Buyers Now Only Get A Tesla Key Card As Standard
Tesla has stopped providing Model S and X owners with a key fob as standard. Instead, new owners only get a Tesla Key Card. However, if you still want a key fob for your S or X you can purchase one from the Tesla Store for $175.
The cheaper Tesla Model 3 and Y come without key fobs as well. Again, customers are able to get fobs via the Tesla Store. Back when the Model 3 first launched in 2017, Tesla initially sold it to customers without key fobs available to save costs. That said, the company later backtracked on this decision and introduced key fobs for the Model 3 on the Tesla Store in 2019. At the time Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that Tesla really needs to provide all owners with “a normal key”.
The move to sell the S and X without key fobs reportedly came into place on July 1. This comes as European Model S / X reservation holders are becoming increasingly agitated. The updated Model S and X are still not in Europe, despite being available in North America for over a year.
In fact, Tesla’s European websites are no longer showing any expected delivery dates for the S and X. This has led some to speculate that Tesla may not bother introducing either vehicle in Europe, instead continuing to prioritize the cash cows that are the Model 3 and Y.
What are your thoughts on Tesla’s decision to no longer include key fobs with the S / X? Too extreme cost-cutting? Let us know in the comments below.
More On Tesla
Important Tools To Replace Tesla Model X Key Fob Battery
To replace the key fob battery, you need some tools and some steps to follow. If you can arrange these tools and follow all the steps then you will be able to replace the key fob battery. So, lets see what you need to replace the battery first.
- A Small Flat Screwdriver
- A Panasonic OEM CR2354 Battery
The link to the product is given here for your help.
Tesla Expansion In Canada
Teslas expansion in battery manufacturing in Canada is not exactly surprising since the automaker has made a battery research deal with renowned Canadian li-ion battery pioneer Jeff Dahn.
In 2016, Dahn transitioned his research group from their 20-year research agreement with 3M to a new association with Tesla under the newly formed NSERC/Tesla Canada Industrial Research.
Through the agreement, Tesla invested in a new research lab close to Dahns group near Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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Locked Out Of Model X
jboy210 said:If you think the fobs are bad you can take them to the Service Center for replacement or reprogramming.However, it might be some bad batteries. If you look at the reviews on Amazon the retailers that sell multiple batteries cheaply have some poor ratings and the battery quality is usually bad. Same issue with batteries from some stores. The last place I bought from sold them for $14 each. They have been working for a year.
Re: You may also need to leave the fob for a minute or so by the charge port to drive the car
Bad batteries wouldn’t explain the 38mA draw he referenced tho.Aside1: Amazon batteries I purchase and have in my glove box: Aside2: I’ve put these images in my cloud for access .Re: You may also need to leave the fob for a minute or so by the charge port to drive the car. — you mean 12v power outlet I think per manual.
Akikiki said:@sevengables, You mentioned that no one at Tesla would unlock your car. Was that because the security questions that they asked to verify you were who you said were not answered to their satisfaction?When the store clerk loaned you her phone, it didn’t occur to ask to download and install the app on that phone? Just a login and unlock away, then delete the app so no one could use it after you. ??It would be a wise idea to invest some time browsing and reading all the “locked outa my car” threads here to pickup tips on what to do when this happens.
Key Battery Empty: Locked Out From Tesla

Categorie: Model S, Model X, Tips & Tricks
If you have accidentally locked yourself out of the Tesla, you might be glad if you have already dealt with the topic before what to do then. The Model S and X Key FOB is powered by a small battery button cell. The button cell only lasts up to about one year with the energy saving mode setting on the Tesla switched off. Once the battery is empty, the easiest way is to open and start the car via the mobile phone app.
If the phone has no network connection or in the worst-case even the car has no network connection, there is another possibility to open a Model S or Model X with a powerless Key FOB. This method is described in the manual. But very few people read the manual.
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Remove The Old Battery
When you complete the removal of the back part, you will find the battery is open in front of you. You have to remove this to replace it. To remove the battery from the key fob, you have to enter the screwdriver in the back end of the battery. Though the battery is round, it has no back or front. In that case, you may enter the screwdriver like the mage below. And pull the screwdriver again.
Tesla Stops Providing Key Fobs With New Model S And Model X Deliveries
Ever since Tesla launched the Model S in 2012 and the Model X in 2015, both of the electric vehicles have come with key fobs as standard equipment, giving owners the option to carry around a physical key instead of using the mobile device to access their vehicles.
That has now changed, and new owners of Teslas flagship vehicles will have to pay extra for the accessory.
According to one of our readers who took delivery of a Model S earlier this week and who did not receive a key fob, he was informed by his Delivery Advisor that the change is effective for deliveries made after July 1, 2022.
We have since been able to confirm the change with others, but it appears as though since it is still in the early stages of the transition some new owners are still receiving the key fob.
As with the removal of the passenger lumbar support in the Model 3 and Model Y last year and more recently with the Mobile Connector, Tesla explained in an internal employee email that their statistics showed the majority of owners use their mobile device as their key, and that no longer offering the key fob as standard equipment would cut down on e-waste.
New deliveries still come standard with two key cards.
If you really want or need a key fob, you can still purchase them on the Tesla Shop, available for $175 USD or $225 CAD each.
Let us know in the comments below if your recent Model S or Model X delivery included key fobs.
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Open Vehicle Without Mobile Phone Reception And Key Fob Battery
The following graphics are an excerpt from the Model S and Model X manual and show the procedure how the vehicle can recognize the FOB key in even when the key is powerless
Image credits: Tesla
Image credits: Tesla
No special procedure is required for the Model 3, as the Model 3 is not supplied with a FOB, but with a key card without battery. More discussions about locked out from Tesla in the Tesla forum.
My USB Flash Drive recommendations for Sentry Mode and Dashcam:
My USB Flash Drive recommendations for Sentry Mode and Dashcam:
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Why Do You Need To Replace Tesla Model X Key Fob Battery
If we look at the problems that cause us to change the battery of key fob of Tesla model x are so many. But in this section, we arrange some reasons why you need to replace the model x key fob battery.
- You may have accidentally hit the power button too many times or too hard when trying to start your car. This can cause the key fob to turn off and on constantly.
- The battery may have been damaged in some way. In this case, you need to replace the battery of its key fob.
- The key fob battery may not be compatible with your Tesla model x anymore. If this is the case, you will need to get a new one. There are many different types of Tesla models so this shouldnt be a problem.
- You may not have an original Tesla key fob battery. If that is true, you must change the key fob battery.
- If your Tesla key fob battery stops working then you may need to change its battery.
- If Your Tesla key fob starts making loud noises Then this could be because of replacing its battery.
So, these are the reasons behind replacing the battery of the Tesla model x key fob. If you think you need to replace your Tesla key fob battery then how to do that? Can you do that at home? The answers to these questions are given below.
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How To Set Up And Change Batteries On The Tesla Model X Key Fob
Tesla has paid a lot of attention to the esthetics of the Tesla Model X but sometimes it’s the little things that really impacts the user experience. One of the nice innovations of the Tesla Model X is its wireless key FOB which uses Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy to enable proximity sensing for automatic door opening and locking. However, it can be a frustrating experience trying to even get your hands on and set up the key FOB.
The Tesla Model X‘s key FOB is kept in the ‘X Box’, which is fancy cube given to each new Tesla owner.
The key FOB is surprisingly very hard to take out of its packaging given the curved edges of its Tesla car shape doesn’t provide any grip for your fingers to pull the key FOB out of its extremely tight fit inside the box’s cushioning.
The box has some limited, hard to understand graphics instructions on how to open the key FOB to add the key chain or exchange the battery.
You’ll first need to use the plastic lever to twist open the key FOB’s bottom cover.
Once the cover is off, you can string through the keychain’s loop string which is not as easy as it looks.
Given using key FOB is a key part of the initial user experience, setting up the Tesla Model X‘s key FOB was unnecessarily difficult. The user would have been better served by Tesla to have they keychain already installed or a much easier setup process.
Passive Locking And Unlocking
Locking and unlocking Model X with your key fob is conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model X has sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range of approximately six feet . Therefore, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and press the door handle to unlock and extend the handle. When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open the trunk without having to use the key by pressing the liftgate’s exterior switch. If Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled, Model X automatically locks when you exit and the key fob is no longer in range . Passive locking and unlocking is automatically enabled when you pair your key fob to Model X.
Although you can use the same key fob with multiple vehicles, it can only be paired to one vehicle at a time. To activate a paired key fob to a different vehicle, touch the flat side onto the driver’s side door pillar and click any button on the key fob to confirm.
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Tesla Opening New Manufacturing Facility In Markham Ontario
Mayor Frank Scarpitti has announced that Tesla is expanding their presence in Canada and will be opening a manufacturing facility in Markham, Ontario.
The announcement was first made in a July 2021 edition of the Mayors Review posted to the citys website. In it, Mayor Scarpitti says the new facility will be the first Tesla branded manufacturing facility in the country.
According to the mayor, who reposted the announcement to his Twitter and Instragram accounts today, the new facility will produce state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment that will be used to produce batteries at the companys Gigafactories.
Details are scarce about the new facility, but on Twitter the mayor said it will be located in an industrial area South of Hwy 7 and west of Warden.
Tesla already has a facility in this area at 95 Clegg Rd, which has office space and a large warehouse area at the rear of the building.
The new facility is likely related to Teslas 2019 acquisition of Hibar. The company is based in nearby Richmond Hill, and builds equipment used in battery manufacturing.
UPDATE November 5, 4:55pm PST: Mayor Scarpitti has now confirmed Teslas new facility is already up and running.
The mayors announcement comes just a few days after Tesla published a new video on LinkedIn, highlighting their R& D, Charging, and Manufacturing teams.
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Replace Tesla Model X Key Fob Battery

For many people, the Tesla Model X is their dream car. But for some, its not theirs anymore. And thats because their key fob battery died. If youre one of these people, you dont have to worry though. You can replace Tesla Model X key fob battery in no time at all.
In this article, we will discuss everything about the replacement of the Key Fob battery of your Model x of Tesla. This discussion will be based on my experience and the Tesla manufacturing guide. So, this is going to be the safest method.
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Remove The Back Cover
I think this is a complex task to do. But read in detail to make it easy. Take the screwdriver and enter it in the hole of the backside of the key fob. Enter it as long as it goes easily. If you struggle to find the hole then look at the image and its number 1 position.
Now you have to pull it downward. Then the back cover will be open. If you think it is not working properly then avoid any enforcement. If it is the first time for the key fob then it will require extra effort. Read this article for a clear idea of how to open a tesla key fob.
Tesla Model S Or Model X
The key fobs for Tesla Model S and X are a little different. The same tools are required though CR 2032 battery and a small flathead screwdriver.
To open the Model S key you have to place the tip of the flathead screwdriver under the S and lever up.
This gives you access to the inside of the key fob.
Now, you have to lever the battery out from the top end place the tip of the screwdriver under the battery lip and lever it up and out.
Put the new CR 2032 battery into the large/bottom lip first, then push the other side of the battery down to click into place.
Last, place the end of the cover around the end of the fob, and push the center down again to lock it in place.
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Tesla Acquires Hibar Systems
Theres no detail available about the acquisition other than Tesla listing Hibar Systems as a subsidiary in its official filings with the Canadian Federal lobby registration, as first reported by Canadas Electric Autonomy.
The manufacturing company wasnt on Teslas subsidiary list in July and now it appeared on it on October 2 meaning that the acquisition happened in the last 4 months.
Hibar has since gone dark, killed its website and replaced it with a single page as it is being taken over by Tesla.
According to an archive version of its website, the company specialized in building manufacturing equipment for different processes in battery manufacturing:
Among Hibars latest technology offerings are its advanced Automated Vacuum Filling Systems for Lithium-ion battery applications for use in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, computer notebooks and similar products.
More recently, it ventured into making a full high-speed Lithium-ion battery manufacturing system.
Last year, it was awarded $2 million CAD from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program to build the system in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada:
$2 million to support the development of a high-speed Lithium-ion battery manufacturing system to meet growing market demand for mass electric energy storage solutions.
Its unclear if this battery manufacturing system has been deployed yet, but they have been making battery cell manufacturing equipment for a long time.