windshield TESLA MODEL S 2015 User Guide

Overview of Climate ControlsThe climate controls are always available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate
control is set to Auto On, which maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the temperature, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air
conditioning, air distribution, air circulation, and fan speed to maintain your selected temperature.
To override these settings, touch Auto On (see Customizing Climate Control on page 81).
The fan, heating, and air conditioning systems are powered by the Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases driving range.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version, market region, and settings, the information displayed may be
slightly different.1. The front seats are equipped with heating
pads that operate at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest).
When operating, the indicator turns red
and displays the setting number.
Note: If Model S is equipped with the
optional cold weather package, you can
also control seat heaters in the rear seats
as well as heated wipers by touching
Controls > Cold Weather (see Controls on
page 74). When equipped with executive seats, you can control the seat and the
backrest separately in each second row
passenger seat.
2. Touch the up or down arrow to set the
cabin temperature (from LO, 63° F to
HI, 90° F/LO, 17° C to HI, 32° C). To apply
a temperature setting to both the driver
and passenger side at the same time,
touch SYNC TEMP on the temperature
popup that appears when you touch an
arrow.
3. Automatic/Manual climate control (see
Customizing Climate Control on page
81).4. The windshield defroster distributes air
flow to the windshield and operates the
heating and fan at their maximum level.
Touch once for Normal Defrost and twice
for Max Defrost. When on, touch again to
turn off and restore the air distribution,
heating, and fan to their previous settings.
5. Turn climate control system on/off.
6. The rear window defroster warms up the
rear window* for 15 minutes, then
automatically shuts off.
*If Model S is equipped with the optional
tech package, exterior side mirrors are
also heated.Warning: To avoid burns resulting from
prolonged use, individuals who have
peripheral neuropathy, or whose capacity to feel pain is limited because of diabetes,
age, neurological injury, or some other
condition, should exercise caution when using the climate control system and seat
heaters.
Climate Controls
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Customizing Climate ControlThe climate control system is designed to automatically provide optimum comfort in most
situations. All you need to do is set the desired temperature, and the air conditioning, air
recirculation, air distribution, and fan speed automatically maintain your selected temperature.
To override the automatic setting, touch AUTO ON to view the individual settings. Then touch the
setting you want to change. When you change a setting, the AUTO ON icon turns from blue to
gray and RESET AUTO displays instead.
1.Touch RESET AUTO to change all settings
back to the their default values.
2. Touch A/C ON or A/C OFF to turn the air
conditioning on and off, respectively. Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves
energy.
Because Model S runs much quieter than a gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice
the sound of the compressor as it is
operating. To minimize noise, reduce the
fan speed or recirculate the air.
3. Choose how air is drawn into Model S:
Outside air is drawn into
Model S (see Ventilation on
page 82). Although less
efficient than recirculating the
air in very hot or low climate
conditions, this setting draws
more air into the rear seating
areas, and is recommended
when occupants are seated in
the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats.Air inside Model S is
recirculated. This prevents
outside air (traffic fumes) from
entering but reduces
dehumidifying and cooling
performance. Recirculating the
air is the most efficient way to
cool the front cabin area but it
is also the loudest. To prevent
the windshield from fogging in
some conditions, briefly change
the setting every hour to draw
in outside air.
4. Choose where air flows into the cabin.
You can choose more than one location:
Foot-level ventsFace-level ventsWindshield vents
5. Drag the slider to set the speed of the fan.
Climate Controls
Using the Touchscreen81

Ventilation
Outside air is drawn into Model S through the
grill in front of the windshield. Keep the grill
clear of obstructions such as leaves and snow.
To direct the flow of air inside Model S, move
the interior vents up, down, or from side to
side.
Note: You can direct the outer face level vents
toward the side windows to help defrost or defog them.
Cabin Air Filter
Model S has an air filter that prevents pollen,
industrial fallout, road dust and other particles
from entering through the vents. Tesla replaces the air filter at the regularly
scheduled maintenance intervals of every 12 months, or every 12,500 miles (20,000 km).
Climate Control Operating Tips
• To conserve energy, you can limit the power of the climate control system by
turning on Range Mode. Cabin heating and cooling may be less effective, butseat heaters turn on to compensate.
Touch Controls > Driving > Range Mode .
• If the climate control system operates more loudly than you prefer, reduce thefan speed or adjust the air flow to draw in
outside air (instead of recirculating).
• In addition to cooling the interior, the air conditioning system also cools the
Battery. Therefore, in hot weather, the air
conditioning system can turn on even if
you turned it off. This is normal because the system’s priority is to cool the Battery
to ensure it stays within an optimum
temperature range to support long life and optimum performance.
• To ensure the climate control system operates efficiently, close all windows and
ensure that the exterior grill in front of the
windshield is free of ice, snow, leaves, and
other debris.
• To reduce the time it takes to reach a comfortable temperature in hot weather,
drive with the windows slightly open for a
few minutes when you first start driving.
• In very humid conditions, it is normal for the windshield to fog slightly when you
first turn on the air conditioning. This fog
clears within a few seconds.
• It is normal for a small pool of water to form under Model S when parked. Extra
water produced by the dehumidifying
process is drained underneath.
Climate Controls
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Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring
the continued reliability and efficiency of your
Model S.
Rotate the tires every 5000 miles (8000 km),
maintain the correct tire pressures, and take Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduledmaintenance intervals of every 12 months, orevery 12,500 miles (20,000 km), whichever
comes first. It is also important to perform the
daily and monthly checks described below.
Model S must be serviced by Tesla-certified
technicians. Damages or failures caused by
maintenance or repairs performed by non-
Tesla certified technicians are not covered by
the warranty.
Daily Checks • Check the Battery’s charge level, displayed on the instrument panel.
• Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn signals, and wipers and washers are
working.
• Check the operation of the brakes, including the parking brake.
• Check the operation of the seat belts (see Seat Belts on page 20).
• Look for fluid deposits underneath Model S that might indicate a leak. It is
normal for a small pool of water to form
(caused by the air conditioning system’s dehumidifying process).
Monthly Checks • Check the mileage to determine if the tires need to be rotated (every
5000 miles/8000 km), and check the
condition and pressure of each tire (see
Tire Care and Maintenance on page 109).
• Check washer fluid level and top up if necessary (see Topping Up Washer Fluid
on page 125).
• Check that the air conditioning system is operating (see Climate Controls on page
80).Warning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.Fluid Replacement Intervals
Do not change or top up Battery coolant and
brake fluid yourself. Tesla service technicians replace fluids at the regularly scheduled
service intervals:
• Brake fluid. Every 2 years or 25,000 miles (40,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Battery coolant. Every 5 years or 62,500 miles (100,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Note: Any damage from opening the Battery
coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
High Voltage Safety Your Model S has been designed and built
with safety as a priority. However, be aware of these precautions to protect yourself from the
risk of injury inherent in all high-voltage
systems:
• Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S.These labels are there for your safety.
• The high voltage system has no user- serviceable parts. Do not disassemble,
remove or replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High
voltage cables are colored orange for
easy identification.
• If an accident occurs, do not touch any high voltage wiring, connectors, or
components connected to the wiring.
• In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.Warning: Always disconnect the charge
cable before working underneath Model S, even if charging is not in
progress.Warning: Keep your hands and clothing
away from cooling fans. Some fans
operate even when Model S is powered
off.Caution: Some fluids (battery acid,
Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer additives, etc.) used in motor
vehicles are poisonous and should not be
inhaled, swallowed, or brought into contact with open wounds. For your
safety, always read and follow
instructions printed on fluid containers.
Maintenance Schedule
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Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,industrial fallout, etc). Do not wait untilModel S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then
immediately wash the area with water and a
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the
alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model S:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel arches and panel seams). If salt has beenused on the highways (such as duringwinter months), thoroughly rinse all tracesof road salt from the underside of the
vehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a soft cloth and cold or lukewarm water containing a mild,
good quality car shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatment
fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water and
detergents.Caution: In hot weather, do not wash in
direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the nozzle and the surface ofModel S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes,etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.Caution: Do not used chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the finish on the wheels.Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the rear view camera or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.
Cleaning
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Checking and Replacing Wiper
BladesCaution: Wiper blades do not lock into a
lifted position. When cleaning or
replacing a wiper blade, lift the wiper arm
only a short distance from the windshield,
just far enough to access the blade. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its intendedposition. Doing so can cause damage thatis not covered by the warranty.
To make wiper blades easy to access, turn offthe wipers, shift Model S into Park, then use
the touchscreen to move them to the service
position. Touch Controls > Settings > Service
& Reset > Service Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
normal position when you shift Model S out of
Park.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blade and check the rubber for cracks,
splits and roughness. If damaged, replace the
blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass.
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the wiper blades, can reduce the effectiveness of
the wiper blades. Contaminants include ice,
wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with
bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings,
tree sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning:
• Clean the windshield using non-abrasive glass cleaner.
• Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough toaccess the wiper blade, then wipe the
blade clean using isopropyl (rubbing)
alcohol or washer fluid.
If the wipers remain ineffective after cleaning,
replace the wiper blades.
For optimum performance, replace wiper
blades at least once a year.
To replace wiper blades:
1. Turn off the wipers, shift Model S into
Park, then use the touchscreen to move
the wipers to the service position. Touch
Controls > Settings > Service & Reset >
Service Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers must be OFF to turn on
Service Mode.
2. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away
from the windshield, just far enough to
access the wiper blade.
3. Hold the wiper arm (the wiper arm does
not lock into a lifted position) and press
the locking tab while sliding the blade
down the arm.
4. Align the new blade on the wiper arm and
slide it toward the hooked end of the arm
until it locks into place.
5. Place the wiper arm against the
windshield.
If the problem persists with new blades, clean
the windshield and wiper blades by wiping
with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with
warm water and non-detergent soap. Then,
rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The windshield is clean when
water beads do not form.
Caution: Only use cleaning products
approved for use on automotive glass and rubber. Inappropriate products can
cause damage or smears, and create
glare on the windshield.Caution: Only install replacement blades
that are identical to the original blades.
Using inappropriate blades can damage
the wiper system and affect the operation of the rain sensor.
Cleaning Washer Jets
The position of the windshield washers is set
at the factory and should never need adjusting.
If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a
thin strand of wire to clear any blockages
from the nozzle.
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets
Maintenance121

Warning: Do not operate the washers
while cleaning Model S. Windshield
washer fluid can irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the washer fluid
manufacturer’s instructions.
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets
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Removing the Maintenance Panel
To access fuses and check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:
1. Pull the rear edge of the maintenance
panel upward to release the five clips that
hold the panel in place.
2. Maneuver the maintenance panel toward
the windshield to remove.Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re- attaching, make sure it is fully seated.Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
instrument panel displays a warning message.
Stop Model S as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the Battery coolant level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 123).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir. DO
NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage
not covered by the warranty.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
the MAX marks. If you notice that the fluid
level has dropped significantly, contact Tesla before using Model S.
Topping Up the Battery Coolant
Under no circumstances should you add coolant. If the instrument panel warns youthat the fluid level is low, contact Teslaimmediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a specific
type of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT).
Contact Tesla for more specific information
about the coolant.
Fluid Reservoirs
Maintenance123

Topping Up Washer Fluid
The only reservoir into which you can add
fluid is the washer fluid reservoir located
under the front trunk. When the level is low, a
message displays on the instrument panel.
Do not use formulated washer fluids that contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and squeaking or other noises.
Operate the washers periodically to check
that the nozzles are clear and properly
directed.
To top up washer fluid:
1. Clean the filler cap before opening to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Open the filler cap.
3.Fill the reservoir until the fluid level is
visible just below the filler neck.
4. Replace the filler cap.
Note: Some national or local regulations
restrict the use of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly used as antifreeze in washer fluid. Use a
washer fluid with limited VOC content only if
it provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive Model S.
Caution: Under no circumstances do you
need to inspect or top up other fluid
reservoirs. Two additional fluid reservoirs
are located next to the washer fluid, but underneath the maintenance panel. In the
unlikely event that you see a message on the instrument panel that one of these
fluid levels is low, stop Model S as soon as safe to do so, and contact Tesla.Caution: Do not spill washer fluid on body
panels. Doing so can cause damage. Wipe
up spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.Warning: In temperatures below
40° F (4° C), use a washer fluid with
antifreeze. In cold weather, using a
washer fluid without antifreeze can impair
visibility through the windshield.
Fluid Reservoirs
Maintenance125

Vehicle Identification Number
You can find the VIN at the following locations:
• Stamped on a plate located at the top of the dashboard. Can be seen by lookingthrough the windshield.
• Stamped on the chassis. Can be seen by removing the maintenance panel (see Removing the Maintenance Panel on page
123).
• Printed on the Vehicle Certification label, located on the driver’s side door pillar.
Can be seen when the driver’s door is
open.
Emission Control Label
The emission control label is located on the
opening face of the liftgate.
Identification Labels
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