Tag: Model X

We have a new YouTube video getting in a Tesla that has a dead 12-volt start battery

Tesla Model 3Dead 12-volt start battery

Earlier, August of 2024 to be exact, we got a panicked call from a friend whose car, a Tesla Model Y, was giving her real headaches. It turned out to have a dead 12-volt start battery.

A number of messages were being displayed in a seemingly random fashion on her instrument panel, but one indicated a problem with the 12-volt battery. Her car is electric, so when she seeing battery caused the panic, but in effect all EVs have 12-volt batteries too, needed to start the electronics. We posted on this at our website and you can see it here.

She was fortunate to have enough power left to actually get in the car. However, no Tesla models have mechanical keys available to accomplish this if the 12-volt battery is actually dead.

The video demonstrates how to get inside a Tesla if the 12-volt battery dies so that the battery can be charged or replaced. The instructions are in the owner’s manual, which inside the locked car on the center screen.

Each model has are two wires, red and black or positive and negative, available somewhere at the front of the Tesla to connect to. The Model 3, Model Y and Model S give identical access behind tow eye cover in the bumper on the left side. The gif file to right is a pretty good demo, but its more difficult in practice.

We added the Model X and Cybertruck as well. You can see the video here on our Tesla page here or on YouTube here.

——————————————————————-

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2024/09/we-have-a-new-youtube-video-getting-in-a-tesla-that-has-a-dead-12-volt-start-battery/

To EV or Not to EV…

Reasons NOT to by an EV Debunked

Tesla Model 3So we spotted a post on “X” recently titled “12 Reasons NOT to buy an EV” (electric vehicle), which leave internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars as the only alternatives. We thought we’d have a look at it point by point.

The 12 Reasons Each With a Counterpoint

1) Purchase cost is way higher.
– Not true. Expensive models get the most press, and there are many of them, but there are some very, very affordable EVs. We’re not going to point to any manufacturers (we’re not in sales), just do some homework. And that statement completely ignores cost of ownership, which goes to EVs hands down. If cost of ownership is a foreign concept, its homework time again…

2) Depreciation is massive.
– There is some truth here, but it is massively overstated. In further truth, its too early to fully determine. The industry remains in infancy, prices are coming down thus lowering pre-owned EV prices.

3) The Batteries cannot be recycled on a commercial scale.
– Partly true. They can be recycled at scale, but this is still being ramped up. The mineral value is driving this.

4) The performance claims are grossly exaggerated.
– If this is a reference to speed, this is flat out wrong. If its a reference to range, its partially true. Most manufacturers are pretty conservative with range estimates. Consumer Reports data confirms this.

5) They carry no spare wheel so to reduce weight.
– This is actually true, but across the entire automotive industry. All vehicles, ICE and EV, are transitioning to refill kits rather than spare tires, again to reduce weight. Not all flat tires can be re-inflated so we’ll take this opportunity to tell the industry to ensure that at least a donut is available in all vehicles!

6) You can’t charge them from a flat or a house without a drive.
– Somewhat true, but a solvable problem. I live in a “flat” (apartment) and it has four Level 2 charging stations available and a charge port can be placed along the road in most cases at private homes that lack a drive(way).

7) Charging points are not ubiquitous enough to journey with confidence.
– Again somewhat true. More charge stations would be better, but planning can accommodate the vast majority (journeys) trips with the stations currently available.

8) Batteries that catch fire cannot be extinguished without plunging the whole car into a skip-full of water.
– This is actually true. However, fires (not to mention explosions) are far, far more common with the rolling bombs more generally known as ICE vehicles. Any EV fire gets so much attention that perception becomes skewed. Its actually very difficult to get an EV battery to burn.

9) Existing car parks are not designed to cope with the 50% higher weight.
Tesla Model 3– Sooo many things wrong with this. EVs are heavier, yes, but an EV of about equal size is only 15% heavier, not 50% (Camry vs Model 3)! Further, large SUVs (Escalade 7,700 lbs.) are actually heavier (25%) than most electric powered SUVs (Model X, 6,200 lbs))! Now there are hints that the writer of the piece is from Europe, where cars are generally smaller, but we don’t believe for a minute that car parks built anywhere are built to the lowest possible standards.

10) The time to queue and charge an EV is magnitudes of filling a petrol tank.
– This is true, but can an ICE vehicle be refilled at home??

11) The environmental damage of extracting minerals and making batteries is more than using fossil fuels.
– This is just flat out wrong and propaganda. Oil must be extracted as well.

12) Insuring EVs is massively higher than petrol/diesel vehicles.
– We have not found this to be the case, but in truth Tesla started its own insurance division because of high prices in some regions. We believe this is levelling out as EVs become ubiquitous.

And finally, a few of points in favor of EVs.

  • Regaining “fuel” while slowing down (try that in an ICE vehicle).
  • And that process (regeneration) will make your brakes last 100,000 miles or more!
  • Peace and quiet!
  • Far, far fewer moving parts to fail or require maintenance!
  • No more oil changes!
  • No more gasoline/diesel fumes to inhale while refilling!
  • And on, and on, and on…

——————————————————————-

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/2024/01/to-ev-or-not-to-ev/

Tesla Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Tesla Symbols

So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.

The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Tesla. Lacking an internal combustion engine, their models use fewer warning lights then most. Nevertheless, those that are used are here. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue). There are only about 35 of them, but search carefully anyway!

Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!

Serious trouble or fault indicators
Brake fault indicatorBrake trouble indicator -- click for more
Electronically Controlled Brake WarningBrake booster fault indicator -- click for more
Park brake appliedParking brake indicators -- click for moreParking Brake Engaged Indicator
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor ajar indicator -- click for more
Frost warningFrost warning indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Master Warning SymbolMaster warning indicator -- click for moreAmber Master Warning Light Symbol
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicator -- click for more
Park brake fault indicatorPark brake fault indicator -- click for more
Stacility controlStability control indicator -- click for more
Traction Control System Warning LightTraction control off indicator -- click for more
Suspension MalfunctionAir suspension system trouble indicator -- click for more
Driver assist systems and accessory indicators
Auto brake hold indicatorBrake hold indicator -- click for more
Another Cruise Control IndicatorCruise control indicator -- click for more
Haul (towing) IndicatorTow mode indicators -- click for moreTow mode indicator
Neutral indicatorTransport mode indicator -- click for more
Electric vehicle indicators
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicator -- click for more
Non-critical Fault IndicatorCharge system fault indicator -- click for moreCritical Fault Indicator
Charging Indicator SymbolCharge system indicator -- click for more
Frost Warning IndicatorCold weather warning indicators -- click for moreBattery temperature indicator
Lighting indicators
Cornering Headlamps Malfunction IndicatorAdaptive front lighting system malfunction indicator -- click for more
Auto high beam indicatorAutomatic high beam indicators -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamps on indicator -- click for more
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lamps on indicator -- click for more
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh or low beam indicator -- click for moreLow beam indicator

Models examined include the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y.

——————————————————————-

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/2020/10/tesla-warning-lights-and-symbols/

How to Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries in Tesla Vehicles

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

We have six videos for Tesla drivers

This one will help you get inside if the 12-volt start battery dies.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Here is the process for getting into and getting going with a Model S.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This one features a Model X. We get into and start it. 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Here is the Model 3, with some help from the Model 3 Owners Club.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

In this video, we replace the key fob’s battery. Model X only…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

And here the battery in a Model S fob.

Models covered include the Model X, Model S, Model 3 and Model Y.

——————————————————————-

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-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

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

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.

Tesla back up start 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.

Tesla back up start 2If 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.

New Model S back up startIf 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!

Model 3 startIf 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

——————————————————————-

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-ii/

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 …

——————————————————————-

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/

Key Fob Battery Replacement Videos (Remote Controls. Smart Keys)

How to Replace Batteries in Key Fobs.

We post videos here of us replacing batteries in key fobs or remotes.

Manufacturers are listed in alphabetical order. All GM, Stellantis (FCA (except Wagoneer)), Nissan, and Toyota Motors made vehicles are grouped together under their parent company names.

Table of Contents

Acura Fobs

Acura latest key fob

 

—————————————————————–

A new style Acura fob here.

—————————————————————–

Acura older key fob.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Alfa Romeo Fob

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Audi Fobs

Audi, common key fob.

—————————————————————–

Audi, newer key fob.

—————————————————————–

Audi new generation (2019) key fob.

—————————————————————–

Audi flip key, updated, key start and keyless start models.

—————————————————————–

BMW Fobs

BMW, common key fob.

—————————————————————–

BMW, updated version of the above video.

—————————————————————–

BMW, newer key fob.

—————————————————————–

And an update of the video above.

—————————————————————–

BMW 2022 and newer fob.

—————————————————————–

FCA Fobs

FCA, newer (rounded) Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge key fob battery, updated.

—————————————————————–

FCA, early (tapered) Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge key fob battery replacement.

—————————————————————–

FCA, for a Fiat.

—————————————————————–

FCA, newest key fob style.

—————————————————————–

FCA, for Maserati.

—————————————————————–

FCA for a new Jeep flip key fob.

—————————————————————–

Ford, Lincoln Fobs

Ford and Lincoln, one of three key fob styles, updated.

—————————————————————–

Ford and Lincoln, a second key fob style.

—————————————————————–

Ford/Lincoln, a third fob, introduced in 2016.

—————————————————————–

General Motors Fobs

General Motors fob in use since 2021 across all makes.

—————————————————————–

General Motors late model fob.

—————————————————————–

GM, a newer Chevrolet key fob.

—————————————————————–

An even newer Chevrolet fob, and better battery handling.

—————————————————————–

GM, a Buick flip key.

—————————————————————–

GM, Buick key fob, updated.

—————————————————————–

GM, for a Cadillac.

—————————————————————–

GM, 2021 and newer Cadillac.

—————————————————————–

GM, for GMC models.

—————————————————————–

This one is for a Chevrolet flip key, still in use with some keyless start cars.

—————————————————————–

Holden Fob

——————————————————————

Honda Fobs

Honda, older key fob.

—————————————————————–

And a new Honda key fob. Be VERY careful with these!

—————————————————————–

Hyundai, Kia Fobs

Kia key fob, Pre-2014. Some Hyundai fobs may be similar.

—————————————————————–

Newer Kia key fob.

—————————————————————–

This video cover the side button 2019 and newer Kia fob

—————————————————————–

This one is for a newer Hyundai key fob. A little different from the one above.

—————————————————————–

Land Rover Jaguar Fobs

A fob from Land Rover. Newer Jaguars also use this style.

—————————————————————–

Post 2018 (roughly) Land Rover, Jaguar DIY key fob battery replacement.

—————————————————————–

Toyota, Lexus Fobs

Most common Lexus key fob. Toyota fobs may be similar.

—————————————————————–

Next gen Lexus or Toyota key fob, updated.

—————————————————————–

2019 and newer Lexus.

—————————————————————–

This one covers Toyotas exclusively.

—————————————————————–

Toyota Post 2018 key fob battery replacement.

—————————————————————–

Mercedes-Benz Fobs

Older Mercedes-Benz key fob.

—————————————————————–

New style Mercedes-Benz key fob.

—————————————————————–

Mitsubishi Fob

——————————————————————-

Nissan, Infiniti Fobs

Most common four button Nissan and Infiniti key fobs, updated.

——————————————————————-

Nissan three button key fob, updated.

—————————————————————–

The latest key fob style, so far used in an Infinity only.

—————————————————————–

Porsche Fob

—————————————————————–

Subaru Fob

—————————————————————–

Tesla Fobs

Tesla fob, Model X only.

—————————————————————–
 

This one covers the Model S.

—————————————————————–

VW Fobs

Volkswagen flip key-style key fob.

—————————————————————–
 

Volkswagen embedded mechanical key style.

—————————————————————–
 

Newer flip key style.

—————————————————————–

Volvo, Polestar Fobs

Volvo key fob, older models.

—————————————————————–
 

Volvo, Polestar, new generation key fob.

——————————————————————-

Wagoneer Fob

Wagoneer key fob, new models (post 2021).

——————————————————————-

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/2016/03/replacing-fob-remote-or-smart-key-batteries/