You can buy one off of eBay and install, but it will not recognize it right away. I did this and scheduled mobile service to come and activate it. He plugged his laptop into the car to enable it. Then it took him an hour and half of unplugging and resetting the car to get the icon to appear. I was charged 90 bucks for half an hour of labor. However, I didn’t have to take it to a service center 2 hours away which is a big win in my book.
what part of the car did he unplug? and do you know how he performed the reset? 'm having issues where we had ours installed at the service center and they told us the icon would show up in about 24 hours... Its been 7 days, no icon. I have already tried to do a reset with the steering wheel buttons and break pedal, other than that I don't know what to do.
I've tried to contact Tesla through chat, once last night, and once again now... I'm sitting here waiting.. looking at "we're connecting you with a Tesla expert" I've been waiting for just over 45 minutes now. After about 30 min of waiting I thought it might be quicker to get answers on a forum than their chat...
Also, during my wait I went ahead and typed them up a message on my issues so far so I can quickly copy and paste... I could elaborate more, but this is what I have... I just need to vent at the moment. ..
"I'm having an issue with the homelink device that was installed on 9/4 last week. I was told after the install that day that the icon would appear in 24 hours and I should be able to program the garage door opener. It has been 7 days and I have yet to see the homelink icon appear. Yesterday I spoke with a representative on the online chat. She first told me that in order to have diagnostics take a look at the car I had to be in the car and on at least 3 bars of wifi, I told her that my wife had the car and would be home later. As I was texting my wife to see when she would get home the chat representative told me that there was a mechanical issue and I would need to schedule another service visit to have the problem resolved. At that moment, I was wondering why she told me they couldn't diagnose the car until it was on wifi.... and then give me a diagnosis a minute later. In any case, that news was upsetting, as both my wife and I work during normal service center hours and live over 50 miles away. I requested a mobile tech, she replied telling me a mobile tech couldn't perform the work and a service visit was mandatory.
Jump to today, I called the service center that performed the initial service and also where I had made the second appointment after realizing the icon didn't show up after 24 hrs. I spoke with a rep at the center that looked up my info and maybe communicated with the car (I don't know). All I know is that he told me that the firmware was not installed correctly and a mobile tech will need to come out to install it. At this point I hope you can understand my frustration. I went in for service with an expected 1-2 hour install, was given the car back over 3 hours later, it didn't appear after the "24 hours", I called chat, they said it was "mechanical", I called service, they said it was "firmware" (not mechanical),... lastly I discovered today that some of the frunk was not seated right, upon further inspection, there are clips missing, then I lift up the carpet and see that the two screws there are loose! I can send you pictures. But the main concern is just getting the homelink operational! I apologize how lengthy this chat message is, but I'm sitting here watching the pop up that says "We're connecting you with a Tesla expert..." and I figure I might as well get all the info typed up and ready.. with that in mind my name is ** **, the last 6 of my VIN is 451** my phone number is **. I finished this message at 8:12 pm my time."
And I finally got someone at 8:56!!
I guess while I'm at it, I'll post our conversation for your entertainment. Lets see if the "Expert" (sorry for being cynical Christina... If that is even your real name!!) can help me. I do really hope so though...
- Hello my name is Christina and I will be assisting you today.
Christina
Good!
(Copied and pasted from above)
Ill give you a moment
8:53 PM- Thanks Dylan for having all the information handy and for the summary on your concerns.
- Sorry to hear of your experience.
- C
Pulling up your account.
Christina
ok
- C
Let me check on the software update.
Christina
ok
- C
Looks like I have another chat with you as well?
Christina
uhh yeah, i see that
I guess I have your undivided attention then.. Haha!
- hahaha, yep
8:58 PM
- C
Okay I show software updates are normal. There is no pending or failed updates.
Christina
do the current updates include the homelink firmware?
9:01 PM- C
Did you ever see the homelink icon on your touchscreen?
Christina
nope, never.
9:04 PM
you still there
sorry it look like i lost internet for a sec.
9:06 PM- C
Okay I am checking on one more thing..
Christina
ok
9:07 PM- Alright so as of May 30, 2019, homelink was only available to Model S and X. It was available to Model 3 with Premium Interior ordered before May 30.
uhh.. Yeah i know.
thats why i paid $300 to have it put on
- C
Got it.
Christina
it is now an aftermarket item
9:11 PM- C
Okay, sending this for further technical support.
Christina
ok
9:12 PM- C
One more question, where did you have the device installed? Service Center?
Christina
Yes, a service center.
Specifically the only located at 5300 democracy dr in plano texas
one*
9:16 PM- C
Thank you, I am sending this for further help.
Christina
9:17 PM
My location history with google maps shows we arrived on 9/4 at 9:09 AM and left at 12:44 pm.
9:19 PM- Okay, thank you.
9:21 PM
- C
Alright, so I sent this to our technical support. I was checking if they were able to address tonight, but they have left for the day and will be here in the morning.
Christina
What time are their scheduled hours?
- They are normally here 6 am to 8pm MST.
- C
I can follow up in the morning.
Christina
Ok, so they will be in at 7am, my time?
9:31 PM
Just a heads up... given my experience so far with the lack of communication, problem solving abilities, general knowledge, and the service center's mechanical skills putting my car back together!!.. I will be copying and pasting this conversation in a forum. Nothing against you personally, you can only do so much. But I do need record of this issue from this point on until it is resolved.
- C
I see.
Christina
9:36 PM
We can first tackle the Homelink problem, and then I will need to address the re-assembly of my car with the service center I went to.
Homelink service appointment... still no homelink
Thats a link to the forum that I'll have it posted in a few, if you would like to follow any responses.. or just for fun.
So will someone be contacting me tomorrow morning?
9:41 PM- I will request for a call to you, and I will follow up as well when I get in at 9 am.
Ok, thanks. Is that 9 am my time or your time?
- I'm sorry for the delay and experience.
- C
I get in at 9 but I will request if they can contact you in the morning when they get in.
Christina
ok, thanks
- Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Christina
- nope, that's it. thanks!
- 9:48 PM
- You are welcome.
9:50 PM
Chat Ended at 9:50
