warning light TESLA MODEL S 2023 User Guide

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Autosteer, or the
feature may not operate exactly as described.
NOTE: Autosteer is a BETA feature.
Autosteer builds upon Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on page 84), intelligently
keeping
Model S in its driving lane when cruising at a set
speed.
Autosteer also allows you to use the turn signals
to move Model S into an adjacent lane (see Auto Lane
Change on page 90). Autosteer detects lane markings
and the presence of vehicles and objects to
steer
Model S.
NOTE: To display more details about the roadway and its
surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, objects
(such as trash cans and poles), etc., touch
Controls >
Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview (if
equipped).
CAUTION: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if
equipped) are clean. Dirty cameras and sensors, as
well as environmental conditions such as rain and
faded lane markings, affect performance.
WARNING: Autosteer is a hands-on feature. You
must keep your hands on the steering yoke (or
steering wheel) at all times.
WARNING: Autosteer is intended for use on
controlled-access highways with a fully attentive
driver. When using Autosteer, hold the steering
yoke (or steering wheel) and be mindful of road
conditions and surrounding traffic. Do not use
Autosteer in construction zones, 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 damage, serious injury or
death.
Operating Autosteer
Before you can operate Autosteer, you must enable it by touching
Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).
To indicate that Autosteer is available (but
not actively steering
Model S), the
instrument panel displays a gray Autosteer
icon.
Steering yoke option
To initiate Autosteer, press the right scroll wheel.
NOTE: If the setting for Autosteer Activation is set to
Single Click (touch Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer
Activation), Autosteer engages when you single-press
the right scroll wheel. If set to
Double Click, you must
double-press the right scroll wheel to engage Autosteer.
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.
Steering yoke option
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.
The speed at which you can initiate Autosteer can vary depending on various conditions and whether or not a
vehicle is detected ahead of you. When no vehicle is
detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least
18 mph (30 km/h), unless certain vehicle and
environmental conditions are met, in which case, you
may be able to initiate it at lower speeds. When a
vehicle is detected ahead of you, you can initiate
Autosteer at any speed, even when stationary, provided
Model S is at least 5 feet (150 cm) behind the detected
vehicle.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when
Autosteer is engaged and the maximum cruising speed is
85 mph (140 km/h).
CAUTION: If available in your market region,
Model S detects lights from an emergency vehicle
when using Autosteer at night on a high speed
road, the driving speed is automatically reduced
and the instrument panel displays a message
informing you of the slowdown. You will also hear
a chime and see a reminder to keep your hands on
the steering yoke (or steering wheel). When the
light detections pass by or cease to appear,
Autopilot resumes your cruising speed.
Alternatively, you may tap the accelerator to
resume your cruising speed.
WARNING: Never depend on Autopilot features to
determine the presence of emergency vehicles.
Model S may not detect lights from emergency
vehicles. Keep your eyes on your driving path and
always be prepared to take immediate action.
In situations where Autosteer is temporarily unavailable, the Autosteer icon disappears. For example, your driving speed is not within the speed required for Autosteer to operate. Autosteer may also be unavailable if it is not receiving adequate data from the camera(s).
Autosteer
88MODEL 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

When an automatic lane change is in progress, Overtake Acceleration is activated, allowing
Model S to accelerate
closer to a vehicle in front (see
Overtake Acceleration on
page 86).
NOTE: Auto Lane Change moves Model S one lane at a
time. Moving into an additional lane requires you to
engage the turn signal a second time after the
first lane
change is complete.
When using Auto Lane Change, it is important to monitor its performance by watching the driving path in front of you and the surrounding area. Stay prepared to take over steering at any time. As you are crossing over into the adjacent lane, the
instrument panel displays the
location in the lane that
Model S is moving into.
In situations where Auto Lane Change is unable to operate at optimal performance, or cannot operate due to inadequate data, the
instrument panel displays a
series of warnings. Therefore, when using Auto Lane Change, always pay attention to the
instrument panel
and be prepared to manually steer Model S.
Adjacent Lane Speed
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Adjacent Lane
Speed, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described.
When moving significantly faster than vehicles in
adjacent lanes,
Model S automatically reduces the
driving speed. This is especially helpful in heavy
traffic
situations or when vehicles are constantly merging into
different lanes. When Model S detects other vehicles
driving
significantly slower, the instrument panel
highlights the adjacent lanes with arrows and detected
vehicles in gray, and
Model S reduces the driving speed
as appropriate. To temporarily override this feature, press the accelerator pedal.
WARNING: Never depend on Autopilot to
determine a safe driving speed; you are
responsible for driving safely and according to
traffic laws in your market region.
Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Stop Light and
Stop Sign Warning, or the feature may not operate
exactly as described.
While Autosteer is in use, Model S displays a warning on
the
instrument panel and sounds a chime if it detects
that you are likely to run through a red stop light or stop sign. If this happens,
TAKE IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE
ACTION!
The visual and audible warnings cancel after a few
seconds, or when you press the brake pedal, whichever
comes
first.
Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning provides warnings
only. It does not slow down or stop
Model S at red traffic
lights, stop signs, road markings, etc. If equipped with
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, you can enable this
feature to automatically stop Model S at traffic lights
and stop signs (see Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
on page 96).
CAUTION: Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
requires on-board maps to know that a particular
stop light or stop sign exists at a location. In some
cases, map data is inaccurate or outdated and may
not include all stop lights or stop signs. Therefore,
Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning may not detect
all stop lights and stop signs.
WARNING: The Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning
feature does not apply the brakes or decelerate
Model S and may not detect all stop lights and
stop signs. Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning is
designed for guidance purposes only and is not a
substitute for attentive driving and sound
judgment. Keep your eyes on the road when
driving and never depend on Stop Light and Stop
Sign Warning to warn you of a stop light or stop
sign.
WARNING: Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning is
designed to warn you only when approaching a
visible red stop sign, solid red or later portion of a
yellow traffic light. It may not warn you of
intersections with flashing lights and it does not
warn you of yield signs or temporary stop and
yield signs (such as those used in construction
areas). Additionally, Stop Light and Stop Sign
Warning does not warn you of approaching stop
lights or stop signs when you are pressing the
accelerator pedal or brake pedal (which disables
Autosteer).
Limitations
Autosteer and its associated functions are particularly
unlikely to operate as intended when:

Stop Signs and Road Markings
When driving with Autosteer or Traffic-aware Cruise Control engaged, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
enabled,
Model S is designed to respond as follows when approaching intersections controlled by stop signs, stop
lines, or road markings:
Type of IntersectionVehicle Intended Response
No Traffic Control
Arm of T-junction
Model S assumes the right of way and continues straight without slowing down or
stopping.
End of T-junction
If Model S detects a T-junction based on the map data, Model S slows down and
comes to a complete stop at the red stop line displayed on the
instrument panel.
When you want to proceed, you must take over steering and acceleration.
WARNING: Model S may not stop at a T-junction that does not have a stop sign
or stop line, or if the T-junction is not included in the map data. Drive
attentively and be prepared to stop (when necessary and/or appropriate).
Stop Sign
Model S slows down and comes to a complete stop at the red stop line displayed on
the
instrument panel. When you want to proceed through the intersection, you must
briefly press the accelerator pedal.
NOTE: If you confirm that you want to proceed through an intersection controlled by
a stop sign by
briefly pressing the accelerator pedal before Model S has stopped,
your
confirmation is ignored. Model S is not designed to proceed through a stop sign
without stopping.
NOTE: Even when using Autosteer, and even if you have engaged a turn signal, you
must turn the
steering yoke (or steering wheel) yourself (which cancels Autosteer)
to complete a turn at an intersection.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
100MODEL S Owner

Type of IntersectionVehicle Intended Response
Stop Sign and Road Marking
Road Marking
WARNING: Model S also slows down and stops at a roundabout. You must take over steering (which cancels
Autosteer) and briefly press the accelerator pedal to confirm that you want to continue through the
roundabout.
WARNING: At crosswalks, Model S may slow down and may stop, depending on whether the crosswalk is
controlled by a traffic light and whether the cameras detect pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. in the crosswalk. Pay
particular attention at crosswalks and be prepared to take over at any time. Failure to do so can result in injury
or death.
Limitations
Depending on many different circumstances and environmental conditions, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control may
or may not stop at:

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

the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that displays a tire pressure telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel
when one or more of your tires is significantly under- or
over-inflated. Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure
indicator light displays on the
instrument panel to alert
you about tire pressure, stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure
(see
Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 173). Driving on
a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also
reduces range
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the 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: The front seats are equipped with
microphones (see Active Road Noise Reduction on
page 27) that must not be exposed to liquids. To
prevent damage to these microphones when
cleaning, do not over-saturate the area of the seats
where these microphones are located.
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.
Door Seals
Wipe door seals with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Excessive debris on the door seals can cause
paint damage when contacting surrounding surfaces. Avoid using alcohol wipes or any chemical products that can potentially deteriorate the coating on the door seals.
Touchscreen, Rear Touchscreen, and
Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel using a soft
lint-free cloth
specifically designed to clean monitors
and displays. Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) or alcohol-based gel products (such as hand
sanitizer) 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 Screen Clean Mode. Touch
Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode. The
display darkens to make it easy to see dust and smudges. To exit Screen Clean Mode, press and hold
HOLD TO EXIT.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), and hard cloths can damage the
finish on chrome and metal surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol),
alcohol-based gel products (such as hand
sanitizer), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based
products or additives on interior components can
cause damage.
CAUTION: Statically-charged materials can cause
damage to the touchscreen or instrument panel.
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.
WARNING: Exposure to chemical cleaners can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Read and
observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you
can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an approved polish containing:

A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): 66
absolute speed limit: 117
accessories, plugging into power socket: 27
Active Road Noise Reduction: 27
adaptive headlights: 59
adjacent lane speed: 88
adjustment (lumbar): 29
aero covers: 175
air circulation: 119
air conditioning: 119
air distribution: 119
air filter: 124
air vents: 122
airbags: 41
alarm: 133, 136
all-season tires: 177
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy: 151
anti-lock braking (ABS): 66
apps: 6
Arcade: 156
audio: 153, 156
playing files: 153, 156
settings: 153
volume control: 153
auto fold: 52
Auto Lane Change: 90
auto tilt: 52
AUTO wipers: 65
automatic emergency braking: 115
automatic navigation: 147
navigating: 147
Autopark: 103
autopilot: 111
side collision warning: 111
Autopilot: 81, 84, 88, 90, 103, 105, 114, 117
Auto Lane Change: 90
automatic emergency braking: 114
Autopark: 103
Autosteer: 88
collision avoidance assist: 114
forward collision warning: 114
overtake acceleration: 84
overview: 81
speed assist: 117
speed limit warning: 117
staying within speed limits: 117
Summon: 105
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 84
Autopilot components: 81
Autosteer: 88
average range: 170
B
backup camera: 77
Battery (high voltage): 161, 194
care of: 161
specifications: 194
temperature limits: 161
battery (key), replacing: 14
battery (low voltage): 161, 194
complete discharge: 161
specifications: 194
Blind Spot Camera: 111
Blind Spot Collision Warning: 111
Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime: 111
Bluetooth: 126, 154
devices, playing audio files from: 154
general information: 126
phone, pairing and using: 126
body repairs: 185
body touch up: 180
Boombox: 156, 157
brakes: 66, 115, 192
automatic in emergencies: 115
overview of: 66
specifications: 192
Bumper Clearance (Summon): 105
C
cabin air filter: 124
cabin camera: 118
cabin temperature control: 119
Calendar: 126, 128
California Proposition 65: 262
camera, rear-facing: 77
cameras (autopilot): 81
Camp: 123
car cover: 180
car wash mode: 178
car washes: 179
Caraoke): 154
card: 12
cargo area: 21
cargo volume information: 192
carpets, cleaning: 180
CCS (Combo): 160
CE certifications: 264
CHAdeMO: 160
Index