tow TESLA MODEL S 2023 Owners Manual

NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, and options purchased, your vehicle may look slightly
different than described.
1.
Exterior lights (Lights on page 58)
2.
Door handles (Doors on page 17)
3.
Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 163)
4.
Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 81)
5.
Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 52)
6.
Hood/Front trunk (Front Trunk on page 22)
7.
Front/rear tow eye cover (Instructions for Transporters on page 202)
8.
Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 194)
9.
Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 77 and About Autopilot on page 81)
10.
Rear trunk/liftgate (Rear Trunk on page 20)
11.
Ultrasonic sensors, if equipped (Park Assist on page 70 and About Autopilot on page 81)
Exterior Overview
3Overview

Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the most
effective way to protect occupants if a collision occurs.
Therefore, wearing a seat belt is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are equipped with three-point inertia reel seat belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To
securely hold child safety seats, all passenger seating
positions are equipped with an automatic locking
retractor (ALR) feature that, by fully extracting the seat
belt (beyond the length needed for a typical adult
occupant), locks the belt into place until the seat belt is
unbuckled.
The seat belt reel automatically locks to prevent
movement of occupants if
Model S experiences a force
associated with hard acceleration, braking, cornering, or
an impact in a collision.
Seat Belt Reminders
The seat belt reminder on the instrument
panel alerts you if a seat belt for an
occupied driver or passenger seat is unbuckled. If all occupants are buckled up and the reminder stays on, re-buckle seat
belts to ensure they are correctly latched.
Also remove any heavy objects (such as a briefcase) from an unoccupied seat. If the reminder light continues to stay on,
contact Tesla.
You can temporarily disable a seat belt reminder
associated with a rear seating position. This is useful when you are carrying an object in a rear seat that triggers the seat belt reminder alert. To disable the
reminder, touch the associated seat on the seat belt reminder popup message that displays on the touchscreen when a seat belt reminder is active. When a
reminder is disabled, the seat belt reminder icon is
replaced by a seat icon, for the current drive only. Touch the seat again to re-enable the reminder.
WARNING: Seat belts must be worn by passengers
in all seating positions. Do not disable a seat belt
reminder when the seating position is occupied by
a passenger.
To Fasten a Belt
1.
Ensure correct positioning of the seat (see Correct
Driving Position on page 29).
2.
Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the belt lays flat
across the pelvis, chest and mid-point of your collar
bone, between the neck and shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and press
together until you hear a click indicating it is locked
in place.4.
Pull the belt to check that it is securely fastened.
5.
Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward the reel to
remove excess slack.
To Release a Belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the belt from
retracting too quickly, then press the button on the
buckle. The belt retracts automatically. Ensure there is no obstruction that prevents the belt from fully retracting. The belt should not hang loose. If a seat belt does not fully retract, contact Tesla.
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant
Do not put the lap or shoulder sections of the seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the lap section of the
belt as low as possible across the hips, not the waist.
Position the shoulder portion of the belt between the
breasts and to the side of the abdomen. Consult your doctor for
specific guidance.
Seat Belts
32MODEL S Owner

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

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

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

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

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck From
Front (Without Tow Eye)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.
WARNING: If the vehicle is pulled onto the flatbed
truck using this method, all suspension fasteners
should be checked for proper torque and all
components should be visually inspected for
damage prior to driving the vehicle again. If a
fastener is loose, or if any damage is found, the
affected component(s) should be replaced.
It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch
to your vehicle