Start a Tesla with a Dead Key Fob or Mobile Phone

How to Start a Tesla with a Dead Key Fob or Mobile Phone

Starting Your Tesla

Model S or Model X

• First, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
• Second, for video help, click here!
• If a jump-start is needed — yes you can do that — click here!
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Until the 2021 Model S and X which now have a key card, the start process is the same in these first two models. Skip a few paragraphs if you were given the card. However, this will take patience, so please stay with it.

In general, the key fob needs to be placed in proximity of the front of the center console in order to be recognized by the car. Note that the instrument panel will be active with the message “Key Not Inside” displayed. The owner’s manuals give multiple spots and methods to try.

Like the unlock process, it will take several seconds for the car to recognize the fob. Once it does, the “Key not Inside” message will disappear.

There are three basic locations to try, as shown in the image, but experience tells us you might just as well skip to the last one. The first, top to bottom, is to simply drop the key fob into the cup holder. If this fails, hold the key fob against the front of the console, as we are doing in the image (second). There are several places that can be tried in this case alone.

The third is to place the fob below the twelve volt outlet near the bottom of the console, as shown by the third arrow.

If all these fail, the next recommendation is to remove the battery from the fob and run through the options again. As it happens, this is exactly what we had to do with the Model X we had and we landed at the base of the console before the car recognized the fob. That location, with the key fob resting in place, is shown in the second image. The fob was recognized at last and we were able to operate the car.

Models S and X Key Card

If you were given a key card, place it against the left side of the of the space at the front of the center console just below the screen, as shown to the right. It is one of two spots for charging cell phones. The vehicle will recognize the card, the instrument panel will come to life and the car will be ready for action. Don’t lose the card!

Reading the Key Fob

The key fob can also be recognized by the by the same spot that reads the key card, but curiously requires the fob to be moved, and the the process is slightly different for each model.

With the Model S, place the at the top of the left phone charger and against the center divider. Point the front of the key fob down and swipe the fob downward (right image).

With the Model X, the process is similar and uses the same location. However, for some reason the fob must be pointed to the left. Then swipe it down (far right image).

Starting the Model 3 or Model Y

The Model 3 through 2023 and Model Y through 2024 rely exclusively on a mobile app for entry and start. A key fob is only available as an accessory. A credit card size key card is provided as back up to get the car to respond to touching the brake, which is its signal to become drivable. Keep the card with you at all times!

For the Model 3 through 2023 and the Model Y through 2024, if your mobile phone has gone dead or is missing, place the key card on the center console behind and between the two cup holders. The car will recognize the card and will allow it to be driven.

We have not tested this and the owner’s manuals make no mention of it, but we believe this spot with read a key fob as well. So by all means if the fob’s battery is dead, try placing the fob on this spot!

Later Model Key Card Readers

Beginning in 2024 in the Model 3 and 2025 in the Model Y, the driver’s side phone charger is used as the card reader, much like the Model S and X above (right).

Again, we have not tested this and the owner’s manuals make no mention of it, but we believe this spot with read a key fob as well. So by all means if the fob’s battery is dead, try placing the fob on this spot!

Starting the Cybertruck

The Cybertruck does not even offer a key fob as an option, but relies exclusively on the smart phone app or the key card. The location and process is the same as all other models that use the left phone charger as a card reader.

Phone’s are constantly in need of charging so we highly recommend always carrying a key card!

There is some video help here.

Models examined include the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

… Return to Part 1, Getting In

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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