I had a pair of key fobs on my 2017 MX that worked fine (mostly). Sure, early on, my entire car tried to file for divorce and would not talk to me but after a counseling session at the service center, she never misbehaved again. When I took ownership of my $110,000 2023 MX, I was told I would have to spend another $200 (including tax) on each fob. I tried the iPhone and magic card approach for a week and quickly missed the drop-dead-easy key fob--especially since the car locked me out on more than one occasion (but that's another thread). This point hit home again when I took a few people to show off the car. Once everyone had exited, I had to close and lock the doors. With the key fob, this is a single tap and the car does a "Close All" and locks up. Nice. With the phone, I had to pull out my phone, wake it up, log in, open the app, scroll down to Controls, and tap the lock icon. It takes about 15 seconds and assumes my hands aren't full of something else. Less nice.
So after waiting a week for a service appointment, I was able to buy a key fob. I was now $200 poorer (with tax). It worked fine. Until it didn't. I tried to use it the next day and it was dead. (Sigh) I called the service center and they got me in right away. I waited about 45 minutes for them to diagnose the problem. The lounge was comfortable if you liked hip-hop music. "The battery was dead," they finally said. "It's brand new. I bought it yesterday," says I. "Sorry" The service agent gave me a fresh battery the resurrected fob and sent me on my way. It worked fine. Until it didn't. Same deal--a dead fob. I took it back again and they wanted to keep the car for a few days to figure out what was wrong. They could fit me in next week and give me a rent-a-car loaner. "Ah, no," says I. "Replace the fob--this one is faulty. That's cheaper than wasting your time and mine looking for a phantom problem that's clearly the fault of the fob." They did and 24 hours later it's still working. My fingers are sore from being crossed the whole time.
The agent admitted that the fob could have been sitting in a bin in the parts room for "who knows how long." We all know batteries wear out--even if you aren't using them. I suggested Tesla replace (or at least test) the batteries of every fob they sell. I sure hope they don't sell my defective fob to some other hapless customer.
So after waiting a week for a service appointment, I was able to buy a key fob. I was now $200 poorer (with tax). It worked fine. Until it didn't. I tried to use it the next day and it was dead. (Sigh) I called the service center and they got me in right away. I waited about 45 minutes for them to diagnose the problem. The lounge was comfortable if you liked hip-hop music. "The battery was dead," they finally said. "It's brand new. I bought it yesterday," says I. "Sorry" The service agent gave me a fresh battery the resurrected fob and sent me on my way. It worked fine. Until it didn't. Same deal--a dead fob. I took it back again and they wanted to keep the car for a few days to figure out what was wrong. They could fit me in next week and give me a rent-a-car loaner. "Ah, no," says I. "Replace the fob--this one is faulty. That's cheaper than wasting your time and mine looking for a phantom problem that's clearly the fault of the fob." They did and 24 hours later it's still working. My fingers are sore from being crossed the whole time.
The agent admitted that the fob could have been sitting in a bin in the parts room for "who knows how long." We all know batteries wear out--even if you aren't using them. I suggested Tesla replace (or at least test) the batteries of every fob they sell. I sure hope they don't sell my defective fob to some other hapless customer.
