Our Tesla back-up start page is now fully updated, adding changes to the all the original models and adding the Cybertruck for the first time.
The Cybertruck relies solely on the smart phone app or a key card. The company does not even offer a key fob as an option.
All models now use the driver’s side phone charger as a backup start location, which will read the key card (left). The same location in the Model S and X will also read the vehicle’s key fob, if the fob’s battery has died, but requires the fob be swiped down the charger, as the images below show.
For some reason, in the Model S the fob must be pointed down and then swiped, but pointed to the left to swipe in the Model X!
Tesla makes no mention of it and we have not tested this, but we believe the key fobs for the Model 3 and Y could also be read by the same location. Its worth trying if the fob’s battery has died.
Note also that Tesla stated that many phones disable Bluetooth when its battery is low. It sure seems that phone batteries are in a constant need of a charge, so please, please carry a key card for your Tesla at all times!!
Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you. Getting in your car with a dead key fob requires the work our posts and videos describe.
Our goal is to help you feel safe — and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.
The material on these pages 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.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Tesla back-up start page is now up to date
Our Tesla back-up start page is now fully updated, adding changes to the all the original models and adding the Cybertruck for the first time.
The Cybertruck relies solely on the smart phone app or a key card. The company does not even offer a key fob as an option.
Tesla makes no mention of it and we have not tested this, but we believe the key fobs for the Model 3 and Y could also be read by the same location. Its worth trying if the fob’s battery has died.
Note also that Tesla stated that many phones disable Bluetooth when its battery is low. It sure seems that phone batteries are in a constant need of a charge, so please, please carry a key card for your Tesla at all times!!
Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you. Getting in your car with a dead key fob requires the work our posts and videos describe.
Our goal is to help you feel safe — and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.
You can see the Tesla back up start page here.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages 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.
Privacy Policy
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY