching and holding any app or control in the My Apps area. If this area is empty,
touch the App Launcher.
2. Simply drag any app or control from the app tray onto the My Apps area in the bottom bar.
NOTE: Seat heaters selected from the app tray appear next to the temperature, instead of in the My Apps area.
NOTE: Controls (for example, defrosters and seat heaters) appear in the app tray only when you enter customization
mode by touching and holding an app.
NOTE: When you've added the maximum number of apps or controls to My Apps, adding an additional app removes
the rightmost app.
NOTE: Remove an app or control from the My Apps area by touching and holding, then touching its associated "X".
Touchscreen Overview
6 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Rear Touchscreen
The rear touchscreen provides rear passengers with access to:
1. Temperature: Touch the arrows to decrease/increase cabin temperature.
2. Rear fan: Touch to turn the rear fan on or o, to adjust fan speed and control the direction of air flow from the
rear vents (see Adjusting the Front and Rear Vents on page 128).
3. Seat heaters: Control rear seat heaters.
4. Media: Play, pause, skip or rewind through the currently playing song (see Media on page 137).
5. Video: Access video streaming services.
6. Volume: Touch to adjust the volume.
NOTE: Adjusting the temperature, media and volume controls adjusts the front cabin settings also.
You can lock the rear touchscreen by touching Controls > Display > Lock Rear Display. Locking the rear display
stops any media and video apps from playing, and all touches are ignored until you use this setting to unlock it.
NOTE: You can also use the front touchscreen to adjust climate settings in the rear cabin (see Adjusting Climate
Control Settings on page 125).
Touchscreen Overview
7Overview

Three Types of Keys
Model S supports three types of keys:
• Phone key - You can set up your personal phone as a
"phone key" that communicates with Model S using
Bluetooth. A phone key supports automatic locking
and unlocking.
• Key card - Tesla provides a key card that
communicates with Model S using short range radio-
frequency identification (RFID) signals. The key card
is used to "authenticate" phone keys to work with
Model S and to add or remove other key cards, phone
keys, or key fobs. Unlike the phone key and key fob,
the key card does not support automatic locking and
unlocking. In situations where your phone key has a
dead battery, or is lost or stolen, use your key card to
unlock, drive, and lock Model S.
• Key fob - The key fob allows you to press buttons to
open the front and rear trunks, and unlock, lock, and
drive Model S. The key fob also supports automatic
locking and unlocking, if available in your region (see
Passive Locking and Unlocking on page 10) and
can be used as a backup to your phone key.
Model S supports a total of 19 keys, which can include
phone keys, key cards, and up to four key fobs.
CAUTION: Remember to bring a key with you
when you drive. Although you can drive Model S
away from its key, you will be unable to power it
back on after it powers o.
Phone Key
Using your phone as a key is a convenient way to access
your Model S. As you approach, your phone's Bluetooth
signal is detected and doors unlock when you press a
door handle. Likewise, when you exit and walk away with
the phone key, doors automatically lock (provided the
Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on; see Walk-
Away Door Lock on page 14).
Before you can use a phone to access Model S, follow
these steps to authenticate it:
1. Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
2. Log into the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla
account username and password.
NOTE: You must remain logged in to your Tesla
account to use your phone to access Model S.
NOTE: If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla
account, you must ensure that the vehicle you want
the mobile app to access is currently selected on the
mobile app.
3. Ensure:
◦ Your phone's general Bluetooth settings are
enabled.
◦ Bluetooth is enabled within your phone's settings
for the Tesla mobile app. For example, on your
phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla
mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is
turned on.
◦ Access to your location is enabled. Open the Tesla
mobile app in your phone's settings and select
Location > Always. For the best experience, keep
the mobile app running in the background.
◦ Allow Mobile Access is enabled on the vehicle
touchscreen (Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile
Access).
NOTE: Model S communicates with your phone using
Bluetooth. Keep in mind that your phone must have
enough battery power to run Bluetooth and that
many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is
low.
4. While sitting inside the vehicle with a key card handy,
open the Tesla mobile app and touch Set Up Phone
Key on the main screen, or navigate to Security > Set
Up Phone Key. Follow the prompts on the mobile app
and vehicle touchscreen to set up your phone key.
To view a list of keys that can currently access Model S,
or to remove a phone key, touch Controls > Locks (see
Managing Keys on page 11).
Model S can connect to three phone keys
simultaneously. Therefore, if more than three phone keys
are detected and you want to authenticate or pair a
dierent phone, move the other connected phone key(s)
out of range or turn o its Bluetooth setting.
Once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer
requires an internet connection to be used as a phone
key for Model S. However, to use the phone hands-free,
access your phone's contacts, play media from it, etc.,
you must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth
device (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on page 143).
Key Card
Tesla provides you with two Model S key cards, designed
to fit in your wallet.
To use a key card to unlock or lock Model S, position the
card as shown and tap it against the card reader located
approximately one third the way up of the driver's side
door pillar. When Model S detects the key card, the
exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold
Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation
Sound is on), and the doors unlock or lock.
NOTE: You may need to physically touch the wireless
phone charger or driver's side door pillar with the key
card, and you may need to hold it against the
transmitter for one or two seconds.
Keys
8 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Once inside, power up Model S by pressing the brake
pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card (see
Starting and Powering O on page 51). If you wait
longer than two minutes, you must re-authenticate by
placing the key card near the card reader located in the
wireless phone charger on the center console. When
your key card is detected, your two minute
authentication period restarts.
NOTE: If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock (see Walk-
Away Door Lock on page 14) operates only when you
walk away using a phone key or passive key fob. When
you walk away carrying your key card, Model S does not
automatically unlock/lock.
Key Fob
You can quickly familiarize yourself with the key fob by
thinking of it as a miniature version of Model S, with the
Tesla badge representing the front. The key has buttons
that feel like softer areas on the surface.
1. Rear trunk - Double-click to open or close the rear
trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the
charge port door.
2. Lock/Unlock All - Single-click to lock doors and
trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-
click to unlock doors and trunks.
3. Front trunk - Double-click to unlatch the front trunk.
Once inside, power up Model S by pressing the brake
pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button
on the key fob (see Starting and Powering O on page
51). If you wait longer than two minutes, you must
press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near
the card reader located in the lower half of the left
wireless phone charger, facing downward, on the center
console. When your key fob is detected, the two minute
authentication period restarts.
When approaching or leaving Model S carrying the key
fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model S as
you press a button, but you must be within operating
range.
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can aect the
key. If this happens, move the key at least one foot
(30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phones,
laptops, etc.).
In the event that the key fob's battery is dead, you can
still use it. To unlock the vehicle, scan the key fob on the
card reader located on the driver's side door pillar (like
the key card).
Keys
9Opening and Closing

To drive the vehicle, scan the key fob on the phone
charger.
1. Place it at the top of the left phone charger, against
the center divider.
2. Point the front of the key fob down.
3. Swipe downwards.
Instructions for changing the battery are provided in
Replacing the Key Fob Battery on page 10.
NOTE: You can use the same key fob with multiple
Model S vehicles provided you authenticate it (see
Managing Keys on page 11). However, key fob works
with only one Model S at a time. Therefore, to use a key
fob for a dierent Model S, touch its flat side against the
card reader on the driver's side door pillar.
NOTE: Model S supports up to four dierent key fobs.
CAUTION: Protect the key from impact, high
temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid
contact with solvents, waxes, and abrasive
cleaners.
Passive Locking and Unlocking
Locking and unlocking Model S with your key fob is
conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying
a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model S has
sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the
presence of a key fob within a range of approximately
six feet (two meters). Therefore, you can keep your key
fob in your pocket or purse and press the door handle to
unlock and extend the handle. When carrying your key
fob with you, you can also open the trunk without
having to use the key by pressing the liftgate's exterior
switch. If Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled, Model S
automatically locks when you exit and the key fob is no
longer in range (see Walk-Away Door Lock on page
14). Passive locking and unlocking is automatically
enabled when you pair your key fob to Model S.
Although you can use the same key fob with multiple
vehicles, it can only be paired to one vehicle at a time.
To activate a paired key fob to a dierent vehicle, touch
the flat side onto the driver's side door pillar and click
any button on the key fob to confirm.
NOTE: For increased security, passive locking and
unlocking disables after being stationary for five minutes
while within vehicle range when the vehicle is not in use
(for example, you are standing outside your vehicle). In
this situation, you must shake or press a button on the
key fob to re-enable passive locking and unlocking.
Replacing the Key Fob Battery
Under normal use, the key fob has a battery that lasts
for up to one year, depending on key fob version and
selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a
message displays on the touchscreen.
To replace the key fob battery:
1. With the key fob placed button side down on a soft
surface, release the bottom cover, using a small flat-
bladed tool.
Keys
10 MODEL S Owner's Manual

2. Remove the battery by lifting it away from the
retaining clips.
3. While avoiding touching the battery's flat surfaces,
insert the new battery (type CR2330) with the ‘+’
side facing up.
NOTE: Wipe the battery clean before fitting and
avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces. Finger
marks on the flat surfaces of the battery can reduce
battery life.
NOTE: CR2330 batteries can be purchased from any
retailer that sells batteries.
4. Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs
on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key
fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until
it snaps into place.
5. Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking
Model S.
WARNING: Key fob batteries contain a chemical
burn hazard and should not be ingested. The key
fob contains a coin cell battery. If the coin cell
battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal
burns within two hours and can lead to death.
Keep new and used batteries away from children. If
the battery compartment does not close securely,
stop using the product and keep it away from
children. If you think batteries might have been
swallowed or placed inside any part of the body,
seek immediate medical attention.
Managing Keys
To display a list of all keys (phone keys, key cards, and
key fobs) that can access your Model S, touch Controls >
Locks. An icon displays next to each key to indicate
whether the key is a phone key, key card, or key fob. Use
this list to manage keys that have access to your
Model S. To add or delete keys, see Adding and
Removing Keys on page 11.
Model S supports up to 19 keys. When you reach this
limit, you must delete a key before adding a new one.
NOTE: You can use the same key for more than one
Model S. This prevents you from having to deal with
multiple keys when you switch vehicles. If you customize
the name of an authenticated key card or key fob on one
Model S (by touching the pencil icon), any other Model S
to which the key card or key fob is authenticated also
displays the changed name.
Adding and Removing Keys
To add a new key card or key fob:
NOTE: When adding a key fob, ensure it is at room
temperature. Pairing a key fob that is very cold can be
unsuccessful.
1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks then
touch +in the Keys section.
2. Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader
located on the wireless phone charger. To scan the
key fob:
◦ Place it at the top of the left phone charger,
against the center divider.
◦ Point the front of the key fob down.
◦ Swipe downwards (as shown in the image).
When you hear a chime and the new key is
recognized, remove it from the card reader.
3. Scan a key card or key fob that has already been
paired to the vehicle to confirm new key pairing.
Keys
11Opening and Closing

4. When complete, the key list includes the new key.
Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the
name of the key.
To add a new phone key, see Phone Key on page 8.
Removing a key:
When you no longer want a key to access Model S (for
example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), follow
these steps to remove it.
1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.
2. In the key list, find the key that you would like to
delete and touch its associated trash icon.
3. When prompted, scan an authenticated key card or
key fob on the card reader to confirm the deletion.
When complete, the key list no longer includes the
deleted key.
NOTE: Model S requires at least one authenticated key
card or key fob at all times. If only one key card remains
on the key list, you cannot delete it.
Keys
12 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Using Exterior Door Handles
A light press on a door handle extends it provided
Model S is unlocked and detects a phone key or key fob
nearby. You can set door handles to extend
automatically when you approach the driver’s side
carrying a phone key or key fob. Touch Controls > Locks
> Auto-Present Handles.
Insert your hand into the handle and pull to open the
door.
Door handles retract if you do not use them within one
minute after they extend. Just press a handle to extend
it again. Door handles also retract a minute after the last
door closes, when Model S begins moving, and when
you lock Model S.
NOTE: To preserve battery life, Model S is designed to
temporarily disable the Auto-Present Handles feature if
the vehicle is unable to detect a phone key nearby.
In these cases, extend a door handle by pressing it, or by
pressing the unlock button on the key fob. There is no
need to reset the setting. The next time you approach
Model S, provided the above conditions do not apply,
handles automatically extend.
Opening Doors from the Interior
Model S doors are electrically powered. To open a door
while sitting inside, press the button located at the top
of the interior door handle and push the door open.
NOTE: To prevent children from opening the rear doors,
turn on child locks (see Child Locks on page 14).
To open a front door in the unlikely situation when
Model S has no power, pull up the manual door release
located in front of the window switches.
To open a rear door in the unlikely situation when
Model S has no power, fold back the edge of the carpet
below the rear seats to expose the mechanical release
cable. Pull the mechanical release cable toward the
center of the vehicle.
Doors
13Opening and Closing

CAUTION: Manual door releases are designed to
be used only in situations when Model S has no
power. When Model S has power, use the button
located at the top of the interior door handle.
Interior Locking and Unlocking
While sitting inside Model S, you can lock and unlock all
doors and trunks by touching the lock icon in Controls.
The icon changes to indicate whether
doors are locked or unlocked.
Driver Door Unlock Mode
Enabling Controls > Locks > Driver Door Unlock Mode
only unlocks the driver door when you first unlock
Model S.
Walk-Away Door Lock
Doors and trunks can automatically lock when you walk
away carrying your phone key or paired key fob. To turn
this feature on or o, touch Controls > Locks > Walk-
Away Door Lock.
When the doors lock, the exterior lights flash once and
the mirrors fold (if Fold Mirrors is on). To also hear a
confirmation sound when Model S locks, touch Controls
> Locks > Lock Confirmation Sound.
Model S does not automatically lock if:
• You check the Exclude Home checkbox and Model S
is parked at the location you have designated as
Home. For details on how to designate a location as
Home, see Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations on
page 133.
• A phone key or paired key fob is detected inside
Model S.
• A door or trunk is not fully closed.
• The phone key's Bluetooth setting is turned o.
• Key fob or phone key remains within range for five
minutes after all doors have been closed.
Drive Away Locking
Model S automatically locks all doors (including the
trunks) when your driving speed exceeds 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Child Locks
Model S has child locks on the rear doors to prevent
them from being opened using the interior release
buttons. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks >
Child Lock. You can choose Both to engage the child
lock on both rear doors, or you can choose Left or Right
to engage it on just a specific door.
WARNING: It is recommended that you turn on
child locks when children are seated in the rear
seats.
Unlock on Park
When you stop Model S and engage Park, you can
choose to unlock all doors. To turn this feature on or o,
touch Controls > Locks > Unlock on Park.
Doors
14 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Opening and Closing
Press down on a switch to lower the associated window.
Window switches operate at two levels:
• To lower a window fully, press the switch all the way
down and immediately release.
• To lower a window partially, press the switch gently
and release when the window is where you want it.
Similarly, pull a switch to raise the associated window:
• To raise a window fully, pull the switch all the way up
and immediately release.
• To raise a window partially, pull the switch gently and
release when the window is where you want it.
If a window is left open unintentionally, Model S can
send a notification to the mobile app (touch Controls >
Locks > Car Left Open Notification, then choose Doors
& Windows).
You can also enable Close Windows on Lock by
touching Controls > Locks > Close Windows on Lock.
When enabled, your vehicle automatically closes the
windows when Model S locks.
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 79
for information on preparing windows for cold weather.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, windows
automatically lower slightly when you open or
close a door. If you manually raise a window when
the door is open, ensure it is slightly lowered
before closing the door.
WARNING: Before closing a window, it is the
driver’s responsibility to ensure that all occupants,
especially children, do not have any body parts
extended through the window’s opening. Failure to
do so can cause serious injury.
Locking Rear Windows
To prevent passengers from using the rear window
switches, touch Controls > Locks > Window Lock. To
unlock the rear windows, touch Window Lock again.
WARNING: To ensure safety, it is recommended
that you lock the rear window switches whenever
children are seated in the rear seats.
WARNING: Never leave children unattended in
Model S.
Windows
15Opening and Closing

Opening
To open the rear trunk, ensure Model S is in Park, then
do one of the following:
• Touch Controls > Trunk on the touchscreen.
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the key fob.
• Touch the rear trunk button on the mobile app.
• Press the switch located under the liftgate's exterior
handle (a valid key must be detected).
Model S must be unlocked or detect a key before you
can use the switch to open the liftgate.
The instrument panel informs you when a door or trunk
is open.
To stop a liftgate while it is moving, single-click the rear
trunk button on the key fob. Then, when you double-
click the rear trunk button, it moves again, but in the
opposite direction (provided it was not almost entirely
open or closed when you stopped it). For example, if
you single-click to stop the liftgate while opening, when
you double-click, it closes.
NOTE: In emergency situations, you can override an
open or close command by grasping the liftgate to stop
it in place.
WARNING: Before opening or closing the liftgate,
check the surrounding area (for people and
objects). You must proactively monitor the liftgate
to ensure that it does not come into contact with a
person or object. Failure to do so may result in
damage or injury.
Closing
To close the liftgate, do one of the following:
• Touch Controls > Trunk.
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the key fob.
• Press the switch located on the underside of the
liftgate (see Adjusting Liftgate Opening Height on
page 16).
If the liftgate senses an obstruction when closing, it
stops moving and chimes two times. Remove the
obstruction and try closing it again.
If the liftgate loses its calibration when opened, the
liftgate chimes three times and does not move. To
restore calibration, manually pull the liftgate down to
close it.
Adjusting Liftgate Opening Height
You can adjust the opening height of the liftgate to
make it easier to reach or to avoid low-hanging ceilings
or objects (for example, a garage door or light):
1. Open the trunk, then manually lower or raise the
liftgate to the desired opening height.
2. Press and hold the button on the underside of the
liftgate for three seconds until you hear a
confirmation chime.
Rear Trunk
16 MODEL S Owner's Manual

3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired height by
closing the liftgate, then reopening it.
Accessing the Cargo Area
To access the cargo area inside the rear trunk, pull up
the strap at the rear of the cargo cover. You can then
fold the cargo cover forward or remove it from Model S.
Secure all cargo before moving Model S, and place
heavy cargo in the upper trunk compartment.
Distribute cargo weight between the front and rear
trunks.
CAUTION: Never load more than 175 lbs (80 kg) in
the upper compartment of the rear trunk or more
than 175 lbs (80 kg) in the lower compartment.
Doing so can cause damage.
Rear Trunk
17Opening and Closing

Opening
To open the front trunk, ensure Model S is in Park, and
then do one of the following before pulling the hood
open:
• Touch Controls > Frunk on the touchscreen.
• Double-click the front trunk button on the key fob.
• Touch the front trunk button in the mobile app.
The instrument panel displays when a door, trunk, or
liftgate is open.
WARNING: Before opening or closing the hood, it
is important to check that the area around the
hood is free of obstacles (people and objects).
Failure to do so may result in damage or serious
injury.
The cargo weight should be distributed between the
front and rear trunks.
CAUTION: Never load more than 110 lbs (50 kg) in
the front trunk. Doing so can cause damage.
Closing
The Model S hood is not heavy enough to latch under its
own weight and applying pressure on the front edge or
center of the hood can cause damage.
To properly close the hood:
1. Lower the hood until the striker touches the latches.
2. Place both hands on the front of the hood in the
areas shown (in green), then press down firmly to
engage the latches.
3. Carefully try to lift the front edge of the hood to
ensure that it is fully closed.
CAUTION: To prevent damage:
• Apply pressure only to the green areas shown.
Applying pressure to the red areas can cause
damage.
• Do not close the hood with one hand. Doing so
applies concentrated force in one area and can
result in a dent or crease.
• Do not apply pressure to the front edge of the
hood. Doing so can crease the edge.
• Do not slam or drop the hood.
• To avoid scratches, don't have anything in your
hands (keys). Jewelry can also cause scratches.
WARNING: Before driving, you must ensure that
the hood is securely latched in the fully closed
position by carefully trying to lift the front edge of
the hood upward and confirming there is no
movement.
The front trunk locks when:
• You lock Model S using the touchscreen, key or
mobile app.
• You leave Model S carrying your key (if Walk-Away
Door Lock on page 14 is turned on).
• Valet mode is active (see Valet Mode on page 44).
Front Trunk
18 MODEL S Owner's Manual