charging TESLA MODEL S 2023 User Guide

During Charging
During charging, the charge port light pulses green, and the
touchscreen displays real-time charging status. The
frequency at which the green charge port light pulses
slows down as the charge level approaches full. When charging is complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid green.
NOTE: If Model S is locked, the charge port light does
not light up.
If the charge port light turns red while charging, a fault
is detected. Check the
instrument panel or touchscreen
for an alert describing the fault. A fault can occur due to something as common as a power outage. If a power
outage occurs, charging resumes automatically when power is restored.
NOTE: The thermal system may produce steam under
certain conditions. For example, odorless steam can come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in cold temperature. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
NOTE: It is normal to hear sounds during charging.
Particularly at high currents, the refrigerant compressor
and fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
NOTE: Air conditioning performance is generally not
affected by charging. However, in some circumstances
(for example, charging at high currents during a
particularly warm day), the air coming from the vents may not be as cool as expected and a message displays on the
instrument panel. This is normal and ensures that
the Battery stays within an optimum temperature range while charging to support longevity and optimum
performance.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, a pressure washer) towards the
charge port while charging. Doing so can result in
serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting the charge
cable or touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
NOTE: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of the
charge cable, the charge cable latch remains locked and
Model S must be unlocked or able to recognize your key
before you can disconnect the charge cable.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1.
Press and hold the button on the connector handle to release the latch.
NOTE: You can also release the latch using the
touchscreen or mobile app, or by pressing and
holding the rear trunk button on the key fob.
If your
vehicle is equipped with a motorized charge port,
you can also press the button to the left of the
charge port to release the latch.
2.
Pull the connector from the charge port. The charge
port door automatically closes.
To disconnect the charge cable when using an adapter at a public charge station:
1.
Unlock Model S.
2.
While holding the public charging handle in one hand and the adapter in the other hand, press and hold the button on the public charging handle and pull both
outwards, removing the handle and adapter at the same time.
NOTE: If the charging station handle separates from
the adapter, leaving the adapter in
Model S, use the
touchscreen to unlock the charge port.
3.
Press and hold the button on the charging handle
again to release the adapter from the public charging handle.
NOTE: The charge port door automatically closes within
approximately 10 seconds of removing the connector from the charge port.
CAUTION: Tesla strongly recommends leaving
Model S plugged in when not in use. This maintains
the Battery at the optimum level of charge.
Charge Settings
Access charge settings by touching Controls > Charging
when Model S is in Park.
When charging, you can also touch the
charge icon on the touchscreen to access charge settings.1.
Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving
distance available.
Charging Instructions
165Charging and Energy Consumption

2. Set limit: Adjust the charge limit by dragging the
arrow below the battery to indicate the level of charging you want. The setting you choose applies to
immediate and scheduled charging sessions.
NOTE: A portion of the battery image may appear
blue. This indicates that a small portion of the energy
stored in the battery is not available because the battery is cold. This is normal and no reason for concern. When the battery warms up, the blue portion no longer displays.
You can further adjust charge settings:

Toggle between Scheduled Departure and Scheduled Charging by touching
Controls > Charging > Switch to
Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure when
Model S is in Park.
NOTE: Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure
settings are also available on the Climate Controls
screen and in the Tesla mobile app.
Think of Scheduled Charging as "When do I want
charging to start?" and think of
Scheduled Departure
Off-Peak Charging which is "When do I want charging to
be complete?"
Scheduled Charging can be used together with
Scheduled Departure Preconditioning but not with
Scheduled Departure Off-Peak Charging.
Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure settings are
automatically saved for each location.
NOTE: If you plug in Model S with both Off-Peak
Charging and Scheduled Charging deselected, your
vehicle charges immediately.
Using Scheduled Charging
Use Scheduled Charging to specify a daily time in which
you want
Model S to start charging.
With Scheduled Charging selected, enable the feature
then set a daily time to start charging.
NOTE: Scheduled Charging starts charging immediately
if
Model S is plugged in up to six hours after the
scheduled start time. However, if
Model S is plugged in
after six hours of the scheduled charging time, charging may not start until the scheduled time on the next day.
Using Scheduled Departure
Use Scheduled Departure to set a daily time when you
want
Model S to be ready to drive. Model S
automatically calculates when it needs to start preconditioning and/or charging. This ensures that charging is complete and/or the cabin climate and Battery are preconditioned by your departure time.
When Scheduled Departure is displayed, touch
Schedule to set a daily time when you want Model S to
be ready to drive. Specify a time, then touch
Settings to
enable one or both of the following departure features.
When plugging in with
Off-Peak Charging enabled, the
vehicle
briefly draws power (you may hear clicking) to
calculate the necessary charging start time.
After you

Touch Chargers in the Navigation search
bar to toggle between types of chargers,
including Superchargers and destination charging sites.
When you are at risk of driving beyond the range of
known charging locations, the touchscreen displays a message giving you the opportunity to display a list of
charging locations that are within range. When you
select a charging location from the list,
Model S provides
navigation instructions and the turn-by-turn direction list
displays the predicted amount of energy that will remain when you arrive at the charging destination.
Trip Planner (if available in your market region) routes
you through Supercharger locations to minimize the amount of time you spend charging and driving. To
enable, touch
Controls > Navigation > Trip Planner (see
Trip Planner on page 151).
Energy App
The Energy app provides a visual representation of your vehicle

Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.

Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model S. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water jet on any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
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. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash,
make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid
using controls on the touchscreen that can result
in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the
vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is
not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel
cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while Model S is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
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
microfiber) 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
reflective and could interfere with
your driving view.
Seats
Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces 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.
Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain
performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat
dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area
before applying to visible surfaces.
If equipped with leather seats, note that leather is prone to dye-transfer which can cause discoloration, particularly on light colored leather. White and tan
leather is coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Using detergents or commercially available leather cleaners and conditioners is not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat

CAUTION: Use only a Tesla-approved car cover
when Model S is plugged in. Using a non-Tesla car
cover can prevent the Battery from being
adequately cooled during charging.
Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla
floor mats (see Parts and
Accessories on page 185). Maintain floor mats by
regularly cleaning them and checking that they are
properly attached. Replace
floor mats if they become
excessively worn.
WARNING: To avoid potential interference with a
foot pedal, ensure that the driver

CC_a003
Unable to charge - Wall Connector GFCI tripped
Disconnect and retry or use different equipment
What this alert means:
Ground fault. Current is leaking through an unsafe path. Possible Line to ground or Neutral to ground fault.
What to do:
Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting. If the issue persists, turn
OFF the circuit breaker servicing the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, turn the circuit breaker ON again, then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle. If the issue persists, consult your electrician or contact Tesla.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a004
Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue
Wall Connector needs service
What this alert means:
Wall Connector hardware issue. Possible issues include:
1.
Contactor not working
2.
Self-test of internal ground fault monitoring circuit failed
3.
Thermal sensor disconnected
4.
Other hardware component issues
What to do:
An internal issue was detected by the Wall Connector.
1.
Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting.
2.
If the issue persists, turn OFF the circuit breaker for the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, and turn the circuit
breaker ON again. Then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
3.
If the issue persists, have an electrician make sure all wires are properly connected and torqued according to the
instructions in the Wall Connector Installation Manual.
4.
Once your electrician has completed all work and restored power to the Wall Connector, try charging again by reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
5.
If the issue persists, the Wall Connector requires service.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a005
Unable to charge - Wall Connector GFCI tripped
Disconnect and retry or use different equipment
What this alert means:
Ground fault. Current is leaking through an unsafe path. Possible Line to ground or Neutral to ground fault.
What to do:
Troubleshooting Alerts
215Troubleshooting

Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting. If the issue persists, turn OFF the circuit breaker servicing the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, turn the circuit breaker ON again, then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle. If the issue persists, consult your electrician or contact Tesla.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a006
Unable to charge - Wall Connector overcurrent
Disconnect and retry or use different equipment
What this alert means:
Over current protection.
What to do:
Reduce the vehicle

The wiring between the wall power and the Wall Connector has been incorrectly installed. Consult your electrician.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a010
Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue
Wall Connector needs service
What this alert means:
Wall Connector hardware issue. Possible issues include:
1.
Contactor not working
2.
Self-test of internal ground fault monitoring circuit failed
3.
Thermal sensor disconnected
4.
Other hardware component issues
What to do:
An internal issue was detected by the Wall Connector.
1.
Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting.
2.
If the issue persists, turn OFF the circuit breaker for the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, and turn the circuit
breaker ON again. Then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
3.
If the issue persists, have an electrician make sure all wires are properly connected and torqued according to the
instructions in the Wall Connector Installation Manual.
4.
Once your electrician has completed all work and restored power to the Wall Connector, try charging again by reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
5.
If the issue persists, the Wall Connector requires service.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a011
Unable to charge - Wall Connector too hot
Let Wall Connector cool and try again
What this alert means:
Over temperature protection (latchoff).
What to do:
Make sure the Wall Connector is not covered by anything and that there is no heat source nearby. If the problem
persists in normal ambient temperatures
(under 100

4. Once your electrician has completed all work and restored power to the Wall Connector, try charging again by
reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.5.
If the issue persists, the Wall Connector requires service.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a015
Unable to charge - Vehicle connection issue
Insert charge handle fully into charge port
What this alert means:
A communication error occurred between the Wall Connector and the vehicle.
What to do:
Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting.
1.
If the issue persists, turn OFF the circuit breaker servicing the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, turn the circuit breaker ON again, then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
2.
If the issue persists and other charging equipment is available, plug the vehicle into another Wall Connector or a
Mobile Connector to determine if the vehicle is able to communicate with other charging equipment.
3.
If the issue persists, service is required.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a016
Unable to charge - Vehicle connection issue
Insert charge handle fully into charge port
What this alert means:
A communication error occurred between the Wall Connector and the vehicle.
What to do:
Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting.
1.
If the issue persists, turn OFF the circuit breaker servicing the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, turn the circuit
breaker ON again, then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
2.
If the issue persists and other charging equipment is available, plug the vehicle into another Wall Connector or a
Mobile Connector to determine if the vehicle is able to communicate with other charging equipment.
3.
If the issue persists, service is required.
For more information, see the installation guide for your Wall Connector.
CC_a017
Unable to charge - Vehicle connection issue
Insert charge handle fully into charge port
What this alert means:
A communication error occurred between the Wall Connector and the vehicle.
What to do:
Troubleshooting Alerts
219Troubleshooting