VIN TESLA MODEL S 2023 User Guide

Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)
51Driving

Controlling Lights
Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.
NOTE: You can also access an abbreviated lights menu
while driving by touching the High Beam button on the
steering yoke (or steering wheel). A lights menu displays
on the touchscreen, providing quick access to headlight controls.
In addition to the lights that you can control from the
touchscreen,
Model S has convenience lights that turn
on and
off automatically based on what you are doing.
For example, interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, and
puddle lights turn on when you unlock
Model S, when
you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn
off automatically after a minute or two or when you shift
or lock
Model S.
Exterior Lights
Exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights,
parking lights, and license plate lights) are set to
Auto
each time you start Model S. When set to Auto, exterior
lights automatically turn on when driving in low lighting
conditions. If you change to a
different setting, lights
always revert to
Auto on your next drive.
Touch one of these options to change the exterior light setting:

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 Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is available but you haven

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 67).
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 lights display along the top of the instrument panel to show status and alert you of
specific vehicle
conditions.
IndicatorDescriptionA brake system fault is detected or the brake
fluid level is low. See Braking and
Stopping on page 66. Contact Tesla
immediately.
A brake booster fault has been detected. See
Braking and Stopping on page 66.
An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See
Braking and Stopping on
page 66. Contact Tesla immediately.
A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See
Parking Brake on page
68.
The parking brake is manually applied.
See
Parking Brake on page 68.
Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
detected, the indicator
flashes. For a
TPMS fault, contact Tesla. See
Tire Care
and Maintenance on page 173.
A seat belt for an occupied seat is not
fastened. See
Seat Belts on page 32.
IndicatorDescriptionAirbag safety. If this red indicator does not
flash on briefly when Model S
prepares to drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See
Airbags
on page 41.
Front fog lights are on, if equipped. See
Lights on page 58.
Parking lights (side marker lights, tail
lights, and license plate lights) are on. See
Lights on page 58.
Low beam headlights are on.
High beam headlights are on. Illuminates when high beams are on but the Auto High Beam setting (if equipped) is turned
off or if the Auto High Beam setting is
turned on but is temporarily unavailable.
See
High Beam Headlights on page 58.
High beam headlights are currently
turned on, and Auto High Beam (if equipped) is ready to turn
off the high
beams if light is detected in front of
Model S. See High Beam Headlights on
page 58.
High beam headlights are temporarily
turned
off because Auto High Beam (if
equipped) is on and is detecting light in
front of
Model S. When light is no longer
detected, the high beams automatically turn back on. See
High Beam Headlights
on page 58.
Instrument Panel
63Seating and Safety Restraints

Braking SystemsWARNING: Properly functioning braking systems
are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, or
any component of a Model S braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.
Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that
prevents the wheels from locking when you apply
maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control
during heavy braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the ABS
constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and varies
the brake pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. This demonstrates that the ABS is operating and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator briefly flashes amber on
the
instrument panel when you first start
Model S. If this indicator lights up at any
other time, an ABS fault has occurred and the ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not
affected by an ABS
failure. However, braking distances may increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the instrument panel displays this red
brake indicator at any time other than
briefly when you first start Model S, a brake
system fault is detected, or the level of the
brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and
keep the brakes
firm to bring the vehicle to
a stop when safe to do so.
The instrument panel displays this amber
brake indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. Hydraulic Boost Compensation will be active (see
Hydraulic
Boost Compensation on page 67).
WARNING: When driving a Model S Plaid
equipped with the optional Carbon Ceramic Brake
Kit in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit
(-10 degrees Celsius), the instrument panel
displays an alert indicating that stability and
braking performance may be degraded in cold
weather. You may need to increase the amount of
pressure you apply to the brake pedal when
driving in cold weather. Be aware of this reduced
performance and drive cautiously in cold weather
conditions. The Apply Brakes When Regenerative
Braking is Limited feature is not available on a
Model S Plaid equipped with the optional Carbon
Ceramic Brake Kit.
Emergency Braking
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
according to the amount of traction available. This prevents wheels from locking and ensures that you stop as safely as possible.
WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase
braking distance.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you and be aware of
hazardous driving conditions. While the ABS can
improve stopping distance, it cannot overcome the
laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of water
prevents direct contact between the tires and the
road).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 115) may
intervene to automatically brake in situations
where a collision is considered imminent.
Automatic Emergency Braking is not designed to
prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the
impact of a frontal collision by attempting to
reduce your driving speed. Depending on
Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a collision
can result in serious injury or death.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)
If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully
(or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights
flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model S is rapidly slowing down. If Model S stops
completely, the hazard warning lights
flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights button to turn them
off (see
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 60).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.
Braking and Stopping
66MODEL S Owner

WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather,
Model S is equipped with brake disc wiping.
When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature
repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the brake
discs.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Model S is equipped with hydraulic fade compensation.
This assists in monitoring brake system pressure and ABS activity for instances of reduced brake
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 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
Tesla Service.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe driving distance
from the vehicle in front of you and exercise
caution when driving conditions are hazardous.
Brake disc wiping and hydraulic fade
compensation is not a substitute for adequately
applying the brakes.
Hydraulic Boost Compensation
Model S is equipped with a brake booster that activates
the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. Hydraulic boost compensation provides mechanical assistance if the brake booster fails. If a brake booster failure is detected, the brake pedal feels
stiffer to press and you
may hear a sound when you press the brake pedal. To
stop
Model S, apply steady force to the brake pedal
without releasing or pumping. Drive cautiously and
maintain a safe distance from other road users

How It Works
The traction control system constantly monitors the speed of the front and rear wheels. If
Model S
experiences a loss of traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by controlling brake pressure and motor power. By default, the traction control system is on. Under normal conditions, it should remain on to ensure
maximum safety.
This yellow indicator flashes on the
instrument panel whenever the traction
control system is actively controlling brake
pressure and motor power to minimize wheel spin. If the indicator stays on, a fault is detected with the traction control system. Contact Tesla Service.
WARNING: Traction control cannot prevent
collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning
too sharply at high speeds.
Allowing Wheel Slip
To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed, you can
enable Slip Start.
Slip Start can be enabled only when
Model S is moving 30 mph (48 km/h) or slower. Slip
Start automatically disables when the speed exceeds
50 mph (80 km/h).
Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not be enabled. Enable it only in circumstances where you
deliberately want the wheels to spin, such as:

How Park Assist Works
Model S is designed to detect the presence of objects.
When driving slowly in Drive or Reverse (for example,
when parking), the vehicle alerts you if an object is
detected in close proximity of your
Model S. Objects are
only detected in your chosen direction; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.
WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model S rolls
freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park
Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls
backwards down a hill while in Drive).
Park Assist is activated when driving slower than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
WARNING: Never depend on Park Assist to inform
you if an area you are approaching is free of
objects and/or people. Several external factors can
reduce the performance of Park Assist, causing
either no readings or false readings (see
Limitations and False Warnings on page 71).
Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine
if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects, and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Park assist
does not detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
animals, or objects that are moving, protruding,
located too far above or below the sensors (if
equipped) or cameras, or too close or too far from
the sensors or cameras. Park Assist is for guidance
purposes only and is not intended to replace your
own direct visual checks. It is not a substitute for
careful driving.
Visual and Audio Feedback
When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays on the
left side of the instrument panel, showing objects
that are in close proximity to the front and rear of
Model S. This view closes when you shift into Drive
unless an object is detected close to the front of
Model S, in which case the Park Assist view closes
automatically when your driving speed exceeds
5 mph
(8 km/h). When reversing, visual feedback also displays
on the touchscreen (see
Rear Facing Camera(s) on page
77). You can manually close the park assist view on the
touchscreen by touching the
X.
When driving with the Camera app displayed on the
touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist view
when driving at speeds below
5 mph (8 km/h). Touch
the button located in the upper left corner of the Camera app screen. This is useful if you need assistance
with parallel parking.
If chimes are turned on (see Controlling Audible
Feedback on page 71), an audible beep sounds as you
approach an object.
You can temporarily mute the chime
by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of
the Park Assist view.
NOTE: If Park Assist is unable to provide feedback, the
instrument panel displays an alert message.
Park Assist
70MODEL S Owner

Track Mode, available only on Plaid Model S vehicles, is
designed to modify the stability control, traction control, regenerative braking, and cooling systems to increase performance and handling while driving on closed
circuit courses. Track Mode improves cornering ability by
intelligently using the motors, and regenerative and
traditional braking systems. When enabled, the cooling
system runs at an increased level during and after
aggressive driving sessions to allow your vehicle

Camera Location
Model S is equipped with a rear view camera located
above the rear license plate.
Whenever you shift into Reverse, the touchscreen displays the view from the camera. Lines show your
driving path based on the position of the
steering yoke
(or steering wheel). These lines adjust as you move the
steering yoke (or steering wheel).
Model S also displays images from the side cameras (if
equipped). Simply swipe up or down to hide or show the
side camera views.
NOTE: Visual feedback from Park Assist also appears on
the
instrument panel (see Park Assist on page 70).
To display the view from the rear view
cameras at any time, open the app
launcher and touch the Camera app.
If a black screen appears on the touchscreen instead of the rear view camera feed when in Reverse, use the rear view mirrors and ensure your surroundings are safe before continuing to Reverse. If inoperability of the rear
view camera persists, use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment.
WARNING: Never depend on the cameras to
inform you if the area behind you is free of objects
and/or people. The cameras may not detect
objects or barriers that can potentially cause
damage or injury. In addition, several external
factors can reduce the performance of the
cameras, including a dirty or obstructed lens.
Therefore, depending on the cameras to determine
if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Use the
cameras for guidance purposes only. It is not
intended to replace your own direct visual checks
and is not a substitute for careful driving.
Cleaning a Camera
To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean
and free of obstructions. Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by spraying water onto the camera lens with a
spray bottle.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris
by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a
cloth. This debris can damage the surface of the
lens when rubbed against it during wiping.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the
lens.
Rear Facing Camera(s)
77Driving