service TESLA MODEL S 2023 Owner's Guide

CP_a004
Charging equipment not recognized
Try again or try different equipment
What this alert means:
The charge port is unable to detect whether a charge cable is inserted, or the type of charge cable connected.
This alert is usually specific to external charging equipment and power sources and does not typically indicate an
issue with your vehicle that can be resolved by scheduling service.
What to do:
If this alert appears while a charge cable is connected, determine whether the issue is caused by the charging
equipment or the vehicle. Try charging the vehicle using different external charging equipment (including charge
cable, charging station, or charging stall).

In some cases, your vehicle may be unable to continue driving. If this occurs, another vehicle alert should also be
present to provide more information and recommended actions.
This alert may be caused by a temporary condition that will be resolved automatically. If this alert clears during your
current drive, or is no longer present when you start your next drive, it was likely caused by a temporary condition.
No action is required.
This alert may also indicate a condition requiring front motor inspection and service. If this alert persists throughout
subsequent drives, it is recommended that you schedule service. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
DI_a166
Vehicle automatically parked to prevent rollaway
Fasten seatbelt and close door to stay in gear
What this alert means:
Your vehicle has automatically shifted into Park (P) because it determined the driver was leaving or no longer
present. This is expected vehicle behavior under various circumstances.
Your vehicle will automatically shift into Park if all of these conditions are true:

Vehicle Hold is currently unavailable due to system constraints. When stopping, use the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete stop and keep your vehicle stationary.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive.
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
For more information, see Vehicle Hold on page 72.
DI_a250
Adaptive ride control disabled
Drive with caution
What this alert means:
The speed of your vehicle is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h) due to an issue with the Adaptive Suspension Damping
system.
The system cannot provide real-time adjustments to the suspension system to optimize both ride and handling, and
as a result your ride may be softer than usual.
What to do:
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
This alert is accompanied by a red indicator light on the instrument panel. For more information, see Air Suspension
on page 129.
ESP_a118
Assist for low brake performance activated
To stop, keep brake pedal firmly pressed
What this alert means:
Hydraulic Fade Compensation is active. This brake assist function activates temporarily to make sure you have full
braking capability in conditions where reduced braking performance is detected by your vehicle.
When this assist function activates, you may feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot and notice a strong
increase in brake pressure. You may also hear a pumping sound coming from the brake hydraulic unit at the front of
the vehicle. This will usually last for a few seconds, depending on road surface and vehicle speed. This is completely
normal and does not indicate any issue with your vehicle.
What to do:
Continue to press the brake pedal as you normally would, and do not "pump" (repeatedly press and release) the
pedal as this will interrupt the function.
This alert will clear when your vehicle comes to a stop or you are no longer pressing the brake pedal. It may still be
displayed for up to 5 seconds afterward.
Reduced braking performance is usually temporary, and can occur for a number of reasons including high brake
temperatures after heavy brake use, or driving in extremely cold or wet conditions. It can also indicate that your
brake pads or rotors have worn to the point that normal replacement is needed.
If you continue to experience reduced braking performance which does not improve over time, please contact Tesla
service at your convenience for a brake inspection.
For more information, see Hydraulic Fade Compensation on page 67.
Troubleshooting Alerts
238MODEL S Owner

If this alert persists when attempting to charge at multiple locations and with different charging equipment, it is
recommended that you schedule service.
For more information on troubleshooting Mobile Connector or Wall Connector status lights, refer to the product

What to do:
This alert is usually specific to external charging equipment and power sources and does not typically indicate an
issue with your vehicle that can be resolved by scheduling service.
Try charging with multiple, different types of charging equipment.
You can also try charging your vehicle using a Tesla Supercharger or Destination Charging location, all of which can
be located through the map on your vehicle

What to do:
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
This alert is accompanied by a red indicator light on the instrument panel. For more information, see Air Suspension
on page 129.
UI_a006
Service is required
Schedule service now
What this alert means:
This alert is set remotely by Tesla when a condition requiring service is detected on your vehicle.
This alert can be set due to various conditions. When you schedule service, more information should be available.
This alert can only be cleared by a service technician after your vehicle has been serviced.
What to do:
As this alert can be present due to various conditions, it is recommended that you schedule service at your earliest
convenience.
UI_a137
Active service connection to vehicle
Service performing remote diagnostics
What this alert means:
A service technician is remotely logged into your vehicle for diagnosis or repair. You may notice some loss of
Infotainment functionality while the connection persists, but this alert does not indicate an issue with your vehicle.
Your vehicle is OK to drive.
What to do:
This alert should clear automatically after the technician completes vehicle diagnosis or repair. You may find it
necessary to restart your touchscreen to restore full Infotainment functionality after the alert has cleared.For more
information, see Restarting the Touchscreen in your vehicle

It is possible your vehicle will shut down unexpectedly. It is also possible that your vehicle will not restart after the
current drive.
You may notice that some nonessential features are not available. This is expected behavior due to your vehicle
preserving energy for essential functions.
What to do:
If this alert is present while you are driving, your vehicle needs to come to a stop as soon as possible. Pull over safely
at your earliest opportunity.
It is recommended that you eliminate or reduce your use of any nonessential features. This can help your vehicle
maintain adequate electrical power for essential functions other than driving, until it can be serviced.
If this alert remains present, it is recommended that you schedule service immediately. Without service, your vehicle
may not drive, may shut down unexpectedly, or may not restart.
VCBATT_a402
Electrical system backup power is unavailable
Vehicle will consume more energy while idle
What this alert means:
The backup power source for the electrical system, the low voltage battery, is not available or cannot provide the
voltage required to support all vehicle features.
The primary source of electrical power, the high voltage battery system, will continue to support vehicle functions,
even when your vehicle is idle. For more information on the high voltage battery, see
About the High Voltage Battery
on page 161.
You may notice that some nonessential features are not available. This is expected behavior due to your vehicle
preserving energy for essential functions.
You may also notice that your vehicle consumes more energy than usual when you are not driving it, or that your vehicle displays a lower projected range than you would normally expect after charging. This is normal vehicle behavior when this alert is present, and it will continue until the backup power source is restored.
There is a chance that an issue affecting the primary power source could cause your vehicle to shut down
unexpectedly.
What to do:
It is recommended that you limit or avoid the use of any nonessential features. This can help your vehicle maintain
adequate electrical power for essential functions.
It is recommended that you schedule service at your earliest opportunity, so the backup power source for the
electrical system can be restored.
VCBATT_a496
Vehicle is preparing to shut down
PULL OVER SAFELY
What this alert means:
The electrical system cannot provide adequate support to drive or continue driving. Your vehicle is preparing to shut
down to preserve energy for essential functions other than driving.
Your vehicle cannot be driven or continue driving while this condition continues.
What to do:
Troubleshooting Alerts
256MODEL S Owner

This alert indicates that one or more of the tires on your vehicle is extremely low or flat.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has detected that the air pressure in one or more of your tires is
significantly lower than the recommended cold tire pressure.
What to do:
You should pull over carefully as soon as possible. In a safe location, check for a flat tire.
You can request Tesla roadside assistance options (mobile tire, loaner wheel, tow) if required. See Contacting Tesla
Roadside Assistance on page 201 for more information.
In a non-emergency situation, it is recommended that you visit a local tire shop for assistance or schedule service
using your Tesla Mobile App.
See Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 173 for detailed information on where to find the recommended cold
pressure (RCP) for your vehicle

opening: 20
lifting: 184
lights, dome (map): 58
lights, exterior: 58
lights, fog: 58
lights, hazard warning: 60
lights, headlights after exit: 59
lights, interior: 58
load limits: 188
location tracking: 147
locking: 17
low voltage power socket: 27
M
maintenance: 171, 172, 173, 178, 182, 183
cleaning: 178
daily checks: 171
fluid replacement intervals: 172
monthly checks: 171
replacing wiper blades: 182
service intervals: 171
tires: 173
washer fluid, topping up: 182
washer jets, cleaning: 183
map orientation: 147
map updates: 152
mats: 181
media: 153, 156
settings: 153
sources, show and hide: 153
microphones, noise reduction: 27
mileage upon delivery: 262
mirrors: 52
mobile app: 145
mobile app access: 145
Mobile Connector: 160, 163
description: 160
using: 163
modifications: 185
motor specifications: 192
My Apps: 10
my car does what?: 156
myQ: 139
programming and using: 139
N
naming your vehicle: 11
Navigate on Autopilot: 93
NCC certifications: 264
Neutral: 57
NHTSA, contacting: 264
O
Obstacle-Aware Acceleration: 114
occupancy sensor: 43
occupant classification: 44
odometer: 76
Off-Peak Charging: 168
offset from speed limit: 117
Online Routing: 151
opening console: 25
opening hood without power: 205
overhang dimensions for your vehicle: 190
overtake acceleration: 84
Owner Information, about: 259
P
Park: 56
Park Assist: 70
parking brake: 68
parking, using Autopark: 103
parking, using Summon: 105
parts replacement: 185
passenger detection: 43
passenger front airbag: 43
pedestrian warning: 78
personal data, erasing: 11
phone: 12, 126
authenticating as a key: 12
using: 126
phone app: 127
phone charger, inductive: 26
phone charger, wireless: 26
phone key: 12, 15
adding as a key: 15
removing as a key: 15
PIN: 48
PIN to Drive: 133
Post-drive Cooling (Track Mode): 74
power: 67
gained from regenerative braking: 67
power cycling: 53
power windows: 19, 186
powering on and off: 53
Preconditioning: 168
Proposition 65: 262
public charging stations: 160
R
radio: 153, 156
Index

Radio Frequency information: 264
range: 61, 67, 169
displayed on instrument panel: 61
driving tips to maximize: 169
regenerative braking: 67
range assurance: 169
re-naming your vehicle: 11
Re-route: 151
reading light, rear: 27
rear view camera: 77
rear window switches, disabling: 19
recent (Media Player): 154
Recents (navigation): 147
recording: 135, 136
recording videos (Track Mode): 74
regenerative braking: 67
regenerative braking, in Track Mode: 74
relative speed limit: 117
release notes: 144
restarting the touchscreen: 53
Reverse: 56
RFID transponders: 185
ride height, air suspension: 129
roadside assistance: 202
rotating tires: 174
Round Trip Energy (navigating): 151
run out of range: 206, 207
S
safety defects, reporting: 264
safety information: 34, 39, 45
airbags: 45
child seats: 39
seat belts: 34
satellite radio: 154
Schedule: 168
schedule service: 145
scheduled charging: 168
scheduled departure: 168
using: 168
seat adjustment: 29
seat adjustment (driver): 29
seat belts: 32, 33, 180
cleaning: 180
in a collision: 33
overview of: 32
pre-tensioners: 33
wearing when pregnant: 32
seat heaters: 119
seating capacity: 188
seating position: 44
seating position for driving: 29
seats: 119
heaters: 119
security settings: 133
self-leveling: 129
sensors: 81
Sentry Mode: 136
service data recording: 261
service intervals: 171
Settings, erasing: 11
shifting: 55
shortcuts: 8, 10
adding to My Apps: 10
restarting the touchscreen: 8
Show Calendar Upon Entry: 126, 128
side camera(s): 77
Side Clearance (Summon): 105
side collision warning: 111
SiriusXM: 154
slip start: 69
Smart Summon: 108
smartphone: 12
authenticating as a key: 12
Software Reinstall: 143
software reset: 11
software update preferences: 143
software updates: 143
specifications: 192, 194
brakes: 192
High Voltage Battery: 194
low voltage battery: 194
motor: 192
steering: 192
subsystems: 192
suspension: 194
tires: 194
transmission: 192
wheels: 194
specifications (vehicle interior): 190
specifications and dimensions: 190
specifications, exterior: 190
speed assist: 117
speed limit warning: 117
Stability Assist (Track Mode): 74
stability control: 69
standby: 136
starting: 53
steering specifications: 192
steering, automatic: 88
Index