Starting And Powering Off - Tesla MODEL S Operating Manual

Starting and Powering Off

Starting
When you open a door, Model S powers on
the instrument panel and touchscreen 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 GEAR - Move the gear lever all
the way down for Drive and all the way up
for Reverse. See
52.
Note: If the PIN to Drive feature is enabled
(see PIN to Drive on page 149), you must also
enter a valid PIN on the touchscreen before
you can drive Model S.
Note: If Passive Entry is off and you do not
press the brake pedal to start Model S within
approximately five minutes, a message
displays on the instrument panel and you must
use the key to lock then unlock Model S again
before starting the vehicle.
Everything you need to know when driving
Model S displays on the instrument panel.
Key Not Inside
If Model S does not detect a key when you
press the brake, the instrument panel displays
a message telling you that a key is not inside.
If you receive this message, place the key in
the center console cup holder where Model S
can best detect it.
If Model S still does not detect the key, try
holding it against the center console,
immediately below the 12V power socket (see
12V Power Socket on page 22). Or try using
another key. If another key does not work,
contact Tesla.
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Shifting Gears on page
A number of factors can affect whether
Model S can detect the key. These include a
low battery in the key, interference from other
devices using radio signals, and objects
between the key and receiver.
Always keep the key with you. After driving,
the key is needed to restart Model S after it
powers off. And when you leave Model S, you
must bring the key 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 gear
selector. The parking brake automatically
engages and all systems keep operating.
When you leave Model S with the key, it
powers off automatically, turning off the
instrument panel and touchscreen.
Model S also powers off automatically after
being in Park for 15 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 & Security > 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 is determined that you are exiting
the vehicle, even when you shift into Neutral
before exiting. To keep Model S in Neutral, see
Keeping Your Vehicle in Neutral (Tow Mode)
on page 52.
Restarting the Touchscreen
If your touchscreen is unresponsive or
demonstrates unusual behavior, you can
restart it to potentially resolve the issue.
Note: To ensure the safety of vehicle
occupants as well as other road users,
restarting the touchscreen should be done
only when the vehicle is in Park.
1. Shift into Park.
Model S Owner's Manual