Tesla S 2012 User manual

MODEL S
2012–2020
OWNER'S MANUAL
Software version: 2022.12
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 and Doors................................................................................ 8
Windows............................................................................................ 12
Rear Trunk.........................................................................................13
Front Trunk....................................................................................... 15
Interior Storage and Electronics...............................................17
Sunroof...............................................................................................21
Seating and Safety Restraints..................... 22
Front and Rear Seats................................................................... 22
Seat Belts......................................................................................... 24
Child Safety Seats.........................................................................27
Airbags..............................................................................................33
Driving.................................................................. 39
Driver Profiles................................................................................. 39
Steering Wheel............................................................................... 41
Mirrors............................................................................................... 44
Starting and Powering O........................................................ 46
Shifting..............................................................................................48
Lights.................................................................................................49
Instrument Panel............................................................................52
Wipers and Washers.................................................................... 57
Braking and Stopping..................................................................58
Traction Control..............................................................................61
Park Assist....................................................................................... 62
Vehicle Hold.................................................................................... 64
Acceleration Modes......................................................................65
Trip Information............................................................................. 67
Getting Maximum Range........................................................... 68
Rear Facing Camera(s)...............................................................70
Pedestrian Warning System.......................................................71
Cold Weather Best Practices.................................................... 72
Autopilot..............................................................74
About Autopilot............................................................................ 74
Trac-Aware Cruise Control.....................................................77
Autosteer..........................................................................................82
Navigate on Autopilot.................................................................87
Trac Light and Stop Sign Control.......................................90
Autopark...........................................................................................97
Summon........................................................................................... 99
Smart Summon............................................................................ 102
Active Safety Features................................. 105
Lane Assist.....................................................................................105
Collision Avoidance Assist.......................................................108
Speed Assist.................................................................................... 111
Using the Touchscreen...................................113
Controls............................................................................................ 113
Climate Controls........................................................................... 119
Maps and Navigation................................................................. 124
Media................................................................................................ 129
Entertainment............................................................................... 132
Phone and Calendar................................................................... 135
Air Suspension..............................................................................138
Voice Commands........................................................................ 140
Security Settings..........................................................................142
Dashcam and Sentry Mode..................................................... 143
HomeLink Universal Transceiver............................................146
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................... 149
Software Updates........................................................................150
Mobile App.....................................................................................152
Charging.............................................................154
Electric Vehicle Components..................................................154
High Voltage Battery Information.........................................156
Charging Instructions.................................................................157
Maintenance......................................................163
Maintenance Schedule...............................................................163
Tire Care and Maintenance...................................................... 165
Cleaning.......................................................................................... 170
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.............................................. 173
Fluid Reservoirs............................................................................174
Jacking and Lifting......................................................................177
Parts and Accessories................................................................178
Specifications................................................... 179
Identification Labels................................................................... 179
Vehicle Loading........................................................................... 180
Dimensions and Weights.......................................................... 182
Subsystems....................................................................................184
Wheels and Tires......................................................................... 186
Roadside Assistance......................................193
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance................................193
Instructions for Transporters.................................................. 194
Consumer Information..................................197
About this Owner Information............................................... 197
Disclaimers.....................................................................................198
Reporting Safety Defects....................................................... 200
Radio Regulatory Compliance................................................201
Troubleshooting Alerts............................................................ 204
Index.................................................................... 241
Contents

1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 49)
2. Door handles (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 9)
3. Sunroof (optional) (Sunroof on page 21)
4. Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 157)
5. Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 74)
6. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 44)
7. Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 15)
8. Radar sensor (hidden from view in the above image) (About Autopilot on page 74)
9. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 186)
10. Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 70 and About Autopilot on page 74)
11. Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 13)
12. Ultrasonic sensors (Park Assist on page 62 and About Autopilot on page 74)
Exterior Overview
2 MODEL S Owner's Manual

1. Interior door handles (Opening Doors from the Interior on page 10)
2. Autopilot stalk (Trac-Aware Cruise Control on page 77 and Autosteer on page 82)
3. Turn signal stalk (High Beam Headlights on page 49, Turn Signals on page 50, Wipers and Washers on page
57)
4. Steering wheel buttons - left (Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons on page 41)
5. Instrument panel (Instrument Panel on page 52)
6. Steering wheel buttons - right (Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page 42)
7. Drive stalk (How to Shift on page 48)
8. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on page 5)
9. Glovebox button (Glovebox on page 17)
10. Cabin climate control (Climate Controls on page 119)
11. Power window switches (Opening and Closing on page 12)
12. Exterior mirror adjustment switches (Mirrors on page 44)
13. Seats (Front and Rear Seats on page 22)
14. Steering column adjuster (hidden from view in the above image) (Steering Wheel on page 41)
15. Horn (Horn on page 42)
16. Brake pedal (Braking and Stopping on page 58)
17. Accelerator pedal (Acceleration Modes on page 65)
Interior Overview
3Overview

18. Hazard warning lights (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 51)
19. Cup holders (Cup Holders on page 20)
Interior Overview
4 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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. 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. Status bar: This area on the top of the touchscreen displays the time of day, the outside temperature, and the
following icons:
Touch to lock/unlock all doors and trunks.
Touchscreen Overview
5Overview

Status of the front passenger airbag (see Airbags on page 33).
Displays when a software update is available (see Software Updates on page 150).
Add, configure, or quickly switch driver profiles (including Valet Mode and Easy Entry). See Driver
Profiles on page 39.
Control or program HomeLink devices (if equipped) (see HomeLink Universal Transceiver on page
146).
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.
Connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Connected to cellular network. Touch to connect to Wi-Fi (see Connecting to Wi-Fi on page 149).
Connect to a Bluetooth device (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on page 135).
2. Navigation: Change the orientation of the map, find or navigate to a destination, and change navigation settings
(see Maps and Navigation on page 124).
3. Controls: Control various features and adjust settings to customize your Model S (see Controls on page 113).
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 119).
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 7.
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.
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. Climate controls (passenger): Displays when temperature controls have been Split to provide separate controls
for the driver and passenger.
Touchscreen Overview
6 MODEL S Owner's Manual

9. Volume Control: Controls the volume of media player and phone calls (see Volume Controls on page 129). The
volume of navigation instructions is controlled separately (see Maps and Navigation on page 124).
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.
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
7Overview

Keyless Locking and Unlocking
Locking and unlocking Model S is convenient. Although
you must be carrying a valid key fob, there is no need to
use it. Model S has sensors around the driver's door that
can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range
of approximately three feet (one meter). So, you can
keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and Model S
detects it as you approach.
When you walk up to Model S carrying your key fob, the
doors automatically unlock if Passive Entry is on
(Controls > Safety > 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 9), you do not need to touch the
door handle. Instead, door handles extend automatically
as you approach Model S. To open the rear trunk, press
the switch located under the powered liftgate’s exterior
handle.
NOTE: Model S must detect your key fob near the
driver's door before the doors or powered liftgate
unlock.
NOTE: If Passive Entry is o, you must use the key fob to
unlock Model S. See Using the Key Fob on page 8.
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 fob (see Door Unlock Mode
on page 10).
When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open
the rear trunk without having to use the key fob. Simply
press the switch located under the powered liftgate’s
exterior handle. Driver Door Unlock Mode (see Door
Unlock Mode on page 10) must be o and the vehicle
must detect the key fob 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 fob with you (see Walk-Away Door
Lock on page 10).
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.
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 Fob
To quickly familiarize yourself with the key fob, think of
the key fob as a miniature version of Model S, with the
Tesla badge representing the front. The key fob 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 powered liftgate 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.
You do not need to point the key fob at Model S, but you
must be within operating range (which varies depending
on the strength of the key fob’s battery).
If Model S is unable to detect the key fob, the
touchscreen displays a message indicating that a key
fob is not inside. Place the key fob where Model S can
best detect it, which is below the low voltage power
socket (see Key Fob Not Inside on page 46).
Radio equipment on a similar frequency can aect the
key fob. If this happens, move the key fob at least one
foot (30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phone,
laptop, etc). If the key fob does not work, you may need
to change its battery. If the key fob’s battery is
Keys and Doors
8 MODEL S Owner's Manual

discharged, you can open Model S by following the
unlocking procedure (see Unlocking When the Key Fob
Doesn't Work on page 11).
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 fob with
you when you drive. Although you can drive
Model S away from its key fob, you will be unable
to power it back on after it powers o.
CAUTION: Protect the key fob from impact, high
temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid
contact with solvents, waxes and abrasive
cleaners.
Replacing the Key Fob Battery
The key fob'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 key
fobs at the same time.
1. With the key fob 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 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
your vehicle.
Getting More Key Fobs
If you lose a key fob or require an additional one,
contact Tesla. Model S can recognize up to three key
fobs.
When ordering a new key fob for Model S, take all
available key fobs with you for reprogramming.
Using Exterior Door Handles
A light press on a door handle extends it, provided
Model S detects a valid key fob nearby and Passive
Entry is on (Controls > Safety > Passive Entry).
You can set the door handles to extend automatically
whenever you approach the driver’s side carrying the
key fob. 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.
Keys and Doors
9Opening and Closing

NOTE: To preserve battery life, Model S is designed to
temporarily disable the Auto-Present Handles feature
when:
• The key fob has been out of range for more than 48
hours.
• The key fob 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 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.
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 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
10).
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 Park, 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 Park.
You can also unlock doors and present handles by
pressing the Park button on the end of the drive stalk a
second time (for example, after pressing it one time to
engage Park).
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 fob. 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 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Walk-Away Door Lock
Doors and trunks automatically lock whenever you walk
away carrying the key fob or if the key fob 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.
Check the Exclude Home checkbox to prevent doors
from locking when you walk away carrying the key fob
when 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 126.
NOTE: If Model S detects an authenticated key fob for
five minutes after you exit the vehicle and close all
doors, Walk-Away Door Lock disables and doors do not
lock when you leave with the key fob. You will need to
manually lock Model S until after your next drive.
Keys and Doors
10 MODEL S Owner's Manual

NOTE: If all doors are closed and you use the key fob 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 fob.
NOTE: If you unlock Model S using the mobile app, it
automatically locks after a short period of time if all
doors remain closed. If parked in an area without cellular
service (such as an indoor parking garage), ensure that
you have a functional key fob available to unlock
Model S.
Unlocking When the Key Fob
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 fob, the key fob’s battery may be dead. Even if
this is the case, you can still use the key fob to unlock
and drive Model S.
NOTE: Although you can still use your key fob, you
should consider using the mobile app to remotely unlock
and start the vehicle. Then, replace your key fob's
battery when convenient.
To unlock Model S (and disable the security alarm) using
the key fob, first position the key fob 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 fob and try again. The key fob 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.
To drive Model S after gaining access to the cabin, place
the bottom of the key fob against the center console,
immediately below the low voltage 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 fob’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
11Opening 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.
If a window is left open unintentionally, Model S can
send a notification to the mobile app (touch Controls >
Vehicle > Car Left Open Notification, then choose Doors
& Windows).
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 72
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, 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
12 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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).
NOTE: If Passive Entry is o, you must use a key fob to
unlock Model S before you can use the switch to open
the liftgate. See Using the Key Fob on page 8.
Model S must be unlocked or detect a key before you
can use the switch to open the liftgate.
When a door, trunk or 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 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.
To open the liftgate from inside the vehicle in the
unlikely situation that Model S has no power, see Interior
Emergency Trunk Release on page 14.
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
If Model S is not equipped with a liftgate, close the rear
trunk by pulling down on the liftgate and pushing firmly
until it is fully closed.
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 13).
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
If Model S is equipped with a 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 liftgate, then reopening it.
Rear Trunk
13Opening and Closing

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 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
is 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 10), 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.
Secure all cargo before moving Model S, and place
heavy cargo in the lower 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 285 lbs (130 kg) in the lower compartment.
Doing so can cause damage.
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
14 MODEL S Owner's Manual

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 > Front Trunk on the touchscreen.
• Double-click the front trunk button on the key fob.
• Touch the front trunk button in the mobile app.
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.
The cargo weight should be distributed between the
front and rear trunks.
CAUTION: Never load more than 300 lbs (136 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 10 is turned on).
• Valet mode is active (see Valet Mode on page 40).
Interior Emergency Release
An illuminated interior release button inside the front
trunk allows a person locked inside to get out.
Front Trunk
15Opening and Closing

Press the interior release button to open the front trunk,
then push up on the hood.
NOTE: The interior release button glows following a brief
exposure to ambient light.
WARNING: People should never climb inside the
front trunk. Never shut the front trunk when a
person is inside.
WARNING: Care should be taken to ensure that
objects inside the front trunk do not bump against
the release button, causing the hood to
accidentally open.
Front Trunk
16 MODEL S Owner's Manual

Glovebox
To open the glovebox, press the switch located on the
side of the touchscreen. The glovebox locks whenever
Model S is locked externally, using the key or walk-away
locking. It also locks when Model S is in Valet mode (see
Valet Mode on page 40). It does not lock when you
lock Model S using the lock icon on the touchscreen's
status bar.
For additional glovebox security, touch Controls >
Safety > Glovebox PIN to set a 4-digit PIN (see
Glovebox PIN on page 142).
NOTE: If you leave the glovebox open, its light
eventually turns o.
WARNING: When driving, keep the glovebox
closed to prevent injury to a passenger if a
collision or sudden stop occurs.
USB Ports
Your Model S has two USB ports located on the front of
the center console that you can use to connect USB
devices. To play audio files stored on a USB drive
connected to these ports, see Playing Media from
Devices on page 130. You can also use these ports to
charge USB devices.
NOTE: Do not connect multiple devices using a USB
hub. This can prevent connected devices from charging
or from being recognized by the Media Player.
NOTE: Power is available whenever the vehicle is
considered "awake" The vehicle may be awake for many
reasons. For example, when using features such as
Summon, or when features such as Preconditioning,
Cabin Overheat Protection, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode,
Camp Mode, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle
is also awake whenever the low voltage battery is being
charged or is in use, during HV charging, when the
vehicle is communicating with the mobile app, etc.
Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the
low voltage battery.
USB Drive Requirements for
Recording Videos
One or more features on your Model S requires the use
of a flash drive (for example, Dashcam, Sentry Mode that
meets these requirements:
• Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB. Use a flash drive
with as much available storage as possible. Video
footage can occupy a large amount of space.
• A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that
sustained write speed diers from peak write speed.
• USB 2.0 compatible. If using a USB 3.0 flash drive, it
must support USB 2.0.
• Properly formatted (described below).
NOTE: In some market regions you can purchase
recommended USB drives on http://www.tesla.com.
Formatting a USB Flash Drive
To save and retrieve video footage, Model S requires a
USB flash drive formatted as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for
Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is currently not supported).
For use with Dashcam and Sentry Mode, the flash drive
must contain a base-level folder called TeslaCam.
Interior Storage and Electronics
17Opening and Closing

Model S can format a USB flash drive for you. Insert the
flash drive into a front USB port, and touch Controls >
Safety > Format USB Drive. Doing so automatically
formats the drive as exFAT and creates a folder for
TeslaCam. The USB flash drive is now ready to record
and save video footage. Format USB Drive is available
only when a USB flash drive (with one or fewer
partitions) is inserted into a front USB port. Choosing
Format USB Drive erases any existing content on the
flash drive—before using this feature, you must move
any content you want to keep to a dierent device.
If Model S is unable to format the flash drive, you must
format it using a computer. Remember to manually
create the TeslaCam folder (if equipped).
You can also format the USB flash drive with a computer
to use a single flash drive for Dashcam, Sentry Mode,
Track Mode (if equipped), and audio files. Create
separate partitions on the drive formatted as exFAT; for
example, one for Dashcam and Sentry Mode (you must
create the TeslaCam folder), one for Track Mode (create
the TeslaTrackMode folder), and an audio partition.
Once the USB flash drive is formatted and contains the
necessary folder(s), insert it into a front (or glovebox, if
equipped) USB port. Do not use a rear USB port— these
are used only to charge USB devices. Once inserted, it
can take up to 15 seconds for Model S to recognize the
flash drive. When recognized, icons for Dashcam and
Sentry Mode appear at the top of your touchscreen and
your vehicle is ready to record videos. You may need to
first enable Sentry Mode (if equipped) by touching
Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode.
Viewing Video Recordings
You can view recorded footage on the touchscreen
when Model S is in Park. Touch the Dashcam icon
located in the app launcher or the Dashcam icon at the
top of the touchscreen. Touch the menu icon in the top
corner of the screen. The tabs display a list of all video
clips, organized by location and timestamp. Pause,
rewind, fast forward, and delete video recordings as
needed. You can also navigate to Controls > Safety >
Delete Dashcam Clips to delete all dashcam and Sentry
Mode footage, including recent and saved clips.
NOTE: Dashcam recording pauses when you launch the
Viewer.
You can also view video footage by removing and
inserting the USB flash drive into a computer and
navigating to the TeslaCam (if equipped) folder.
The TeslaCam folder contains three sub-folders:
• Recent Clips: When recording, Dashcam continuously
saves footage to Recent Clips in 60-minute cycles.
Footage is overwritten every hour unless you
manually save it. Four videos are recorded for each
clip, one from each camera (front, rear, left, and
right).
NOTE: Rear camera recordings are available only on
vehicles manufactured after approximately February
2018.
• Saved Clips: Contains all recordings that are saved
using Dashcam.
• Sentry Clips: Contains the last 10 minutes of footage
from all Sentry Mode events that triggered an Alert
or Alarm state. If storage space on the USB flash
drive becomes limited, the oldest Sentry Clips are
deleted to provide space for new ones. Once deleted,
you cannot retrieve them.
When the USB flash drive runs out of storage space,
video footage can no longer be saved. To prevent the
flash drive from getting full, regularly move saved videos
to another device and delete them from the flash drive.
Wireless Phone Charger
If equipped, the Model S wireless phone charger
provides up to 7.5W to charge a Qi-enabled phone.
Simply open the center console and place your phone in
the charger, located on the back of the bin cover. The
wireless phone charger uses a front USB port. Your
device may feel warm while charging, but this is a
normal eect of inductive charging.
Model S will charge your phone only when the vehicle is
powered on (the touchscreen is on and you are in the
vehicle). Your phone will not charge after exiting the
vehicle. Model S will also not charge if the vehicle's
Battery is discharged.
NOTE: Ensure your phone supports inductive charging.
NOTE: The wireless phone charger may not work if your
phone case is too large or is made of metal. Try
removing the phone from its case before placing in the
charger.
Interior Storage and Electronics
18 MODEL S Owner's Manual