You guys might be getting sick of my rookie questions! Recently bought a used 2017 75D and it only came with one key fob. I was thinking it would come with a little credit card that works as the key but I guess not. Anyway, in the app, when I click on Controls, there’s an icon at the bottom that says Start. When I push it, there’s a two minute countdown. I assume this lets me drive the car without the key fob, but is this a reliable way to get around? Thank you!!
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Is "phone as key" reliable?
- Thread starter TJ313
- Start date
Daytonaviolet
Member
I use my phone as a key for my 22 msp. but I also carry a key card in my wallet in any event my phone key has issues. I find the phone key to be very reliable.
fasteddie7
Active Member
The phone key you are referring to is very different for your model year than the refreshed ones. The refreshed models the phone literally acts like the key fob using a combination of Bluetooth and UWB signals. The options you see are your ability to use the phone to remotely unlock and drive the car. This can be done 1000 miles away, because it uses cell service, whereas the phone key requires proximity and does not rely on cell service (although the option to start the car and make it drivable is still present with cell service). The downside to the way yours works is that if you happen to park in an area with poor cell service (like a parking garage) you may not be able to unlock and start your vehicle.
Tam
Well-Known Member
It's reliable if the Internet signal and Tesla servers are. If either of those 2 are down, that method doesn't work for your S/X produced before 2021 without key card technology like Model 3...
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ucmndd
Well-Known Member
ucmndd
Well-Known Member
brainhouston
Active Member
On few occasions my app wouldn't connect to the car so that would mean no way to drive if i were depending on it..
Get a second key fob
I hear u can program used ones on S (via Tesla or other means) but not for X.
Get a second key fob
I hear u can program used ones on S (via Tesla or other means) but not for X.
Well I got on the Tesla app and was going to order another key fob since I only have one fob and I can’t get key cards. When I clicked on the model S key fob it says it only works with later model years. Do I have any options at all for another key?? Lose the one I have and I’ll have to take my car to the scrapyard or what?
Disregard, you have an older MS. You can buy fobs for new MS online because they don't come with the car, but for older ones you can put in a service request for a new one. I believe they have to be programmed.
Ciaopec
Active Member
I purchased an extra fob for 2016 90D through service center. I don't think your 2017 model works with key cards; fob only (or remote start/unlock through app but shortcomings there as noted previously in this thread).
ucmndd
Well-Known Member
fasteddie7
Active Member
You can request from the app and as long as mobile service is available, they’ll swing by and program it for you.All right, thanks guys. I'll ask about it at the service centerMuch appreciated!
One small detail on programming a new fob. You need to have both your new fob and your old fob available at the same time. Otherwise your old one will get disconnected when the program the new one to the car. With multiple fobs, they need to pair them all as a set at one time.
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