Tag: key fob

Open a Tesla with a Dead Key Fob or Mobile Phone

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

Getting into Your Tesla

Model S

There are now three back up entry versions for the Model S depending on when it was built. The first two belong to vehicles that did not come with a key card. If your model did not come with a try card, try both methods below, as it is unclear where the exact build separation is.

In each case, the key fob is held to a spot on the body of the car until the key fob is recognized. Tesla uses an all electronic system, so there is no hard key and corresponding key cylinder available.

First Models

Model S open earlyIn 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 instructions in newer models note that if the car does not respond, first try repositioning the fob. Failing that, try removing the dead battery from the fob and go through the process again. This last bit really shouldn’t be necessary.

Note that it will take several seconds for the car to recognize the fob.

Newer Models

Tesla Wiper SpotThe 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.

Be patient – it took a full 20 seconds for the car to recognize the fob in the model we tested!

Models With a Key Card

If you have a key card, place it 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 in the Model 3 and Y image below. The door handles will extend inviting you inside. Thankfully, recognition is near instantaneous. The vehicle can be locked this way as well.

Model X

Model X openTesla’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.

Place the key fob at the base of the car on the driver’s side below the front of the rear door, as shown. If the car fails to respond, try changing the fob’s position. Finally, if the car continues not to respond, remove the battery from the fob and start over.

Once again, be patient. It may take several seconds in each position.

Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla jumped the shark with the Model 3, doing away with the key fob altogether and relying on a mobile app to get their owner’s in and started. And it works. Of course, a mobile phone’s battery can be drained in a day or less, it can fail, or the phone itself can go missing. So, the back up is a key card, the size of a credit card. No pun intended, but don’t leave home without it. The process is the same for the newer Model Y.

Model 3 openTo 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.

There are videos to help here.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/06/tesla-model-s-and-model-x-dead-key-fob-help-part-i/

U.S. Cars Sold Overseas Leave Drivers in the Dark

Drivers in the Dark, Part 1

Over the last several months we have been contacted by two drivers of U.S. cars sold and likely built overseas who could not find a back-up spot to drop the key fob in the event of the fob’s battery dying. Well, a good deal of sleuthing and a hunch resolved one of these cases.

First, we have to acknowledge the diligent work of one of the vehicles owners. He sent pics of all the spots we could think of that might be used as a back up slot and noted which style key was in use. Then after the hunch, he took the time to perform the test we suggested. The other driver essentially gave, up or possibly found an answer elsewhere and didn’t let us know.

Malibu consoleThe car in question was a Chevrolet Malibu. The owner’s manual was available and was dead wrong, which is, of course, the true source of the problem. The year, make and model in the U.S. has a back up slot in the center console.

As you can see from the photo he sent (right), the client’s car does not have this slot.

Cruze slotIt also uses a flip key, which suggested a spot like that is used in the Cruze (right) or first generation Volt. No such plug in spot exists in the Malibu in question.

Part 2

Then, we got hold of a new, 2017 Cruze. And like a handful of other GM models, the back up slot had been moved to one of the cup holders. And, unlike European cars, the spot goes unmarked.

And while the Cruze did not use a flip key, it suggested a possible solution to our overseas client. He removed the battery from the fob and dropped it into the front cup holder, and was able to start the car (the fob will be recognized from the back up slot in GM vehicles, at least temporarily, even with the battery actually missing). He is relieved to have an actual back-up plan.

The moral of the story for drivers of U.S. designed vehicles sold overseas is this (and we include Ford as well just in case, although we have not seen this come up). If the battery in your key fob is dead, there is still a back up plan. However, your owner’s manual may not reflect it. Try each and every one of the dozen or so back up spots found on our pages. We are pretty confident one of them will get you going.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/05/u-s-cars-sold-overseas-leave-drivers-in-the-dark/

Open a Porsche with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Porsche with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Porsche

Retrieving the Mechanical Key

A Porsche key fob is shaped cleverly like a Porsche Porsche keyautomobile. 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.

Now, check if a key hole is immediately visible or not…

Porsche slotIf 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.

Porsche liftIf 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.

Slip the plastic insert back into the keyhole in the Macan. It is very likely protection against water infiltration and subsequent freezing in cold weather.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2016/09/porsche-dead-key-fob-help/

Porsche Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Porsche Vehicles

Thus far we have three videos to help Porsche owners

This video demonstrates getting into and starting a late model Entry & Drive equipped Porsche with a visible key hole or a key hole hiding behind a split door handle.

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This one singles out Porsche models where the key holes are revealed when the door handle is lifted, like the Macan.

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Here we replace the battery in a Porsche key fob.

Models covered include the Panamera, Macan, Boxter, and Cayenne.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2016/08/porsche-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

BMW’s Display Key Fob Can Be Recharged!

A Rechargeable Key Fob

In an absolute first, as well as a “why didn’t anyone do this before” moment, BMW is making a new key fob that holds a rechargeable battery. With key fobs constantly dying in push button start cars, this is an idea that is long overdue.

Followed by a step back …

Unfortunately, the mechanical key is not integrated into the fob and must be carried separately, however, to unlock the door if a driver misses the need to recharge. I guess the rechargeable battery takes the needed space??

BMW Display KeyThe key fob in question is BMW’s Display Key (right), thus far available only in the 7-Series starting with the 2015 model year. The display offers additional functionality and ‘cool’. The display also deactivates when charge gets low, a useful hint to recharge.

Recharging is accomplished BMW Charge Portwith a micro USB port on the remote (arrow, above), a micro USB cable and a USB port in the center console of the car. The remote has a home it can be slipped into nearby for safekeeping (right).

Our interest of course is primarily in the recharge feature. We will thus take this opportunity to recommend that every manufacturer making push button start cars migrate to this option. USB ports are already standard.

However, please keep a mechanical key inside the fob itself. People are people and they will forget to recharge or simply not get to it in time. There must not be a need to remember where the mechanical key is! We can pretty much promise that there will be confusion as to the need for the extra key, and will get dropped in a drawer and forgotten.

An actual display is an expensive advance that is really not needed. There are other ways a key fob can announce a need for a charge, as is already done.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2015/11/bmws-display-key-fob-can-be-recharged/

Wait, you were locked IN the car?

Locked IN??

A few months ago, an item out of New Zealand relayed a story of an older couple who spent 13 hours locked inside their new keyless start Mazda, and nearly died. They had left the key fob outside the car and mistakenly thought that it was the only way to unlock the car. I initially let the story pass without comment feeling it would be a relatively rare occurrence.

However, I recently overheard a lunchtime conversation, again about someone locked inside a keyless, or push button start, BMW. Only this time those locked in were in their twenties! Their friends had used the remote to lock the car as a joke, and try as they might, those inside could not find a way out. In fact, they swore there was no way out!

A Closer Look

Mazda Inside Lock SwitchLets get something out of the way first: there is always an unlock option inside the car. Any car. Keep looking! In fact, in most cases any door can simply be opened from the inside regardless of a locked condition. If the manual is in the glove box, consult it! The switch for the Mazda is shown to the right with open and closed padlock images.

Now to the New Zealand case. The overriding assumption is that the root cause of the problem was twofold. First, that the dealer did not fully explain the features of the car, and second, that the couple were confused by new technology because of their age (65 and 68).

Its Not About Age

Both assumptions are completely false. We’ve said this here before and it bears repeating: people learn by doing not by having things explained to them. The dealer could easily have gone over the locks with the older couple as well as a dozen other features that would have been new to them. Learning comes with experience, hopefully not as extreme as what these folks went through. And for the record, they had left the manual in their house.

As to age, anyone is capable of being confused by new technology. Anyone. Our twenty-somethings put the lie to age being an excuse. And while the car did not belong to them, the car’s owners, who are only a few years older, also could not find an unlock mechanism inside the car!

We know that confusion and assumptions kept our New Zealanders inside their car. But just what was the problem with the BMW? A 2009 X3 to be exact.

BMW Inside Lock SwitchWell, looking through the owner’s manual, we find the answer. The unlock switch, while plainly marked with the image of a door with a key in it, is placed surprisingly in the center of the dashboard just below the emergency flasher switch! Not on the doors, where our twenty somethings assumed it should be! And frankly where I had assumed it would be. If this is a driver’s first BMW, the lock switch is in a truly mysterious location.

There are a number of possible reasons for placing an unlock switch in the center of the car. Perhaps to give both front seat occupants access. Perhaps avoid the reflexive lock action many drivers employ that can override the outside handle button if the fob is accidentally left inside, even if it is in range.

Regardless, that’s where it is in newer BMW models, and there is one somewhere in every other car made.

If you think you’re locked inside, please keep looking!

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2015/03/wait-you-were-locked-in-the-car/

A Tale of Four Drivers – And the Car Dealers That Failed Them

Four Drivers

Car dealers found themselves on the wrong side of three customers who contacted us over the last week or so. They, plus a fourth who skipped his dealer, have something to teach those of us in the auto industry.

Key Warning IndicatorNumber 1

Our first case involved a dying key fob. Fortunately, her car continued to start but the locks had begun to misbehave. She’s a personal friend and relayed the problem in casual conversation. I recommended a new battery for the fob, and as she was bringing the car in for a recall the next day, she would note the problem. When she dropped off the car, she asked to have the fob’s battery replaced.

They took care of the recall and failed to replace the battery, so back to the dealer she went. Its truly small consolation – they had the car! – but she did get the battery for free.

Our next two revolve around instrument panels. Not traditional warning lights, but rather messaging that has become so prevalent over the last several years. In each case, these drivers contacted their dealers asking what they were seeing.

Service personnel had no idea. So they took to the web and found us.

Smart instrument panelNumber 2

The first car, a Smart Pulse, had begun a daily countdown past a missed service interval, which to an untrained eye looked rather intimidating. Add to this that the dealer didn’t know what the countdown meant, and the result was a very anxious driver. An example is shown to the right, has a wrench and a -3 (days). Its a bit difficult to see, but it took only a few minutes in the vehicles owner’s manual to decipher the answer.

Fiat instument panelNumber 3

Our second instrument panel from a Fiat had also begun displaying information that the car’s owner had not previously seen. In this case, the driver had accidentally changed the display herself. The panel was now showing average miles to the gallon, mpg, which was in lower case. The “g” in the font used really looked like a “9”. She sent a photo shown to the right. Again, a few minutes in the owner’s manual turned up the answer.

Number 4

Our fourth driver didn’t actually have a problem, but when I relayed the stories, he laughed and said he would have called AAA! He spends that money every year, and by gosh they would be his first choice.

So what do we take from these incidents?

The first and best lesson is that only one of these drivers, the Smart owner, consulted their owner’s manuals. And he did not dig deep enough or understand what he read (he didn’t say). The first three started all made calls to their dealer. The fourth would have gone to AAA. Every new system added by auto manufacturers is backed up by an equally new entry in the manual and it is assumed that this is where a driver will turn. And understand.

They don’t…

Manufacturers are in a continual struggle to bring their customers up to speed on their vehicles, and from our perspective continue to fail. Showing a new owner a feature will never replace experiencing it for the first, second or third time. In our examples here, changeable instrument panel displays are a good idea on paper but less so in practice.

For all the training and experience, service personnel are only human. And in these incidents, their failings are left in full display. And at first blush, they may not take the time to problem solve. I say at first blush because they are not identified and do not have the opportunity to tell their side.

Which is the second lesson. Manufacturers also continue to struggle to keep their own personnel up to speed. Our largest concern in these examples is the failure to replace a key fob battery. We are moving inexorably towards all cars being equipped with push button start capability, and a non-working key fob is in our minds a safety concern. It will likely take a lawsuit from a stranded motorist to drive this point home. Every service person across the industry must make sure that their customers have new key fob batteries once a year.

And third, while a manual was available, the Internet was chosen for a search for an answer instead! This is where drivers increasingly turn for help.

We, and others like us, are happy to help.

In the meantime, automakers surely want to simplify their products. Add all the features you want, but with an eye towards making them simple to use, experience and understand.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2015/03/a-tale-of-four-drivers-and-the-dealers-that-failed-them/