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Tesla Model S (2022 year). Manual in english - page 2

Child Safety Seats

NOTE: An automatic locking retractor disengages only

Seating Larger Children

when the seat belt is unbuckled and fully retracted. The

belt can then be worn as a normal belt, sliding freely in

If a child is too large to fit into a child safety seat, but

and out and locking tight only in an emergency. Once

too small to safely fit into the standard seat belts, use a

disengaged, the belt must be fully extended to re-

booster seat appropriate for the child’s age and size.

engage the locking mechanism whenever you install a

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to

child safety seat.

secure the booster seat.

Always follow the detailed instructions provided by the

Installing Child Safety Seats

child safety seat manufacturer. General guidelines are

provided below.

There are two general methods used to install child

1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and fully

safety seats:

extend the seat belt. Route and buckle the seat belt

in accordance with the child safety seat

• Seat belt retained - these seats are secured using the

manufacturer’s instructions.

vehicle’s seat belts. All passenger seating positions in

Model S support the use of seat belt retained child

safety seats.

• LATCH retained - these seats attach to anchor bars

built into the vehicle’s rear seats. The rear outboard

seating positions in Model S support the use of

LATCH retained child safety seats.

Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions

and the table in this manual 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 safety seat is appropriate

2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove all slack in

for the weight, height, and age of the child.

the seat belt while firmly pushing the child safety

seat into the Model S seat.

Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing and do not

place any objects between the child and the restraint

3. Attach the upper tether strap(s), as required by the

system.

manufacturer of the child restraint system (see

Attaching Upper Tether Straps on page 36).

Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.

To securely hold child safety seats, all passenger seating

Installing ISOFIX (LATCH) Child

positions are equipped with an automatic locking

Seats

retractor (ALR) feature that, by fully extracting the seat

belt (beyond the length needed for a typical adult

Lower LATCH anchors are provided in the rear outboard

occupant), locks the belt into place until the seat belt is

seats. The anchors are located between the seat's back

unbuckled and the webbing is fully retracted. The ALR

rest and rear cushion. The exact location of each anchor

mechanism operates as a ratchet, winding in slack and

is identified by a child safety seat identification button,

preventing the seat belt from extending any further until

illustrated below. The button is located on the seat back,

it has been completely rewound. When installing a child

directly above its associated anchor.

safety seat with integrated restraints, 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.

The automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature is not

used for booster seats in which a large child is restrained

by the vehicle's seat belts directly, and therefore not

using a child safety seat's integrated restraints.

34

Child Safety Seats

Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by

the manufacturer of the child restraint system. The

instructions describe how to slide the child restraint

In the rear seats, install LATCH child safety seats in the

system onto the seat’s anchor bars until you hear it

outboard seating positions only. Use only a seat belt

"click" into place. You may need to push the child

retained seat in the center position.

restraint system firmly against the seat back to ensure it

fits snugly. The flap (if equipped) remains open when

the child seat is installed.

To install a LATCH child safety seat, lift the flap (if

equipped) to allow access to the anchors.

Adjust until the child restraint system is fitted firmly

against the seat back. Ensure the child restraint system

fits snugly.

Seating and Safety Restraints

35

Child Safety Seats

Position single-strap tethers for the outboard seating

positions to run on the outside of the head support.

Position a single strap in the center seating position to

run over the top of the seat as illustrated.

NOTE: To prevent the single-strap tether in the center

seating position from moving side to side, the top of the

seat deforms.

Before seating a child, ensure that the child restraint

system is securely installed. Grasp the front of the child

restraint system with one hand on each side, and

attempt to:

• Twist the child restraint system from side to side.

• Pull the child restraint system away from the seat.

If the child restraint system moves away from the seat,

both latches are not fully engaged onto the seat's

anchor bars. You must reinstall it and try again. It is

critical that both latches on the child restraint system

are fully engaged.

WARNING: Do not use LATCH anchors with child

seats or booster seats that have an integrated

Testing a Child Safety Seat

safety belt where the combined weight of the child

plus the child restraint system exceeds 65 lbs (29.5

Before seating a child, always make sure the child safety

kg).

seat is not loose:

Attaching Upper Tether Straps

1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path and try to

slide the safety seat from side to side and front to

If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its hook to

back.

the anchor point located on the back of the rear seats.

2. If the seat moves more than one inch (2.5 cm), it is

too loose. Tighten the belt or reconnect the LATCH

NOTE: The location of anchor points may not be readily

retained child safety seat.

visible but can be found by identifying a slice in the

seat's material.

3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a different seat

location or try another child safety seat.

WARNING: Tighten upper tether straps according

to the instructions provided by the manufacturer

of the child safety seat.

Child Safety Seat Warnings

WARNING: USE ONLY SEAT BELT RETAINED

CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN THE CENTER SEATING

WARNING: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a child on

POSITION.

the front passenger seat even if you are using a

child safety seat. This seat has an airbag in front of

For dual-strap tethers, position the straps as shown.

it. Although this airbag is disabled when Model S

detects a lightweight passenger, do not rely on

technology to protect your child.

36

Child Safety Seats

WARNING: Child restraint systems are designed to

be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap

belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt. Children could

be endangered in a crash if their child restraints

are not properly secured in the vehicle.

WARNING: According to collision statistics,

children are safer when properly restrained in the

rear seating positions than in the front seating

positions.

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 su…ciently

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 on a

seat belt that is being used to install 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 anchors are designed to

withstand only those loads imposed by correctly

fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are

they to be used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or

for attaching other items or equipment to the

vehicle.

WARNING: Always check harnesses and tether

straps for damage and wear.

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 a collision. Have the seat

inspected or replaced as described in the child

safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Seating and Safety Restraints

37

Airbags

Location of Airbags

Airbags are located in the approximate areas shown below. Airbag warning information is printed on the sun visors.

Model S is equipped with an airbag and lap/shoulder belt at both front seating positions. The airbag is a

supplemental restraint at those seating positions. All occupants, including the driver, should always wear their seat

belts whether or not an airbag is also provided at their seating position to minimize the risk of severe injury or death

in the event of a crash.

1. Passenger knee airbag.

2. Passenger front airbag.

3. Side airbags.

4. Curtain airbags.

5. Driver’s knee airbag.

6. Driver’s front airbag.

38

Airbags

How Airbags Work

The Passenger Airbag Off indicator

displays on the touchscreen when the

passenger front airbag is OFF. When the

Airbags inflate when sensors detect an impact that

passenger front airbag is OFF, it does

exceeds deployment thresholds. These thresholds are

not inflate when a collision occurs. This

designed to predict the severity of a crash in time for

indicator does not display when the seat

the airbags to help protect the vehicle's occupants.

is unoccupied.

Airbags inflate instantly with considerable force

accompanied by a loud noise. The inflated bag, together

To protect an adult occupying the front

with the seat belts, limits movement of occupants to

passenger seat, ensure the passenger

reduce the risk of injury.

front airbag is ON. When the passenger

airbag is ON, it may inflate when a

Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to inflate in

collision occurs.

rear collisions, rollovers, side collisions and when braking

heavily or driving over bumps and potholes. Likewise,

front airbags may not inflate in all frontal collisions, such

as minor front collisions, underride collisions, or minor

impacts with narrow objects (such as posts or poles).

Significant superficial damage can occur to the vehicle

without the airbags inflating and, conversely, a relatively

small amount of structural damage can cause airbags to

inflate. Therefore, the external appearance of the vehicle

after a collision does not represent whether or not the

front airbags should have inflated.

WARNING: Before modifying your vehicle to

accommodate a person with disabilities in a way

that may affect the airbag system, contact Tesla.

Types of Airbags

Model S has the following types of airbags:

• Front airbags: The front airbags are designed to

reduce injuries if larger children or adults are riding in

the front seats. Follow all warnings and instructions

related to seating a child on the front passenger seat

(if permitted in your market region).

• Knee airbags: Knee airbags and the front airbags

work together. The knee airbags limit the forward

motion of the front seat occupants by restricting leg

movement, thereby positioning the occupants so that

the front airbags work more effectively.

• Side airbags: Side airbags protect the thorax region

of the torso and the pelvis. They inflate only if a

severe side impact occurs. Side airbags on the non-

impacted side of the vehicle do not inflate.

• Curtain airbags: Curtain airbags help protect the

head. Curtain airbags on both the impacted and non-

impacted side of the vehicle inflate only if a severe

side impact occurs, or if the vehicle rolls over.

Passenger Front Airbag Status

The status of the passenger front airbag displays on the

touchscreen:

Seating and Safety Restraints

39

Airbags

Controlling the Passenger Front Airbag

Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that controls the status of the front airbag.

NOTE: The occupancy classification system (OCS) meets the regulatory requirement of FMVSS 208 and

automatically detects when inflating the passenger front airbag would be unnecessary or potentially harmful.

WARNING: Seating an infant in a rear facing child safety seat on a seat equipped with an operational airbag

can cause serious injury or death.

Object Classification

OCS Passenger

Indicator status

Notes

Airbag Status*

Empty

OFF

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

Object

OFF or ON

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or

Depends on material/

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

contents.

Rear facing child seat

OFF

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

20 lbs (9 kg) or less

designed for children up to a

year old

Forward facing child seat

OFF

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

35 lbs (16 kg) or less

Child in a booster seat

OFF or ON

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or

20-100 lbs (9-45 kg)*

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

Large child

OFF or ON

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

5th percentile female or

ON

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON

Over approximately 100 lbs

larger (by weight)

(45 kg)

*If the passenger airbag status indicator does not match the situation, do not use the seat. The passenger must

ride in a different seat. Contact Tesla Service.

NOTE: It takes approximately six seconds after you power on Model S for the occupant classification system (OCS)

to report accurate status of the front passenger airbag. As a result, when you first power on Model S, even in

situations when it should be OFF because the seat is occupied by a weight of 20 lbs (9 kg) or less, a delay of

approximately six seconds can occur before the touchscreen displays the PASS AIRBAG OFF status. If it fails to do

so, contact Tesla Service and do not seat a child in the front passenger seating position.

To make sure the sensing system can correctly detect occupancy status, eliminate the following:

• Objects lodged under the seat.

• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).

• Objects wedged between the seat back and seat cushion.

• Cargo interfering with the seat.

• Aftermarket items attached to, or sitting on or between, the seat and occupant including but not limited to

covers, mats, blankets, etc.

These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the above possibilities, and the

airbag status is still incorrect, ask passengers to ride in the rear seats and contact Tesla to have the airbag system

checked.

NOTE: The front passenger occupancy sensor affects the operation of the passenger front airbags only. The side

airbags are not affected.

WARNING: If the front passenger airbag is not turning on or off as expected based on the weight thresholds

previously described, contact Tesla immediately.

WARNING: Never seat a child in the front passenger seat. DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the child can occur.

Per recommendations by the National Highway Tra…c Safety Administration, all occupants age 12 and under

must ride in the rear seats.

40

Airbags

WARNING: Do not use seat covers on Model S. Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-mounted side

air bags if a collision occurs. It can also reduce the accuracy of the occupant detection system and the noise-

canceling microphones, if equipped.

WARNING: Failure to follow the above instructions

Ensuring Accurate Occupant

can adversely affect the Occupant Classification

Classification

System (OCS) which can cause serious injury or

death.

To help ensure an occupant in the front passenger seat

WARNING: If the front passenger airbag is not

can be accurately classified, the passenger must:

turning on or off as expected, do not seat a

passenger in the front passenger seat. Contact

• Wear a seat belt.

Tesla Service.

• Sit upright on the center of the seat cushion, with

WARNING: To ensure accuracy of the occupant

shoulders resting against the seat back and legs

detection system, do not make any modifications

extended comfortably in front with feet on the floor.

to the front passenger seat.

See Examples of Correct and Incorrect Seating

WARNING: Do not use seat covers on Model S.

Positions on page 41.

Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-

• Remain positioned on the seat cushion and not lift

mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. It can

their weight off the seat (for example, by pushing

also reduce the accuracy of the occupant

their feet against the floor or pressing on the center

classification system.

console or armrest to lift up).

• Never wear thick, wet, or bulky clothing (such as ski

Examples of Correct and Incorrect

wear or padded clothing).

Seating Positions

In addition to the items listed above, the following

Correct seating position:

situations can interfere with the accuracy of the

occupant classification system:

• Placing a radio transmitter (for example, a hunting

radio or walkie-talkie) on the front passenger seat.

• Placing an AC/DC inverter, or a device that is being

powered by the inverter (for example, a cell phone,

tablet, or computer) on the front passenger seat

cushion.

• Placing liquid (such as a bottled drink) or food

containers on a car seat when a child seat is present.

• Objects lodged under the seat or wedged between

the seat back and cushion.

• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large

purse).

• Cargo interfering with the seat.

• Aftermarket items attached to or placed between the

seat and the occupant, such as covers, mats,

blankets, etc.

Incorrect seating position - the passenger's feet must

be on the floor:

These conditions can interfere with the occupancy

sensor. If you have eliminated the above possibilities,

and the airbag status is still incorrect, instruct

passengers to ride in the rear seats and contact Tesla to

have the airbag system checked.

NOTE: The front passenger occupancy sensor affects

the operation of the passenger front and side airbags.

WARNING: Tesla follows NHTSA (National

Highway Tra…c Safety Administration)

recommendations that all occupants age 12 and

under must ride in a rear seating position.

Opening and Closing

41

Airbags

Inflation Effects

WARNING: When airbags inflate, a fine powder is

released. This powder can irritate the skin and

should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes and

from any cuts or abrasions.

After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a gradual

cushioning effect for the occupants and to ensure the

driver’s forward vision is not obscured.

If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in a

collision, always have the airbags, seat belt pre-

tensioners and any associated components checked

and, if necessary, replaced by Tesla.

In a collision, in addition to the airbags inflating:

• Doors unlock, and the door handles extend.

Incorrect seating position - the passenger must not

• Hazard warning lights turn on.

slide forward on the seat cushion:

• Interior lights turn on.

• High voltage is disabled (you must contact Tesla

Service to restore high voltage power).

• Seat belt pretensioners retract the seat belt anchor

and seat belt webbing.

Airbag Warning Indicator

The airbag indicator on the instrument

cluster remains lit if the airbag system is

malfunctioning. The only time this indicator

should light up is briefly when Model S first

powers up, in which case it turns off within

a few seconds. If it remains lit, contact

Tesla immediately and do not drive.

Airbag Warnings

Incorrect seating position - the passenger must not

recline the backrest to a laying down position when the

WARNING: Do not place objects over or near

vehicle is moving:

airbags because any such objects could cause

harm if the vehicle is in a crash severe enough to

cause the airbag to inflate.

WARNING: All occupants, including the driver,

should always wear their seat belts, whether or not

an airbag is also provided at their seating position,

to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the

event of a collision.

WARNING: Front seat occupants should not place

their arms over the airbag module, as an inflating

airbag can cause fractures or other injuries.

WARNING: Do not use seat covers on Model S.

Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-

mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. It can

also reduce the accuracy of the occupant

detection system and the noise-canceling

microphones, if equipped.

42

Airbags

WARNING: Airbags inflate with considerable

speed and force, which can cause injury. To limit

injuries, ensure that occupants are wearing seat

belts and are correctly seated, with the seat

positioned as far back as possible. The National

Highway Tra…c Safety Administration (NHTSA)

recommends a minimum distance of 10" (25 cm)

between an occupant’s chest and an airbag.

WARNING: Children should not be seated on the

front passenger seat. Follow all regulations in your

region for the appropriate way to seat a child

based on the child's weight, size, and age. The

safest place to seat infants and young children is in

a rear seating position. Seating an infant or child

on a seat equipped with an operational front

airbag can cause serious injury or death.

WARNING: To ensure correct inflation of the side

airbags, maintain an unobstructed gap between an

occupant’s torso and the side of Model S.

WARNING: Passengers shouldn't lean their heads

against doors. Doing so can cause injury if a

curtain airbag inflates.

WARNING: Do not allow passengers to obstruct

the operation of an airbag by placing feet, knees

or any other part of the body on or near an airbag.

WARNING: Do not attach or place objects on or

near the front airbags, the side of the front seats,

the headliner at the side of the vehicle, or any

other airbag cover that could interfere with

inflation of an airbag. Objects can cause serious

injury if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough

to cause the airbag to inflate.

WARNING: Following inflation, some airbag

components are hot. Do not touch until they have

cooled.

Seating and Safety Restraints

43

Driver Profiles

WARNING: Never use Easy Entry to move the

Creating a Driver Profile

driver's seat to the full rearward position when a

child safety seat is installed on a rear seat located

When you first adjust the driver’s seat, steering yoke

behind the driver's seat. With reduced clearance,

position, or exterior side mirrors, the touchscreen

the movement of the seat may impact a child's

prompts you to create a driver profile to save these

legs, cause injury, or dislodge the seat.

adjustments. Your profile also saves various preferences

you make while customizing Model S. See Using Tesla

Profiles on page 44 to learn more about saving profile

Selecting Between Driver Profiles

settings to the cloud for easy access across multiple

Tesla vehicles.

To adjust Model S based on a driver’s

profile, touch the driver profile icon at the

To add a new driver profile, touch the

top of the Controls screen. Then choose

driver profile icon at the top of the

the driver, and Model S is adjusted based

Controls screen. Then touch Driver Profile

on the settings that have been saved to the

Settings > Add New Driver, type the

chosen driver profile. See Using Tesla

driver's name and touch Create Profile.

Profiles on page 44 to learn more about

Follow the onscreen instructions to save

saving profile settings to the cloud for easy

mirror and steering wheel position to the

access across multiple Tesla vehicles.

driver profile. Check the Use Easy Entry

checkbox if you want to save (or use

existing) Easy Entry settings in which the

Using Tesla Profiles

driver's seat and the steering yoke are

automatically adjusted to make it easy to

Driver profile settings, such as seat adjustments,

enter and exit Model S.

temperature preferences, navigation Recents and

Favorites, media settings, and data sharing preferences

If you change the position of the driver’s seat, steering

can be saved into a Tesla Profile that is synced to every

yoke, or exterior side mirrors after you have saved or

supported vehicle under your Tesla Account. This

chosen a driver profile, the touchscreen prompts you to

provides convenient access to your profile settings and

Save the new position or Restore the previously saved

preferences across all your Tesla supported vehicles.

position (other settings are automatically saved). To

change a setting without saving or restoring, just ignore

To set up your Tesla Profile, navigate to Driver Profile

the prompt.

Settings and select your Tesla Account name. You can

choose to set it up as a New Profile or copy the settings

NOTE: Valet mode is a built-in driver profile that limits

from an existing driver profile that you were previously

speed and restricts access to some Model S features

using.

(see Valet Mode on page 45).

To set up a Tesla Profile for additional drivers, share your

NOTE: To stop automatic adjustments that are in

vehicle with them from the mobile app and navigate to

process based on a driver's profile, touch Stop on the

Security > Add Driver. Their Tesla Profile will appear in

Driver Profile dropdown menu. Automatic adjustments

the Driver Profile settings after accepting the invitation

also stop if you manually adjust a seat, mirror, or the

from their Tesla Account. For more information on

steering yoke.

granting mobile app access, see Granting Access to a

Second Driver on page 161.

Easy Entry

NOTE: Some vehicle settings, such as seat, mirror,

steering wheel, and air vent positions are only synced

You can define an Easy Entry setting that moves the

between the same vehicle models. If the seat or steering

steering yoke and driver's seat to make it easy to enter

positions do not restore as expected, touch Controls >

and exit Model S. Any driver can use the Easy Entry

Service > Seat & Steering Calibration on the affected

setting by associating it with their driver profile. When

vehicles.

the Easy Entry setting is associated with a driver profile,

the steering yoke and driver's seat automatically adjust

NOTE: Tesla Profiles are supported on vehicles with

when in Park and the driver's seat belt is unbuckled,

software versions 2022.24 or higher.

allowing an easy exit from Model S. When returning to

the vehicle and stepping on the brake pedal, settings

Your Tesla Profile will be removed from any vehicle not

automatically adjust back to the settings used by the

associated with your Tesla Account.

most recent driver profile (or based on the key if it's

linked to a driver profile).

To use Easy Entry with a driver profile, ensure the Use

Easy Entry box is checked.

44

Steering Yoke

Adjusting Steering Yoke Position

To adjust the steering yoke, touch Controls and touch

the Steering icon.

Use the left scroll button on the steering yoke to move

the steering yoke to the desired position:

• To adjust the height/tilt angle of the steering yoke,

roll the left scroll button up or down.

• To move the steering yoke closer to you, or further

away from you, press the left scroll button to the left

or right.

1. Right turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 57).

2. High beam headlights* (see High Beam Headlights on

page 56).

3. Left turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 57).

4. Left scroll button (see Left Scroll Button on page

46).

5. Horn (see Horn on page 47).

6. Identifier that is always illuminated to indicate that

WARNING: Do not make steering yoke

the right scroll wheel can be used with cruise control.

adjustments while driving.

7. Wipers* (see Wipers and Washers on page 63).

8. Right scroll button (see Right Scroll Button on page

Adjusting Steering Effort

47).

9. Voice commands (see Voice Commands on page

You can adjust the feel and sensitivity of the steering

148).

system to suit your personal preference:

*The behaviors associated with the buttons for headlight

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Pedals &

high beams and wipers vary depending on whether you

Steering > Steering Mode.

press or press and hold the button. Refer to the

2. Choose a steering option:

◦ Comfort - Reduces the effort required to turn the

details.

steering yoke. In town, Model S feels easier to

drive and park.

NOTE: Simultaneously holding down both the left and

right scroll buttons while Model S is parked causes the

◦ Standard - Tesla believes that this setting offers

touchscreen to restart (see Restarting the Touchscreen

the best handling and response in most

on page 6).

conditions.

◦ Sport - Increases the effort required to turn the

Left Scroll Button

steering yoke. When driving at higher speeds,

Model S feels more responsive.

Use the scroll button on the left side of the steering yoke

to adjust the position of the mirrors and steering yoke. It

also controls the wipers and media player.

Overview of Steering Yoke Buttons

Your Model S features stalkless driving in which all

controls you need when driving are accessible on the

steering yoke.

46

Steering Yoke

• When using media player, push the button to the left

• When driving, push and release the button to engage

to go back to the previous song or station or push it

Autosteer or Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control (see

to the right to skip to the next song or station.

Autosteer on page 88). If Autosteer Activation is

set to Double Click (touch Controls > Autopilot

• To increase/decrease the volume of the sound

Activation > Autosteer Activation), a single push

system, roll the button up/down respectively.

engages Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control (see Tra…c-

NOTE: The scroll button adjusts the volume for media

Aware Cruise Control on page 84) only and you

and phone calls based on what is currently in use. As

must push and release twice to engage Autosteer.

you adjust the volume, the touchscreen displays the

Once engaged, pushing the button cancels Autosteer

volume level and whether you are adjusting volume

and/or Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control.

for media or phone.

• When Model S is in Park, push the button twice to

automatically engage Summon (if equipped) before

• To mute the media volume, or to pause/play an audio

exiting the vehicle (see Starting Summon Before

file, push the scroll button.

Exiting the Vehicle on page 106).

• When adjusting mirrors, push the button to the left/

• When Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control is engaged, rolling

right to move the associated mirror inward/outward

the scroll button up/down increase/decreases the set

and up/down to position the mirror upward or

cruising speed respectively.

downward (see Mirrors on page 49).

• When adjusting the position of the steering yoke, roll

NOTE: There is currently no action associated with

the button up/down to adjust the tilt/angle and press

pushing the right scroll button to the left and right.

the button to the left or right to move the steering

yoke closer or further (see Adjusting Steering Yoke

Position on page 46).

Heated Steering Yoke

• When a menu displays on the instrument panel from

To warm up the steering yoke, touch the temperature

which you can choose options (for example, wipers),

icon on the touchscreen to display climate controls (see

use the scroll button to choose an option (up, down,

Overview of Climate Controls on page 125), then touch

left, or right).

the steering yoke icon. When turned on, radiant heat

keeps the steering yoke at a comfortable temperature.

Right Scroll Button

Horn

Use the scroll button on the right side of the steering

yoke to control Autopilot features such as Autosteer and

To sound the horn, press and hold the horn button on

Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control:

the right side of the steering yoke.

Driving

47

Steering Yoke

48

Mirrors

NOTE: If you expect ice to accumulate when Model S is

Adjusting Exterior Mirrors

parked, turn off Mirror Auto Fold. Accumulation of ice

can prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or

Adjust the exterior mirrors by touching Controls >

unfolding. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page

Mirrors. Press the left scroll button on the steering yoke

79 for information on how to ensure your mirrors

to choose whether you are adjusting the Left or Right

function properly in cold weather.

mirror. Then use the left scroll button as follows to adjust

the selected mirror to its desired position:

Mirror Auto Dim

• To move the mirror up or down, roll the left scroll

button up or down.

When certain environmental conditions are met, the rear

view mirror and exterior side mirrors dim automatically

• To move the mirror inward or outward, press the left

(for example, in low light conditions or to reduce glare

scroll button to the left or right.

when driving at night). To enable or disable this feature,

touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Dim.

Folding Mirrors at Specific

Locations

In addition to having mirrors fold automatically

whenever you park Model S, you can fold (and unfold)

mirrors anytime your driving speed is less than 31 mph

(50 km/h). This is useful for parking in tight spaces. To

do so, touch Controls > Fold Mirrors.

When you fold mirrors, a Location Saved popup briefly

displays below the Fold Mirrors control. When Location

Saved is enabled, mirrors automatically fold whenever

NOTE: Both exterior mirrors have heaters that turn on

you approach the location, saving you from having to

and off with the rear window defroster.

manually fold them each time you arrive at a frequently

visited location (such as narrow garages, tight parking

Mirror Auto Tilt

spaces, etc.). If you do not want the location saved,

simply touch Location Saved to disable it. This popup

Both exterior mirrors can automatically tilt downward

toggles between Location Saved and Save Location to

when Model S is shifted into Reverse. When you shift

allow you to specify whether or not you want mirrors to

back into another drive mode, the mirrors return to their

automatically fold as you approach your current

normal upward position.

location.

To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Mirrors >

NOTE: To save or unsave a location at which the mirrors

Mirror Auto Tilt. You can adjust the position of the

fold, Model S must be driving at a low speed (less than 3

mirrors only when you are in Reverse.

mph (5 km/h)) or stopped at the location you want your

vehicle to remember.

CAUTION: Mirrors may not automatically fold if

Mirror Auto Fold

you return to a saved location driving faster than 3

mph (5 km/h).

Both exterior mirrors can automatically fold inward

whenever you exit and lock Model S. When you unlock

NOTE: When you leave the saved location, mirrors

Model S, the exterior mirrors then automatically unfold.

remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph

(50 km/h), or until you touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors.

To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Mirrors >

When driving at or above this speed threshold, you can

Mirror Auto Fold.

not fold mirrors.

NOTE: You can also override the automatic folding/

Mirrors remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31

unfolding of mirrors at any time (for example, Model S

mph (50 km/h), or until you touch Controls > Unfold

has no power) by pushing the mirror assembly away

Mirrors. You can also fold/unfold mirrors manually, or

from you to unfold, or pulling it toward you to fold.

fold mirrors automatically at specific locations. See

Folding Mirrors at Specific Locations on page 49.

You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink

(see HomeLink Universal Transceiver on page 155). To

do so, touch the HomeLink icon on the top of the

Controls screen and enable Auto-Fold Mirrors when

Nearby.

Driving

49

Starting and Powering Off

Starting

When you open a door to enter Model S, the instrument

panel and touchscreen power on and you can operate all

controls. To shift Model S, press the brake pedal and

swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse on the

touchscreen's drive mode strip (see Shifting on page

53).

If Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S

automatically selects Drive or Reverse based on inputs

from various sensors. Pressing the brake pedal shifts the

vehicle into the selected drive mode displayed on the

instrument panel (provided the driver's door is closed

and the driver's seat belt is buckled), and pressing the

accelerator moves the vehicle in that direction (see Auto

Shift out of Park on page 53).

NOTE: To turn Auto Shift out of Park on or off, touch

A number of factors can affect whether Model S can

Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.

detect a phone key or key fob (for example, the device's

battery is low or dead and is no longer able to

Before accelerating when Auto Shift out of Park is

communicate using Bluetooth).

enabled, check the instrument panel to make sure that

Model S has shifted into the drive mode you want (Drive

Always keep your phone key, key fob, or a key card with

or Reverse). If the selection is not correct, or if Auto

you. After driving, your key is needed to restart Model S

Shift out of Park is not enabled, swipe up for Drive or

after it powers off. And when you leave Model S, you

down for Reverse on the touchscreen's drive mode strip

must bring your key with you to lock Model S, either

to choose a new drive mode. See Shifting on page 53.

manually or automatically.

NOTE: If the PIN to Drive feature is enabled (see PIN to

Powering Off

Drive on page 150), you must also enter a valid PIN on

the touchscreen before you can drive Model S.

When you finish driving, simply exit the vehicle. When

Everything you need to know when driving Model S

you leave Model S with your phone key and key fob, it

displays on the instrument panel.

powers off automatically, turning off the instrument

panel and touchscreen.

Drive Disabled - Requires Authentication

Model S also powers off automatically after being in

Park for 30 minutes, even if you are sitting in the driver’s

If Model S does not detect a key when you press the

seat.

brake (a key fob or phone key is not detected or two

minutes have passed since you used the key card), the

Although usually not needed, you can power off Model S

touchscreen displays a message telling you that driving

while sitting in the driver’s seat, provided the vehicle is

requires authentication.

not moving. Touch Controls > Safety > Power Off.

Model S automatically powers back on again if you press

If you see this message, place the key card in either

the brake pedal or touch the touchscreen.

phone dock where the RFID transmitter can read it. The

two-minute authentication period restarts and you can

NOTE: Model S automatically shifts into Park whenever it

start Model S by pressing the brake pedal.

determines that you are exiting the vehicle (for example,

the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is

almost at a standstill). If you shift into Neutral, Model S

shifts into Park when you open the door to exit. To keep

Model S in Neutral, see Instructions for Transporters on

page 202.

Power Cycling the Vehicle

You can power cycle Model S if it demonstrates unusual

behavior or displays a nondescript alert.

NOTE: If the touchscreen is unresponsive or

demonstrates unusual behavior, reboot it before you

power cycle the vehicle (see Restarting the Touchscreen

on page 6).

Driving

51

Shifting

Auto Shift out of Park

NOTE: Auto Shift out of Park is a BETA feature and is

disabled by default.

When Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S is

designed to use inputs from various sensors to

automatically select Drive or Reverse. The instrument

panel displays the selected drive mode when the driver's

door is closed and seat belt is buckled.

To override the selection, press the brake pedal and use

the drive mode strip on touchscreen to shift into your

desired drive mode (Drive, Reverse, Park; see Shifting

Using the Touchscreen on page 53).

Confirm the drive mode selection and follow the

instructions on the instrument panel before you press

the accelerator.

WARNING: As always, be aware of your vehicle

and surroundings before driving. Never rely on

Model S to automatically select a suitable drive

mode without confirming the selection before you

start to drive.

If Auto Shift out of Park is unavailable, the instrument

panel displays a message.

Model S automatically selects a drive mode when:

• Auto Shift out of Park is enabled (touch Controls >

Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park).

NOTE: To shift from Drive into Reverse or vice versa, the

• Model S is in Park.

driving speed must be less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

• The driver's seat belt is fastened.

NOTE: The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays the

• The brake pedal is pressed.

Park button only when the brake pedal is pressed and

shifting into Park is allowed based on the vehicle's

• All doors and trunks are closed.

driving speed (less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

• The drive mode selector on the center console is not

activated (see Shift Using the Center Console on

To shift into Neutral, open Controls to bring up the drive

page 54).

mode strip, then press and hold Neutral until Neutral

engages.

NOTE: Model S does not automatically select drive

modes in Valet Mode.

NOTE: The touchscreen is the preferred method to

manually shift. However, in the unlikely situation in which

Auto Shift out of Park is disabled by default. When

the touchscreen is unavailable and therefore can't be

disabled, use the touchscreen or the center console to

used, the drive mode selector on the center console

manually shift. To enable Auto Shift out of Park, touch

automatically activates and must be used to shift (see

Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.

Shift Using the Center Console on page 54).

If you try to shift when it is prohibited by the current

Shifting Using the Touchscreen

driving speed, the instrument panel displays an alert, a

chime sounds, and the drive mode does not change.

When you press the brake pedal when parked, the drive

mode strip displays on one side of the touchscreen. Use

the drive mode strip to shift Model S: swipe up for Drive,

swipe down for Reverse or touch the P for Park. The

drive mode strip is always available on the touchscreen

when you touch Controls.

Driving

53

Shifting

Shift Using the Center Console

Park

In addition to manually shifting on the touchscreen, you

Model S automatically shifts into Park whenever it

can shift by pressing P, R, N or D located on the center

determines that you are exiting the vehicle. For example,

console. In most situations, these buttons are not

the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is

available until you press one of the buttons to activate it.

stopped. Model S also automatically shifts into Park

When active, the LEDs associated with each button

when the driver's door is opened or if no action is taken

illuminate and when you select P, R, N or D, the

within one minute of shifting.

associated LED illuminates amber.

To manually shift into Park, press the brake pedal and

In situations where the touchscreen is unavailable (for

touch the Park button on the touchscreen's drive mode

example, experiencing a technical issue), or Model S is in

strip. If the touchscreen is unavailable, press Park on the

Valet or Transport Mode, the drive mode selector on the

drive mode selector located on the center console.

center console activates automatically and there is no

need to touch it.

NOTE: The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays the

Park button only when the brake pedal is pressed and

NOTE: You can also activate the drive mode selector on

shifting into park is allowed based on the driving speed.

the center console by simultaneously and briefly

NOTE: You must always press the brake pedal to shift

pressing both scroll buttons on the steering yoke.

out of Park.

However, if you press and hold both buttons

simultaneously, the drive mode selector activates and

CAUTION: Model S will not shift out of Park if a

the touchscreen restarts (see Restarting the

charge cable is plugged in, or if the charge port is

Touchscreen on page 6).

unable to determine whether a charging cable is

plugged in. In situations when Model S does not

NOTE: The front trunk, rear trunk, and doors must be

shift out of Park, check the instrument panel or

closed to shift using the center console.

touchscreen for instructions on how to proceed.

WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to always

ensure the vehicle is in Park before exiting. Never

rely on Model S to automatically shift into Park for

you; it may not work in all circumstances.

Drive

To manually shift into Drive, swipe up on the drive mode

strip located on the touchscreen or, if the touchscreen is

unavailable, press D on the drive mode selector located

on the center console. You can shift into Drive when

Model S is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h)

in Reverse.

Reverse

To manually shift into Reverse, swipe down on the drive

mode strip located on the touchscreen or, if the

1. Park

touchscreen is unavailable, press R on the drive mode

2. Reverse

selector located on the center console. You can shift into

Reverse when Model S is stopped or moving less than

3. Neutral

5 mph (8 km/h) in Drive. You can manually close the

4. Drive

park assist view on the touchscreen by touching the X in

the upper corner.

NOTE: When the touchscreen is available for shifting

and you have manually activated the drive mode

Neutral

selector on the center console, the center console

automatically deactivates if you don't shift within 10

Neutral allows Model S to roll freely when you are not

seconds.

pressing the brake pedal. To shift into Neutral, do any of

the following:

• Open Controls, then press and hold the Neutral icon

on the drive mode strip until Model S engages

Neutral.

54

Lights

Controlling Lights

The front fog indicator displays on the

instrument panel whenever the optional

front fog lights are on.

Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.

NOTE: You can also access an abbreviated lights menu

while driving by touching the Auto High Beam button on

NOTE: Depending on the market region and vehicle

the steering yoke. A lights menu displays on the

options, your vehicle may not be equipped with front

touchscreen, providing quick access to headlight

and/or rear fog lights.

controls.

Interior Lights

In addition to the lights that you can control from the

touchscreen, Model S has convenience lights that turn

Turn the interior dome (map) lights on or off. If set to

on and off automatically based on what you are doing.

AUTO, all interior dome lights turn on when you unlock

For example, interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, and

Model S, open a door upon exiting, or shift into Park.

puddle lights turn on when you unlock Model S, when

you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn

NOTE: You can also manually turn an individual dome

off automatically after a minute or two or when you shift

light on or off by pressing its lens. If you turn a dome

or lock Model S. Use these settings to control exterior

light on, it turns off when Model S powers off. If Model S

and interior lights:

was already powered off when you manually turned the

light on, it turns off after 60 minutes.

Exterior Lights

Ambient Lights

Exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights,

parking lights, and license plate lights) are set to AUTO

When enabled, interior ambient lights turn on whenever

each time you start Model S. When set to AUTO, exterior

the headlights are on.

lights automatically turn on when driving in low lighting

conditions. If you change to a different setting, lights

Auto High Beam

always revert to AUTO on your next drive.

If you turn on Auto High Beam, headlights automatically

Touch one of these options to change the exterior light

switch from high beam headlights to low beam

setting:

headlights when light is detected in front of Model S.

See High Beam Headlights on page 56.

• OFF: Exterior lights turn off until you manually turn

them back on or until the next time you drive. If

Headlights after Exit

daytime running lights are required in your region,

the exterior lights used for this purpose are always on

If you turn on Headlights after Exit, the exterior lights

when Drive is engaged.

remain on for one minute after you stop driving and park

Model S in low lighting conditions. See Headlights After

• PARKING: Only the side marker lights, parking lights,

Exit on page 57.

tail lights and license plate lights turn on.

NOTE: If daytime running lights are required in your

NOTE: Model S has lights along the rim of the

region, the exterior lights used for this purpose are

headlights, also referred to as "signature" lights. These

always on whenever Drive or Reverse is engaged.

lights automatically turn on whenever Model S is

powered on and a drive mode is engaged.

• ON: Exterior lights turn on.

High Beam Headlights

CAUTION: Ensure the headlights and rear lights

are on during low visibility conditions (for example,

when it is dark, foggy, snowy, or the road is wet,

Use the high beam headlight button on the left side of

the steering yoke to control the headlights:

etc.). The rear tail lights are off while daytime

running lights are on. Failure to do so can cause

damage or serious injury.

• Press and quickly release to flash high beam

headlights.

Fog Lights

• Press and hold to turn on high beam headlights - the

instrument panel displays a brief timer and you must

If equipped, touch to turn the fog lights on or off. Fog

hold for the duration of the timer to latch the high

lights operate only when low beam headlights are on.

beam headlights to the on position. When headlights

When headlights are turned off, fog lights also turn off.

are on, press the button a second time to turn them

off.

56

Lights

WARNING: Auto High Beam is a convenience only

and is subject to limitations. It is the driver's

responsibility to make sure that headlights are

always appropriately adjusted for weather

conditions and driving circumstances.

Rear Reading Lights

Model S is equipped with a reading light on each side of

the rear seats, located above the door and next to the

coat hangers (see Coat Hangers on page 24). To turn a

reading light on or off, press its lens. If you leave a

reading light turned on, it automatically turns off when

Model S powers off.

Headlights After Exit

The high beam headlights can automatically switch to

low beam when there is light detected in front of

When you stop driving and park Model S in low lighting

Model S (for example, from an oncoming vehicle). To

conditions, exterior lights temporarily remain

turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Lights >

illuminated. They automatically turn off after one minute

Auto High Beam. Your chosen setting is retained until

or when you lock Model S whichever comes first.

you manually change it.

To turn this feature on and off, touch Controls > Lights >

NOTE: When you touch or press the high beam

Headlights After Exit. When Headlights After Exit is off,

headlight button on the left side of the steering yoke,

the headlights turn off immediately when you engage

the touchscreen displays an abbreviated lights menu to

Park and open a door.

provide quick access to control headlights, fog lights (if

equipped), and the Auto High Beam setting. Use the

Adaptive Front Lighting System

touchscreen to choose options from this menu.

(AFS)

NOTE: For vehicles manufactured after approximately

February 13, 2022, Auto High Beam is automatically

enabled when Autosteer is engaged. To switch to low

If equipped, the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

beam headlights, press the high beam headlight button

automatically adjusts the beam of the headlights to

improve your driving view. Electric sensors measure

on the steering yoke. Auto High Beam is re-enabled

driving speed, steering angle and yaw (the rotation of

every time Autosteer is activated.

the car around the vertical axis) to determine the

The following indicator lights are visible on the

optimum position of the headlights based on current

instrument panel to show the status of the headlights:

driving conditions. For example, to improve visibility

while driving on winding roads at night, the AFS casts

the beam in the direction of the curve. When low beam

Low beam headlights are on.

headlights are turned on and when driving at lower

speeds, AFS improves lateral illumination to increase the

visibility of pedestrians and curbs, and to improve

visibility when turning at a dark intersection, into a

driveway, or when making a u-turn.

High beam headlights are on. Illuminates

when high beams are on but the Auto High

If the AFS fails, the instrument panel

Beam setting is turned off or if the Auto

displays an alert. Contact Tesla Service.

High Beam setting is turned on but is

temporarily unavailable.

High beams are currently turned on, and

Auto High Beam is ready to turn off the

high beams if light is detected in front of

Turn Signals

Model S.

To engage a turn signal, press the corresponding arrow

High beams are temporarily turned off

button on the left side of the steering yoke. A turn signal

because Auto High Beam is operating and

cancels based on the angle of the steering yoke (for

example, you finish making a turn). You can also cancel a

light is detected in front of Model S. When

turn signal by pressing the turn signal button a second

light is no longer detected, high beam

headlights automatically turn back on.

time.

Driving

57

Lights

If Controls > Pedals & Steering > Automatic Turn Signals

is set to Auto Cancel, turn signals cancel automatically

when Model S detects completion of a maneuver such

as a merge, lane change, or a fork in the roadway. You

can override automatic cancellation at any time (for

example, you want the turn signal to remain on because

you are making more than one lane change). To override,

engage the turn signal by pressing and momentarily

holding the turn signal button (instead of just pressing).

Then, when the first maneuver is complete, the turn

signal remains on. If Automatic Turn Signals is set to Off,

you must cancel the turn signal manually by pressing the

turn signal button after maneuvers such as a merge, lane

change, or fork in the roadway.

NOTE: Hazard warning flashers operate even without a

key nearby.

When a turn signal is operating,

the corresponding indicator lights

up on the instrument panel and

you can hear a clicking sound.

Hazard Warning Flashers

To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press the button

on the drive mode selector located at the front of the

center console. All turn signals flash. Press again to turn

off.

58

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

The instrument panel changes depending on whether Model S is:

• Off or Parked (shown below).

• Driving (see Instrument Panel - Driving on page 60).

• Charging (see Charging Instructions on page 165).

When Model S is off or Parked, the instrument panel shows remaining estimated range, vehicle status, and outside

temperature.

1. When the car is off and you initially press the brake, indicator lights flash briefly along the top of the instrument

panel. Unless an indicator light applies to a current situation, it should turn off. If an indicator light fails to turn on

or off, refer to Indicator Lights on page 61.

2. An image of your car and its accompanying status (such as lights on, door open, etc.).

3. Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance, you can display the percentage

of battery energy remaining. To do so, touch Controls > Display > Energy Display.

NOTE: When anticipating when you need to charge, use estimates as a general guideline only.

4. Estimated outside temperature.

5. Pay attention to instructions or important alert messages that display here. If any alerts are in effect, you can view

information about them by touching Controls and then touching the bell icon located at the top of the screen.

6. Currently selected drive mode: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. If Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Drive or

Reverse is automatically selected (based on sensor input) and displayed on the instrument panel when the

driver's door is closed and seatbelt is buckled (see Auto Shift out of Park on page 53).

7. Current time of day.

Seating and Safety Restraints

59

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel - Driving

When Model S is driving (or ready to drive), the instrument panel shows your current driving status and a real-time

visualization of the road as detected by the Autopilot components (see About Autopilot on page 81). The

visualization automatically zooms in and out based on the detected road type.

NOTE: Touch Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview (if equipped) to display more details

about the roadway and its surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, objects (such as trash cans and poles),

etc.

1. The instrument panel displays your location on a map, a wiper menu, Auto Shift out of Park instructions, etc.

When a navigation route is active, the upcoming portion of the route displays.

2. The speed limit (if available) that is currently being detected by Speed Assist (see Speed Assist on page 117).

3. Current driving speed.

4. The currently set cruising speed. When Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control is available but you haven't set a cruising

speed by engaging Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer, the icon is gray (see Tra…c-Aware Cruise Control

on page 84).

5. Autosteer is actively steering Model S. When Autosteer is available but you haven't activated it, the icon is gray

(see Autosteer on page 88).

6. When navigating, upcoming instructions in the navigation route appear here.

7. Total estimated driving distance (or energy) available. Instead of driving distance, you can display the percentage

of battery energy remaining (touch Controls > Display > Energy Display).

NOTE: When anticipating when you need to charge, use estimates as a general guideline only.

8. Surrounding road users are shown in their corresponding locations.

WARNING: Although the instrument panel shows surrounding tra…c, some vehicles may not be displayed.

Never rely on the instrument panel to determine if a vehicle is present (for example, in your blind spot).

Always use your mirrors and perform shoulder checks.

9. Your Model S.

60

Instrument Panel

10. The power meter displays real-time power usage. During acceleration, the bar fills to the right with a gray color

(or white if the display is dark) to represent power being used. During deceleration (when Model S is moving and

you release your foot from the accelerator pedal), the bar fills to the left with a green color to represent power

being fed back to the Battery by regenerative braking (see Regenerative Braking on page 65).

11. When Autosteer is active and detects the driving lane, it is highlighted in blue (see Autosteer on page 88).

Depending on the current driving scenario, you may see neighboring lanes.

NOTE: In situations where Autosteer is unable to detect lane markings, the driving lane is determined based on

the vehicle you are following.

NOTE: If Navigate on Autopilot is active, the driving lane displays as a single blue line in front of Model S (see

Navigate on Autopilot on page 93).

Indicator Lights

Indicator

Description

Airbag safety. If this red indicator does

Indicator lights display along the top of the instrument

not flash on briefly when Model S

panel to show status and alert you of specific vehicle

prepares to drive, or if it remains on,

conditions.

contact Tesla immediately. See Airbags

on page 38.

Indicator

Description

A brake system fault is detected or the

Front fog lights are on, if equipped. See

brake fluid level is low. See Braking and

Lights on page 56.

Stopping on page 64. Contact Tesla

immediately.

Parking lights (side marker lights, tail

lights, and license plate lights) are on.

A brake booster fault has been detected.

See Lights on page 56.

See Braking and Stopping on page 64.

An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault

Low beam headlights are on.

is detected. See Braking and Stopping on

page 64. Contact Tesla immediately.

High beam headlights are on. Illuminates

when high beams are on but the Auto

A parking brake fault is detected.

High Beam setting is turned off or if the

Contact Tesla. See Parking Brake on page

Auto High Beam setting is turned on but

65.

is temporarily unavailable. See High

Beam Headlights on page 56.

High beam headlights are currently

turned on, and Auto High Beam is ready

The parking brake is manually applied.

to turn off the high beams if light is

See Parking Brake on page 65.

detected in front of Model S. See High

Beam Headlights on page 56.

Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a

High beam headlights are temporarily

tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire

turned off because Auto High Beam is on

Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is

and is detecting light in front of Model S.

detected, the indicator flashes. For a

When light is no longer detected, the

TPMS fault, contact Tesla. See Tire Care

high beams automatically turn back on.

and Maintenance on page 173.

See High Beam Headlights on page 56.

This indicator flashes amber when the

electronic stability control systems are

A seat belt for an occupied seat is not

actively minimizing wheel spin by

fastened. See Seat Belts on page 29.

controlling brake pressure and motor

power. See Traction Control on page

Seating and Safety Restraints

61

Instrument Panel

Indicator

Description

67. If this indicator remains on, a fault is

detected and you should immediately

contact Tesla.

If a fault is detected that reduces the

performance of the air suspension

system, this amber indicator light

displays (see Air Suspension on page

146). If the problem persists, contact

Tesla.

If a fault is detected that disables the air

suspension system, this red indicator

light displays (see Air Suspension on

page 146). Contact Tesla.

Vehicle Hold is actively applying the

brakes. See Vehicle Hold on page 70.

Electronic stability control systems are no

longer minimizing wheel spin. See

Traction Control on page 67.

Model S is in Transport mode and can roll

freely. It does not automatically shift into

Park when you exit. See Activate

Transport Mode on page 203.

A blue snowflake appears when some of

the energy stored in the Battery may not

be available due to cold weather

conditions. During these cold weather

conditions, charging rates may also be

limited. If Model S is plugged in, you can

heat your Battery by turning on climate

control with the mobile app. The

snowflake disappears when the Battery is

su…ciently warm.

Vehicle power is currently being limited

because the energy remaining in the

Battery is low, the vehicle's systems are

being heated or cooled, or an error is

detected by the drive inverter.

62

Wipers and Washers

NOTE: For vehicles manufactured after

Wipers and Washers

approximately February 13, 2022, Autosteer

requires wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is

You can access wiper settings by touching the wiper

automatic and you cannot change it.

button on the steering yoke or touching Controls >

Wipers.

◦ I - Intermittent, slow.

Press the wiper button on the steering yoke to wipe the

◦ II - Intermittent, fast.

windshield.

◦ III - Continuous, slow.

Press and hold the wiper button to spray washer fluid

◦ IIII - Continuous, fast.

onto the windshield. After releasing the button, the

NOTE: If you choose Auto and the ability to detect

wipers perform two additional wipes then, depending on

liquid on the windshield becomes unavailable, the

vehicle and environmental conditions, a third wipe a few

wiper setting reverts to the most recently used

seconds later. You can also press and hold the wiper

manual setting. If a manual setting cannot be

button for a continuous spray of washer fluid—the

determined, the wipers turn off.

wipers perform the wipes after you release.

NOTE: You can also adjust the windshield wiper

Whenever you press the wiper button, the instrument

speed and frequency using voice commands (see

panel displays the wiper menu, allowing you to adjust

Voice Commands on page 148).

wiper settings. Roll the left scroll button on the steering

CAUTION: To avoid the risk of damaging the

yoke up or down to choose your desired setting.

wipers, do not leave the wipers set to Auto

when washing Model S.

Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper

blades. If a blade is damaged, replace it immediately. For

details on checking and replacing wiper blades, see

Wiper Blades and Washer Jets on page 182.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the hood, ensure

that the hood is fully closed before activating the

windshield wipers.

CAUTION: Remove ice from the windshield before

turning the wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that can

damage the rubber on the wiper blades.

CAUTION: In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper

blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.

1. Turn the wipers off.

2. Choose how you want the wipers to operate:

◦ Auto - Model S detects whether or not it is raining.

When liquid is detected on the windshield,

Model S determines the optimal frequency of the

wipers. If Model S does not detect liquid on the

windshield, the wipers do not operate.

Driving

63

Braking and Stopping

WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so

Braking Systems

interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase

braking distance.

WARNING: Properly functioning braking systems

are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a

WARNING: Always maintain a safe distance from

problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, or

the vehicle in front of you and be aware of

any component of a Model S braking system,

hazardous driving conditions. While the ABS can

contact Tesla immediately.

improve stopping distance, it cannot overcome the

laws of physics. It also does not prevent the

Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that

danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of water

prevents the wheels from locking when you apply

prevents direct contact between the tires and the

maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control

road).

during heavy braking in most road conditions.

CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see

Automatic Emergency Braking on page 115) may

During emergency braking conditions, the ABS

intervene to automatically brake in situations

constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and varies

where a collision is considered imminent.

the brake pressure according to the grip available.

Automatic Emergency Braking is not designed to

prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the

The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a pulsing

impact of a frontal collision by attempting to

sensation through the brake pedal. This demonstrates

reduce your driving speed. Depending on

that the ABS is operating and is not a cause for concern.

Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a collision

Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while

can result in serious injury or death.

experiencing the pulsing.

The ABS indicator briefly flashes yellow on

Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)

the instrument panel when you first start

Model S. If this indicator lights up at any

If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake

other time, an ABS fault has occurred and

forcefully (or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),

the ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.

the brake lights flash quickly to warn other drivers that

The braking system remains fully

Model S is rapidly slowing down. If Model S stops

operational and is not affected by an ABS

completely, the hazard warning lights flash. Flashing

failure. However, braking distances may

continues until you press the accelerator or manually

increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy

press the hazard lights button to turn them off (see

braking.

Hazard Warning Flashers on page 58).

If the instrument panel displays this red

NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake

brake indicator at any time other than

lights on the trailer also operate as described above,

briefly when you first start Model S, a brake

even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate

system fault is detected, or the level of the

braking system.

brake fluid is low. Contact Tesla

WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),

immediately. Apply steady pressure and

always increase your following distance. Sudden

keep the brakes firm to bring the vehicle to

braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and

a stop when safe to do so.

loss of control.

The instrument panel displays this yellow

brake indicator if a brake booster fault is

Brake Disc Wiping

detected. Apply steady pressure and keep

the brakes firm to stop the vehicle when

To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet

safety permits. Hydraulic Boost

weather, Model S is equipped with brake disc wiping.

Compensation will be active (see Hydraulic

When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature

Boost Compensation on page 65).

repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake

force to remove water from the surface of the brake

discs.

Emergency Braking

Hydraulic Fade Compensation

In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and

maintain firm pressure, even on low traction surfaces.

The ABS varies the braking pressure to each wheel

Model S is equipped with hydraulic fade compensation.

according to the amount of traction available. This

This assists in monitoring brake system pressure and

prevents wheels from locking and ensures that you stop

ABS activity for instances of reduced brake

as safely as possible.

performance. If reduced brake performance is detected

(for example, as a result of brake fade, or cold or wet

conditions), you may hear a sound, feel the brake pedal

pull away from your foot, and notice a strong increase in

64

Braking and Stopping

braking. Brake as you normally would and continue to

press the brake pedal without releasing or pumping the

brakes.

CAUTION: If brakes are not functioning properly,

stop the vehicle when safety permits and contact

1. The left side of the power meter represents power

Tesla Service.

generated from regenerative braking, or power that is

WARNING: Always maintain a safe driving distance

used to slow down the vehicle. Power being fed back

from the vehicle in front of you and exercise

to the Battery displays in green whereas power used

caution when driving conditions are hazardous.

by the regular braking system displays in gray.

Brake disc wiping and hydraulic fade

2. The right side of the power meter shows power that

compensation is not a substitute for adequately

is used to accelerate the vehicle. During acceleration,

applying the brakes.

the power meter fills to the right with gray to

represent the amount of power being used.

Hydraulic Boost Compensation

NOTE: To ensure visibility when the display is dark,

Model S is equipped with a brake booster that activates

power represented by the gray color displays as white.

the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. Hydraulic

NOTE: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound

boost compensation provides mechanical assistance if

and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced

the brake booster fails. If a brake booster failure is

regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is

detected, the brake pedal feels stiffer to press and you

designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after

may hear a sound when you press the brake pedal. To

changing tires it will increasingly restore regenerative

stop Model S, apply steady force to the brake pedal

braking power after some straight-line accelerations. For

without releasing or pumping. Drive cautiously and

most drivers this occurs after a short period of normal

maintain a safe distance from other road users—brake

driving, but drivers who normally accelerate lightly may

pedal responsiveness and braking performance may be

need to use slightly harder accelerations while the

degraded.

recalibration is in progress.

NOTE: If regenerative braking is aggressively slowing

Regenerative Braking

Model S (such as when your foot is completely off the

accelerator pedal at highway speeds), the brake lights

Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is off the

turn on to alert others that you are slowing down.

accelerator, regenerative braking slows down the vehicle

WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions, Model S

and feeds any surplus power back to the Battery. By

may experience loss of traction during

anticipating your stops and reducing or removing

regenerative braking.

pressure from the accelerator pedal to slow down, you

can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase

driving range.

Parking Brake

Vehicle deceleration due to regenerative braking may

To engage the parking brake, touch Controls > Safety >

vary depending on the current state of the Battery. For

Parking Brake. Follow the onscreen instructions.

example, regenerative braking may be limited if the

Battery is cold or is already fully charged.

Use the touchscreen to manually release the parking

brake (which also shifts Model S into Neutral):

To experience the same amount of deceleration

whenever you release the accelerator pedal, regardless

1. Touch Controls > Safety.

of the state of the Battery, you can choose to have the

regular braking system automatically engage whenever

2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking Brake. If

regenerative braking is limited. Touch Controls > Pedals

Model S was previously in Park, it shifts into Neutral.

& Steering > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking

is Limited.

When you manually apply the parking

brake using the touchscreen, the red

NOTE: If Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is

parking brake indicator lights up on the

Limited is enabled and applying the brakes, the brake

instrument panel.

pedal may move and it may feel stiffer when pressed.

This is expected and does not change your ability to

slow down Model S.

If the parking brake experiences an

The power meter (a thin horizontal line centered at the

electrical issue, the amber parking brake

indicator lights up and a fault message

bottom of the instrument panel) displays real-time

displays on the instrument panel.

power usage:

Driving

65

Braking and Stopping

NOTE: The parking brake operates on the rear wheels

only, and is independent of the pedal-operated brake

system.

CAUTION: In the unlikely event that Model S loses

electrical power, you cannot access the

touchscreen and are therefore unable to release

the parking brake without first jump starting

Model S (see Instructions for Transporters on page

202).

WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions the rear

wheels may not have su…cient traction to prevent

Model S from sliding down a slope, particularly if

not using winter tires. Avoid parking on hills in

snowy or icy conditions. You are always

responsible for parking safely.

WARNING: Your Model S may display an alert if

the road is too steep to safely park on, or if the

parking brakes are not properly engaged. These

alerts are for guidance purposes only and are not a

substitute for the driver’s judgment of safe parking

conditions, including specific road or weather

conditions. Do not depend on these alerts to

determine whether or not it is safe to park at any

location. You are always responsible for parking

safely.

Brake Wear

Model S brake pads are equipped with wear indicators.

A wear indicator is a thin metal strip attached to the

brake pad that squeals as it rubs against the rotor when

the pad wears down. This squealing sound indicates that

the brake pads have reached the end of their service life

and require replacement. To replace the brake pads,

contact Tesla Service.

Brakes must be periodically inspected visually by

removing the tire and wheel. For detailed specifications

and service limits for rotors and brake pads, see

Subsystems on page 192. Additionally, Tesla

recommends cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers

every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area

where roads are salted during winter months.

WARNING: Neglecting to replace worn brake pads

damages the braking system and can result in a

braking hazard.

66

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