ESP TESLA MODEL S 2016 Owner's Manual

Folding Rear Seats
Model S has a split rear seat that can fold
forward.
Note: If Model S is equipped with the optional
executive rear seats, these seats do not fold
forward.
Before folding, remove items from the seats
and the rear foot well. To allow the rear seat
backs to fold completely
flat, you may need to
move the front seats forward.
To fold a rear seat, press the corresponding
lever and fold the seat forward.
Raising Rear Seats
Before raising a rear seat, make sure that the
seat belts are not trapped behind the backrest.
Pull the seat back upward until it locks into place.
To
confirm that the seat back is locked in the
upright position, try pulling it forward.
Warning: Always ensure the seat backs
are locked in their upright position.
Failure to do so increases the risk of injury.
Head Supports
Seats include integrated head supports that
cannot be adjusted or removed.
Seat Heaters
The front seats are equipped with heating
pads that operate at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest). To operate the seat
heaters, see Climate Controls on page 104.
If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, you can also control seat
heaters in all rear seating positions, as well as
heated wipers and washer nozzles by by
touching Controls > Cold Weather (see
Controls on page 94).
Seat Covers Do not use seat covers on Model S. Doing so
could restrict deployment of the side air bags
if an accident occurs. It can also reduce the
accuracy of the occupant detection system.
Front and Rear Seats
18Model S Owner

Lane Change Flash
To indicate a lane change, quickly press the
lever up or down against the spring pressure,
then release. The corresponding turn signal
flashes three times.
Hazard Warning Flashers To turn on the hazard warning
flashers, press
the button located on the side of the
touchscreen closest to the steering wheel. All turn signals
flash. Press again to turn off.
Note: Hazard warning flashers operate even
without a Model S key nearby.
Lights
52Model S Owner

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, the forward lookingcamera and the radar sensor are designed to
determine when there is a vehicle in front of
you in the same lane. If the area in front of Model S is clear,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
maintains a set driving speed. When a vehicle is detected,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is
designed to slow down Model S as needed to maintain a selected time-based distance from
the vehicle in front, up to the set speed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control does not
eliminate the need to watch the road in front
of you and to apply the brakes when needed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is primarily
intended for driving on dry, straight roads,
such as highways and freeways. It should not
be used on city streets.
Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is
designed for your driving comfort and
convenience and is not a collision warning or avoidance system. It is your
responsibility to stay alert, drive safely,
and be in control of the vehicle at all
times. Never depend on
Traffic-AwareCruise Control to adequately slow down
Model S. Always watch the road in front
of you and be prepared to take corrective
action at all times. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
Warning: Do not use Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control on city streets or on roads where
traffic conditions are constantly changing
and where bicycles and pedestrians are
present.
Warning: Do not use Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control on winding roads with sharp
curves, on icy or slippery road surfaces, or
when weather conditions (such as heavy
rain, snow, fog, etc) make it inappropriate
to drive at a consistent speed.
Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control does not adapt
driving speed based on road and driving
conditions.
Operating Traffic-Aware Cruise
ControlThe instrument panel
displays a gray speedometer
icon on the left side of the
driving speed to indicate
that
Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control is available but the
cruising speed has not been
set. Unless a vehicle is
detected ahead of you, you
must be driving at least
18 mph (30 km/h) to use
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
If a vehicle is detected ahead
of you, you can use
Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control at any
speed, even when stationary.
When driving at your desired speed, set the
cruising speed by moving the cruise control
lever up or down (or pulling it
briefly toward
you), then releasing.
The speedometer icon on the
instrument panel turns blue
and displays the set speed to
indicate that
Traffic-AwareCruise Control is actively
maintaining the set speed.
You can now release the accelerator pedal and
allow Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to maintain
your set speed. When no vehicle is detected ahead,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains
the set speed. If a vehicle is detected, Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control maintains your chosen
following distance, up to the set speed,
accelerating and decelerating Model S as
needed. When the vehicle you are following is
no longer detected,
Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control accelerates back to the set speed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control also adjusts the
speed as appropriate when entering and
exiting curves.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
68Model S Owner

You can accelerate at any time when driving ata set speed using Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control. But when you release the accelerator,
Model S returns to the set speed.
When following a vehicle,
Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control remains active at low speeds, even if
Model S comes to a standstill while following a
vehicle. When
traffic is moving again, Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control resumes operating at
your currently set speed. However, if a
pedestrian or object is detected in front of
Model S,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control goes
into a HOLD state and the instrument panel
displays a message indicating that you need
to resume cruise control. To resume, press the
accelerator pedal or pull the cruise control
lever toward you (see Canceling and
Resuming on page 72).
In right hand
traffic, engaging the right turn
signal when driving in the right-most lane
within 164 feet (50 meters) of an exit (on a
restricted access road only, such as a highway
or freeway), causes
Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control to assume you are exiting. As a result,
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control begins to slow
down the vehicle. Likewise in left hand traffic,when engaging the left turn signal when
driving in the left-most lane within 164 feet
(50 meters) of an exit. The onboard GPS (Global Positioning System) determines if you
are driving in a region with right or left hand
traffic. In situations where GPS data is
unavailable (for example, inadequate signal), engaging the turn signal near an exit does not
cause
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to slow
down the vehicle.
Note: If you double-pull the cruise control
lever, Autosteer activates and the set speed
changes to your current driving speed. If you
pull and hold the lever momentarily, your set cruising speed is adjusted to either your
current driving speed, or the speed limit that
is in
effect, whichever is greater (see Cruising
at the Speed Limit on page 70).
Note: When
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is
actively slowing down Model S to maintain the
selected distance from the vehicle ahead, the
brake lights turn on to alert other road users
that you are slowing down. You may also notice slight movement of the brake pedal.
Warning: Due to limitations inherent in
the onboard GPS, you may experience
situations in which
Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control slows down the vehicle, especially
near highway exits where a curve is
detected.
Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
can not detect all objects and may not
brake/decelerate for stationary vehicles,
especially in situations when you are
driving over 50 mph (80 km/h) and a
vehicle you are following moves out of your driving path and a stationary vehicle
or object, bicycle, or pedestrian is in front
of you instead. Always pay attention to
the road ahead and stay prepared to take
immediate corrective action. Depending
on
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to avoid
a collision can result in serious injury or death. In addition,
Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control may react to vehicles or objects
that either do not exist or are not in the
lane of travel, causing Model S to slow down unnecessarily or inappropriately.
Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may be unable to provide adequate
speed control because of limited braking
capability and hills. It can also misjudge the distance from a vehicle ahead. Driving
downhill can increase driving speed, causing Model S to exceed your set
speed. Never depend on
Traffic-AwareCruise Control to slow down the vehicle
enough to prevent a collision. Always
keep your eyes on the road when driving
and be prepared to take corrective action
as needed. Depending on
Traffic-AwareCruise Control to slow the vehicle down
enough to prevent a collision can result in
serious injury or death.
Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may occasionally brake Model S when not required or you are not expecting it. Thiscan be caused by closely following a
vehicle ahead, detecting vehicles or
objects in adjacent lanes (especially on curves), etc.
Adjust your following distance
To adjust the distance you want to maintain
between Model S and a vehicle traveling ahead of you, rotate the cruise control lever to
choose a setting from 1 (the closest following distance) to 7 (the longest following distance).
Each setting corresponds to a time-based
distance that represents how long it takes for
Model S, from its current location, to reach the
location of the rear bumper of the vehicle
ahead.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
Driver Assistance69

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 to customize individual settings. Then touch the
setting you want to change. When you change a setting, the AUTO icon turns from blue to gray
and RESET AUTO displays instead. Touch RESET AUTO to change all settings on the panel back to
their defaults. Or, you can touch AUTO associated with any individual setting to change it back to its default.
1. Touch RESET AUTO to change all settings back to their default values.
2. Touch A/C ON or A/C OFF to turn the air conditioning on and off, respectively. Turning it offreduces 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.
Climate Controls
Using the Touchscreen105

Wi-Fi is available as a data connection methodand is often faster than cellular data networks.
Connecting to Wi-Fi is especially useful in areas with limited or no cellular connectivity.
To ensure fast, reliable delivery of Model S
updates (see Software Updates on page 125),
Tesla recommends leaving Wi-Fi turned on and connected to a Wi-Fi network. To connectto a Wi-Fi network:
1. Touch the 3G (or LTE) icon in the touchscreen status bar. Model S will start
scanning and display the Wi-Fi networks that are within range.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, enter the password (if necessary), then
touch Connect.
You can also connect to a hidden network that
isn

Warning: The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, removeor replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are coloredorange for easy
identification.
Warning: Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S.
These labels are there for your safety.Warning: In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fireemergency responders.Charging Equipment
Charging equipment designed
specifically to
charge your Model S is available from Tesla. A
Tesla Wall Connector, which installs in your
garage, is the fastest way to charge Model S at home.
In several market regions, Model S is equipped
with a Mobile Connector and the adapter(s)
you need to plug into commonly used power
outlets. When using the Mobile Connector,
first plug the Mobile Connector into the power
outlet, then plug in Model S. For more
information about your Mobile Connector, see
the Mobile Connector Owner

Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires degrade over time due to the
effects of
ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high
loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every six
years, or sooner if required.
Wheel rims and tires are matched to suit the
handling characteristics of the vehicle.
Replacement tires must comply with the
original
specification. If tires other than thosespecified are used, ensure that the load and
speed ratings marked on the tire equal or
exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check
the alignment of wheels.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings
when tires are under- or
over-inflated (see
Resetting the TPMS Sensors on page 139).
Warning: For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification (see Wheels and Tires on
page 169). Tires that do not match the
original
specification can affect the
operation of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Warning: Never exceed the speed rating
of your vehicle

Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its appearance and to prevent
premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For general
cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft
cloth (such as micro
fiber) dampened with a
mixture of warm water and mild non-
detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks,
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag
cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the
dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflectiveand could interfere with your driving view.
Leather Seats
Leather is prone to dye-transfer which can
cause discoloration, particularly on light colored leather. White and tan leather iscoated with an anti-soiling treatment. Wipespills as soon as possible using a soft cloth
moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Using detergents or commercially
available leather cleaners and conditioners is
not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Polyurethane Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. After cleaning, allow the seats to air
dry.
Cloth Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove
any loose dirt.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled
areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.
Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type
of detergent or chemical cleaning agent.
Allow the belts to dry naturally while
extended, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Vacuum the seats to remove any loose dirt. Wipe the seats with a soft cloth dampened
with warm water. You can also use an upholstery cleaner designed for automotive
use. Extend the belts to wipe. Allow the belts
to dry naturally, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Touchscreen and Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel
using a soft lint-free cloth
specificallydesigned to clean monitors and displays. Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and
do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically- charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen without
activating buttons and changing settings, you
can enable clean mode. Touch Controls > Displays > Clean Mode. The display darkens to
make it easy to see dust and smudges.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can
damage the
finish on chrome and metal
surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
Warning: If you notice any damage on an
airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
immediately.Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
mechanism.Caution: Using solvents (including alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, orsilicone-based products or additives on
interior components can cause damage.
Cleaning
Maintenance145

Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories.
Tesla performs rigorous testing on parts to
ensure their suitability, safety, and reliability.
Purchase these parts from Tesla, where they
are professionally installed and where you can
receive expert advice about
modifications to
Model S.
Tesla is unable to assess parts manufactured
by other distributors and therefore accepts no
responsibility if you use non-Tesla parts on
Model S.
Warning: Installing non-approved parts
and accessories, or performing non- approved
modifications, can affect the
performance of Model S and the safety of
its occupants. Any damage caused by
using or installing non-approved parts, or by performing non-approved
modifications, is not covered by the
warranty.
Warning: Tesla does not accept liability
for death, personal injury or damage that
occurs if you use or install non-approved
accessories or make non-approved
modifications.
Body Repairs
If Model S is in a collision, contact Tesla to
ensure that it is repaired with genuine Tesla
parts. Tesla has selected and approved body
shops that meet strict requirements for
training, equipment, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Some repair shops and insurance companies
might suggest using non-original equipment
or salvaged parts to save money. However,
these parts do not meet Tesla