Car still asks for key card even with key fob

[hydro 481]

Summon with the keyfob works only if you have FSD (or EAP), right?

I can confirm it works with only EAP (don’t have FSD).

 

[hydro 481]

The key fob "authenticates" the car and allows the driver to shift into gear for up to two minutes after a key command has been sent to the car by the fob. So if you unlock the car with the fob and wait longer than two minutes, then get in, it will ask you to authenticate again by placing the fob or key card behind the cupholders.

As you mention in your post, you can avoid digging the fob out of your pocket when prompted for this message by double clicking the fob in your pocket to send the unlock signal and re-authenticate the car again.

There is no way to disable this. The Model 3 does NOT have passive entry and cannot detect the fob when it's in the car. It is similar to a traditional key fob with the exception of its NFC capabilities should the battery die, but it does not actively emit a signal (as other keyless fobs do) that the car can detect when you're in close proximity with it.

If you're unlocking the car and immediately entering and trying to shift into drive/reverse and it's asking you to authenticate then, there is a problem as this is not the expected behavior. But if you're leaving your Model 3 unlocked and simply getting into it without pressing any buttons on the fob, then no, it's not going to allow you to change gears.

Thank you. I didn’t know about the 2 minute window. I usually fiddle with the radio and stuff when I get in the car. Maybe I’m taking too long lol

 

[cizUK]

I really don't understand this (also the price of the fob for its limited use potential)

The price is a lot less than other fobs (they can be about $400)

 

[cizUK]

Not wild about the M3/key card situation. Half the time, I can't connect to my husband's car as the "thinking" wheel on the app just spins and spins, especially when coverage is bad.

The 'car key' part of the app doesn't use data, it uses Bluetooth. If your phone has a reliable Bluetooth system and it doesn't send the Tesla app to sleep then it shouldn't be a problem.
Data is only used for things like aircon, horn etc.

 

[cucubits]

But then why not make a keyfob which uses bluetooth? Surely any dongle could be programed relatively easily for this.

Honestly this is one of the things sort of still holding me from putting an order in for a 3. I don't use my phone with bluetooth on all the time nor I plan to. Turning it on/off everytime I plan to drive or digging out the keycard is, let's say at least inconvenient.

 

[brkaus]

Thank you. I didn’t know about the 2 minute window. I usually fiddle with the radio and stuff when I get in the car. Maybe I’m taking too long lol

Just tap the brake and then fiddle.

But then why not make a keyfob which uses bluetooth? Surely any dongle could be programed relatively easily for this.

Honestly this is one of the things sort of still holding me from putting an order in for a 3. I don't use my phone with bluetooth on all the time nor I plan to. Turning it on/off everytime I plan to drive or digging out the keycard is, let's say at least inconvenient.

My wife thought that, but she loves using the phone. Now leaves Bluetooth on. Add NFC payments and now Costco card via an app... don’t need anything else anymore.

 

[cizUK]

But then why not make a keyfob which uses bluetooth? Surely any dongle could be programed relatively easily for this.

Honestly this is one of the things sort of still holding me from putting an order in for a 3. I don't use my phone with bluetooth on all the time nor I plan to. Turning it on/off everytime I plan to drive or digging out the keycard is, let's say at least inconvenient.

Why do you not use Bluetooth? It doesn't use much battery at all (hence 'Bluetooth low energy') and no-one's going to hack your phone.
Seriously, try it. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world are doing it so it can't be a deal breaker.

 

[cucubits]

I know it's not a deal breaker and I'm sure I'll just get used to all the quirks (ugh, I don't like mr demuro) which make it different from all other cars.

I've always got used to keeping as few things "on" on the phone as possible. Not using BT for anything else.