Tesla MODEL S User manual

MODEL S QUICK GUIDE
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARRANTY
Cover.fm Page 1 Monday, January 6, 2014 11:16 AM
NORTH AMERICA

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 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.
ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, please send an email to:
[e-mail].
©2012-2014TESLA 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
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TESLA TESLA MOTORS TESLA
ROADSTER
MODEL S
The full Owner’s Manual and Warranty documents are on
your Model S touchscreen (touch Controls > Settings >
Manual). These digital versions will continuously update as
the software on your car updates, ensuring that the latest
features are properly documented long after your purchase.
More information about your Model S is available at
www.teslamotors.com/mytesla.
To contact Tesla, call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
Cover.fm Page 2 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:42 PM

Roadside Assistance......................2
Contacting Roadside Assistance.......................... 2
Instructions for Transporters..................................3
UseaFlatbedOnly3DisableSelf-Leveling(airsuspensionvehiclesonly)3ActivateTowMode3ConnecttheTowChain4PullOntotheTrailerandSecuretheWheels5
Safety Information......................... 6
Seat Belts....................................................................... 6
WearingSeatBelts6WearingSeatBeltsWhenPregnant7SeatBeltPre-tensioners7TestingSeatBelts8SeatBeltWarnings8 Child Safety Seats.......................................................9
GuidelinesforSeatingChildren9ChoosingaChildSafetySeat10SeatingLargerChildren11InstallingChildSafetySeats11InstallingSeatBeltRetainedChildSeats11InstallingLATCHChildSeats12AttachingUpperTetherStraps12TestingaChildSafetySeat13Warnings-ChildSafetySeats13 Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats.............. 14
UsageRestrictions14Opening14Folding15SeatingaChild16Warnings-TeslaChildSeats17 Airbags.......................................................................... 18
LocationofAirbags18HowtheAirbagsWork19TypesofAirbags19PassengerFrontAirbag20InflationEffects21AirbagWarningIndicator21AirbagWarnings21 Tire Care and Maintenance................................... 22
MaintainingTirePressures22InspectingandMaintainingTires23ReplacingTiresandWheels24UsingTireChains25TirePressureMonitoring25UnderstandingTireMarkings27WheelsandTiresGlossary29 Vehicle Loading........................................................ 30
LoadCapacityLabeling30CalculatingLoadLimits31TowingaTrailer32RoofRacks32 Disclaimers.................................................................. 33
VehicleTelematics/DataRecorders33QualityControl33CaliforniaProposition6533 Declarations of Conformity.................................. 34
KeyandPassiveUnlockingSystem34TirePressureMonitoringSystem35MediaControlUnit35HomeLink36RadioFrequencyInformation36 Reporting Concerns.................................................37
ContactingTesla37ReportingSafetyDefects-US37ReportingSafetyDefects-Canada37
Warranty..........................................38
General Warranty Provisions............................... 38
WhoistheWarrantor?38WhatVehiclesareCovered?38MultipleWarrantyConditions38LimitationsandDisclaimers38YourRightsUnderStateLaw39OwnershipTransfer39WhoCanEnforcethisNewVehicleLimitedWarranty?39WhenDoestheWarrantyPeriodBeginandEnd?39 Warranty Coverage................................................. 39
BasicVehicleLimitedWarranty39SupplementalRestraintSystemLimitedWarranty40BatteryandDriveUnitLimitedWarranty40 Exclusions and Limitations...................................40
WarrantyLimitations40AdditionalLimitationsandExclusions41VoidedWarranty42Damages42 Obtaining Warranty Service................................ 43
PaymentofTaxforRepairs43ReasonableTimeforRepairs43RoadsideAssistance(NorthAmerica)43ModificationsandWaivers43 Warranty Enforcement Laws and
Dispute Resolution.................................................. 44
Contents

Contacting Roadside Assistance
Tesla Roadside Assistance is available to you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the duration of
your warranty period.
To contact Roadside Assistance, call:
1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
Advise the representative of the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number,
mileage, your location, and the nature of the problem. The VIN is on the upper dashboard on the
driver’s side of your vehicle and is visible through the windshield.
Roadside Assistance covers transportation of Model S for up to 50 miles (80 kms) in the event of
a flat tire. However, owners are responsible for transportation expenses if the Battery is over-
discharged. For a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Tesla Roadside
Assistance Program, refer to the policy that was provided to you by Tesla when you purchased
Model S.
It is your responsibility to provide vehicle transporters with instructions on how to transport
Model S (see Instructions for Transporters on page 3).
Roadside Assistance
2 Model S Quick Guide

Instructions for Transporters
Use a Flatbed Only
Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise
specified by Tesla. Do not transport Model S
with the tires directly on the ground.
Caution: Damage caused by transporting
is not covered by the warranty.
Caution: To transport Model S, follow the
instructions exactly as described next.
Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension
vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even
when power is off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self-
leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Driving on the
touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very
High to maximize height.
3. Touch Jack.
When Jack mode is active,
Model S displays this indicator
light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you
that active suspension is
disabled.
Note: Jack mode cancels when Model S is
driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can result in the vehicle
becoming loose during transport, which
may cause significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park
when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle,
even if it has previously been shifted into
Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which
disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the
touchscreen, touch Controls > E-Brake &
Power Off > Tow Mode.
When Tow mode is active, Model S
displays this indicator light on the
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
free-rolling.
Note: Tow mode cancels when Model S is
shifted into Park.
Caution: If the electrical system is not
working, and you therefore cannot
release the electric parking brake,
attempt to quick start the 12V battery.
For instructions, call Tesla. If a situation
occurs where you cannot disengage the
parking brake, use tire skids or transport
Model S for the shortest possible distance
using wheeled dollies. Before doing so,
always check the dolly manufacturer’s
specifications and recommended load
capacity.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance 3

Connect the Tow Chain
The method used to connect the tow chain
depends on whether Model S is equipped with
a towing eye (located in the front trunk).
If not equipped with a towing eye:
1. Attach the tow chains to the large hole on
each of the rearmost lower suspension
arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any
damage that could be caused by the tow
chains, place a 2" x 4" piece of wood
between the tow chains and the
underbody.
Caution: Before pulling, position the
wood between the tow chain and the
underbody to ensure the underbody is
protected from any damage that could
be caused by the tow chain.
If equipped with a towing eye:
1. Remove the nose cone.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
corner, and gently pry the nose cone
toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three
remaining clips.
2. Insert the towing eye.
Fully insert the towing eye (found in the
front trunk) into the opening on the right
side, then turn it counter-clockwise until
securely fastened.
3. Attach the tow chain to the towing eye.
Caution: Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.
Roadside Assistance
4 Model S Quick Guide

Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the
Wheels
Secure wheels using chocks and tie-down
straps:
• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down
straps do not contact painted surfaces or
the face of the wheels.
• Do not place straps over body panels or
through the wheels.
Caution: Attaching straps to the chassis,
suspension or other parts of the vehicle's
body may cause damage.
Caution: To prevent damage, do not
transport Model S with the tires directly
on the ground.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance 5

Seat Belts
Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the
most effective way to protect occupants if a
collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are
equipped with three-point inertia reel seat
belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically
tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
(see Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
on page 11).
The seat belt reel automatically locks to
prevent movement of occupants if Model S
experiences a force associated with hard
acceleration, braking, cornering, or an impact
in a collision.
The seat belt reminder on the
instrument panel alerts you if a seat
belt for an occupied front seat is not
fastened. If the belt remains
unfastened, the reminder flashes and
an intermittent chime sounds. If all
occupants are buckled up and the
reminder stays on, re-fasten seat
belts to ensure they are correctly
latched. Also remove any heavy
objects (such as a briefcase) from an
unoccupied seat. If the reminder
light continues to stay on, contact
Tesla.
To Fasten a Belt
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat.
2. Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the pelvis, chest and
mid-point of your collar bone, between
the neck and shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and
press together until you hear a click
indicating it is locked in place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward
the reel to remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
belt from retracting too quickly, then press
the button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
that prevents the belt from fully retracting.
The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt
does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Safety Information
6 Model S Quick Guide

Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant
Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
lap section of the belt as low as possible
across the hips, not the waist. Position the
shoulder portion of the belt between the
breasts and to the side of the abdomen.
Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
Warning: Never place anything between
you and the seat belt to cushion the
impact in the event of an accident.
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners
The front seat belts are equipped with
pre‑tensioners that work in conjunction with
the airbags in a severe frontal collision. The
pre‑tensioners automatically retract both the
seat belt anchor and the seat belt webbing,
reducing slack in both the lap and diagonal
portions of the belts, resulting in reduced
forward movement of the occupant.
If the pre-tensioners and airbags did not
activate in an impact, this does not mean they
malfunctioned. It usually means that the
strength or type of force needed to activate
them was not present.
Warning: Once the seat belt pre-
tensioners have been activated, they
must be replaced. After any accident,
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners
and any associated components checked
and, if necessary, replaced.
Safety Information
Safety Information 7

Testing Seat Belts
To confirm that seat belts are operating
correctly, perform these three simple checks
on each seat belt.
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the
webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull.
The buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling
is free from snags, and visually check the
webbing for wear. Allow the webbing to
retract, checking that retraction is smooth
and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the
tongue plate and pull forward quickly. The
mechanism should lock automatically and
prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact
Tesla immediately.
Seat Belt Warnings
Warning: Seat belts should be worn by all
occupants at all times, even if driving for
a very short distance. Failure to do so
increases the risk of injury or death if an
accident occurs.
Warning: Secure small children in a
suitable child safety seat. Always follow
the child safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing.
Warning: Ensure that all seat belts are
worn correctly. An improperly worn seat
belt increases the risk of injury or death if
an accident occurs.
Warning: Do not wear seat belts over
hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing,
such as pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. The
pressure from the seat belt on such items
can cause injury.
Warning: Seat belts should not be worn
with any part of the strap twisted.
Warning: Each seat belt assembly must
be used by one occupant only. It is
dangerous to put a seat belt around a
child being carried on an occupant’s lap.
Warning: Seat belts that have been worn
in an accident must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage to the
assembly is not obvious.
Warning: Seat belts that show signs of
wear (such as fraying), or have been cut
or damaged in any way, must be replaced
by Tesla.
Warning: Avoid contaminating a seat
belt’s components with any chemicals,
liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning products. If a
seat belt fails to retract or latch into the
buckle, it must be replaced immediately.
Contact Tesla.
Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can prevent a seat belt
mechanism from taking up slack, or that
can prevent a seat belt from being
adjusted to remove slack. A slack belt
greatly reduces occupant protection.
Warning: Do not make modifications that
can interfere with the operation of a seat
belt, or that can cause a seat belt to
become inoperable.
Warning: When seat belts are not in use,
they should be fully retracted and not
hanging loose. If a seat belt does not fully
retract, contact Tesla.
Safety Information
8 Model S Quick Guide

Child Safety Seats
Guidelines for Seating Children
Your Model S seat belts in the front and second row seats are designed for adults and larger
children. You must restrain infants and small children in the second row seats only, and you must
use a suitable child safety seat appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and size. Never use child
safety seats in the front row passenger seat. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the child safety seat.
If your Model S is equipped with the optional Tesla built-in rear facing child seats, these seats are
child safety seats and are designed only for children within a specific height and weight range
(see Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats on page 14).
Safety Information
Safety Information 9

Choosing a Child Safety Seat
All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear (second row) seats. Always use a child safety
seat suitable for a young child’s age and weight.
Infants Toddlers Young
children
Age Birth to 1 year* Over 1 year* 4 years and
older, and
less than 57
in. (145 cm)
tall
Weight Up to at least 20 lbs (9 kg)* Over 20 lbs (9 kg) (minimum)
and up to 40 lbs (18 kg)* Over 40 lbs (18 kg)
Type of child
safety seat Rear facing (or convertible) Forward facing (or convertible)* Seat belt retained
booster
seat
Seat position Rear facing only* Forward facing* Forward
facing
Recommended
attachment
method
If combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (lower anchor only)
or the seat belt only.*** If
combined weight of child and
safety seat is over 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using the seat
belt only.***
If combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (both lower anchors
and top tether anchor), or the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.*** If combined weight of
child and safety seat is over
65 lbs (29 kg), attach using the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.***
Attach
booster
seats using
the seat
belt only.
* Many child safety seats currently available allow children to ride rear-facing using the child
safety seat’s integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS. Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible.
CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND CAREFULLY
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
** LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, this is also called Lower
Universal Anchorage System (LUAS), or CANFIX.
*** Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
Warning: Laws that govern how and where children should be carried when traveling in a
vehicle are subject to change. It is the driver’s responsibility to keep up to date on, and
comply with, all current regulations in the region(s) where Model S is driven.To check the
child passenger safety laws for your state, go to: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/
childsafety_laws.html.
Safety Information
10 Model S Quick Guide

Seating Larger Children
If a child is too large to fit into a child safety
seat, but too small to safely fit into the
standard seat belts, use a booster seat
appropriate for the child’s age and size.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s
instructions to secure the booster seat using
the seat belts. Do not use the LATCH system
to secure booster seats, even in situations
where the booster seat is equipped with the
LATCH system.
Installing Child Safety Seats
There are two general methods used to install
child safety seats:
• Seat belt retained - these seats are
secured using the vehicle’s seat belts (see
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
on page 11).
• LATCH retained - these seats can attach
to anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear
seats (see Installing LATCH Child Seats on
page 12).
Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions and the table on Child Safety
Seats on page 9 to determine which
installation method to use. Some child safety
seats can be installed using either method.
Always follow the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
First, make sure that the child falls into the
correct weight range for the seat.
Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing and
do not place any objects between the child
and the restraint system.
Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
and the webbing is fully retracted. The ALR
mechanism operates as a ratchet, winding in
slack and preventing the seat belt from
extending any further until it has been
completely rewound. When installing a child
safety seat, engage the belt's automatic
locking retractor by pulling the seat belt
webbing until it is fully extended. The ALR
system engages only when the seat belt is at
its maximum extension point.
Note: An automatic locking retractor
disengages only when the seat belt is
unbuckled and fully retracted. The belt can
then be worn as a normal belt, sliding freely in
and out and locking tight only in an
emergency. Once disengaged, the belt must
be fully extended to re-engage the locking
mechanism whenever you install a child safety
seat.
Always follow the detailed instructions
provided by the child safety seat
manufacturer. General guidelines are provided
below.
1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and
fully extend the seat belt. Route and
buckle the seat belt in accordance with
the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove
all slack in the seat belt while firmly
pushing the child safety seat into the
Model S seat.
Safety Information
Safety Information 11

3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat
has an upper tether, attach it to the back
of the seat (see Attaching Upper Tether
Straps on page 12).
Installing LATCH Child Seats
Lower LATCH anchor positions are provided
in the second-row outboard seating positions
and are located between the seat's back rest
and rear cushion. The exact location of each
anchor is identified by a child safety seat
identification button, illustrated below. The
button is located on the seat back, directly
above its associated anchor.
Install LATCH seats in the outboard seating
positions only. Use only a seat belt retained
seat in the center position.
To install a LATCH retained child safety seat,
slide the safety seat latches onto the anchor
bars until they click into place. Carefully read
and follow the instructions provided by the
child safety seat manufacturer.
Once installed, test the security of the
installation before seating a child. Attempt to
twist the child safety seat from side to side
and try to pull it away from the seat, then
check that the anchors are still securely in
place.
Attaching Upper Tether Straps
If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its
hook to the anchor point located on the back
of the rear seats. Always position single-strap
tethers so that it runs over the center of the
Model S head support. Tighten dual-strap
tethers to run on each side of the head
support. Tighten according to the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: To prevent single-strap tethers from
moving from side to side, the top of the head
support deforms.
Safety Information
12 Model S Quick Guide

Testing a Child Safety Seat
Before seating a child, always make sure the
child safety seat is not loose:
1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path
and try to slide the safety seat from side
to side and front to back.
2. If the seat moves more than one inch
(2.5 cm), it is too loose. Tighten the belt
or reconnect the LATCH retained child
safety seat.
3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child
safety seat.
Warnings - Child Safety Seats
Warning: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a
child on the front passenger seat even if
you are using a child safety seat. This seat
has an airbag in front of it. Although this
airbag is disabled when Model S detects a
lightweight passenger, do not rely on
technology to protect your child.
Warning: Do not use a forward facing
child safety seat until your child weighs
over 20 lbs (9 kg) and can sit
independently. Up to the age of two, a
child's spine and neck are not sufficiently
developed to avoid injury in a frontal
impact.
Warning: Do not allow a baby or infant to
be held on a lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety
seat at all times.
Warning: To ensure children are safely
seated, follow all instructions provided in
this document and by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat.
Warning: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for as long as
possible.
Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
when installing a child safety seat or
booster seat.
Warning: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported
and the child’s seat belt is properly
adjusted and fastened. The shoulder
portion of the belt must be away from the
face and neck, and the lap portion must
not be over the stomach.
Warning: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,
one anchor point may be incapable of
securing both seats.
Warning: Child restraint anchorages are
designed to withstand only those loads
imposed by correctly fitted child
restraints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seatbelts,
harnesses, or for attaching other items or
equipment to the vehicle.
Warning: Always check harnesses and
tether straps for damage and wear.
Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
on a seat belt that is being used to install
a child safety seat or booster seat.
Warning: Never leave a child unattended,
even if the child is secured in a child
safety seat.
Warning: Never use a child safety seat
that has been involved in an accident.
Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
described in the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Safety Information
Safety Information 13

Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child
Seats
Usage Restrictions
The optional Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37" (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the
lap belt. Follow all instructions provided and
do not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
Opening
1. Remove the cover from the trunk floor
and pull the strap to lift the seat assembly
upward.
2. Push the seat assembly into position.
3. Undo the Velcro strap.
4. Pull the handle to release the head
supports from the seat back, then pull the
head supports toward you to unfold them.
Safety Information
14 Model S Quick Guide

5. Raise the seat back to the upright position
and push until it locks into position.
Visually check to ensure that the retaining
catches are engaged.
6. Check that the seat back and seat base
are securely retained in the upright
position by trying to pull the seat back
toward you.
Folding
Caution: Before folding the seats, fasten
the seat belts to prevent them from
getting trapped in the seat mechanism
and being damaged.
1. Pull the handle to release the seat back
and pull the seat back fully forward.
2. Push the lever to release the head
supports from the seat back, then fold
back onto the seat.
3. Secure the Velcro strap.
4. Pull the strap at the rear of the seat to
fold the seat assembly into the trunk floor.
5. Replace the cover on the trunk floor.
Safety Information
Safety Information 15

Seating a Child
The Tesla built-in rear facing child seats are
child restraint systems and must only be used
for children over 37" (94 cm) tall and
weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2
kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the
lap belt. Follow all instructions provided and
do not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
1. Position the child in the seat with arms
through the loops of the seat belts.
2. Connect the two halves of the seat belt
tongue.
3. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle
and ensure it is securely fastened.
4. Adjust the shoulder belts so they run over
the top of the child’s shoulders and away
from the face.
5. Connect the chest clip and adjust it to be
as high as possible without causing the
shoulder belts to touch the child’s neck.
6. Pull the lower straps until the child is
securely held in the seat.
7. Slide the shoulder clips into place to
ensure the upper portion of the belts
remain positioned over the child’s
shoulders.
To release, press the button on the buckle,
release the chest clip, and separate the two
halves of the seat restraint.
Safety Information
16 Model S Quick Guide

Warnings - Tesla Child Seats
Warning: The Tesla built-in rear facing
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37"
(94 cm) tall and weighing between 35
and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2 kg).
Warning: Do not use supplemental child
restraint systems, including booster seats,
in the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats.
Warning: Always ensure that the top of
the child’s head cannot touch the vehicle
and that the child is seated comfortably
with the seat belts correctly fastened.
Warning: Follow all instructions and heed
all warnings related to the Tesla built-in
rear facing child seats. Failure to do so
can compromise occupant safety.
Warning: Read all safety warnings and
labels attached to the seats.
Warning: Do not leave children
unattended in Model S, even if the child is
secured in a child safety seat or a Tesla
built-in rear facing child seat. In hot
weather, the interior temperature can
reach dangerous levels that can result in
dehydration, serious injury or death.
Warning: Do not remove or replace the
fabric on a Tesla built-in rear facing child
seat. The covers are an integral part of
the restraint’s performance and should
not be removed or replaced with any
other type than those supplied by Tesla.
Warning: If the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats have been worn in an
accident, they must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage is not
obvious.
Warning: Before allowing a child to ride in
the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats,
check that the seat is securely held in the
upright position by trying to pull the seat
back toward you.
Warning: Do not remove the built-in rear
facing child seats for any reason,
including cleaning. To ensure safety of
occupants, removal and installation must
be performed by qualified Tesla service
technicians.
Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can interfere with the
operation of the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats.
Warning: To prevent injury, ensure all
loose items (bags, luggage, etc.) are
secured. In an accident, or during hard
braking and sharp turns, loose items
could cause injury.
Safety Information
Safety Information 17

Airbags
Location of Airbags
Airbags are located in the approximate areas shown here. Airbag warning information is printed
on the sun visors.
1. Passenger knee airbag
2. Passenger front airbag
3. Side airbags
4. Curtain airbags
5. Driver’s knee airbag
6. Driver’s front airbag
Safety Information
18 Model S Quick Guide