If you experience situations in which you sometimes drive up to your HomeLink device and it doesn't open, or the
touchscreen does not display a notification as you approach a programmed device, you may need to reset the
device's location. To do so, park as close as possible to the HomeLink device (garage door, gate, etc.) and display
the HomeLink settings page by touching the HomeLink icon at the top of the touchscreen. Touch the name of the
device you want to reset, then touch Reset Location.
Deleting a Device
To delete a HomeLink device, touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the touchscreen, then touch HomeLink
Settings. Touch the name of the device you want to delete, then touch Delete.
NOTE: You can also perform a factory reset to erase your HomeLink settings, along with all other personal data
(saved addresses, music favorites, imported contacts, etc.). See Erasing Personal Data on page 11.
NOTE: For security reasons, delete your HomeLink devices if you sell your Model S.

89

Owners Manual
Troubleshooting HomeLink
Standard Mode

In Standard Mode, Model S records the RF signal from your HomeLink device's remote control. The touchscreen
instructs you to stand in front of the vehicle, point the device's remote control at the front bumper, and press and
hold the button until the headlights flash. When the headlights flash, Model S has learned the remote control and
you can touch Continue on the touchscreen. If the headlights do not flash:
• Check the batteries in the remote control. It is a good idea to replace the batteries before you start programming.
• Ensure you are standing in front of Model S with the device's remote control positioned within two inches (five
cm) of the Tesla emblem.
• Press and hold the button on your device's remote control until the headlights flash. In some cases you must hold
the button on the remote control for up to three minutes.
NOTE: Some HomeLink remote controls require multiple short presses (approximately one second each press)
instead of one long duration press. If you are unsuccessful after multiple attempts of using long presses, try
repeated presses of one second each.
D-Mode and UR-Mode

In D-Mode and UR-Mode, the device’s receiver learns Model S. The touchscreen instructs you to press the "Learn"
button (may also be called "Program" or "Smart") on the device's receiver. If this does not work, refer to the
following guidelines:
• Park Model S with its bumper as close as possible to the garage door, gate, etc. that you are trying to program.
• Make sure you are pressing the receiver's Learn/Program/Smart button. For instructions on how to put the
receiver into learning mode, refer to the product details provided with your RF device that you are trying to
program.
• If you see a screen called "Train the receiver" while programming the device, remember that this is a timesensitive step. After pressing the Learn/Program/Smart button on the device's remote control or receiver, you
only have approximately 30 seconds to return to your vehicle, press Continue, then press the trained HomeLink
device name twice. Consider having someone assist you with this step.
• Most devices stay in learning mode for only three to five minutes. Immediately after pressing the device's Learn/
Program/Smart button, follow the instructions displayed on the vehicle's touchscreen.
For additional assistance or compatibility questions, contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call 1-800-355-3515).

Driving

90

Owners Manual
Starting and Powering Off
Starting
When you open a door to enter Model S, the instrument panel and touchscreen power on and you can operate all
controls. To drive Model S:
1. Press the brake pedal - Model S powers on and is ready to drive.
2. Select a drive mode - move the drive stalk down for Drive or up for Reverse (see Shifting on page 99).
NOTE: If the PIN to Drive feature is enabled (see PIN to Drive on page 185), you must also enter a valid PIN on the
touchscreen before you can drive Model S.
Everything you need to know when driving Model S displays on the instrument panel.
Key Fob Not Inside

If Model S does not detect a key fob when you press the brake, the instrument panel displays a message telling you
that a key fob is not inside.
If you receive this message, press the brake and place the key fob in the center console cup holder where Model S
can best detect it.

If Model S still does not detect the key fob, try holding it against the center console, immediately below the low
voltage power socket (see Low Voltage Power Socket on page 12). Or try using another key fob. If another key fob
does not work, contact Tesla.
A number of factors can affect whether Model S can detect the key fob. These include a low battery in the key fob,
interference from other devices using radio signals, and objects between the key fob and receiver.
Always keep the key fob with you. After driving, the key fob is needed to restart Model S after it powers off. And
when you leave Model S, you must bring the key fob with you to lock Model S, either manually or automatically.
Powering Off
When you finish driving, shift into Park by pressing the button on the end of the drive stalk. When you leave Model S
with the key fob, it powers off automatically, turning off the instrument panel and touchscreen.
Model S also powers off automatically after being in Park for 30 minutes, even if you are sitting in the driver’s seat.

91

Owners Manual
Although usually not needed, you can power off Model S while sitting in the driver’s seat, provided the vehicle is not
moving. Touch Controls > Safety > Power Off. Model S automatically powers back on again if you press the brake
pedal or touch the touchscreen.
NOTE: Model S automatically shifts into Park whenever it determines that you are exiting the vehicle (for example,
the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is almost at a standstill). If you shift into Neutral, Model S shifts
into Park when you open the door to exit. To keep Model S in Neutral, see Instructions for Transporters on page 282.
Power Cycling the Vehicle
You can power cycle Model S if it demonstrates unusual behavior or displays a nondescript alert.
NOTE: If the touchscreen is unresponsive or demonstrates unusual behavior, reboot it before you power cycle the
vehicle (see Restarting the Touchscreen or Instrument Panel on page 9).
1. Shift into Park.
2. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Safety > Power Off.
3. Wait for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle. Do not open the doors, touch the brake pedal,
touch the touchscreen, etc.
4. After two minutes, press the brake pedal or open the door to wake the vehicle.

92

Owners Manual
Steering Wheel
Adjusting Steering Wheel Position
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired driving position by moving the control on the left side of the steering
column. Using this control, you can move the steering wheel forward and backward and up and down.

WARNING: Do not make adjustments while driving.
Adjusting Steering Effort
You can adjust the feel and sensitivity of the steering system to suit your personal preference:
1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Steering Mode.
2. Choose a steering option:
◦ Comfort - Reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel. In town, Model S feels easier to drive and
park.

93

Owners Manual
◦ Standard - Tesla believes that this setting offers the best handling and response in most conditions.
◦ Sport - Increases the effort required to turn the steering wheel. When driving at higher speeds, Model S feels
more responsive.
Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons
Use the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel to change radio stations, control media player volume, and to
choose what displays on the left side of the instrument panel (whenever the Navigation app is not displaying
instructions).

1. Next
If you are listening to local or satellite radio and you have defined more than one radio preset, press to play the
next preset in the radio band that is currently playing. If you have not defined more than one preset, press to go
to the next available frequency.
If you are listening to Internet radio, or to an audio file on a connected Bluetooth or USB device, press to skip to
the next song or station.
If you have more than one favorite defined, press and hold to cycle through favorites.
2. Scroll Button
◦ To adjust the media volume, roll up or down.
NOTE: The scroll button adjusts the volume for media, navigation instructions and phone calls based on what
is currently in use. As you adjust volume, the instrument panel displays the volume level and whether you are
adjusting volume for media, navigation or phone.
◦ To mute the media volume, or to pause/play an audio file, tap the scroll button.
◦ To choose what displays on the left side of the instrument panel, hold the scroll button briefly until the
available options are displayed. Roll the scroll button to choose Empty, Car Status, Clock, Media, Energy, Trips,
Suspension, etc. When the option you want is highlighted, tap the scroll button.
NOTE: The option you choose to display using the left scroll button is retained until you manually change it.
NOTE: Car status displays information such as status of doors and trunks, and on newer model vehicles, the
tire pressure measurements.
3. Previous
Same as described above for Next, except it skips to the previous song or station. If you have more than one
favorite defined, press and hold to cycle through favorites.

NOTE: Regardless of how you customize the left side of the instrument panel, it automatically changes to display
navigation instructions (if applicable), or to let you know if a door or trunk is open when Model S is in Drive or
Reverse.

94

Owners Manual
Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons
Use the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel to access call options while on a phone call, to choose what
displays on the right side of the instrument panel, to adjust Model S features, and to use voice commands.
NOTE: Whenever you receive or make a phone call, the right side of the instrument panel automatically displays call
options to help you easily handle phone calls on your Bluetooth-connected phone.

1. Press to use a voice command to call a contact, navigate, or listen to Internet music. When you hear the tone,
speak your command. For details, see Voice Commands on page 24.
2. Scroll Button
◦ During a phone call, touch the scroll button to display call options that allow you to perform an action on the
call.
◦ Roll the scroll button to adjust the most recently used feature from the feature list (see Menu button).
◦ To choose what displays on the right side of the instrument panel, hold the scroll button briefly until the
available options are displayed. Roll the scroll button to choose Empty, Car Status, Clock, Media, Energy, Trips,
Suspension, etc. When the option you want is highlighted, tap the scroll button.
NOTE: Car status displays information such as status of doors and trunks, and on newer model vehicles, the
tire pressure measurements.
NOTE: The option you choose to display using the right scroll button is retained until you manually change it.
◦ To restart the touchscreen, hold down both scroll buttons for approximately five seconds. See Restarting the
Touchscreen or Instrument Panel on page 9.
◦ Suspension. Display a real-time visualization of how the suspension system is dynamically adjusting each
wheel’s damping to account for changing road conditions. Roll the scroll button to choose Suspension and
then press the scroll button. See Air Suspension on page 111.
3. Menu button
Press to display a menu that allows you to control the following Model S:
◦ Temperature. Roll the scroll button to change the driver side temperature, or press the wheel to turn the
climate control system on and off.
◦ Fan Speed. Roll the scroll button to adjust the speed of the fan used to cool or heat the cabin.
◦ Display Brightness. Roll the scroll button to change the brightness level of the displays, or press the wheel to
restore default settings.
◦ Sunroof (if equipped). Roll the scroll button to adjust the position of the sunroof.
◦ Recent Calls. If your phone is paired to Model S, roll the scroll button to view your recent calls. Press the scroll
button to call the contact that's displayed. To pair your phone, see Pairing a Bluetooth Device on page 84.
◦ Contacts. If your phone is paired to Model S, roll the scroll button to navigate to contacts in your phone. Your
contacts are listed alphabetically by their last name. To ensure Model S can access your contacts, see
Importing Contacts and Recent Calls on page 85.
Press the menu button again to close the feature list.

95

Owners Manual
Heated Steering Wheel
If Model S is equipped with the cold weather package, you can warm up the steering wheel by touching climate
controls on the touchscreen (see Operating Climate Controls on page 192). When turned on, radiant heat keeps the
steering wheel at a comfortable temperature.
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture, your Model S may not include a heated steering wheel, even when
equipped with the optional cold weather package.
Horn
To sound the horn, press and hold the center pad on the steering wheel.

96

Owners Manual
Mirrors
Adjusting Exterior Mirrors
Press the button associated with the mirror you want to adjust (left or right). The button's light turns on and you can
then press the dial to move the mirror to the desired position. Repeat for the other side mirror. If prompted, touch
Save on the touchscreen to save the mirror adjustment in your driver profile.

Auto-Tilt automatically tilts mirrors downward when backing up. To turn Auto-Tilt on or off, touch Controls > Vehicle
> Mirror Auto-Tilt.To adjust the auto-tilt position, make mirror adjustments with Model S shifted into Reverse. When
you shift out of Reverse, mirrors tilt back to their normal (upward) position. But now that you have adjusted them for
backing up, they automatically tilt to the selected downward position whenever you shift into Reverse.
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture and options selected at time of purchase, some Model S vehicles are not
equipped with Mirror Auto-Tilt.
The driver’s side mirror automatically dims at night, in proportion to the level of glare from the headlights of a
vehicle behind you (except when in Reverse). Also, both exterior side mirrors have heaters that turn on and off with
the rear window defroster.
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture and options selected at time of purchase, some Model S vehicles are not
equipped with a side mirror that automatically dims at night and may not include heated side mirrors. In addition,
mirror adjustments may not be saved to your driver profile.
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 198 for information to ensure your mirrors function properly in
cold weather.
Folding Mirrors
To manually fold and unfold exterior mirrors (for example, parking in a narrow garage, tight space, etc.), press the
center button. You can also manually fold and unfold mirrors by touching Controls > Fold/Unfold.

97

Owners Manual

When you manually fold the mirrors, they remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph (50 km/h) (or until
you manually unfold them).
NOTE: You cannot fold a mirror when driving over 31 mph (50 km/h).
To set the mirrors to fold automatically whenever you exit and lock Model S touch Controls > Vehicle > Mirror AutoFold. The mirrors unfold automatically when you unlock Model S.
You can also set the mirrors to fold automatically whenever you arrive at a specific location, which saves you from
having to manually fold them each time you arrive at a frequented place. To set this up, Model S must be driving at a
low speed (less than 3 mph/5 km/h) or stopped at the location you want your vehicle to remember. Then touch
Controls > Always Fold Mirrors at this Location. Next time you approach the saved location, your mirrors fold and
unfold within 25 feet (7.5 meters) of the location. To stop the mirrors from folding at a saved location, drive to the
saved location and touch the X next to Auto-Fold Set at This Location.
CAUTION: Mirrors may not automatically fold if you return to a saved location and are driving faster than 3
mph/5 km/h
NOTE: You can override the automatic folding/unfolding of mirrors at any time (for example, Model S has no power)
by pushing the mirror assembly away from you to unfold, or pulling it toward you to fold.
You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink (see Smart Garage on page 88). To enable, go to HomeLink >
Auto-Fold Mirrors when Nearby.
Rear View Mirror
Adjust the rear view mirror manually. When in Drive or Neutral, the rear view mirror automatically dims in low
lighting conditions based on the time of day (for example, when driving at night).

98

Owners Manual
Shifting
How to Shift
When Model S is in Park, you must press the brake pedal to shift.
Move the drive stalk up or down to shift into different drive modes.

If you try to shift when it is prohibited by the current driving speed, a chime sounds and the drive mode does not
change.
Reverse

Push the drive stalk all the way up and release. You can only shift into Reverse when Model S is stopped or moving
less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Neutral

Neutral allows Model S to roll freely when you are not pressing the brake pedal:
• When in Park, shift into Neutral by briefly pushing the drive stalk either up or down to the first position.
• When in Drive, shift into Neutral by briefly pushing the drive stalk up to the first position. If Autosteer or TrafficAware Cruise Control (if equipped) is active, you must push the drive stalk up to the first position and hold it
there for more than 1 second. In doing so, Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is disabled.
• When in Reverse, shift into Neutral by briefly pushing the drive stalk down to the first position.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal to shift out of Neutral if driving slower than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
If Model S is in Park and you use the touchscreen to release the parking brake (Controls > Safety > Parking Brake),
Model S shifts into Neutral (see Parking Brake on page 109).
Drive

Push the drive stalk all the way down and release. You can shift into Drive when Model S is stopped or moving less
than 5 mph (8 km/h) in Reverse.
Park

Press the end of the drive stalk while Model S is stopped.

99

Owners Manual

Model S automatically shifts into Park to prevent roll-away while driving in low speeds. This happens whenever you
connect a charge cable, unbuckle your seat belt, or open the door while in Drive or Neutral. Ensure the charge cable
is removed, buckle your seat belt, and close the door before shifting out of Park.
To make it convenient to pick up passengers, you can also unlock all doors and/or extend the door handles at any
time by shifting into Park then pressing the Park button a second time.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal to shift out of Park.
NOTE: The above conditions do not reflect a comprehensive list of reasons why Model S may or may not
automatically shift into Park and, in certain scenarios, it is possible for your vehicle to shift into Park when only one
of the above conditions is true.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button
on the drive stalk to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless absolutely
necessary.
WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to always ensure the vehicle is in Park before exiting. Never rely on
Model S to automatically shift into Park for you; it might not work in all circumstances (for example, if Creep or
a slope causes the vehicle to travel greater than approximately 1.5 mph (2 km/h)).

100

Owners Manual
Lights
Controlling Lights
Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.
In addition to the lights that you can control from the touchscreen, Model S has convenience lights that turn on and
off automatically based on what you are doing. For example, interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, door handle
lights, and puddle lights turn on when you unlock Model S, when you open a door, and when you shift into Park.
They turn off automatically after a minute or two or when you shift or lock Model S.
Exterior Lights
Exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights, parking lights, and license plate lights) are set to Auto each
time you start Model S. If you change to a different setting, lights always revert to Auto on your next drive.
Touch one of these options to change and retain the exterior light setting until adjusted again or the next time you
drive:
• Off: Exterior lights turn off. When driving, daytime running lights may remain on based on regulations in various
market regions.
• Parking: Parking lights, side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights turn on.
• On: Low beam headlights, side marker lights, parking lights, tail lights, and license plate lights turn on.
CAUTION: Ensure the headlights and rear lights are on during low visibility conditions (for example, when it is
dark, foggy, snowy, or the road is wet, etc.). The rear tail lights are off while daytime running lights are on.
Failure to do so can cause damage or serious injury.
NOTE: Headlights do not require adjustments when temporarily driving into a region where the traffic direction is
different (for example, driving in right-hand traffic region, and then driving into a region with left-hand traffic).
NOTE: To comply with local traffic regulations when crossing from a left-hand traffic region to a right-hand traffic
region, and vice versa, headlights should be adjusted. If you plan to drive to a region that requires headlights to be
adjusted, schedule a service appointment using the mobile app.
Fog Lights
If equipped, touch to turn the fog lights on or off. Fog lights operate only when low beam headlights are on. When
headlights are turned off, fog lights also turn off.
The rear fog indicator displays on the instrument panel whenever rear fog lights (if equipped) are on.

The front fog indicator displays on the instrument panel whenever the optional front fog lights are on.

NOTE: Depending on the market region and vehicle options, your vehicle may not be equipped with front and/or
rear fog lights.
NOTE: In some regions, there is no control for the front fog lights. They operate in conjunction with the headlights
and turn on only in situations where low beam headlights are on.
Dome Lights
Turn the interior dome (map) lights on or off. If set to Auto, all interior dome lights turn on when you unlock Model S,
open a door upon exiting, or shift into Park.

101

Owners Manual
NOTE: You can also manually turn an individual dome light on or off by pressing its lens. If you turn a dome light on,
it turns off when Model S powers off. If Model S was already powered off when you manually turned the light on, it
turns off after 60 minutes.
Ambient Lights
When enabled, interior ambient lights turn on whenever the headlights are on.
Headlights after Exit
When you stop driving and park Model S in low lighting conditions, exterior lights temporarily remain illuminated.
They automatically turn off after one minute or when you lock Model S whichever comes first.
NOTE: If you lock Model S using the Tesla mobile app or key fob, the headlights immediately turn off. However, if the
vehicle locks because Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled (see Walk-Away Door Lock on page 31), the headlights
automatically turn off after one minute.
To turn this feature on and off, touch Controls > Lights > Headlights After Exit. When Headlights After Exit is off, the
headlights turn off immediately when you engage Park and open a door.
NOTE: Model S has lights along the rim of the headlights, also referred to as "signature" lights. These lights
automatically turn on whenever Model S is powered on and a drive mode is engaged.
High Beam Headlights
Push the turn signal stalk away from you to turn the high beam headlights on continuously. To cancel, pull the stalk
towards you.
To briefly flash the high beam headlights, pull the stalk towards you.

The high beam headlights can automatically switch to low beam when there is light detected in front of Model S (for
example, from an oncoming vehicle). To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Auto High Beam or Controls >
Lights > Auto High Beam.
NOTE: Your chosen setting is retained until you manually change it.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is available only on vehicles equipped with Autopilot components.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when Autosteer is engaged.
In situations where high beams are turned off because Auto High Beam is turned on and light is detected in front of
Model S, you can temporarily turn on high beams by pulling the stalk all the way toward you.
The following indicator lights are visible on the instrument panel to show the status of the headlights:
Low beam headlights are on.

102

Owners Manual
High beam headlights are on. Illuminates when high beams are on but the Auto High Beam setting is
turned off or if the Auto High Beam setting is turned on but is temporarily unavailable.

High beams are currently turned on, and Auto High Beam is ready to turn off the high beams if light is
detected in front of Model S.

High beams are temporarily turned off because Auto High Beam is operating and light is detected in
front of Model S. When light is no longer detected, high beam headlights automatically turn back on.

WARNING: Auto High Beam is a convenience only and is subject to limitations. It is the driver's responsibility
to make sure that headlights are always appropriately adjusted for weather conditions and driving
circumstances.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
If equipped, the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) automatically adjusts the beam of the headlights to improve
your driving view. Electric sensors measure driving speed, steering angle and yaw (the rotation of the car around the
vertical axis) to determine the optimum position of the headlights based on current driving conditions. For example,
to improve visibility while driving on winding roads at night, the AFS casts the beam in the direction of the curve.
When low beam headlights are turned on and when driving at lower speeds, AFS improves lateral illumination to
increase the visibility of pedestrians and curbs, and to improve visibility when turning at a dark intersection, into a
driveway, or when making a u-turn.
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) operates whenever headlights are on. If Model S isn't moving, or is
moving in reverse, the adaptive headlights do not activate. This prevents the headlights from inadvertently blinding
other drivers.
If the AFS fails, the instrument panel displays an alert. Contact Tesla Service.

Turn Signals
Move the turn signal stalk up (before turning right) or down (before turning left). The turn signals flash three times
or continuously, depending on how far up or down you move the stalk. Lightly push the stalk up or down for a threeflash sequence. For a continuous signal, push the stalk fully up or down.

103

Owners Manual
The turn signals stop operating when canceled by the steering wheel, or when you return the stalk to the central
position.
When a turn signal is operating, the corresponding turn signal indicator lights up on the
instrument panel and a clicking sound can be heard.

WARNING: When actively using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (if equipped), engaging a turn signal can cause
Model S to accelerate in specific situations (see #unique_230__unique_230_Connect_42_GUID-71EC3876CD6F-4DEC-8AAC-ECD2D54BA70D on page ).
WARNING: When actively using Autosteer (if equipped), engaging a turn signal can cause Model S to change
lanes (see Auto Lane Change on page 152).
Hazards
To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press the button located on the side of the touchscreen closest to the
steering wheel. All turn signals flash. Press again to turn off.
NOTE: Hazard warning flashers operate even without a key nearby.
Condensation in Head or Tail Lights
Due to weather changes, humidity levels, or recent exposure to water (such as a car wash), condensation may
occasionally accumulate in your vehicle’s head or tail lights. This is normal— as the weather gets warmer and
humidity decreases, condensation often disappears on its own. If you notice water buildup within the exterior lenses,
or if the condensation affects the visibility of the exterior lights, contact Tesla Service.

104

Owners Manual
Wipers and Washers
Wipers
To wipe the windshield, rotate the end of the turn signal stalk away from you. You can rotate to five positions:
• 1st: Off.
• 2nd: Auto with low rain sensitivity.*
• 3rd: Auto with high rain sensitivity.*
• 4th: Continuous, slow.
• 5th: Continuous, fast.

For a single wipe, press and release the end of the stalk.
If the wipers are set to Auto and Model S detects no liquid on the windshield, the wipers do not wipe.
*To enable the Auto settings, touch Controls > Vehicle > Autowipers (Beta). When wipers are set to Auto, Model S
detects whether or not it is raining. The frequency at which they wipe depends on how much rain is detected on the
windshield. When wipers are set to high rain sensitivity, the wipers turn on when Model S detects a light mist.
NOTE: Autosteer requires wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is automatic and you cannot change it.
NOTE: The Auto setting is currently in BETA. If uncertain about using the Auto setting while in the BETA phase, Tesla
recommends operating the wipers manually, as necessary.
NOTE: When you operate the wipers, headlights automatically turn on for approximately one minute (if they are not
on already).
NOTE: You can also adjust the windshield wiper speed and frequency using voice commands (see Voice Commands
on page 24).
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are in the Off position before washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
To extend the life of wiper blades, remove ice from the windshield before turning wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that
can damage the rubber on the wiper blades.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blade. If damaged, replace the wiper blade immediately. For
details on checking and replacing wiper blades, see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid on page 250.
CAUTION: In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.
Defrosting Wipers

To make wiper blades easy to access so you can remove any ice and snow, shift Model S into Park, turn the wipers
off, then use the touchscreen to move them to the service position. Touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode.
When parking in cold outdoor climates, it is helpful to leave Model S with the wipers in the service position. In this
position, they are closer to the defrost vent, allowing you to thaw them by directing air from the climate control
system towards the windshield.

105

Owners Manual
If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, you can defrost wipers by touching the climate
control on the touchscreen (see Operating Climate Controls on page 192). Wiper defrosters automatically turn off
after 15 minutes.
NOTE: Wipers automatically return to their normal position when you shift Model S out of Park.
Washers
Press the button on the end of the turn signal stalk to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. You can press this
button at two levels. Press partially for a single wipe, without any washer fluid. Press fully for both wipe and wash.
When washing the windshield, the wipers turn on. After releasing the button, the wipers perform two additional
wipes then a third wipe a few seconds later.

Periodically top up washer fluid (see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid on page 250).
Defrosting Washer Nozzles

If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, washer nozzles have defrosters that turn on
whenever the ambient temperature nears freezing, or when you turn on the wiper defrosters (see Operating Climate
Controls on page 192). The washer defrosters turn off when the wiper defrosters turn off (after 15 minutes),
provided the temperature is warm enough to prevent freezing.

106

Owners Manual
Braking and Stopping
Braking Systems
WARNING: 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 108).

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.
If an alternative method is needed to bring the vehicle to a stop, press and hold the Park button on the drive stalk to
apply the brakes and remove drive torque while the button is held.
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 181) 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.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button
on the drive stalk to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless absolutely
necessary.

107

Owners Manual
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 ).
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.
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: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button
on the drive stalk to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless absolutely
necessary.
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—brake pedal responsiveness and braking performance may be degraded.
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows down the vehicle and
feeds any surplus power back to the Battery. By anticipating your stops and reducing or removing pressure from the
accelerator pedal to slow down, you can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase driving range.
The power meter on the Energy app displays real-time feedback on the amount of power being used. You can also
display the power meter on either side of the instrument panel by choosing Energy using the scroll button on the
steering wheel (see Steering Wheel on page 93). When energy is being gained by regenerative braking, the power