Positioning:
The Tesla Model S revolutionized the luxury electric vehicle segment, offering long-range capability, advanced technology, and performance previously unseen in EVs. This manual set is crucial for owners and independent technicians seeking to maintain and repair these innovative vehicles.
Competition:
The Model S competed with high-end sedans from traditional luxury manufacturers (e.g., Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8) as well as other early premium EVs. Its direct-to-consumer sales model and unique software integration set it apart.
Highlights:
All-electric powertrain, substantial range, minimalist interior with large touchscreen, over-the-air software updates, advanced driver-assistance systems (Autopilot).
Coverage:
Operators, Wiring, Complete Workshop Service & Repair Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages across 3 manuals)
Type:
3 Manual Set: Operator's Manual, Wiring Diagram Manual, Workshop Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF compatible)
Powertrain:
Electric Motor (AC Induction/Permanent Magnet Synchronous), Single-Speed Reduction Gearbox, High-Voltage Battery System (Li-ion), Power Electronics (Inverter, Converter), Charging System (AC/DC Supercharging)
Chassis:
Air Suspension System, Regenerative Braking System, Hydraulic Friction Brakes (Front/Rear), Electric Power Steering, Drive Axles & Half-Shafts
Electrical:
High-Voltage System Architecture, Low-Voltage (12V) System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Infotainment System, Navigation, Autopilot Hardware (Sensors, Cameras, Radar), Lighting Systems (LED), HVAC Control Module, Keyless Entry & Ignition, Wi-Fi & Cellular Connectivity, USB Ports
Body And Interior:
Body Panel Removal & Installation, Door Mechanisms, Seating Adjustments & Upholstery, Dashboard & Trim, Interior Lighting, Glass & Seals, Front Trunk (Frunk), Rear Trunk (Trunk)
Wiring:
Complete Wiring Schematics, Component Location Diagrams, Connector Pinouts, Harness Routing, Diagnostic Flowcharts for Electrical Issues
Maintenance:
Tire Rotation, Brake Fluid Check/Replacement, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement, High-Voltage Battery Health Checks (General), Coolant Checks (Battery Thermal Management)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Common Issues, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Power-Up & Power-Down Procedures, Battery Management System (BMS) Diagnostics, Motor Controller Diagnostics
Repair:
Component Replacement (e.g., 12V Battery, Suspension Components, Door Handles, Infotainment Screen), High-Voltage Component Handling Precautions & Procedures (with extreme caution), Motor Replacement, Battery Pack Service (Limited to external connections and module checks, not internal rebuild), Power Steering Pump/Motor Replacement, Air Suspension Compressor/Strut Replacement
Installation:
Accessory Installation (if covered by manufacturer), Software Updates (General Procedures for Owners, not specific update files)
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic operator functions to detailed workshop-level repairs, including electrical schematics and diagnostic routines.
Powertrain Type:
All-Electric
Motor Types Covered:
Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (later Performance variants), Single Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (early models). Specific motor types include AC Induction Motors and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors depending on the variant.
Horsepower Range:
306 hp (Standard RWD) to over 760 hp (Performance variants)
Torque Range:
317 lb-ft (Standard RWD) to over 713 lb-ft (Performance variants)
Energy Source:
Lithium-ion Battery Pack (various kWh capacities across model years and trims)
Charging Capability:
AC Charging (Level 1 & 2), DC Fast Charging (Supercharging)
Length:
Approximately 196.0 inches
Width:
Approximately 77.7 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approximately 56.1 inches
Rear Trunk Volume:
Approximately 26.3 cubic feet
Front Trunk Volume:
Approximately 3.3 cubic feet
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,400 - 4,800 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Rating:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating (from relevant testing cycles)
IIHS Rating:
Top Safety Pick (from relevant testing cycles)
Driver Assistance:
Autopilot (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer), Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Collision Avoidance Assist
Braking System:
Regenerative Braking, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags (Driver & Passenger), Side Curtain Airbags, Knee Airbags (Driver)
Structural:
Reinforced chassis, crumple zones, energy-absorbing battery pack casing.
Display:
Central 17-inch touchscreen with capacitive touch controls
Features:
Navigation, Music Streaming (Spotify, TuneIn), Web Browser, Climate Control, Vehicle Settings, Backup Camera, Media Player (USB/Bluetooth)
Autopilot Hardware:
Forward-looking radar, front-facing camera, 360-degree sonar sensors (on some models/updates).
Autopilot Software:
Enabled features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Side Collision Warning.
Cellular:
Integrated cellular modem for data connectivity (e.g., map updates, streaming, remote access via app)
Wifi:
Wi-Fi connectivity for software updates and data transfer
Keyless Entry:
Key fob or smartphone integration for keyless entry and ignition
Over The Air Updates:
Ability to receive significant software updates remotely, improving vehicle performance and features.
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or when tread depth difference is 2/32 inch
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 2 years
Brake Fluid Check:
Every 2 years for inspection; replacement as needed.
High Voltage Battery Coolant:
Inspect every 4 years; replace if necessary (refer to manual for specific procedure).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Tesla Approved Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent
Common Wear Items:
12V Battery (typical automotive lifespan), Suspension components (bushings, ball joints, air springs), Door Handles (prone to failure if not properly maintained)
Common Electrical Issues:
Infotainment screen glitches, 12V battery drain, door handle actuators, charging port issues.
Common Powertrain Issues:
High-voltage battery degradation (typical for all EVs), minor motor controller fault codes.
Tesla Origins:
Tesla, Inc. was founded in 2003 with the mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. The Model S was its first mass-produced, ground-up electric vehicle.
Generation 1 2012 2016:
The initial production run (2012-2016) saw the introduction of various battery sizes (40 kWh, 60 kWh, 85 kWh, 90 kWh) and performance variants (e.g., Performance, P85D, P90D). Key updates included minor exterior styling tweaks, interior feature enhancements, and significant powertrain software improvements.
Manufacturing Location:
Fremont, California, USA
Car Of The Year Awards:
Recipient of numerous 'Car of the Year' awards from automotive publications and organizations globally for its innovative design and performance.
Tech Awards:
Recognized for its pioneering technology in electric powertrains, battery management, and driver-assistance systems.
Environmental Impact:
Zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to reduced local air pollution.