Tesla Key Fob Not Working: Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

Having a Tesla key fob that is not working can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are solutions available to fix this issue. The first step is to identify the cause of the problem, which can include incorrect placement of the battery, a dirty key fob, a broken board test point/trace, a low battery message on the touchscreen, or a glitch in the MCU.

Once the cause has been identified, it becomes easier to solve the issue. In this guide, all the necessary information will be provided to help fix the Tesla key fob not working problem.

5 Reasons Why Tesla Key Fob Not Working!

Reason #1: Improper Placement Of Battery

One of the reasons why Tesla key fobs may not work is due to the improper placement of the battery. If the battery is not aligned properly, the key fob may act strangely. This usually happens when the battery is changed for the first time without expert help, and too much or less pressure is applied to the surface, causing the battery to sit unevenly.

Reason #2: Dirt Inside The Key Fob

If a new battery is installed and the key fob is programmed using the touchscreen monitor, but it still doesn’t react, the issue may be due to dirt inside the key fob. This can occur if the key fob has not been cleaned in three or more years.

Reason #3: Cracks In The Board Test Point/Trace

Sometimes, putting too much pressure on the battery compartment area can cause cracks in the board test point or trace part. This is a small and round (golden color circuit) that can be found right above the battery compartment. The connection of the battery to the circuit board is pretty weak, which causes the round part to crack easily. This leads to issues like the key fob not working when extreme force is used to insert the battery into its place.

Reason #4: Low Battery Of Key Fob

Another reason why Tesla key fobs may not work is due to a low battery power. The battery needs to be changed as soon as possible to get the key fob working as it should.

Reason #5: Glitch In Media Control Unit

The MCU unit can sometimes cause an error message on the touchscreen if it’s suffering from a problem. If the key fob is not working even if it’s new and the battery seems okay, then the MCU unit may be the real culprit.

To ensure that your Tesla key fob is working properly, it’s important to keep it clean and replace the battery when necessary. It’s also important to be gentle when inserting the battery to avoid any damage to the board test point or trace part. If you’ve tried all of these solutions and your key fob is still not working, it may be time to seek professional help.

Troubleshooting Tesla Key Fob (Solutions)

When you encounter issues with your Tesla key fob, it’s best to try all possible solutions to fix it. Here are five possible solutions to fix your Tesla key fob issues.

Solution #1: Align The Battery Properly

If the battery is not properly aligned in the key fob, it can cause issues with the key fob. Here’s how to align the battery properly:

1. Open the back cover of the key fob using a flat tool.
2. Take out the battery.
3. Align and place the battery on the spot on a level surface.
4. Put in the back cover and test whether it operates or not.

Solution #2: Clean The Key Fob

Dirt and dust can accumulate in the key fob, which can cause issues with the key fob. Here’s how to clean the key fob:

1. Take out the back cover using the flat screwdriver.
2. Detach the battery using the same tool.
3. Use your hand to remove the side covers. It might need the pressure to get it out.
4. Grab a brush and wipe the dust out from the left and right sides.
5. Use your fingernail or screwdriver to detach the middle cover.
6. Detach the side circuit board using a tweezer.
7. Use the electronic cleaner solvent spray on the circuit board and run it using a tiny brush (which has soft bristles).
8. After that take another brush and simply wipe out the dust from all the covers.
9. Lastly, put everything back in its place and try unlocking your car to confirm the success.

Solution #3: Repair The Broken Circuit Board Test Point

If the circuit board test point is broken, it can cause issues with the key fob. Here’s how to repair the broken circuit board test point:

1. Take out all the covers from the key fob with the flat-head tool or fingernail.
2. Reach out to the circuit board.
3. Plug in the soldering iron to get hot.
4. Use the tip of the soldering iron on the solder flux.
5. Fix the cracked part using the hot solder flux. Just be sure the tiny round part in the circuit part (test point or trace right above the battery compartment) is attached properly.
6. Wait for 45 minutes to 1 hour for it to dry out.
7. Then, put everything back in place.

Solution #4: Replace The Battery

If the battery is low or dead, replacing it can fix the problem. Here’s how to replace the battery:

1. Grab a flat-bladed tool or use your fingernail to detach the bottom cover.
2. Take out the battery carefully.
3. Place the new battery (Panasonic CR2032) inside the battery compartment area using less force. Do not touch the battery’s flat surface as it’ll lessen the battery lifespan due to finger marks.
4. Put the cover back in its place just by aligning the slot part on the key fob using slight force.
5. Check if the key fobs working or not.

Note: Be sure the plus sign (+) is facing upward (meaning you can see even if placed).

Solution #5: Reboot The MCU (Media Control Unit)

If none of the above solutions work, try rebooting the MCU. Here’s how to reboot the MCU for Tesla Model X, Y, S, & 3:

Reboot Tesla Model X & S

1. Place your Tesla car in Park while all the door is turned off.
2. Hit the left and right scroll wheels in the steering wheel both at the same period.
3. Don’t stop pressing the two buttons until the monitor goes all black.
4. Let it be like that until the screen refreshes in 10 – 32 seconds.

Reboot Tesla Model Y & 3

1. Hold the left and right scroll wheels on the steering wheel at once.
2. Wait for 10 – 32 seconds for the touchscreen and instrumental panel to go black.
3. No need to switch to Park mode as you can do it when driving.

By following these solutions, you can troubleshoot your Tesla key fob issues and get back to using your car without any hassle.

Unlock The Car Door If Tesla Key Fob Not Working In 3 Ways!

If your Tesla key fob is not working, there are alternative methods to unlock the car door. Here are three ways to unlock your Tesla easily:

Method #1: Use Tesla App On Your Phone.

If your Tesla key fob is not working, you can use the Tesla app on your phone to unlock the car door. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your phone.
2. Switch on the Bluetooth on your phone and Tesla car. 
3. Connect the Bluetooth.
4. Go to the Tesla app.
5. Click on the Controls bar.
6. There you’ll find Unlock bar at the top. Click on it while you are near the Tesla car.
7. Wait for the car to unlock.

Method #2: Use Tesla Key Card.

If the Tesla key fob is not working, you can use the Tesla key card to unlock the car door. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Grab the key car near to Tesla car.
2. Now, activate Tesla key card on the Card Reader location (center console or driver’s side door pillar).
3. Hold it like that for around 2 – 5 seconds.
4. Wait for the exterior light to flash, mirrors to unfold or fold (when Fold Mirror is turned on), and horn beeps (when Lock Confirmation Sound is turned on). This way it indicates that the car reads the Tesla key card. Done!

Method #3: Put Key Fob On The Sensor.

If your Tesla key fob is not working, you can put the key fob on the sensor to unlock the car door. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Put the key fob right on the passenger side windshield wiper’s gap areas (black coated part).
2. Go to the front door handle and press it on the right side of the vehicle. It’ll unlock the car.
3. If it doesn’t work, then try again by placing the key fold at different angles and waiting for the car to read it correctly.
4. Once you enter the cabin, place the key fob’s bottom part in the Low Voltage Power Outlet (against the Center Console area). Hold the brake pedal to start the Tesla.

Note: In the LHD vehicle, you have to go to the left side while in the RHD vehicle the location is on the right side.

These are the three alternative methods to unlock the Tesla car door if the Tesla key fob is not working.

Ending Note

If your Tesla key fob is not working, there are a few techniques you can try to fix the issue. However, it is important to first locate the real cause through a thorough inspection. To prevent damage to your key fob, it is recommended to keep it away from severe impact, hot areas, or water damage. When cleaning the exterior of the key fob, avoid using solvents, waxes, or any sort of cleaners as the surface contains a sensor with a touchscreen. By following these tips, you can solve the key fob issue and enjoy a smoother driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Troubleshoot a Tesla Key Fob That Is Unresponsive?

If your Tesla key fob is unresponsive, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, try replacing the battery in the key fob. If that doesn’t work, try resetting the key fob by holding down both buttons until the light on the key fob flashes. If the key fob is still unresponsive, try reprogramming it by following the instructions in your Tesla owner’s manual.

What Steps Should You Take If Your Tesla Doesn’t Detect Your Key Fob?

If your Tesla doesn’t detect your key fob, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, check that the key fob battery is properly installed and has enough charge. If that doesn’t work, try unlocking the car manually with the key card or using the Tesla app to unlock the car. If none of these steps work, contact Tesla customer support for further assistance.

Can a Battery Change Cause Your Tesla Key Fob to Malfunction, and How Can You Resolve It?

A battery change can cause your Tesla key fob to malfunction if the battery is not installed properly. To resolve this issue, make sure the battery is properly installed and has enough charge. If the key fob still isn’t working, try resetting or reprogramming it following the instructions in your Tesla owner’s manual.

Why Might Your Tesla Key Fob Suddenly Stop Working, and What Can You Do About It?

There are several reasons why your Tesla key fob might suddenly stop working, including dead batteries, a malfunctioning key fob, or interference from other electronic devices. To resolve this issue, try replacing the batteries in the key fob, resetting or reprogramming the key fob, or contacting Tesla customer support for further assistance.

What Are Common Issues with Tesla Model X, Model S, Model 3, and Model Y Key Fobs?

Common issues with Tesla Model X, Model S, Model 3, and Model Y key fobs include dead batteries, malfunctioning key fobs, and interference from other electronic devices. To avoid these issues, make sure to replace the key fob batteries regularly, keep your key fob away from other electronic devices, and follow the instructions in your Tesla owner’s manual for troubleshooting and maintenance.

If Your Tesla Key Card Is Not Working, Does It Indicate the Same Issues as a Non-Functioning Key Fob?

If your Tesla key card is not working, it may indicate the same issues as a non-functioning key fob, such as dead batteries or a malfunctioning key card. To resolve this issue, try replacing the batteries in the key card or contacting Tesla customer support for further assistance.