Front Trunk

Opening

To open the front trunk, ensure Model S is in Park, and then do one of the following before pulling the hood open:

  • Touch Controls > Front Trunk on the touchscreen.
  • Double-click the front trunk button on the key fob.
  • Touch the front trunk button in the mobile app.
Arrow pointing up from vehicle front hood
Vehicle icon with door open

When a door or trunk/liftgate is open, the instrument panel displays the Door Open indicator light. The image of your Model S on the touchscreen also displays the open front trunk.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Before opening or closing the hood, it is important to check that the area around the hood is free of obstacles (people and objects). Failure to do so may result in damage or serious injury.

Closing

The Model S hood is not heavy enough to latch under its own weight and applying pressure on the front edge or center of the hood can cause damage.

To properly close the hood:

  1. Lower the hood until the striker touches the latches.
  2. Place both hands on the front of the hood in the areas shown (in green), then press down firmly to engage the latches.
  3. Carefully try to lift the front edge of the hood to ensure that it is fully closed.
Arrows pointing to two green boxes on either side of the center front edge of the front hood. A red box on the center front edge of the hood.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
To prevent damage:
  • Apply pressure only to the green areas shown. Applying pressure to the red areas can cause damage.
  • Do not close the hood with one hand. Doing so applies concentrated force in one area and can result in a dent or crease.
  • Do not apply pressure to the front edge of the hood. Doing so can crease the edge.
  • Do not slam or drop the hood.
  • To avoid scratches, don't have anything in your hands (keys). Jewelry can also cause scratches.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Before driving, you must ensure that the hood is securely latched in the fully closed position by carefully trying to lift the front edge of the hood upward and confirming there is no movement. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the front trunk is properly closed before driving.

If the front trunk is left open when you attempt to shift out of Park, a notification requiring you to confirm your intent to drive appears on the touchscreen.

The front trunk locks when:
  • You lock Model S using the touchscreen, key or mobile app.
  • You leave Model S carrying your key (if Walk-Away Door Lock is turned on).
  • Valet mode is active (see Valet Mode).

Front Trunk Load Limit

Distribute the weight of cargo as evenly as possible between the front and rear trunks.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Never load more than 136 kg in the front trunk. Doing so can cause damage.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
When loading cargo, always consider the vehicle's Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass (TPMLM) (see Specifications). The TPMLM is the maximum allowable total mass of the vehicle including all passengers, fluids, and cargo.

Interior Emergency Release

An illuminated interior release button inside the front trunk allows a person locked inside to get out.

A button inside the front trunk with an image of a car with its trunk open

Press the interior release button to unlatch the front trunk, then push up on the hood.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
The interior release button glows following a brief exposure to ambient light.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
People should never climb inside the front trunk. Never shut the front trunk when a person is inside.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Care should be taken to ensure that objects inside the front trunk do not bump against the release button, causing the hood to accidentally open.

Opening Hood with No Power

For vehicles manufactured prior to April 2016, visit the DIY guide for more information.

If Model S has no electrical power, or if you are unable to open the front trunk using the touchscreen or key, you must manually open the front trunk.

Locate the release cable housed in the front wheel arch liners on both front wheels of the vehicle (there are two release cables total). Follow these instructions to open the front trunk manually:

  1. Release the cover in the RH front wheel well.
  2. Pull the strap to release the primary latch.
  3. Release the cover in the LH front wheel well.
  4. Pull the strap to release the secondary latch.
  5. Lift the hood. You may need to push the hood down slightly to release the pressure against the secondary latch.

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Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
It is important to pull the straps in the correct sequence or the appropriate latch does not release and the front trunk can not open.

When opening the front trunk using this method, the latches remain in the open position and you can not close it again without electrical power. To close a front trunk that has been opened by pulling the manual straps:

  1. Charge the low voltage battery (for instructions, contact Tesla).
  2. Press the Front Trunk button on the touchscreen to reset the primary and secondary latches.