Tesla MODEL S User manual

MODEL S
OWNER'S MANUAL
Software version: 2020.20
Europe

SAFETY INFORMATION
The Model S Owner's Manual is available on the touchscreen. To view it, touch Controls >
Owner's Manual.
For detailed information about your Model S, go to www.tesla.com, and 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).
DOCUMENT APPLICABILITY
Features released in the most recent versions of software may not be described in this
document but are described in Release Notes. Display Release Notes on the touchscreen by
touching the Tesla T at the top center of the touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes link.
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 vehicle may appear slightly
dierent.
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. To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions
in this document, please send an email to: o[email protected]om.
© 2012-2020 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. The following are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Tesla, Inc. in the United States and other countries:
TESLA, TESLA MOTORS, MODEL S, MODEL X, ROADSTER, MODEL 3, MODEL Y

Overview............................................................3
Interior Overview....................................................... 3
Exterior Overview...................................................... 5
Touchscreen Overview.............................................6
Opening and Closing.................................... 9
Keys and Doors...........................................................9
Windows......................................................................14
Rear Trunk................................................................... 15
Front Trunk................................................................. 18
Interior Storage and Electronics....................... 20
Sunroof........................................................................ 23
Seating and Safety Restraints.................24
Front and Rear Seats............................................. 24
Seat Belts....................................................................27
Child Safety Seats...................................................30
Airbags........................................................................ 38
Driving..............................................................42
Driver Profiles........................................................... 42
Steering Wheel.........................................................45
Mirrors......................................................................... 49
Starting and Powering O.................................... 51
Gears............................................................................ 53
Lights............................................................................55
Instrument Panel......................................................59
Wipers and Washers.............................................. 66
Braking and Stopping............................................68
Traction Control....................................................... 72
Park Assist..................................................................73
Vehicle Hold...............................................................75
Acceleration Modes................................................76
Active Hood...............................................................78
Trip Information....................................................... 79
Getting Maximum Range..................................... 80
Rear View Camera...................................................83
Dashcam.....................................................................84
Cold Weather Best Practices.............................. 87
Autopilot.........................................................89
About Autopilot.......................................................89
Trac-Aware Cruise Control...............................92
Autosteer....................................................................99
Navigate on Autopilot......................................... 104
Autopark................................................................... 107
Summon....................................................................109
Smart Summon........................................................ 113
Lane Assist.................................................................117
Collision Avoidance Assist................................. 120
Speed Assist............................................................ 124
Using the Touchscreen.............................126
Controls..................................................................... 126
Climate Controls.....................................................133
Maps and Navigation............................................139
Media and Audio....................................................145
Phone......................................................................... 149
Air Suspension........................................................ 152
Calendar.................................................................... 154
Security Settings....................................................155
HomeLink Universal Transceiver...................... 159
Connecting to Wi-Fi..............................................162
Software Updates.................................................. 163
Mobile App............................................................... 165
Charging........................................................ 168
Electric Vehicle Components............................ 168
Battery Information.............................................. 170
Charging Instructions........................................... 172
Maintenance................................................. 178
Maintenance Schedule......................................... 178
Tire Care and Maintenance................................ 180
Cleaning.....................................................................186
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets........................ 190
Fluid Reservoirs...................................................... 192
Jacking and Lifting................................................195
Parts and Accessories..........................................196
Specifications...............................................197
Identification Labels............................................. 197
Vehicle Loading...................................................... 198
Dimensions and Weights.................................... 201
Subsystems............................................................. 203
Wheels and Tires.................................................. 206
Roadside Assistance.................................210
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance..........210
Instructions for Transporters............................. 213
Consumer Information..............................217
Easter Eggs...............................................................217
About this Owner Information..........................219
Disclaimers................................................................221
Reporting Safety Defects...................................223
Contents

Declarations of Conformity...............................224
Troubleshooting Alerts........................................ 231
Index...............................................................243
Contents

NOTE: On RHD (Right Hand Drive) vehicles, the controls illustrated above are arranged similarly,
but are mirrored on the right side of the vehicle.
1. Interior door handles (Opening Doors from the Interior on page 11)
2. Trac-Aware Cruise Control (Trac-Aware Cruise Control on page 92) and Autosteer
(Autosteer on page 99)
3. High beams (High Beam Headlights on page 57), Turn signals (Turn Signals on page 58),
Wipers and washers (Wipers and Washers on page 66)
4. Steering wheel buttons - left (Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons on page 45)
5. Instrument panel (Instrument Panel on page 59)
6. Steering wheel buttons - right (Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page 46)
7. Gear selector (Shifting Gears on page 53)
8. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on page 6)
9. Glovebox button (Glove Box on page 20)
10. Cabin climate control (Climate Controls on page 133)
11. Power window switches (Opening and Closing on page 14)
12. Exterior mirror adjustment switches (Mirrors on page 49)
13. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page 24)
14. Steering column adjuster (hidden from view in the above image) (Steering Wheel on page
45)
Interior Overview
3Overview

15. Horn (Horn on page 48)
16. Brakes (Braking and Stopping on page 68)
17. Accelerator pedal (Acceleration Modes on page 76)
18. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 58)
19. Cup holders (Cup Holders on page 22)
Interior Overview
4 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 55)
2. Door handles (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 11)
3. Sunroof (optional) (Sunroof on page 23)
4. Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 172)
5. Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 89)
6. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 49)
7. Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 18)
8. Radar sensor (hidden from view in the above image) (About Autopilot on page 89)
9. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 206)
10. Rear view camera (Rear View Camera on page 83 and About Autopilot on page 89)
11. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 15)
12. Ultrasonic sensors (Park Assist on page 73 and About Autopilot on page 89)
Exterior Overview
5Overview

The main components of the touchscreen are
shown here. The touchscreen is used to
control many features that, in traditional cars,
are controlled using physical buttons (for
example, adjusting the heating and air
conditioning, headlights, etc.). You can also
use the touchscreen to customize Model S to
suit your preferences.
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.
NOTE: The image below is provided for
demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version and market
region, your touchscreen may appear slightly
dierent.
1. This area on the top of the touchscreen
displays useful information and provides
shortcuts to various features. In addition
to the time of day and the current outside
temperature, this area displays the
following icons:
Touch to lock/
unlock all doors
and trunks.
Touch to display
the charging screen
and access charge
settings on the
touchscreen.
Access information
about your
Model S. See The
Tesla "T" on page
8.
Add, configure, or
quickly switch
driver profiles
(including Valet
Mode and Easy
Entry). See Driver
Profiles on page
42.
Displays when a
notification is in
eect. Touch to
display information
about the
notification. To
display a list of the
most recent
notifications, with
the most recent
listed first, you can
also touch Service
> Notifications. See
Troubleshooting
Alerts on page
231.
Displays when a
software update is
available (see
Software Updates
on page 163).
Touchscreen Overview
6 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

Displays when
Dashcam is ready
to be used (you
have inserted a
supported flash
drive into a front
USB port). Touch to
operate Dashcam.
When in Park,
touch the Dashcam
icon and select
"Launch Viewer" to
watch your saved
Dashcam and
Sentry Mode clips
(see Dashcam on
page 84).
Touch to enable or
disable Sentry
Mode to actively
monitor the
vehicle's
surroundings (see
Sentry Mode on
page 155).
Control or program
HomeLink devices
(if equipped) (see
HomeLink Universal
Transceiver on
page 159).
Connected to a Wi-
Fi network.
Connected to
cellular network.
Touch to connect to
Wi-Fi (see
Connecting to Wi-
Fi on page 162).
Connect to a
Bluetooth device
(see Pairing a
Bluetooth Phone on
page 149).
Displays the status
of the front
passenger airbag
(applicable only in
regions where the
airbag can be
disabled, as
described in
Airbags on page
38).
2. Controls. Touch to control features and
customize Model S to suit your
preferences (see Controls on page 126).
3. Media Player (see Media and Audio on
page 145).
4. Touch the app launcher then choose from
the following apps:
Call. See Phone on
page 149.
Calendar. See
Calendar on page
154.
Camera. Display the
area behind Model S.
This area also displays
automatically
whenever you shift
into Reverse. See Rear
View Camera on page
83.
Energy. See Getting
Maximum Range on
page 80.
Charging. See
Charging Instructions
on page 172.
Touchscreen Overview
7Overview

Web. Access the
Internet using the web
browser).
Entertainment.
Browse the full library
of games and access
video streaming
services, all from your
vehicle's touchscreen.
To launch, Model S
must be in Park.
NOTE: Due to vehicle
configuration or
market region,
Entertainment,
Arcade, and/or
Theater may not be
available on your
vehicle.
Toybox. Display Easter
Eggs (see Easter Eggs
on page 217).
NOTE: Swiping up on the app launcher
displays the most recently used app
(provided an app is not currently being
displayed).
NOTE: Depending on the market region
and vehicle options, your vehicle may not
be equipped with some features.
5. Climate Controls (see Climate Controls on
page 133).
6. Volume Control (see Volume Control on
page 145).
7. The map displays on the touchscreen at
all times (see Maps and Navigation on
page 139).
NOTE: When you touch Controls, choose
an app, or expand Media Player, the
window displays on top of the map. To
close the Controls window, touch
Controls again or touch the Xin the top
corner of the window. To close an app,
touch the Xin the top corner of the
window. To close Media Player, drag it all
the way down to the bottom of the
touchscreen or touch the icon again.
The Tesla "T"
Touch the Tesla "T" at the top center of the
touchscreen as a one-touch shortcut to the
Controls > Software tab, which displays:
• Vehicle name (see Naming Your Vehicle
on page 132).
• Vehicle configuration.
• Odometer.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Version of software currently installed on
your Model S.
• Access to release notes associated with
the currently-installed software version.
• Access to this owner's manual.
• One-touch access to call Tesla Customer
Support and Roadside Assistance (if
available in your market region).
Touchscreen Overview
8 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

Keyless Locking and Unlocking
Locking and unlocking Model S is convenient.
Although you must be carrying a valid key,
there is no need to use it. Model S has sensors
around the driver's door that can recognize
the presence of a key within a range of
approximately one meter. So, you can keep
your key in your pocket or purse and Model S
detects it as you approach.
When you walk up to Model S carrying your
key, the doors automatically unlock if Passive
Entry is on (Controls > Safety & Security >
Passive Entry). If a door handle is retracted,
press it and it extends. If the Auto-Present
Handles setting is turned on (see Using
Exterior Door Handles on page 11), you do
not need to touch the door handle. Instead,
door handles extends automatically as you
approach Model S. To open the rear trunk,
press the switch located under the trunk’s
exterior handle.
NOTE: Model S must detect your key near the
driver's door before the doors or rear trunk
unlock.
NOTE: If Passive Entry is o, you must use the
key to unlock Model S. See Using the Key on
page 9.
NOTE: You can choose whether you want all
doors, or just the driver's door, to unlock
when you approach Model S carrying your
key (see Door Unlock Mode on page 12).
When carrying your key with you, you can
also open the rear trunk without having to
use the key. Simply press the switch located
under the trunk’s exterior handle. Driver Door
Unlock Mode (see Door Unlock Mode on page
12) must be o and the vehicle must detect
the key near the driver's door before opening
the rear trunk.
Model S also locks automatically. If you
enable Walk Away Door Lock, Model S locks
when you walk away carrying your key with
you (see Walk-Away Locking on page 12).
While sitting inside Model S, you can also lock
and unlock the vehicle by touching the icon
on the touchscreen's status bar or by
touching Controls > Quick Controls.
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture
and options selected at time of purchase,
some Model S vehicles are not equipped with
the automatic locking and unlocking feature.
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 equipped with a powered liftgate,
double-click to close the rear trunk.
You can also single-click to stop the
liftgate when it is moving.
◦ Hold the button down for 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).
Hazard warning lights flash once and
door handles retract. If a door or the
rear trunk is open, hazard warning
lights flash three times and doors do
not lock.
◦ Double-click to unlock. Hazard
warning lights flash twice and door
handles extend. If a door or the rear
trunk is open, hazard warning lights
flash three times and doors do not
lock.
3. Front trunk
◦ Double-click to open the front trunk.
Keys and Doors
9Opening and Closing

You do not need to point the key at Model S,
but you must be within operating range
(which varies depending on the strength of
the key’s battery).
If Model S is unable to detect the key, the
touchscreen displays a message indicating
that a key is not inside. Place the key where
Model S can best detect it, which is below the
12V power socket (see Key Not Inside on
page 51).
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can
aect the key. If this happens, move the key
at least 30 cm away from other electronic
devices (phone, laptop, etc). If the key does
not work, you may need to change its battery.
If the key’s battery is discharged, you can
open Model S by following the unlocking
procedure (see Unlocking When the Key
Doesn't Work on page 12).
For increased security, your key fob may
require periodical updates. To update your
key fob, go to Controls > Service > Update
Key Fob and follow the onscreen instructions.
Your vehicle must be in Park to update the
key fob.
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 o.
CAUTION: Protect the key from
impact, high temperatures, and
damage from liquids. Avoid contact
with solvents, waxes and abrasive
cleaners.
Replacing the Key Battery
The key’s battery lasts for approximately a
year with normal use. When the battery is
low, a message displays on the instrument
panel. Follow these steps to replace it:
NOTE: Tesla recommends replacing the
battery in all keys at the same time.
1. With the key placed button-side down on
a soft surface, use a small flat-bladed tool
or fingernail to release the bottom cover.
2. Remove the battery by carefully lifting it
away from the front retaining clips.
3. Insert the new battery (type CR2032)
with the ‘+’ side facing up.
NOTE: Tesla recommends using Panasonic
CR2032 batteries. These can be
purchased through online retailers, local
supermarkets, and drug stores.
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.
4. Holding the cover at an angle, align the
tabs on the widest side of the cover with
the corresponding slots on the key, then
press the cover firmly onto the key until it
snaps into place.
5. Test that the key works by unlocking and
locking your vehicle.
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.
Keys and Doors
10 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

Using Exterior Door Handles
A light press on a door handle extends it,
provided Model S detects a valid key nearby
and Passive Entry is on (Controls > Safety &
Security > Passive Entry).
You can set the door handles to extend
automatically whenever you approach the
driver’s side carrying the key. On the
touchscreen, touch Controls > Vehicle >
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 when:
• The key has been out of range for more
than 48 hours.
• The key remains within range for five
minutes after all doors have been closed.
In these cases, extend door handles by
touching one of them, or by 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. Also, the image of
the Model S on the
touchscreen's Controls >
Quick Controls window
also provides a visual
representation of an open
door or trunk.
Opening Doors from the Interior
To open a door, pull the interior door handle
toward you.
NOTE: To prevent children from opening rear
doors using the interior handles, use the
touchscreen, Controls > Vehicle > Child-
Protection Lock, to turn on the child-
protection locks (see Child-Protection Lock
on page 12).
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 the lock icon on the
touchscreen's status bar.
When you stop Model S and engage the Park
gear, you can choose whether you want doors
to unlock or remain locked. To do so, touch
Controls > Vehicle > Unlock on Park. When
enabled, doors automatically unlock when
you engage the Park gear.
Keys and Doors
11Opening and Closing

You can also unlock doors and present
handles by pressing the Park button on the
end of the gear selector a second time (for
example, after pressing it one time to engage
the Park gear).
NOTE: If a door or trunk is still open when
you lock Model S, it locks when you close it.
Door Unlock Mode
You can choose to unlock only the driver's
door when you approach your vehicle
carrying your key or when you shift into Park.
To do so, touch Controls > Vehicle > Driver
Door Unlock Mode.
Child-Protection Lock
Model S has child-protection locks on the rear
doors and liftgate to prevent them from being
opened using interior handles. Use the
touchscreen to turn child-protection locks on
or o. Touch Controls > Vehicle > Child-
Protection Lock.
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn child-
protection locks on whenever children are
seated in the rear seats.
Drive Away Locking
Model S automatically locks all doors
(including the trunks) whenever your driving
speed exceeds 8 km/h.
Walk-Away Locking
Doors and trunks automatically lock
whenever you walk away carrying the key or
if the key is otherwise not detected by your
vehicle (not present, dead battery, etc.).
To turn this feature on or o, touch Controls >
Vehicle > Walk-Away Door Lock.
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture
and options selected at time of purchase,
some Model S vehicles are not equipped with
the Walk-Away Locking.
NOTE: If Model S detects an authenticated
key for five minutes after you exit the vehicle
and close all doors, Walk-Away Lock disables
and will not lock when you leave with the key.
You will need to manually lock your vehicle
until after your next drive.
NOTE: If all doors are closed and you use the
key to unlock Model S, walk away locking is
temporarily suspended for one minute. If you
open a door within this minute, it does not re-
lock until after all the doors are closed and
you have walked away with the key.
NOTE: If your vehicle was unlocked using the
mobile app, it automatically locks after a
short period of time with all doors closed. If
parking in an area without cellular service,
such as an indoor parking garage, ensure that
you have a functional key fob readily
available.
Unlocking When the Key
Doesn't Work
If Model S does not unlock when you walk up
to it, or when you double-click the unlock
button on the top of your key, the key’s
battery may be dead. Even if this is the case,
you can still use the key to unlock and drive
Model S.
NOTE: Although you can still use your key,
you should consider using the mobile app to
remotely unlock and start the vehicle. Then,
replace your key's battery when convenient.
To unlock Model S (and disable the security
alarm) using the key, first position the key
near the base of the passenger side
windshield wiper. Then press the front door
handle on the right side of the vehicle. If
Model S doesn't unlock, try adjusting the
position of the key and try again. The key
must be in the correct position for the vehicle
to unlock.
NOTE: The following illustration assumes a
left hand drive (LHD) vehicle. On a right hand
drive (RHD) vehicle, the locations are
mirrored.
Keys and Doors
12 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

To drive Model S after gaining access to the
cabin, place the bottom of the key against the
center console, immediately below the 12V
power outlet, then press and hold the brake
pedal to start Model S.
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 Interior Doors with No
Power
If Model S has no electrical power, the 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 of
the vehicle.
Keys and Doors
13Opening and Closing

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.
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on
page 87 for information on preparing
windows for cold weather.
CAUTION: When exiting the vehicle,
be careful not to unintentionally press
the window switches, as they may
lower the windows on the driver or
other doors.
CAUTION: Closing the door while the
window is fully raised (for example, if
manually raised) can damage the
windows or the vehicle. Ensure the
window 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, 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
window switches whenever children
are seated in the rear seats.
WARNING: Never leave children
unattended in Model S.
Windows
14 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

Opening
To open the rear trunk, ensure the vehicle is in
Park, then do one of the following:
• Touch the associated OPEN button on the
touchscreen (Controls > Quick Controls).
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the
key.
• Touch the rear trunk button on the mobile
app.
• With Model S unlocked, press the switch
located under the rear trunk's exterior
handle.
NOTE: If Passive Entry is o, you must use
the key to unlock Model S before you can use
the switch to manually open the rear trunk.
See Using the Key on page 9.
When a door or the rear
trunk powered liftgate is
open, the instrument
panel displays the Door
Open indicator light. The
image of your Model S on
the touchscreen also
displays the open trunk.
To stop a powered 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 powered liftgate while it is opening,
when you double-click, it closes.
NOTE: In emergency situations, you can
override an Open or Close command by
grabbing hold of the powered liftgate to stop
it in place.
To open the rear trunk from inside Model S in
the unlikely situation that Model S has no
power, see Interior Emergency Trunk Release
on page 17.
WARNING: Before opening or closing
the powered liftgate, it is important to
check that the area around the liftgate
is free of obstacles (people and
objects). Although the powered
liftgate can detect obstacles, it cannot
detect all objects at all times. Do not
rely on the liftgate to sense an
obstruction when opening or closing.
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 serious injury.
Load Limits
Secure all cargo before moving Model S, and
place heavy cargo in the lower trunk
compartment.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, never
load more than 175 lbs (80 kg) on the
rear load floor (above the lower trunk
compartment), or more than 285 lbs
(130 kg) in the large lower trunk
compartment. Doing so can cause
damage.
Closing
If Model S is not equipped with a powered
liftgate, close the rear trunk by pulling down
on the liftgate and pushing firmly until it is
fully closed.
To close the powered liftgate, do one of the
following:
• Touch the associated CLOSE button on
the touchscreen (Controls > Quick
Controls).
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the
key fob.
Rear Trunk
15Opening and Closing

• Press the switch located on the underside
of the liftgate (see Adjusting Liftgate
Opening Height on page 16).
If the powered liftgate senses an obstruction
when closing, it stops moving and sounds two
chimes. Remove the obstruction and try
closing it again.
Adjusting Liftgate Opening
Height
If Model S is equipped with a powered
liftgate, you can adjust its opening height 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.
3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired
height by closing the powered liftgate,
then reopening it.
Interior Release
To open the rear trunk from inside a Model S
equipped with the Tesla Built-In Rear Facing
Child Seats, press the interior release switch
located inside the rear trunk and push the
liftgate up. If Model S is locked and is
equipped with a power liftgate, the first press
unlocks the rear trunk and the second press
opens it.
NOTE: If Model S is not equipped with the
Tesla Rear Facing Child Seats, the switch may
appear to exist, but it will be inactive and
pressing it does not release the liftgate.
If Model S is equipped with the power liftgate,
you do not need to push it up. When you
press the release switch, it opens, and when
you pull the switch, it closes.
NOTE: The interior release switch is disabled
if child-protection locks are turned on (see
Child-Protection Lock on page 12), or if
Model S is moving.
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.
CAUTION: Never load more than 175
lbs (80 kg) on the rear load floor
(above the lower trunk compartment)
or more than 285 lbs (130 kg) in the
lower trunk compartment. Doing so
can cause damage.
Rear Trunk
16 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL

Interior Emergency Trunk
Release
An illuminated mechanical release located
inside the rear trunk allows you to open the
rear trunk from the inside if Model S has no
electrical power. This mechanical release also
allows a person locked inside to get out.
1. Remove the cover by pulling its lower
edge very firmly toward you.
2. Pull the cable to release the latch.
3. Push the rear trunk open.
NOTE: The button glows for several hours
after a brief exposure to ambient light.
WARNING: Do not allow children to
play inside the trunk or become
locked inside. An unrestrained child
could suer serious injury or death in
a crash. A child could suer heat
exhaustion if trapped in the vehicle,
especially without climate control on.
Rear Trunk
17Opening and Closing

Opening
To open the front trunk:
1. Ensure that the area around the hood is
free of obstacles.
2. Touch the associated OPEN button on the
touchscreen (Controls > Quick Controls),
double-click the front trunk button on the
key, or touch the front trunk button on
the mobile app.
3. Pull the hood up.
When a door or trunk/
liftgate is open, the
instrument panel displays
the Door Open indicator
light. The image of your
Model S on the
touchscreen also displays
the open front trunk.
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.
NOTE: The front trunk locks whenever closed
and you lock Model S using either the
touchscreen or externally using the key or
mobile app, you leave Model S carrying your
key (if Walk-Away Locking on page 12 is
turned on), or when Valet mode is active (see
Valet Mode on page 43).
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.
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.
Front Trunk
18 MODEL S OWNER'S MANUAL