Model S (2021 and newer): Emergency, Towing & Alerts

In the front, we pull up the manual door release just in front of the window switches. In the rear, we 1) fold back the edge of the carpet below the rear seats to reach the mechanical release cable, 2) pull the cable toward the center of the car. Tesla says to use them only when there is no power; the window does not lower automatically, so we take care not to damage it or the trim.

We need an external low voltage supply, such as a portable jump starter. 1) Press the top-right edge of the front tow eye cover until it pivots in, then pull it out. 2) Pull out the two wires and connect red (+) to red and black (-) to black. 3) Turn on the supply; the hood unlatches right away. 4) Disconnect black first. Tesla says not to leave the cables on over 30 seconds, and this cannot charge the battery.

With an external low voltage supply, we 1) open the hood with the no-power steps, 2) pull up the maintenance panel, 3) release the red cover and connect red (+) to the jump post, 4) connect black (-) to the ground point in front of the low voltage battery, 5) turn on the supply and touch the screen. We disconnect black first. The post location changed around January 2023. Tesla warns Model S must never jump-start another vehicle.

Once out of range, the low voltage battery is no longer supported, so the car cannot charge without an external supply. We pull over safely and have Tesla Roadside Assistance or a tow provider take it to the nearest charger. There, we jump-start the low voltage system, plug in, and remove the supply once charging begins. Tesla warns not to assume any range is left at 0 mi (0 km); resulting towing and battery damage are not covered by warranty.

The car must be unplugged, with a key detected, the parking brake on and low voltage power available. We 1) shift into Park and chock the tires, 2) press and hold the brake pedal, 3) touch Controls > Service > Towing, then Enter Tow Mode; the button turns blue. The car can then roll below 5 mph (8 km/h) for less than 30 ft (10 m). Tesla warns never to transport it with tires that can spin.

We use the Roadside Assistance option in the Tesla app where available, or find the phone number under Controls > Service. In the US and Canada it is 1-877-798-3752 (1-877-79TESLA); in Mexico, 800-228-8145. We have the VIN ready (Controls > Software, or through the driver's side of the windshield), plus our exact location and a description of the problem. Tesla says Roadside is available 24/7 for the length of the warranty period.

Tesla says to treat a submerged car as if it had been in a crash and to contact our insurer. We do not drive it until an authorized shop, such as Tesla Service, has inspected it. Once safe to reach, it should be moved at least 50 ft (15 m) away from buildings, other vehicles and personal property. If we see flames or smoke, hear popping or hissing, or feel unusual heat, we move away and call first responders.

CP_a053: the station is not powered, so we try other equipment. CP_a133: the handle is not fully seated, so we push it fully in or try other equipment. BMS_a079: charging is limited to below 50%; it is OK to drive, but we schedule service. BMS_a123: reduced isolation was detected, so we do not charge, and we contact Roadside Assistance if we notice odors, sounds or damage. CC_ codes point to the Wall Connector or its wiring.

Alert APP_w396 means a hazy residue on the windshield is blocking the front camera. It is OK to drive. We check the windshield for dirt, ice or wiper streaks; if it continues on the next drive, we schedule service to clean the inside of the windshield at the camera area. A related alert, APP_w222, means the front camera is blocked, limiting Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer, so we clean the top center of the windshield.

When alert DI_a250, Adaptive ride control disabled, appears, the car limits its speed to 90 mph (144 km/h) and the ride may feel softer than usual. Tesla says it is OK to drive, but we drive with caution. If the alert keeps coming back, we schedule service so the system can be checked.

Tesla says the air suspension self-levels even with the power off, so Jack Mode must be on before loading to prevent damage. We 1) touch Controls, press the brake and touch Very High, 2) touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode, 3) fit the tow eye and enter Tow Mode before winching. Jack Mode cancels above 4 mph (7 km/h). Tesla says to always transport Model S with all four tires off the ground, ideally on a flatbed.

Alerts DIF_a251, DIR_a251, DIREL_a251 and DIRER_a251 mean the gearbox fluid needs to be inspected. Tesla says it is OK to drive, but warns that driving for a long time with this alert may cause permanent damage to the gearbox or powertrain. So we schedule service soon rather than ignoring it.

In the US, Emergency Drive Away stops Supercharging and lets us drive away with the connector still plugged in, only when our safety is under immediate threat and getting out is unsafe. 1) Press the brake. 2) Shift into Drive or Reverse. 3) Keep braking and touch Activate. 4) Shift again and drive. Tesla warns it can damage the car and charger at our cost, and Tesla Service must then inspect Model S.

Four alerts share this title. BMS_a035 and BMS_a151 mean reduced isolation was found while driving or charging; with a151 we do not charge, and we stop and contact Roadside Assistance if we notice odors, sounds or damage. BMS_a027 means isolation was low across several drives, and Tesla says not to drive further until it is inspected. BMS_a059 means pack voltage does not match the cell readings: it is OK to drive, but we schedule service if it persists.

Alert APP_w207 appears when outside conditions, such as faded lane lines, weather, glare or temperature, stop Autosteer, or when we exceed the Autosteer speed limit while it is active. It is OK to drive, so we continue to our destination. If Autosteer is still unavailable on the next planned drive, we check for mud, ice, mounted objects, paint or wraps, or bumper damage, then schedule service at our convenience.