TESLA MODEL S 2014 (North America) Owner's Guide

Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the most effective way to protect occupants if a
collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are
equipped with three-point inertia reel seat
belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically
tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with
an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the
belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
(see Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats
on page 24).
The seat belt reel automatically locks to prevent movement of occupants if Model Sexperiences a force associated with hard
acceleration, braking, cornering, or an impact in a collision.The seat belt reminder on the
instrument panel alerts you if a seat
belt for an occupied front seat is not
fastened. If the belt remains
unfastened, the reminder flashes and
an intermittent chime sounds. If all
occupants are buckled up and the
reminder stays on, re-fasten seat
belts to ensure they are correctly
latched. Also remove any heavy
objects (such as a briefcase) from an
unoccupied seat. If the reminder
light continues to stay on, contact
Tesla.
To Fasten a Belt
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat.
2.
Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the pelvis, chest and
mid-point of your collar bone, between
the neck and shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and
press together until you hear a click indicating it is locked in place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it is securely
fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward
the reel to remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the
belt from retracting too quickly, then press
the button on the buckle. The belt retracts
automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction
that prevents the belt from fully retracting.
The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the
seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
lap section of the belt as low as possible across the hips, not the waist. Position theshoulder portion of the belt between thebreasts and to the side of the abdomen.
Consult your doctor for specific guidance.Warning: Never place anything between
you and the seat belt to cushion the
impact in the event of an accident.
Seat Belts
Seating and Safety Restraints19

Seat Belt Pre-tensionersThe front seat belts are equipped with
pre ‑tensioners that work in conjunction with
the airbags in a severe frontal collision. The
pre ‑tensioners automatically retract both the
seat belt anchor and the seat belt webbing, reducing slack in both the lap and diagonalportions of the belts, resulting in reducedforward movement of the occupant.
If the pre-tensioners and airbags did notactivate in an impact, this does not mean they
malfunctioned. It usually means that the
strength or type of force needed to activate them was not present.
Warning: Once the seat belt pre-
tensioners have been activated, they
must be replaced. After any accident,
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated components checkedand, if necessary, replaced.Testing Seat Belts
To confirm that seat belts are operating
correctly, perform these three simple checks
on each seat belt.
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the
webbing nearest the buckle a quick pull. The buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the
webbing to its limit. Check that unreeling is free from snags, and visually check thewebbing for wear. Allow the webbing toretract, checking that retraction is smoothand complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the
tongue plate and pull forward quickly. The
mechanism should lock automatically and
prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact Tesla immediately.
Seat Belt WarningsWarning: Seat belts should be worn by all
occupants at all times, even if driving for a very short distance. Failure to do so
increases the risk of injury or death if an
accident occurs.Warning: Secure small children in a
suitable child safety seat. Always follow
the child safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing.Warning: Ensure that all seat belts are
worn correctly. An improperly worn seat
belt increases the risk of injury or death if
an accident occurs.Warning: Do not wear seat belts over
hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing, such as pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. The
pressure from the seat belt on such items can cause injury.Warning: Seat belts should not be worn
with any part of the strap twisted.Warning: Each seat belt assembly must
be used by one occupant only. It is
dangerous to put a seat belt around a
child being carried on an occupant’s lap.Warning: Seat belts that have been worn
in an accident must be inspected or
replaced by Tesla, even if damage to the
assembly is not obvious.Warning: Seat belts that show signs of
wear (such as fraying), or have been cut or damaged in any way, must be replacedby Tesla.
Seat Belts
20Model S Owner's Manual

Warning: Avoid contaminating a seat
belt’s components with any chemicals,
liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning products. If a
seat belt fails to retract or latch into the
buckle, it must be replaced immediately.
Contact Tesla.Warning: Do not make modifications or
additions that can prevent a seat belt
mechanism from taking up slack, or that
can prevent a seat belt from being
adjusted to remove slack. A slack belt
greatly reduces occupant protection.Warning: Do not make modifications that
can interfere with the operation of a seat
belt, or that can cause a seat belt to
become inoperable.Warning: When seat belts are not in use,
they should be fully retracted and not hanging loose. If a seat belt does not fullyretract, contact Tesla.
Seat Belts
Seating and Safety Restraints21

Guidelines for Seating ChildrenYour Model S seat belts in the front and second row seats are designed for adults and largerchildren. You must restrain infants and small children in the second row seats only, and you must use a suitable child safety seat appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and size. Never use child
safety seats in the front row passenger seat. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child safety seat.
If your Model S is equipped with the optional Tesla built-in rear facing child seats, these seats arechild safety seats and are designed only for children within a specific height and weight range
(see Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats on page 27).
Child Safety Seats
22Model S Owner's Manual

Choosing a Child Safety Seat
All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear (second row) seats. Always use a child safety seat suitable for a young child’s age and weight.InfantsToddlersYoung
childrenAgeBirth to 1 year*Over 1 year*4 years and
older, and
less than 57
in. (145 cm)
tallWeightUp to at least 20 lbs (9 kg)*Over 20 lbs (9 kg) (minimum)
and up to 40 lbs (18 kg)*Over 40 lbs
(18 kg)Type of child
safety seatRear facing (or convertible)Forward facing (or
convertible)*Seat belt
retained
booster
seatSeat positionRear facing only*Forward facing*Forward
facingRecommended
attachment
methodIf combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (lower anchor only)
or the seat belt only.*** If
combined weight of child and
safety seat is over 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using the seat
belt only.***If combined weight of child
and safety seat is up to 65 lbs
(29 kg), attach using either
LATCH** (both lower anchors
and top tether anchor), or the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.*** If combined weight of
child and safety seat is over
65 lbs (29 kg), attach using the
seat belt and upper tether
strap.***Attach
booster
seats using
the seat
belt only.* Many child safety seats currently available allow children to ride rear-facing using the child
safety seat’s integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS. Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible.CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND CAREFULLYFOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
** LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. In Canada, this is also called Lower Universal Anchorage System (LUAS), or CANFIX.
*** Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.Warning: Laws that govern how and where children should be carried when traveling in a
vehicle are subject to change. It is the driver’s responsibility to keep up to date on, and
comply with, all current regulations in the region(s) where Model S is driven.To check the child passenger safety laws for your state, go to: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html.
Child Safety Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints23

Seating Larger ChildrenIf a child is too large to fit into a child safety
seat, but too small to safely fit into the standard seat belts, use a booster seat
appropriate for the child’s age and size. Carefully follow the manufacturer’sinstructions to secure the booster seat usingthe seat belts. Do not use the LATCH systemto secure booster seats, even in situationswhere the booster seat is equipped with the
LATCH system.
Installing Child Safety Seats There are two general methods used to install
child safety seats:
• Seat belt retained - these seats are secured using the vehicle’s seat belts (see
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats on page 24).
• LATCH retained - these seats can attach to anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear
seats (see Installing LATCH Child Seats on
page 25).
Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions and the table on Child Safety
Seats on page 22 to determine which
installation method to use. Some child safety
seats can be installed using either method.
Always follow the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child
Seats
First, make sure that the child falls into the
correct weight range for the seat.
Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing anddo not place any objects between the childand the restraint system.
Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.To securely hold child safety seats, all
passenger seating positions are equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR) that, by
pulling the seat belt beyond the length
needed for a typical adult occupant, locks the belt into place until the seat belt is unbuckled
and the webbing is fully retracted. The ALR mechanism operates as a ratchet, winding in
slack and preventing the seat belt from
extending any further until it has been
completely rewound. When installing a child
safety seat, engage the belt's automatic locking retractor by pulling the seat belt
webbing until it is fully extended. The ALR
system engages only when the seat belt is at
its maximum extension point.
Note: An automatic locking retractor
disengages only when the seat belt is
unbuckled and fully retracted. The belt can
then be worn as a normal belt, sliding freely in
and out and locking tight only in an
emergency. Once disengaged, the belt must
be fully extended to re-engage the locking
mechanism whenever you install a child safety seat.
Always follow the detailed instructions provided by the child safety seat
manufacturer. General guidelines are provided
below.
1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, and
fully extend the seat belt. Route and
buckle the seat belt in accordance with the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
2. Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove
all slack in the seat belt while firmly
pushing the child safety seat into the Model S seat.
3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat
has an upper tether, attach it to the back of the seat (see Attaching Upper Tether
Straps on page 25).
Child Safety Seats
24Model S Owner's Manual

Installing LATCH Child SeatsLower LATCH anchor positions are providedin the second-row outboard seating positions
and are located between the seat's back rest
and rear cushion. The exact location of each
anchor is identified by a child safety seat
identification button, illustrated below. The button is located on the seat back, directlyabove its associated anchor.
Install LATCH seats in the outboard seating
positions only. Use only a seat belt retained
seat in the center position.
To install a LATCH retained child safety seat,
slide the safety seat latches onto the anchorbars until they click into place. Carefully read
and follow the instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
Once installed, test the security of the
installation before seating a child. Attempt to
twist the child safety seat from side to side and try to pull it away from the seat, then
check that the anchors are still securely in place.
Attaching Upper Tether Straps
If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its
hook to the anchor point located on the back
of the rear seats. Always position single-strap
tethers so that it runs over the center of the
Model S head support. Tighten dual-strap
tethers to run on each side of the head
support. Tighten according to the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: To prevent single-strap tethers from
moving from side to side, the top of the head
support deforms.
Child Safety Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints25

Testing a Child Safety SeatBefore seating a child, always make sure thechild safety seat is not loose:
1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path
and try to slide the safety seat from side
to side and front to back.
2. If the seat moves more than one inch
(2.5 cm), it is too loose. Tighten the belt
or reconnect the LATCH retained child
safety seat.
3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child
safety seat.
Warnings - Child Safety SeatsWarning: Extreme hazard! Do not seat a
child on the front passenger seat even if
you are using a child safety seat. This seat has an airbag in front of it. Although this
airbag is disabled when Model S detects a lightweight passenger, do not rely on
technology to protect your child.Warning: Do not use a forward facing
child safety seat until your child weighs
over 20 lbs (9 kg) and can sit
independently. Up to the age of two, a child's spine and neck are not sufficientlydeveloped 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 manufacturerof the child safety seat.Warning: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for as long as
possible.Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
when installing a child safety seat or booster seat.Warning: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported and the child’s seat belt is properlyadjusted and fastened. The shoulder
portion of the belt must be away from the face and neck, and the lap portion mustnot be over the stomach.Warning: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,one anchor point may be incapable of
securing both seats.Warning: Child restraint anchorages are
designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child
restraints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seatbelts,
harnesses, or for attaching other items or equipment to the vehicle.Warning: Always check harnesses and
tether straps for damage and wear.Warning: Do not use seat belt extenders
on a seat belt that is being used to install
a child safety seat or booster seat.Warning: Never leave a child unattended,
even if the child is secured in a child
safety seat.Warning: Never use a child safety seat
that has been involved in an accident.
Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
described in the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Child Safety Seats
26Model S Owner's Manual

Usage Restrictions
The optional Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37" (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child
is seated comfortably with the seat belts positioned and latched correctly. The child’spelvis must be held securely in place by thelap belt. Follow all instructions provided anddo not use supplemental child safety seats inthese seats.
Note: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S
instead of recirculating the air. This draws
more air into the rear seating areas.
Opening 1. Remove the cover from the trunk floor
and pull the strap to lift the seat assembly
upward.
2. Push the seat assembly into position.
3.Undo the Velcro strap.
4.Pull the handle to release the head
supports from the seat back, then pull the
head supports toward you to unfold them.
5. Raise the seat back to the upright position
and push until it locks into position.
Visually check to ensure that the retaining catches are engaged.
6. Check that the seat back and seat base
are securely retained in the upright
position by trying to pull the seat back toward you.
Folding
Caution: Before folding the seats, fasten
the seat belts to prevent them from
getting trapped in the seat mechanism and being damaged.
1. Pull the handle to release the seat back
and pull the seat back fully forward.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Seating and Safety Restraints27

2.Push the lever to release the head
supports from the seat back, then fold
back onto the seat.
3. Secure the Velcro strap.
4.Pull the strap at the rear of the seat to
fold the seat assembly into the trunk floor.
5. Replace the cover on the trunk floor.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
28Model S Owner's Manual