Tesla MODEL S 2012 Owner's Manual page 13

NOTE: If all doors are closed and you use the key fob to
unlock Model S, walk away locking is temporarily
suspended for one minute. If you open a door within this
minute, it does not re-lock until after all the doors are
closed and you have walked away with the key fob.
NOTE: If you unlock Model S using the mobile app, it
automatically locks after a short period of time if all
doors remain closed. If parked in an area without cellular
service (such as an indoor parking garage), ensure that
you have a functional key fob available to unlock
Model S.
Unlocking When the Key Fob
Doesn't Work
If Model S does not unlock when you walk up to it, or
when you double-click the unlock button on the top of
your key fob, the key fob's battery may be dead. Even if
this is the case, you can still use the key fob to unlock
and drive Model S.
NOTE: Although you can still use your key fob, you
should consider using the mobile app to remotely unlock
and start the vehicle. Then, replace your key fob's
battery when convenient.
To unlock Model S (and disable the security alarm) using
the key fob, first position the key fob near the base of
the passenger side windshield wiper. Then press the
front door handle on the right side of the vehicle. If
Model S doesn't unlock, try adjusting the position of the
key fob and try again. The key fob must be in the correct
position for the vehicle to unlock.
NOTE: The following illustration assumes a left hand
drive (LHD) vehicle. On a right hand drive (RHD) vehicle,
the locations are mirrored.
To drive Model S after gaining access to the cabin, place
the bottom of the key fob against the center console,
immediately below the low voltage power outlet, then
press and hold the brake pedal to start Model S.
Opening and Closing
Keys and Doors
NOTE: Unlocking Model S using this method disables
walk away locking. You must manually re-enable walk
away locking after replacing the key fob's battery.
Opening Interior Doors with No
Power
If Model S has no electrical power, the front doors open
as usual using the interior door handles. To open the rear
doors, fold back the edge of the carpet below the rear
seats to expose the mechanical release cable. Pull the
mechanical release cable toward the center of the
vehicle.
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