lock TESLA MODEL S 2023 User Guide

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

NOTE: In low light conditions (dusk or dark), Autosteer
aborts or is unavailable if headlights are set to
Off. For
best results, set headlights to
Auto.
If unable to detect lane markings, Autosteer may determine the driving lane based on a vehicle you are
following.
In most cases, Autosteer attempts to center Model S in
the driving lane. However, there may be situations in which Autosteer may steer
Model S in a driving path
that is
offset from the center of the lane (for example,
detection of guard rails).
WARNING: Autosteer is not designed to, and will
not, steer Model S around objects partially in a
driving lane and in some cases, may not stop for
objects that are completely blocking the driving
lane. Always watch the road in front of you and
stay prepared to take immediate action. It is the
driver

About the Security System
If Model S does not detect a key nearby and a locked
door or trunk is opened, an alarm sounds. The headlights and turn signals also
flash. To deactivate the
alarm, press any button on the key fob.
To manually enable or disable the alarm system, touch
Controls > Safety > Security Alarm. When enabled,
Model S activates its alarm one minute after you exit, the
doors lock, and a recognized key is no longer detected.
A battery-backed siren (if equipped) sounds in situations where a locked door or trunk is opened and
Model S does not detect a key nearby. If you also want
this siren to sound in situations where the vehicle
detects motion inside the cabin, enable Tilt/Intrusion
(see Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped) on page 133).
NOTE: If Model S is in Sentry Mode (see How to Use
Sentry Mode (Camera + App) on page 136), you must
disable Sentry Mode before you can disable the Security
alarm or the Tilt/Intrusion alarm.
Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped)
Depending on configuration, market region, and date of
manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with this
feature.
The Security Alarm must be on to enable Tilt/Intrusion.
Tilt/Intrusion sounds the alarm in your vehicle if Model S
detects motion inside the cabin, or is moved or tilted
(for example, with a tow truck or jack). To enable, touch
Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion.
The intrusion sensor automatically disables in situations where the climate control system is operating when you leave your vehicle. To override, you can manually turn the Tilt/Intrusion Sensor on again after choosing Keep
Climate On, Dog, or Camp Mode.
The tilt/intrusion sensor automatically re-enables at the start of every drive cycle.
NOTE: If you plan to leave something that moves inside
your locked vehicle, remember to turn
off Tilt/Intrusion.
If this setting is on, any motion detected inside
Model S
activates the intrusion alarm.
Enhanced Anti-Theft Upgrade (if
equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the Enhanced Anti-Theft upgrade, the horn sounds in situations where a locked door or trunk is opened and
Model S does not detect a
key nearby. If
Tilt/Intrusion is on, the horn also sounds if
Model S detects motion inside the cabin or if the vehicle
is moved or tilted (for example, with a tow truck or jack). To turn the Tilt/Intrusion detection system on or
off,

touch Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion.
PIN to Drive
To increase security, you can prevent Model S from
being driven until a 4-digit PIN (Personal
Identification
Number) is entered. To enable this setting, touch
Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive and follow the on-
screen prompts to create a driving PIN.
When enabled, in addition to entering the 4-digit driving PIN to drive, you must also use it to enter Valet mode for the
first time and create the 4-digit valet PIN to enter
and exit Valet mode. In Valet mode,
Model S can be
driven without the need for the valet to enter a driving PIN. The
PIN to Drive setting is disabled whenever Valet
mode is active.
If you forget your driving PIN, touch the link to enter your Tesla login credentials on the PIN to Drive popup,
then follow the on-screen prompts.
NOTE: In the unlikely event that your touchscreen is
unresponsive, you may be unable to enter the PIN. In this case,
first try to restart the touchscreen (see Restarting
the Touchscreen on page 8). If the touchscreen is still
unresponsive, you can still bypass PIN to Drive by turning on Keyless Driving in the Tesla mobile app.
Glovebox PIN
For additional security, you can protect the contents in your glovebox with a 4-digit PIN. To enable this setting,
touch
Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN and follow the
on-screen prompts. When enabled, you are prompted to
enter the PIN to open the glovebox. To disable this
setting, select the toggle to disable and then enter the PIN.
If you forget your glovebox PIN, reset it by entering your Tesla login credentials, then follow the on-screen
prompts.
NOTE: Using a Glovebox PIN allows the glovebox to be
opened even when
Model S is in Valet mode.
Speed Limit Mode
Speed Limit Mode allows you to limit acceleration and limit the maximum driving speed to a chosen value
between
50 and 120 mph (80 and 193 km/h). The first
time you use this feature, you must create a 4-digit PIN
that you must use to enable and disable Speed Limit Mode. When enabled and the driving speed approaches within approximately
3 mph (5 km/h) of the maximum
speed, a chime sounds, the
instrument cluster displays a
message, and
Model S sends a notification to the mobile
app. You can also touch
Security > Speed Limit Mode to
enable from the Tesla mobile app. To enable Speed Limit Mode:
1.
Ensure Model S is in Park.
Safety & Security Settings
133Using the Touchscreen

Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the left side of Model S,
behind a door that is part of the rear tail light assembly.
Park
Model S to ensure that the charge cable easily
reaches the charge port.
With Model S in Park, press and release the button on
the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.
NOTE: If the charge cable is close to the charge port
door, you can press the button on the charge cable to
open the charge port door even when Model S is locked
or a recognized key is not within range.
You can also open the charge port door using any of these methods:

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

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

3. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade.CAUTION: Wiper blades do not lock into a lifted
position. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its
intended position.
4.
Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield to avoid scratching or cracking the windshield.
5.
Hold the wiper arm and press the locking tab while sliding the blade down the arm.
6.
Align the new wiper blade on the wiper arm and slide
it toward the end of the wiper arm until it locks into place.
7.
Turn Wiper Service Mode off to return the wipers to
their normal position.
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 nozzles.
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

Motor Type
Motor Type
Model S
Model XModel S Plaid
Model X Plaid
Front and rear
motorAC permanent magnet synchronous
motor, liquid-cooled, with variable
frequency driveAC permanent magnet synchronous motor, carbon-
fiber-wrapped rotor, liquid-cooled, with variable
frequency drive (2x motors in the rear)
Transmission
TypeModel SModel S PlaidFront transmissionSingle speed fixed gear, 7.56:1Single speed fixed gear, 7.56:1. Enhanced lubricationOverall Final Drive Ratio
Front unit motor: 7.56:1
Rear unit motor: 9.04:1Front unit motor: 7.56:1
Rear unit motor: 7.56:1
Rear transmissionSingle speed fixed gear, 9.04:1Independent single speed fixed gear, 7.56:1. Dry sump
lubrication
Steering
SteeringSpecificationsTypeVariable ratio rack and pinion with electronic power steering, speed sensitiveNumber of turns lock to lock2.33Turning Circle (curb to curb)40.3 ft/12.3 m
Brakes
BrakesSpecifications
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake
Force Distribution, Integrated Advanced Stability Control and Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated regenerative braking systemCalipersFront: Four piston, fixedRear: Single piston, floatingRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 15.59”/395 mmRear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mmService limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mmService limit: 1.02”/26 mm
Subsystems
192MODEL S Owner

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH
WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The front and rear motors in Model S generate power
when the wheels spin. Always transport
Model S with all
four tires
off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable
to spin at any time during transport.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE
WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY
CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT
DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES
EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE
SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Do not transport Model S using any method that is not
specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in
the following sections and observe all warnings and
cautions provided. Damage caused by improper
transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the
warranty.
NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing
services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.
Approved Methods for Transporting
A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the
recommended method of transporting
Model S. The
vehicle can face either direction when using a
flatbed.
If Model S must be transported without a flatbed truck,
then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that
all four wheels are
off of the ground. This method may
only be used for a maximum of
35 miles (55 km), and
must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the
dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle
faces forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.
NOTE: Transporting Model S with the front wheels on
dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an
external
steering yoke (or steering wheel) lock is applied
and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from
spinning.
CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE
IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE
WHEELS SPINNING.
CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate
Transport Mode on page 203) before winching
Model S onto a flatbed truck. If Transport Mode is
not available or the touchscreen is not accessible,
self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to
load the vehicle into the approved transportation
position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage
caused by or during the transport of Model S,
including personal property damage or damage
caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to allow for
winching
Model S onto a flatbed truck or repositioning
the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under
3
mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than
30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode on
page 203. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to
significant damage and overheating that is not covered
by the warranty.
WARNING: Model S is equipped with high voltage
components that may be compromised as a result
of a collision (see High Voltage Components on
page 159). Before transporting Model S, it is
important to assume these components are
energized. Always follow high voltage safety
precautions (wearing personal protection
equipment, etc.) until emergency response
professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can
accurately confirm that all high voltage systems
are no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury.
Instructions for Transporters
202MODEL S Owner

4.
Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure the tow
eye is securely tightened.
5.
Activate Transport Mode.
6.
Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.
Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Rear (Using Tow Eye)
NOTE: If Model S has no low voltage power, you need an
external
low voltage power supply to open the hood or
use the touchscreen. See
If Vehicle Has No Power on
page 205.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a hitch receiver cannot be
pulled from the rear tow eye. Use the tow bar or hitch receiver only to pull the vehicle to a safe location, such as onto a
flatbed truck. Do not transport the vehicle with
wheels on the ground.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle
onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow
eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension
components to pull the vehicle can result in
damage.
1.
Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.
2.
Release the rear tow eye cover by pressing firmly on
its bottom perimeter until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
3.
Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it
counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
4.
Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure the tow
eye is securely tightened.
5.
Activate Transport Mode.
6.
Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.
Instructions for Transporters
204MODEL S Owner