I recently lost my Model X keyfob so I tried to research on-line what to do. One place I found said you needed to buy a keyfob, then have it programmed by Tesla ($160). So I bought a used one off eBay.
Well that information was not correct. Yes, it needs to be programmed by Tesla, but the cost includes a new keyfob. They will not activate a used keyfob.
The activation procedure is as follows:
So this does require a Ranger visit or a trip to the repair shop and you would order it just as you would request service. I originally had a ranger visit was scheduled for a taillight issue, but Tesla responded quickly to my emails stepping me through the procedure for adding the replacement fob to the service order.
Well that information was not correct. Yes, it needs to be programmed by Tesla, but the cost includes a new keyfob. They will not activate a used keyfob.
The activation procedure is as follows:
- The tech pulls down the little cubby shelf below the dashboard and removes it. There are two connectors facing vertically at the front edge and two tabs at the back.
- Next he pulls out his laptop and plugs it in to one of the connectors hiding above where the cubby was. The big rectangular CAN BUS 3 connector is there, but he used a little square blue socket to connect to his laptop.
- The programming took a few minutes. He said it varied, with some taking up to 45 minutes to program!
- When that was done, he disconnected and put everything back.
- He would also have deactivated the lost keyfob, but I asked him not to since I'm sure one day we'll find it where the cats put it. :-(
So this does require a Ranger visit or a trip to the repair shop and you would order it just as you would request service. I originally had a ranger visit was scheduled for a taillight issue, but Tesla responded quickly to my emails stepping me through the procedure for adding the replacement fob to the service order.
