tow TESLA MODEL S 2016 User Guide

Note: Autosteer is a BETA feature in Release
7.1.
If Model S is equipped with Driver Assistance
components (see About Driver Assistance on
page 65), and you have purchased the optional Autopilot Tech Package, you can use
Autosteer to manage steering and speed under certain circumstances. Autosteer builds
upon
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control,
intelligently keeping Model S in its driving lane
when cruising at a set speed. Using the
forward looking camera, the radar sensor, and
the ultrasonic sensors, Autosteer detects lane
markings and the presence of vehicles and
objects, steering Model S based on the lanemarkings and the vehicle directly in front of
you.
Warning: Autosteer is a hands-on feature.
You must keep your hands on the steering
wheel at all times.Warning: Autosteer is intended for use
only on highways and limited-access
roads with a fully attentive driver. When using Autosteer, hold the steering wheel
and be mindful of road conditions and
surrounding
traffic. Do not use Autosteer
on city streets or in areas where bicyclists
or pedestrians may be present. Never
depend on Autosteer to determine an
appropriate driving path. Always be
prepared to take immediate action.
Failure to follow these instructions could
cause serious property damage, injury or
death.
Operating Autosteer
Before you can operate Autosteer, you must
enable it by touching Controls > Settings >
Driver Assistance > Autosteer > Enable.
To indicate that Autosteer is available (but not actively steering Model S), the instrumentpanel displays a gray Autosteer icon on theright side of the driving speed as shown here:
To initiate Autosteer, pull the cruise control
lever toward you twice in quick succession. Autosteer
briefly displays a message on the
instrument panel reminding you to pay
attention to the road and be ready to take
over at any time. To indicate that Autosteer is now actively steering Model S, the instrument
panel displays the Autosteer icon in blue.
When Autosteer is able to detect lane
markings, it also displays the driving lane in blue:
Note: To initiate Autosteer, you must be
driving at least 18 mph (30 km/h) on a roadway with visible lane markings. If a vehicle
is detected ahead of you, you can initiate
Autosteer at any speed, even when stationary.
Note: In most cases, Autosteer attempts to
center Model S in the driving lane. However, if
the sensors detect the presence an obstacle (such as a vehicle or guard rail), Autosteer
may steer Model S in a driving path that is
offset from the center of the lane.
Note: In situations where you attempt to
engage Autosteer but you are not driving
within the required driving speed for Autosteer to operate, or Autosteer is not
receiving adequate data from the camera or
sensors, a message displays on the instrument
panel indicating that Autosteer is temporarily
unavailable.
Autosteer
74Model S Owner

1. CloseTouch the circled X in the top left corner of a window to close it (or you can touch anywhere
outside the window).
2. Sunroof
If Model S is equipped with a sunroof, touch to adjust its position (see Sunroof on page 15).
3. Suspension
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air Suspension, touch to manually raise or lower Model S, orto remove a previously saved auto-raising location (see Smart Air Suspension on page 108).
Model S must be powered on and you must press the brake pedal before you can change
suspension settings. Smart Air Suspension causes Model S to self-level, even when powered
off. Therefore, when towing or lifting, you must disable self-leveling (see Instructions for
Transporters on page 175 and Jacking and Lifting on page 158).
Controls
96Model S Owner

VentilationOutside 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

Tire Repair Kit
Your Model S has no spare tire. Depending on
the legislations that apply to the region in
which you purchased Model S, a tire repair kit
may or may not be included. If a tire repair kit
was not provided in Model S upon delivery,
you can purchase one from Tesla.
Note: Although Model S does not have a spare
tire, in the event of a
flat tire, Roadside
Assistance provides towing coverage for up to 50 miles.
The tire repair kit consists of a compressor
and a canister of tire sealant (enough to repair
one tire). When injected into a tire, the sealant
can penetrate a small puncture up to 1/4" (6 mm) to form a temporary repair.
Note: For punctures larger than 1/4” (6 mm),
severe tread damage, a damaged sidewall,
ripped tires or tires that have come
off the rim,
call Roadside Assistance.
Warning: The tire repair kit is a temporary
repair only. You must repair or replace a
damaged tire as soon as possible.Warning: Do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h) when driving with a tire that
has been temporarily repaired with sealant.Warning: Follow all directions and
warnings on the tire repair kit before
starting a repair.Caution: Do not drive on a deflated tire as
this can cause serious damage.Tire Sealant Canister
The tire sealant provided in the Tesla tire
repair kit is approved for use with Model S and is designed not to damage the TPMS (Tire
Pressure Monitoring System) sensors.
Therefore, you must replace it only with one of
the same type and capacity (see Replacing
the Sealant Canister on page 143). Tire
sealant canisters can be purchased from Tesla.
The tire sealant has an expiration date printed
on the outside of the canister. If the expiration
date has passed, the sealant might not work
as expected. Always replace an expired tire
sealant canister.Warning: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the one available from Tesla.
Doing so could cause tire pressure
sensors to malfunction.Warning: Always read and follow the
safety and handling instructions printed on the sealant canister.Warning: Keep tire sealant out of the
reach of children.Warning: Tire sealant can be harmful if it
contacts the eyes or if swallowed or
inhaled. If the sealant comes into contact with your eyes, immediately
flush with
water and seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If swallowed, do not
induce vomiting and seek medical assistance immediately. If inhaled, breathe
fresh air. Inhalation can cause drowsiness
and dizziness. If breathing is
affected,seek medical assistance immediately.
Temporary Tire Repair
140Model S Owner

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. On a single motor Model S, you can check it
yourself. To do so, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 149).
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 fluidlevel 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 you that
the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla
immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a
specifictype of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT).
Contact Tesla for more specific information
about the coolant.
Fluid Reservoirs
Maintenance149

WeightsCurb Weight* - 604,407 lbs1,999 kgCurb Weight* - 704,555 lbs2,066 kgCurb Weight* - 70D4,720 lbs2,141 kgCurb Weight* - 85/P854,630 lbs2,100 kgCurb Weight* - 85D4,848 lbs2,199 kgCurb Weight* - P85D4,963 lbs2,251 kgCurb Weight* - 90D4,848 lbs2,199 kgCurb Weight* - P90D4,963 lbs2,251 kgGVWR** - 605,710 lbs2,590 kgGVWR** - 705,710 lbs2,590 kgGVWR** - 70D5,732 lbs2,600 kgGVWR** - 85/P855,710 lbs2,590 kgGVWR** - 85D5,820 lbs2,640 kgGVWR** - P85D5,886 lbs2,670 kgGVWR** - 90D5,820 lbs2,640 kgGVWR** - P90D5,886 lbs2,670 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -19" wheelsFront: 2,425 lbs
Rear: 3,285 lbsFront: 1,100 kgRear: 1,490 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
21" wheelsFront: 2,612 lbs
Rear: 3,097 lbsFront: 1,185 kgRear: 1,405 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front2,813 lbs1,276 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front
(Performance Plus models)2,723 lbs1,235 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 19"
wheels3,307 lbs1,500 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 21"
wheels3,131 lbs1,420 kgTrailer TowingNot permissible*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo
**GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications165

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

Connect the Towing EyeThe method used to connect the winch cabledepends on whether Model S is equipped with
a towing eye (located in the front trunk).
If not equipped with a towing eye:
1. Attach the tow straps to the large hole on each of the rearmost lower suspension
arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any damage that could be caused by the tow
straps, place a 2" x 4" piece of wood
between the tow straps and the
underbody.
Caution: Before pulling, position the wood
between the tow strap and the
underbody to ensure the underbody is
protected from any damage that could be caused by the tow strap.If equipped with a towing eye:
1. Locate the towing eye in the front trunk. Pull up the carpet and remove the towing
eye.
2. Remove the nose cone.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
corner, and gently pry the nose cone
toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three
remaining clips.
Note: If the nose cone is equipped with a removable slot, which is distinguished by
the ridge that sits directly below the slot,
remove the slot by prying it from the
bottom and around the edge until the
entire slot is removed.
Instructions for Transporters
176Model S Owner

3. If applicable, disconnect the bumpersensors.
If Model S is equipped with Autopilot
components (see About Driver Assistance
on page 65), you also need to disconnect
the cords for the ultrasonic sensors. To do
so, press down on the tab and pull to release.
4. Insert the towing eye.
Fully insert the towing eye into the
opening on the right side, then turn it
counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
5. Attach the winch cable to the towing eye.
Caution: Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the
Wheels
Secure wheels using the eight-point tie-downmethod with basket straps or tie-down straps:

T
telematics 180telephonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 114temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 129
cabin, controls for 104
outside 37, 43
tires 172
tie-down straps 177
tilt detection 121
Tire and Loading Information label 161
tire noise 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 183
overview of 138
tire pressures, checking 135
tire repair kitinflating with air only 142inflating with sealant 141
replacing the sealant canister 143tiresall-season 137
balancing 136
chains 138
industry glossary of terms 173
inspecting and maintaining 136
pressures, how to check 135
quality grading 172
replacing 137
replacing a tire sensor 139
rotation 136
specification 169
summer 137
temperature grades 172
tire markings 170
tire sealant 140
traction grade 172
treadwear grade 172
winter 138
torque specifications 166
touch up body 146
touchscreenclean mode 145
cleaning 145
Controls 94
overview 90
Settings 99
software updates 125
Tow mode 175
towing 175
towing a trailer 162
towing eye, locating 176
towing instructions 175
TPMSFCC certification 183
overview of 138traction control 56
trademarks 178, 179
traffic alerts 112Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 68
trailer hitches 162
transmission
specifications 166
Transport Canada, contacting 181
transporting 175
trip chart 62
trip information 61
trip overview 116
trip planner 116
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn 111
turn signals 51
U ultrasonic sensors 65
uniform tire quality grading 172
Units & Format 99
Unlock on Park 4
unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn