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Tesla MODEL S 2021 - User Manual

Tesla MODEL S 2021
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MODEL S
2021 +
OWNER'S MANUAL
Software version: 2022.16
North America

Table of Contents

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Tesla MODEL S 2021 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandTesla
ModelMODEL S 2021
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

YOUR OWNERS MANUAL

SAFETY INFORMATION

Find safety information in your Model S Owner's Manual on the touchscreen.

Exterior Overview

Exterior lights

Information on headlights, tail lights, side marker lights, parking lights, and license plate lights.

Hood;Front trunk

Details on opening and closing the front trunk (frunk).

Rear trunk;liftgate

Instructions for opening and closing the rear trunk.

Interior Overview

Instrument panel

Information about the instrument panel display.

Touchscreen

Overview of the touchscreen interface and its functions.

Glovebox

Instructions for opening and closing the glovebox.

Touchscreen Overview

Controls

Control various features and adjust settings to customize your Model S.

Climate controls (driver)

Adjust cabin temperature, fan speed, and air distribution.

Keys

Phone Key

Using your phone as a key to access and operate Model S.

Key Card

Using the key card to unlock, lock, and authenticate your Model S.

Keys (continued)

Key Fob

Familiarize yourself with the key fob and its buttons for vehicle access.

Doors

Using Exterior Door Handles

Information on how exterior door handles extend and operate.

Rear Trunk

Opening

Methods to open the rear trunk.

Adjusting Liftgate Opening Height

Customize the liftgate's opening height for easier access.

Front Trunk

Closing

Instructions for properly closing the front trunk hood.

Front Trunk (continued)

Opening Hood with No Power

Steps to open the front trunk if the vehicle has no low voltage power.

Interior Storage and Electronics

Center Console

Details about the center console features and compartments.

USB Ports

Information on the location and number of USB ports.

Interior Storage and Electronics (continued)

Formatting a USB Flash Drive

Steps to format a USB flash drive for Dashcam and Sentry Mode.

Viewing Video Recordings

How to view recorded footage from Dashcam and Sentry Mode.

Front and Rear Seats

Adjusting the Front Seats

How to adjust the driver's seat for comfort and safety.

Seat Belts

Wearing Seat Belts

Proper procedure for wearing seat belts for maximum safety.

Seat Belt Warnings

Important warnings regarding seat belt usage and maintenance.

Child Safety Seats

Guidelines for Seating Children

Recommendations for safely seating infants and children.

Choosing a Child Safety Seat

Guidance on selecting the appropriate child safety seat.

Airbags

Location of Airbags

Identifies the location of various airbags in the vehicle.

Types of Airbags

Describes the different types of airbags and their function.

Controlling the Passenger Front Airbag

How to manage the passenger front airbag status via the touchscreen.

Driver Profiles

Creating a Driver Profile

Steps to create and manage personalized driver profiles.

Valet Mode

Understand the restrictions and settings when Valet Mode is active.

Steering Yoke

Adjusting Steering Effort

Customize steering sensitivity (Comfort, Standard, Sport).

Overview of Steering Yoke Buttons

Identifies the functions of buttons on the steering yoke.

Mirrors

Adjusting Exterior Mirrors

How to adjust exterior mirrors using the steering yoke controls.

Mirror Auto Fold

Enable automatic folding of exterior mirrors.

Mirrors at Specific Locations

Configure mirrors to automatically fold at saved locations.

Starting and Powering Off

Restarting the Touchscreen

Steps to restart the touchscreen if it is unresponsive.

Shifting

Shifting Using the Touchscreen

How to change drive modes using the touchscreen interface.

Lights

Controlling Lights

Accessing and adjusting interior and exterior lighting controls.

Auto High Beam

Automatic switching between high and low beam headlights.

High Beam Headlights

Manual operation of high beam headlights.

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview

Description of the instrument panel display and its components.

Instrument Panel - Driving

Information displayed on the instrument panel while driving.

Indicator Lights

Explanation of various indicator lights and their meanings.

Braking and Stopping

Braking Systems

Overview of the braking system, including ABS and brake faults.

Emergency Braking

How to apply emergency braking and related warnings.

Regenerative Braking

How regenerative braking works and its effect on driving range.

Traction Control

Allowing Wheel Slip

How to enable Slip Start for limited wheel spin.

Park Assist

How Park Assist Works

Explanation of how park assist sensors and feedback function.

Visual and Audio Feedback

How visual and audio feedback is provided during parking.

Acceleration Modes

Drag Strip Mode

Preconditions the vehicle for enhanced acceleration.

Track Mode

Customizing Track Mode

Adjust suspension, handling, and stability settings for track driving.

Getting Maximum Range

Tips to Maximize Range

Driving and charging habits to maximize vehicle range.

Range Assurance

How Model S helps protect against running out of energy.

Cold Weather Best Practices

Tires and Tire Chains

Recommendations for winter tires and tire chains.

While Driving

Suggestions to reduce energy consumption in cold weather.

Autopilot

How It Works

Overview of Autopilot components and their function.

Autopilot Features

Description of Autopilot convenience features.

Limitations

Factors impacting Autopilot performance.

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control

To Use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control

Steps to initiate and use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.

Autosteer

Operating Autosteer

How to enable and initiate Autosteer.

Auto Lane Change

Operating Auto Lane Change

Procedure for changing lanes using Auto Lane Change.

Navigate on Autopilot

Lane Changes

How Navigate on Autopilot handles lane changes.

Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control

How it Works

How the system responds to traffic lights and stop signs.

Traffic Lights

Vehicle responses to different traffic light signals.

Stop Signs and Road Markings

Vehicle responses to stop signs and road markings.

Autopark

To Use Autopark

Steps to use Autopark for parallel and perpendicular parking.

Limitations

Situations where Autopark may not operate as intended.

Summon

Before Using Summon

Enabling and customizing Summon preferences.

Using Summon to Park and Retrieve your Vehicle

How to use Summon to park or retrieve your Model S.

Smart Summon

Using Smart Summon

Steps to operate Smart Summon via the mobile app.

Standby Mode

How to use Standby Mode to reduce Summon startup time.

Stopping or Canceling Smart Summon

How to stop or cancel a Smart Summon session.

Lane Assist

Steering Interventions

How Lane Assist provides steering interventions.

Lane Departure Avoidance

Warnings and alerts for lane departures.

Limitations and Inaccuracies

Factors affecting Lane Assist performance.

Collision Avoidance Assist

Forward Collision Warning

Visual and audible warnings for frontal collision risk.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Automatic braking to reduce impact of frontal collisions.

Collision Avoidance Assist (continued)

Automatic Emergency Braking (continued)

Details on automatic braking function and limitations.

Obstacle-Aware Acceleration

Reduces acceleration to mitigate collision impact.

Speed Assist

Controlling Speed Assist

How to adjust speed limit warnings and settings.

Limitations and Inaccuracies

Situations affecting Speed Assist functionality.

Controls

Controls - Overview

Navigating and using the Controls screen on the touchscreen.

Pedals & Steering

Adjusting vehicle acceleration, steering modes, and shifting.

Locks

Settings for locking doors, trunks, and windows.

Lights

Control interior and exterior lighting, including headlights.

Controls (continued)

Suspension

Adjusting air suspension settings like ride height and damping.

Charging

Managing charging status and settings.

Autopilot

Customizing Autopilot features for a safer driving experience.

Controls (continued)

Autopilot (continued)

Further customization options for Autopilot features.

Safety

Security settings like Sentry Mode, PIN to Drive, and Glovebox PIN.

Controls (continued)

Safety (continued)

Additional safety settings and features.

Speed Limit Mode

Limit acceleration and maximum driving speed.

Sentry Mode

Using cameras and sensors to monitor vehicle surroundings.

PIN to Drive

Prevent vehicle from being driven without a PIN.

Climate Controls

Overview of Climate Controls

Accessing and understanding the climate control system.

Adjusting Climate Control Settings

How to adjust cabin temperature, seat heaters, and defrosters.

Climate Controls (continued)

Adjusting Climate Control Settings (continued)

Detailed climate control adjustments.

Climate Controls (continued)

Adjusting the Front and Rear Vents

Pinpointing air direction from dashboard and rear vents.

Climate Controls (continued)

Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp

Keeping climate system running while parked.

Climate Controls (continued)

Climate Control Operating Tips

Tips for efficient climate control operation.

Cabin Overheat Protection

How cabin overheat protection works and its settings.

Maps and Navigation

Map Overview

Interacting with and orienting the map display.

Map Display

Customizing map display with satellite imagery and traffic.

Maps and Navigation (continued)

Navigation Settings

Customizing navigation system preferences.

Navigating to a Destination

Steps to search for and navigate to a destination.

Maps and Navigation (continued)

Automatic Navigation

Predicting destinations based on calendar and common routes.

Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations

Saving and navigating to frequently visited locations.

Media

Volume Controls

Adjusting media volume using steering yoke or touchscreen.

Media Settings

Customizing audio source and playback preferences.

Media (continued)

Searching Audio Content

How to search for songs, artists, and stations.

Playing Media from Devices

Playing audio from Bluetooth or USB devices.

Entertainment

Toybox

Accessing games, Boombox, and other entertainment features.

Entertainment (continued)

Boombox

Using the Boombox feature to play media externally.

Formatting a USB drive for Boombox

Steps to format a USB drive for custom Boombox sounds.

Phone and Calendar

Pairing a Bluetooth Phone

Steps to pair your phone for hands-free calls and media.

Using the Phone App

Making and receiving calls, viewing messages, and contacts.

Calendar

Integrating phone calendar for navigation and call information.

Phone and Calendar (continued)

Using the Phone App (continued)

Managing phone app functions like calls and messages.

Air Suspension

Adjusting Ride Height

Manually adjusting vehicle ride height.

Adaptive Suspension Damping

Optimizing suspension for ride comfort and handling.

Air Suspension (continued)

Auto-Raising Locations

Saving locations for automatic suspension height adjustment.

Self-Leveling

How the air suspension system automatically self-levels.

Voice Commands

Examples of Voice Commands

Common voice commands for vehicle control.

Navigation

Voice commands for navigation and destination search.

Security Settings

PIN to Drive

Setting a PIN to prevent unauthorized driving.

Glovebox PIN

Securing glovebox contents with a PIN.

Software Updates

Loading New Software

Instructions for installing new software updates.

Software Update Preferences

Choosing how and when to receive software updates.

Software Updates (continued)

Viewing Release Notes

Reading release notes for changes and new features.

Mobile App

To Use the Mobile App

Setting up the Tesla mobile app to communicate with your Model S.

Controls

Using the Controls tab in the mobile app.

Climate

Managing cabin climate remotely via the mobile app.

Mobile App (continued)

Granting Access to a Second Driver

Adding and removing access for additional drivers via the app.

Electric Vehicle Components

High Voltage Components

Identification of key high voltage components.

Electric Vehicle Components (continued)

Charging Equipment

Description of charging equipment available from Tesla.

High Voltage Battery Information

Battery Care

Recommendations for preserving the high voltage battery's life.

High Voltage Battery Information

Key information about the high voltage battery system.

Charging Instructions

Opening the Charge Port

Methods to open the charge port door.

Plugging In

Steps for plugging in to charge the vehicle.

Charging Instructions (continued)

Charge Port Light

Meaning of the charge port light colors.

Charge Settings

Adjusting charge limit and current.

Maintenance

Service Intervals

Recommended maintenance items and intervals.

Schedule Service

How to schedule a service visit using the mobile app.

Daily Checks

Regular checks to ensure vehicle safety and operation.

Tire Care and Maintenance

Maintaining Tire Pressures

Importance of maintaining proper tire pressure.

Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures

Steps for checking and adjusting tire pressures.

Inspecting and Maintaining Tires

Regularly inspecting tires for wear and damage.

Cleaning

Cleaning the Exterior

Instructions for washing and drying the vehicle's exterior.

Car Wash Mode

Using Car Wash Mode to prepare the vehicle for automatic car washes.

Cleaning a Camera

How to clean vehicle camera lenses for optimal performance.

Wiper Blades and Washer Jets

Checking and Cleaning Wiper Blades

How to clean wiper blades for better visibility.

Replacing Wiper Blades

Instructions and criteria for replacing wiper blades.

Fluid Reservoirs

Checking Battery Coolant

Information on checking and maintaining battery coolant levels.

Checking Brake Fluid

Warnings and procedures related to brake fluid.

Jacking and Lifting

Jack Mode

How to activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling.

Identification Labels

Vehicle Identification Number

Locations for finding the vehicle's VIN.

Vehicle Loading

Tire and Loading Information Label

Information provided on the tire and loading label.

Calculating Load Limits

How to calculate the vehicle's available cargo load capacity.

Subsystems

Brakes

Specifications for the vehicle's braking system.

Suspension

Details on suspension components and specifications.

Battery - High Voltage

Specifications for the high voltage battery system.

Wheels and Tires

Wheel Specifications (Factory)

Factory specifications for wheel types, sizes, and offsets.

Tire Specifications (Factory)

Factory specifications for tire types, sizes, and pressures.

Wheels and Tires (continued)

Understanding Tire Markings

Explanation of standardized information on tire sidewalls.

Wheels and Tires (continued)

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Description of the NHTSA tire grading system.

Traction

Tire's ability to stop on wet pavement.

Roadside Assistance

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND

Critical warnings about transporting the vehicle.

Approved Methods for Transporting

Recommended methods for transporting Model S.

Instructions for Transporters

Activate Transport Mode

How to activate Transport Mode for vehicle transport.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Front (Using Tow Eye)

Steps to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck from the front.

Instructions for Transporters (continued)

Jump Starting the Low Voltage Battery

Procedure for jump starting the low voltage battery.

About this Owner Information

Errors or Inaccuracies

How to report inaccuracies or provide feedback.

Copyrights and Trademarks

Information on copyright and trademark ownership.

Disclaimers

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

Purpose and data recorded by the Event Data Recorder.

Data Sharing

Information on how vehicle data is collected and used.

Reporting Safety Defects

Reporting Safety Defects - US

How to report safety defects to NHTSA and Tesla in the US.

Radio Regulatory Compliance

FCC and IC Certification

Compliance information for FCC and IC regulations.

Troubleshooting Alerts

Autosteer temporarily unavailable

Reasons why Autosteer may be temporarily unavailable.

Autosteer speed limit exceeded

Alert for exceeding the speed limit for Autosteer.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

Cruise control unavailable (Reduced front radar visibility)

Troubleshooting for reduced front radar visibility affecting cruise control.

Cruise control unavailable (Reduced front camera visibility)

Troubleshooting for reduced front camera visibility affecting cruise control.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(APP_w224) Cruise control unavailable

Alert indicating cruise control is unavailable due to camera calibration.

(APP_w304) Camera blocked or blinded

Guidance on clearing blocked or blinded vehicle cameras.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(APP_w224) Cruise control unavailable (continued)

Steps to take when cruise control is unavailable due to camera calibration.

(APP_w304) Camera blocked or blinded (continued)

Further steps for camera issues affecting Autopilot.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a001) Unable to charge - Insufficient grounding

Troubleshooting insufficient grounding for Wall Connector.

(CC_a002) Unable to charge - Insufficient grounding

Steps for resolving insufficient grounding issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a003) Unable to charge - Wall Connector GFCI tripped

Troubleshooting GFCI trips on Wall Connector.

(CC_a004) Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue

Diagnosing and resolving Wall Connector hardware issues.

(CC_a005) Unable to charge - Wall Connector GFCI tripped

Resolving GFCI trips by checking wiring and connections.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a010) Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue

Addressing Wall Connector hardware issues and service needs.

(CC_a011) Unable to charge - Wall Connector too hot

Troubleshooting high temperature alerts for Wall Connector.

(CC_a012) Unable to charge - Wall connection too hot

Checking building wiring for high temperature issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a015) Unable to charge - Vehicle connection issue

Resolving vehicle connection issues with charging equipment.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a021) Unable to charge - No primary Wall Connector

Ensuring only one Wall Connector is set as primary.

(CC_a022) Unable to charge - More than 1 primary unit

Verifying correct primary unit configuration for load sharing.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a025) Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue

Addressing Wall Connector hardware issues and service needs.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a030) Unable to charge - Primary; paired unit mismatch

Ensuring Wall Connector current ratings match for load sharing.

(CC_a041) Charge rate reduced - Wall connection hot

Checking outlet or Wall Connector wiring for overheating.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CC_a073) External charging equipment error detected

Troubleshooting external charging equipment errors.

(PCS_a090) Charging slowed - Some AC phases not powered

Checking power source and equipment for charging slowdowns.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CP_a043) Charge port door sensor fault

Troubleshooting charge port door sensor issues.

(CP_a046) Charging equipment communication lost

Diagnosing lost communication between vehicle and charger.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CP_a051) Charge port may not open when pressed

Using alternative methods to open the charge port.

(CP_a053) Unable to charge - Charge station not powered

Checking power source for charging station issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CP_a058) Unable to AC charge - Unplug and retry

Troubleshooting AC charging issues by unplugging and retrying.

(CP_a066) Charging equipment not ready

Ensuring charging equipment is ready to start charging.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(CP_a078) Cable blocked - Charge port latch may be frozen

Using mobile app defrost to unblock frozen charge port latch.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(DI_a175) Cruise control unavailable

Alert for cruise control unavailability.

(DI_a184) Autopark canceled

Notification that Autopark was canceled.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(DI_a201) Limited deceleration when accelerator is released

Alert for temporarily reduced regenerative braking performance.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(DI_a245) Vehicle Hold feature unavailable

Vehicle Hold feature is temporarily unavailable.

(PCS_a016) Cannot charge - Poor grid power quality possible

Troubleshooting poor grid power quality affecting charging.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(PCS_a019) Power grid or vehicle issue limiting AC charging

Addressing AC charging limitations due to power grid or vehicle issues.

(PCS_a052) External charging equipment not providing power

Troubleshooting external charging equipment power issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(PCS_a053) Charge rate reduced - Unexpected voltage drop

Resolving charge rate reduction due to voltage drop.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(UMC_a002) Unable to charge - Mobile Connector GFCI tripped

Troubleshooting GFCI trips on the Mobile Connector.

(UMC_a004) Unable to charge with Mobile Connector

Diagnosing Mobile Connector charging issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(UMC_a004) Unable to charge with Mobile Connector (continued)

Further steps for Mobile Connector charging problems.

(UMC_a013) Wall plug adapter error - Charge rate reduced

Troubleshooting wall plug adapter errors affecting charge rate.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(UMC_a014) Wall plug adapter error - Charge rate reduced

Resolving wall plug adapter communication issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(UMC_a015) Wall plug adapter error - Charge rate reduced

Steps for wall plug adapter errors impacting charge rate.

(UMC_a017) Charge rate reduced - Wall plug temperature high

Addressing high wall plug temperatures affecting charge rate.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(UMC_a017) Charge rate reduced - Wall plug temperature high (continued)

Checking outlet and wiring for high temperature issues.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(VCBATT_a180) Electrical system power reduced

Alert for reduced electrical system power.

(VCBATT_a182) Schedule service to replace low voltage battery

Schedule service for low voltage battery replacement.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(VCBATT_a191) Electrical system power reduced

Vehicle shutting down due to electrical system power reduction.

(VCFRONT_a192) Electrical system is unable to support all features

Vehicle shutting down nonessential features to conserve energy.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(VCBATT_a220) Electrical system is unable to support all features

Schedule service as electrical system cannot support features.

(VCBATT_a402) Electrical system backup power is unavailable

Alert indicating backup power source is unavailable.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(VCBATT_a496) Vehicle is preparing to shut down

Vehicle preparing to shut down; pull over safely.

(VCSEC_a221) Air pressure below recommendation for tires

Alert for low tire pressure; check and refill air.

Troubleshooting Alerts (continued)

(VCSEC_a228) Air pressure in tires very low

Alert for very low tire pressure; pull over safely.

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