Seamlessly take meetings and calls through your vehicle's touchscreen. To set up, touch the Zoom app
and sign in or enter the meeting ID. You can even access meetings shown on your calendar or in text
messages by touching the Zoom link. Your vehicle's cabin camera can be used in calls over Zoom only
when Model S is Parked. When the vehicle is shifted out of Park in the middle of a Zoom call, the cabin
camera turns off and you switch to audio only. Use the touchscreen to turn on/off the video, mute/
unmute yourself, and customize various preferences for your meeting.
WARNING: Do not to use the video function when the vehicle is “temporarily parked” on a public road (such as
when the vehicle is parked along the curb or in a spot that is not a designated parking spot)..
WARNING: Stay focused on your surroundings and follow all applicable laws while driving, including, but not
limited to, laws that require hands-free operation at all times.

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Smart Garage
myQ
If equipped, Model S can intelligently connect to your myQ smart garage, which allows you to remotely
monitor and control your garage door from the vehicle's touchscreen. This is convenient if you forget
to close your garage door, want to allow friends and family inside, or need the garage to open or close
automatically when your vehicle is detected nearby.

Follow these steps to set up myQ on your vehicle:
1. Your garage door must be myQ compatible. Use the myQ Compatibility tool (https://www.myq.com/app/myqcompatibility) to determine this.
2. Ensure your garage is Wi-Fi compatible. myQ uses Wi-Fi to communicate with your smart phone and vehicle.
Some garages will have a Wi-Fi or myQ symbol on the hub. Your garage must have a strong Wi-Fi signal to
control and monitor your garage through your vehicle.
NOTE: If your garage is not compatible, you may be able to purchase an external myQ hub to use this feature.
3. Download the myQ app from your smart phone's app store. Use the app to set up your account information and
pair the garage to your phone. myQ requires a paid subscription, which you can purchase in the app.
4. Check that your vehicle is running the latest available software version and has Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity.
5. Touch the garage icon at the top of the touchscreen or navigate to Controls > Locks > myQ Connected Garage >
Link Account and follow the instructions to pair the garage with Model S. Once paired, monitoring and controlling
the garage becomes available on the touchscreen, where you can further customize myQ.
For more information, questions, or troubleshooting assistance, visit www.myQ.com/Tesla.
HomeLink Universal Transceiver
If your vehicle is equipped with the HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, you can operate up to three Radio
Frequency (RF) devices, including garage doors, gates, lights, and security systems.

NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture, market region, and options selected at time of purchase, some vehicles
are not equipped with a HomeLink Universal Transceiver.
WARNING: Do not use the HomeLink Universal Transceiver with a device that does not have safety stop and
reverse features. Using a device without these safety features increases the risk of injury or death.
Supported Modes
HomeLink supports three different transmit modes, which is how your vehicle and the RF device communicate.
Selecting a transmit mode is determined by your RF device's compatibility:
• Standard Mode: Use Standard Mode if your RF device is equipped with a remote control that must be used to
operate the device (for example, a remote-controlled garage door). This mode is the most commonly used
transmit mode for HomeLink devices.
• D-Mode or UR-Mode: Use D-Mode or UR-Mode if the RF device does not have a remote control, and the receiver
has a "Learn" button (may also be called "Program" or "Smart"). D-Mode and UR-Mode function similarly in that
Model S communicates directly with the device's receiver as opposed to the remote control.
NOTE: D-Mode is used primarily in North America whereas UR-Mode is popular in Europe, the Middle East, and
Asia. To determine the mode your device is compatible with, contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call
1-800-355-3515).

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Each of your devices can be set to a different mode. For example, your garage door can be set to Standard Mode,
your front gate can be set to D-Mode, etc. To change a transmit mode, touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the
Controls screen and select the device you want to change. Then, select Program and choose the desired mode for
your device. Confirm by touching Set Mode and follow the onscreen instructions.
NOTE: Check the product information for your HomeLink device to determine which mode is compatible with your
device.
Programming HomeLink
To program HomeLink®:

1. Park Model S so that the front bumper is in front of the device you want to program.
CAUTION: Your device might open or close during programming. Therefore, before programming, make
sure that the device is clear of any people or objects.
2. Check that the device's remote control has a healthy battery. Tesla recommends replacing the battery in the
device's remote control before Programming HomeLink.
3. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls screen.
4. Touch Create HomeLink.
5. On the HomeLink screen, enter a name for the device, then touch Enter or Add New HomeLink.
6. Choose the mode you wish to use (Standard, D-Mode, or UR-Mode), then touch Set Mode.
7. Touch Start and follow the onscreen instructions.
NOTE: 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, you have only
approximately 30 seconds to return to your vehicle and press Continue, and then press the trained HomeLink
device name twice. Consider having an assistant to ensure you can complete this step within 30 seconds.
8. Once your device is programmed, touch Save to complete the programming.
9. Ensure HomeLink works as expected. In some cases, you may need to repeat the programming process multiple
times before succeeding.
Once programmed, you can operate the device by touching its corresponding HomeLink icon on the touchscreen.
HomeLink remembers the location of your programmed devices. When you approach a known location, the
HomeLink control on the touchscreen automatically appears. When you drive away, it disappears.
NOTE: For additional assistance or compatibility questions, contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call
1-800-355-3515).

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Auto Opening and Closing
To operate a HomeLink device without using the touchscreen, you can automate the device to open as you
approach, and close as you drive away:
1. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls screen, touch HomeLink Settings, then choose the device
you want to automate.
2. Adjust the device's HomeLink settings as needed:
◦ Select the Auto-open when arriving checkbox if you want the device to open as you approach.
◦ Touch the arrows to specify the distance you want Model S to be from the device before it opens.
◦ Select the Auto-close when leaving checkbox if you want the device to close as you drive away.
◦ Select the Auto-fold mirrors checkbox if you want mirrors to fold when you arrive at the HomeLink location.
This is useful for narrow garages.
◦ Select the Chime for Auto-open and Auto-close checkbox if you want Model S to sound a chime when a signal
has been sent to open or close the device.
As you approach (or drive away from) a device that is set to operate automatically, the HomeLink status icon
displays a count-down message to let you know when the device automatically opens or closes. In situations where
you don't want the device to automatically open or close, touch Skip Auto-Open or Skip Auto-Close at any time
during the count-down message.
NOTE: Do not rely on HomeLink to ensure the device fully closes.
Resetting the Location of the HomeLink Device
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 Controls screen. 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 Controls screen, 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 10.
NOTE: For security reasons, delete your HomeLink devices if you sell your Model S.
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.

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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

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Starting and Powering Off
Starting
When you open a door to enter Model S, the touchscreen powers on and you can operate all controls. To shift
Model S, press the brake pedal and swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse on the touchscreen's drive mode strip
(see Shifting on page 91).
If Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S automatically selects Drive or Reverse based on the detected
surroundings . Pressing the brake pedal shifts the vehicle into the selected drive mode displayed on the instrument
panel (provided the driver's door is closed and the driver's seat belt is buckled), and pressing the accelerator moves
the vehicle in that direction.
NOTE: To turn Auto Shift out of Park on or off, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.
Before accelerating when Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, check the instrument panel to make sure that Model S
has shifted into the drive mode you want (Drive or Reverse). If the selection is not correct, or if Auto Shift out of
Park is not enabled, swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse on the touchscreen's drive mode strip to choose a new
drive mode. See Shifting on page 91.
NOTE: If PIN to Drive is enabled (see PIN to Drive on page 172), you must 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.
Drive Disabled - Requires Authentication

If Model S does not detect a key when you press the brake (a phone key is not detected or two minutes have passed
since you used the key card), the touchscreen displays a message telling you that driving requires authentication.
If you see this message, place the key card in either phone dock where the RFID transmitter can read it. The twominute authentication period restarts and you can start Model S by pressing the brake pedal.

A number of factors can affect whether Model S can detect a phone key (for example, the device's battery is low or
dead and is no longer able to communicate using Bluetooth).
Always keep your phone key or a key card with you. After driving, your key is needed to restart Model S. And when
you leave the vehicle, you must bring your key with you to lock Model S, either manually or automatically.
Powering Off
When you finish driving and shift into Park, simply exit the vehicle. When you leave Model S with your phone key and
key fob, it powers off automatically, turning off the instrument panel and touchscreen.
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Model S also powers off automatically after being in Park for 30 minutes, even if you are sitting in the driver’s seat.
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 after a short period 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, your vehicle shifts
into Park when you open the door to exit. To keep your vehicle in Neutral, see Instructions for Transporters on page
260.
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 on page 7).
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.

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Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)
Adjusting the Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel) Position
Depending on options purchased, you may have either a steering yoke or a steering wheel: the design may differ but
the function is the same.
To adjust the steering yoke (or steering wheel), touch Controls and touch the Steering icon.
Use the left scroll button on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to move the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to
the desired position:
• To adjust the height/tilt angle of the steering yoke (or steering wheel), roll the left scroll button up or down.
• To move the steering yoke (or steering wheel) closer to you, or further away from you, press the left scroll button
to the left or right.
You can also customize what you want the left scroll button to control, such as Climate or Dashcam status. To
customize, hold down the left scroll button and navigate the menu on the instrument cluster.

WARNING: Do not make steering yoke (or steering wheel) 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 yoke (or steering wheel). In town, Model S feels
easier to drive and park.
◦ Standard - Tesla believes that this setting offers the best handling and response in most conditions.
◦ Sport - Increases the effort required to turn the steering yoke (or steering wheel). When driving at higher
speeds, Model S feels more responsive.
Overview of Buttons
Your Model S features stalkless driving in which all controls you need when driving are accessible on the steering
yoke (or steering wheel).

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1. Right turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 97).
2. High beam headlights* (see High Beam Headlights on page 96).
3. Left turn signal (see Turn Signals on page 97).
4. Left scroll button (see Left Scroll Button on page 86).
5. Horn (see Horn on page 87).
6. Identifier that is always illuminated to indicate that the right scroll wheel can be used with cruise control.
7. Wipers* (see Wipers and Washers on page 100).
8. Right scroll button (see Right Scroll Button on page 87).
9. Voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 20).
*The behaviors associated with the buttons for headlight high beams and wipers vary depending on whether you
press or press and hold the button. Refer to the corresponding sections in this Owner's Manual for details.
NOTE: Simultaneously holding down both the left and right scroll buttons while Model S is parked causes the
touchscreen to restart (see Restarting the Touchscreen on page 7).
Left Scroll Button
Use the scroll button on the left side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to adjust the position of the mirrors
and steering yoke (or steering wheel). It also controls the wipers and media player.

• When using media player, push the button to the left to go back to the previous song or station or push it to the
right to skip to the next song or station.
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• To increase/decrease the volume of the sound system, roll the button up/down respectively.
NOTE: The scroll button adjusts the volume for media and phone calls based on what is currently in use. As you
adjust the volume, the touchscreen displays the volume level and whether you are adjusting volume for media or
phone.
• To mute the media volume, or to pause/play an audio file, push the scroll button.
• When adjusting mirrors, push the button to the left/right to move the associated mirror inward/outward and up/
down to position the mirror upward or downward (see Mirrors on page 89).
• When adjusting the position of the steering yoke (or steering wheel), roll the button up/down to adjust the tilt/
angle and press the button to the left or right to move the steering yoke (or steering wheel) closer or further (see
Adjusting the Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel) Position on page 85).
• When a menu displays on the instrument panel from which you can choose options (for example, wipers), use the
scroll button to choose an option (up, down, left, or right).
• For incoming calls, press the scroll button to answer. During the call, press the scroll button again to hang up.
Right Scroll Button
Use the scroll button on the right side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to control Autopilot features such as
Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control:

• When driving, push and release the button to engage Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see Autosteer
on page 127). If Autopilot Activation is set to Double Click (touch Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Activation), a
single push engages Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on page 127) only and you
must push and release twice to engage Autosteer. Once engaged, pushing the button cancels Autosteer and/or
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
• When Model S is in Park, push the button twice to automatically engage Summon before exiting the vehicle (see
Summon on page 149).
• When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is engaged, rolling the scroll button up/down increase/decreases the set
cruising speed respectively.
NOTE: There is currently no action associated with pushing the right scroll button to the left and right.
Heated Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)
To warm up the steering yoke (or steering wheel), touch the temperature icon on the touchscreen to display climate
controls (see Overview of Climate Controls on page 180), then touch the steering yoke (or steering wheel) icon.
When turned on, radiant heat keeps the steering yoke (or steering wheel) at a comfortable temperature.
Horn
For vehicles manufactured as of approximately January 2024: To sound the horn, press the middle of the steering
yoke (or steering wheel).

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For vehicles manufactured prior to approximately January 2024: To sound the horn, press and hold the horn button
on the right side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel).

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Mirrors
Adjusting Exterior Mirrors
Adjust the exterior mirrors by touching Controls > Mirrors. Press the left scroll button on the steering yoke (or
steering wheel) to choose whether you are adjusting the Left or Right mirror. Then use the left scroll button as
follows to adjust the selected mirror to its desired position:
• To move the mirror up or down, roll the left scroll button up or down.
• To move the mirror inward or outward, press the left scroll button to the left or right.

Mirror Auto Tilt automatically tilts mirrors downward when backing up. To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls
> Mirrors > 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.
To reduce glare when driving at night, the rear view mirror and exterior side mirrors dim automatically. To enable or
disable this feature, touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Dim.
NOTE: Both exterior mirrors have heaters that turn on and off with the rear window defroster.
Folding Mirrors
To manually fold and unfold exterior mirrors (for example, parking in a narrow garage, tight space, etc.), touch
Controls > Fold/Unfold Mirrors.
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 by touching Controls > Unfold Mirrors).
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 > Mirrors > Mirror Auto
Fold. The mirrors unfold automatically when you unlock Model S.
You can also set 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 up, stop at the location you want to
save (or drive at less than 3 mph (6 km/h)), and fold the mirrors. Touch Save Location when it appears briefly on the
Fold Mirrors control.
If you no longer want mirrors to automatically fold, touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors when they fold at the saved
location and then touch Remove Location.
When you leave the saved location, mirrors unfold when your driving speed reaches 3 mph (6 km/h), or when you
touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors.
NOTE: Mirrors can automatically fold if you return to a saved location and are driving below 31 mph (50 km/h).
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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.
NOTE: If you expect ice to accumulate when Model S is parked, turn off Mirror Auto Fold. Accumulation of ice can
prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 187 for information
on how to ensure your mirrors function properly in cold weather.
You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink (see Smart Garage on page 79). 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).

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Shifting
Shift Using the Touchscreen
When you press the brake pedal when parked, the drive mode strip displays on one side of the touchscreen. Use the
drive mode strip to shift Model S: swipe up for Drive, swipe down for Reverse or touch the P for Park or N for
Neutral. The drive mode strip is always available on the touchscreen when you touch Controls.

NOTE: To shift from Drive into Reverse or vice versa, the driving speed must be less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays Park and Neutral at all times. To shift into Park when driving below 5
mph (8 km/h), touch the button on the drive mode strip while pressing the brake pedal. In emergency situations
when driving above 5 mph (8 km/h), press and hold the Park button to slowly bring the vehicle to a stop.
To shift into Neutral, open Controls to bring up the drive mode strip, then press and hold Neutral until Neutral
engages.
The touchscreen is the preferred method to manually shift. However, in the unlikely situation in which the
touchscreen is unavailable and therefore can't be used, the drive mode selector on the center console automatically
activates and must be used to shift (see Shift Using the Center Console on page 92).
If you try to shift when it is prohibited by the current driving speed, the instrument panel displays an alert, a chime
sounds, and the drive mode does not change.

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Auto Shift out of Park
NOTE: Auto Shift out of Park is a BETA feature and is disabled by default.
When Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model S is designed to automatically select Drive or Reverse. The instrument
panel displays the selected drive mode when the driver's door is closed and seat belt is buckled.
To override the selection, press the brake pedal and use the drive mode strip on touchscreen to shift into your
desired drive mode (Drive, Reverse, Park; see Shift Using the Touchscreen on page 91).
Confirm the drive mode selection and follow the instructions on the instrument panel before you press the
accelerator.
WARNING: As always, be aware of your vehicle and surroundings before driving. Never rely on Model S to
automatically select a suitable drive mode without confirming the selection before you start to drive.
If Auto Shift out of Park is unavailable, the instrument panel displays a message.
Model S automatically selects a drive mode when:
• Auto Shift out of Park is enabled (touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park).
• Model S is in Park.
• The driver's seat belt is fastened.
• The brake pedal is pressed.
• All doors and trunks are closed.
• The drive mode selector on the center console is not activated (see Shift Using the Center Console on page 92).
NOTE: Model S does not automatically select drive modes in Valet Mode.
Auto Shift out of Park is disabled by default. When disabled, use the touchscreen or the center console to manually
shift. To enable Auto Shift out of Park, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.
Shift Using the Center Console
In addition to manually shifting on the touchscreen, you can shift by pressing P, R, N or D located on the center
console. In most situations, these buttons are not available until you press one of the buttons to activate it. When
active, the LEDs associated with each button illuminate and when you select P, R, N or D, the associated LED
illuminates amber.
In situations where the touchscreen is unavailable (for example, experiencing a technical issue), or Model S is in Valet
or Transport Mode, the drive mode selector on the center console activates automatically and there is no need to
touch it.
NOTE: You can also activate the drive mode selector on the center console by simultaneously and briefly pressing
both scroll buttons on the steering yoke (or steering wheel). However, if you press and hold both buttons
simultaneously, the drive mode selector activates and the touchscreen restarts (see Restarting the Touchscreen on
page 7).
NOTE: The front trunk, rear trunk, and doors must be closed to shift using the center console.

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1. Park
2. Reverse
3. Neutral
4. Drive
NOTE: When the touchscreen is available for shifting and you have manually activated the drive mode selector on
the center console, the center console automatically deactivates if you don't shift within 10 seconds.
Park
To manually shift into Park, press the brake pedal and touch the Park button on the touchscreen's drive mode strip. If
the touchscreen is unavailable, press Park on the drive mode selector located on the center console.
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.
Attempting to engage the parking brake above 5 mph (8 km/h) will result in emergency braking (see Braking and
Stopping on page 102).
NOTE: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, you can press and hold the Park button on
the touchscreen's drive mode strip to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless
absolutely necessary.
NOTE: You must always press the brake pedal to shift out of Park.
CAUTION: Model S will not shift out of Park if a charge cable is plugged in, or if the charge port is unable to
determine whether a charging cable is plugged in. In situations when Model S does not shift out of Park, check
the instrument panel or touchscreen for instructions on how to proceed.
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.
Drive
To manually shift into Drive, swipe up on the drive mode strip located on the touchscreen or, if the touchscreen is
unavailable, press D on the drive mode selector located on the center console. You can shift into Drive when Model S
is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in Reverse.

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Reverse
To manually shift into Reverse, swipe down on the drive mode strip located on the touchscreen or, if the touchscreen
is unavailable, press R on the drive mode selector located on the center console. You can shift into Reverse when
Model S is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in Drive. You can manually close the park assist view on the
touchscreen by touching the X in the upper corner.
Neutral
Neutral allows Model S to roll freely when you are not pressing the brake pedal. To shift into Neutral, do any of the
following:
• Open Controls, then press and hold the Neutral icon on the drive mode strip until Model S engages Neutral.
• Choose Neutral from the drive mode selector on the .
NOTE: When Model S is traveling over 5 mph (8 km/h) and you swipe up or down on the touchscreen's drive mode
strip, a Neutral icon displays at the bottom of the drive mode strip from which you can also choose to engage
Neutral.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal to shift out of Neutral if Model S is moving slower than approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Model S automatically shifts into Park when you open the driver's door to exit the vehicle unless the vehicle is in
certain modes such as Transport or Car Wash Mode which allows the vehicle to stay in Neutral even when you leave.
Keeping Your Vehicle in Neutral (Transport Mode)
To keep Model S in Neutral when you exit, allowing it to roll freely (for example, pulling onto a flatbed truck), you
must activate Transport mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport
Model S.
4. Press the Transport Mode. It turns blue to show that Model S is now in Transport Mode. Model S is now freerolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) for short distances or winched (for example, onto
a flatbed truck).
For more information on Transport Mode, see Activate Transport Mode on page 261.
NOTE: In Transport mode, Model S does not shift into a drive mode. You must first cancel Transport mode by
touching Transport Mode again. Transport mode also cancels if you use the touchscreen or drive mode selector on
the center console to shift into Park or if you manually apply the parking brake by touching Controls > Safety >
Parking Brake.

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Lights
Controlling Lights
Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.
NOTE: You can also access an abbreviated lights menu while driving by touching the High Beam button on the
steering yoke (or steering wheel). A lights menu displays on the touchscreen, providing quick access to headlight
controls.
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, 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. When set to Auto, exterior lights automatically turn on when driving in low lighting
conditions, or whenever the wipers are active. 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.
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.
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.
You can also manually turn an individual dome light on or off by touching 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.
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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 card, the headlights immediately turn off. However, if
the vehicle locks because Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled (see Walk-Away Door Lock on page 33), 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
Use the high beam headlight button on the left side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to control the
headlights:
• Press and quickly release to flash high beam headlights.
• Press and hold to turn on high beam headlights - the instrument panel displays a brief timer and you must hold
for the duration of the timer to latch the high beam headlights to the on position. When headlights are on, press
the button a second time to turn them off.

Auto High Beam (if equipped)
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 > Lights > Auto High Beam. Your
chosen setting is retained until you manually change it.
NOTE: When you touch or press the high beam headlight button on the left side of the steering yoke (or steering
wheel), the touchscreen displays an abbreviated lights menu to provide quick access to control headlights, fog lights
(if equipped), and the Auto High Beam setting. Use the touchscreen to choose options from this menu.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when Autosteer is engaged. To switch to low beam headlights,
press the high beam headlight button on the steering yoke (or steering wheel). Auto High Beam is re-enabled every
time Autosteer is activated.
The following indicator lights are visible on the instrument panel to show the status of the headlights:

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Low beam headlights are on.

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