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!
- Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Until the 2021 Model S which has 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.
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. 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!
Starting the Model 3 or Model Y
The Model 3 and Model Y relies 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!
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.
There is some video help here.
… Return to Part 1, Getting In
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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.
These posts are 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.
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 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
In the earliest versions of the Model S, the back of key fob is to be placed against the passenger side front fender, somewhat below and to the right of the emblem, as shown in the image. When the fob is recognized, the door handles will extend as they do normally.
The concept is the same in the newer Model S, but the location is changed. However, it remains on the passenger side. Place the key fob near the base of the passenger side windshield wiper. The image to the right shows the exact spot that worked in the model we tested, and we tried several. Then press the driver’s door handle. The handles will extend if it is recognized, but it took a full 20 seconds in the car we tested. Try repositioning the fob if this fails. If it continues not to be recognized, try removing the battery and go back through the process.
Tesla’s Model X uses an entirely different back up location. There again is no hard key or key cylinder. In addition, the door handles do not extend in normal operation as with the Model S. The mirrors will extend when the key fob is recognized.
To get in, the key card is placed on the door frame between the front and rear doors on the driver’s side and just above the bottom of the windows, as shown. As with other models, the mirrors will extend inviting you inside. The vehicles can be locked this way as well.
automobile. Unless your key ring is flexible, take the fob off the ring to make room to remove the mechanical key. Turning over the fob, look for a small slide lever near the key ring side. Slide it to the side with a fingernail and pry the lever towards the top at the same time. Work the key out of the fob.
If your Porsche has a visible key hole, simple insert the mechanical key and turn. If a key hole is not visible, look for a separation in the driver’s door handle towards the back. It marks a cover hiding the keyhole. Then look beneath the cover for a slot. Slide the mechanical key in as far up as it will go and pull the cover away from the car exposing the key hole.
If a separation in the handle is not found, simply lift the handle. The key hole will be seen beneath the back of the handle. The Macan will have a plastic insert in the key hole that will need to be removed. Once the key hole is visible, insert the mechanical key and turn it counterclockwise (left). It will be awkward to get to. Then remove the key, release the handle fully and then pull it again to open. And you’re in.
On the 
The Smart Key can be undocked with the car in Park and the ignition off. Press the Key to release and pull it out.
Found” is displayed, hold the Smart Key close to and below the auxiliary switch pack to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard and press the Start / Stop ignition button and the brake pedal as normal. A small depression will be found in the correct location.
If it is adjusted manually, hold the Smart Key fob flat against the underside of the steering column, buttons facing down, as shown. Note the markings, three parallel lines, on the steering column that mark to the correct right spot. The Message Center in your instrument panel will display “Smart Key Recognized”. You will need to hold the key fob in place, and press the Start / Stop ignition button and the brake pedal, all at the same time, to start the vehicle. The electric I-Pace uses these markings as well.
If the steering column adjusts electrically, the process is exactly the same, except that the three parallel lines marking the correct spot are moved to the left side of the steering column. Hold the Smart Key fob against the lines with the buttons facing out, as shown. When the fob is in the right spot, the Message Center in your instrument panel will display “Smart Key Recognized”. Again, the key fob will need to be held in place, and press the Start / Stop ignition button and the brake pedal all at the same time to start the vehicle.
However, Jaguar, beginning with the newest Smart Key in the 2020 XE and the 2021 XF and F-Pace, a new location was introduced. The Smart Key needs to be laid flat against the underside of the dashboard, again below existing switches with the buttons facing out. There is an indent in the dash to help identify the correct spot. The key fob must be help against the while stepping on the brake and pressing the start / stop ignition button.
message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.