Instructions for Transporters

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND

The front motor in Model S generates power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model S with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.

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Warning
NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Model S being towed with front wheels on ground and rear wheels lifted by a tow truck and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.
Model S being transported with all four wheels on ground behind an RV and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.

Do not transport Model S using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.

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Note
Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.

Approved Methods for Transporting

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Note
The tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 meters) only when Transport Mode is enabled (see Activate Transport Mode) while the vehicle is being winched onto a flatbed truck or pulled out of a parking space for repositioning. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.

A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model S. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.

Vehicle on a flatbed truck.

If Model S must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle facing forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

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Note
Transporting Model S with the front wheels on dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an external steering wheel lock is applied and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from spinning. DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF THE FRONT WHEELS SPINNING.
Vehicle being towed with front wheels lifted by a tow truck and rear wheels on dollies.
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CAUTION
Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode) before winching Model S onto a flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed Truck - With Tow Eye). If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model S, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
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Warning
Model S is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model S, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Disable the Self-Leveling Air Suspension System

If Model S is equipped with the air suspension system, it automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling:

  1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.
  2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very High to maximize height.
  3. Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.
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Note
Jack Mode cancels when driving speed exceeds 4 mph (7 kph).
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Warning
Failure to activate Jack Mode on a vehicle equipped with the air suspension system can result in the vehicle becoming loose during transport, which may cause significant damage.

Activate Transport Mode

Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model S onto a flatbed truck. When active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. The following are required to enable Transport Mode:

  • Low voltage power is required. You are unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model S has no power.
  • Model S must detect a key fob. Transport Mode is available only when a key fob is detected.
  • Ensure the vehicle is not connected to a charger. Transport Mode is not available if Model S is still plugged in.

To activate Transport Mode:

  1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
  2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure Model S is secure.
  3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model S.
  4. Press the Transport Mode button. You can tell Transport Mode is enabled because this button is blue. Model S is now free-rolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.

To cancel Transport Mode, touch Transport Mode again or shift Model S into Park. If your phone key is not detected, canceling Transport Mode powers off Model S. You may need your key card to restart your vehicle.

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Note
If Model S loses low voltage power after Transport Mode is enabled, Transport Mode cancels.
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CAUTION
If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity.

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck - With Tow Eye

  1. Locate the tow eye.
  2. Remove the tow eye cover by inserting a small flat screwdriver into the slot located along the top of the cover, then prying gently to release the cover from the top snap.
    Arrow pointing to the vehicle's tow eye cover.
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    Note
    Keep the tow eye cover in a safe place so you can replace it when towing is complete.
  3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
    Tow eye installed and an arrow showing that it is rotated counter-clockwise.
  4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
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    CAUTION
    Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely fastened.
  5. Activate Transport Mode by touching Controls > Service > Towing.
  6. Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck - Without Tow Eye

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CAUTION
To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.
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Warning
If the vehicle is pulled onto the flatbed truck without a tow eye, all suspension fasteners should be checked for proper torque and all components should be visually inspected for damage prior to driving the vehicle again. If a fastener is loose, or if any damage is found, the affected component(s) should be replaced.

It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch to your vehicle's tow eye, as described previously. However, if a situation arises in which the tow eye is not available (lost, misplaced, etc.), the following instructions describe how to attach tow straps.

  1. Attach the tow straps to each of the lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
    View of the front underside of the vehicle with the lower suspension arms highlighted in blue.
  2. To protect the underbody from damage, place a protective barrier (such as a piece of wood) between the tow strap and underbody.
  3. Activate Transport Mode by touching Controls > Service > Towing.
  4. Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Secure the Tires

The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method.

  • Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
  • Do not place tie-down straps over body panels or through the wheels.
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CAUTION
Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.
View of the rear wheel with tie-down straps installed.

If Vehicle Has No Power

If Model S has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the low voltage battery.

  1. Open the hood. See Opening the Hood with No Power for more information on opening the hood if the vehicle does not have power.
  2. Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting).
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Note
Tow providers: See Running Out of Range for more information on transporting the vehicle to a charging station and preparing the vehicle to charge.