Tesla MODEL S - Airbag Warning Indicator; Airbag Warnings; Inflation Effects

• Objects wedged between the seat back
and seat cushion.
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
• Aftermarket items attached to, or sitting
on, the seat (covers, mats, blankets, etc.).
These conditions can interfere with the
occupancy sensor. If you have eliminated the
above possibilities, and the airbag status is still
incorrect, ask passengers to ride in the rear
seats and contact Tesla to have the airbag
system checked.
Note: The front passenger occupancy sensor
aects the operation of the passenger front
airbags only. The side airbags are not aected.
Warning: If the front passenger airbag is
not turning on or o as expected based
on the weight thresholds previously
described, contact Tesla immediately.
Warning: Never seat a child on the front
passenger seat, even if the passenger
airbag is o. All occupants age 12 and
under must ride in the rear seats (see
Child Safety Seats on page 30).
Warning: To ensure accuracy of the
occupant detection system, do not make
any modifications to the front passenger
seat.
Warning: Do not use seat covers on
Model S. Doing so could restrict
deployment of the seat-mounted side air
bags if a collision occurs. It can also
reduce the accuracy of the occupant
detection system.
Inflation
Eects
Warning:
When airbags inflate, a fine
powder is released. This powder can
irritate the skin and should be thoroughly
flushed from the eyes and from any cuts
or abrasions.
After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a
gradual cushioning eect for the occupants
and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is not
obscured.
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has
been in a collision, always have the airbags,
seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated
components checked and, if necessary,
replaced by Tesla.
In a collision, in addition to the airbags
inflating:
• Doors unlock, and the door handles
extend.
• Hazard warning lights turn on.
• Interior lights turn on.
• High voltage is disabled.
To restore high voltage power, use the
touchscreen to manually power o Model S
(see Powering O on page 50), then press
the brake to power it back on again.
Airbag Warning Indicator
The airbag indicator on the
instrument cluster remains lit if the
airbag system is malfunctioning. The
only time this indicator should light
up is briefly when Model S first
powers up, in which case it turns o
within a few seconds. If it remains lit,
contact Tesla immediately and do
not drive.
Airbag Warnings
Warning: Do not place objects over or
near airbags because any such objects
could cause harm if the vehicle is in a
crash severe enough to cause the airbag
to inflate.
Warning: All occupants, including the
driver, should always wear their seat belts,
whether or not an airbag is also provided
at their seating position, to minimize the
risk of severe injury or death in the event
of a collision.
Warning: Front seat occupants should not
place their arms over the airbag module,
as an inflating airbag can cause fractures
or other injuries.
Warning: Do not use seat covers on
Model S. Doing so could restrict
deployment of the seat-mounted side air
bags if a collision occurs. It can also
reduce the accuracy of the occupant
detection system, if equipped.
Warning: Airbags inflate with
considerable speed and force, which can
cause injury. To limit injuries, ensure that
occupants are wearing seat belts and are
correctly seated, with the seat positioned
as far back as possible. The National
Highway Trac Safety Administration
(NHTSA) recommends a minimum
distance of 10" (25 cm) between an
occupant’s chest and an airbag.
Warning: Children should not be seated
on the front passenger seat unless
Airbags
40 Model S Owner's Manual