Refresh Transponder

[Hayseed_MS]

Looking to put my I-Pass transponder in my new Model S. The owners manual states to mount in lower passenger windshield. Has anyone had issues with it at that location?

Also, I have issues at some locations and have to read the numbers off the back or hold it up out the window. With it in the lower pass windshield, I cannot reach it while driving.

 

[croman]

Looking to put my I-Pass transponder in my new Model S. The owners manual states to mount in lower passenger windshield. Has anyone had issues with it at that location?

Also, I have issues at some locations and have to read the numbers off the back or hold it up out the window. With it in the lower pass windshield, I cannot reach it while driving.

I'd follow the diagram. I did for my model S (near the rearview mirror for my version) and it works great. I think there is a metallic film that blocks RF outside the diagrammed area.

As far as reaching the transponder, I've never had any issues with the device being read but you can, at least in my state, opt for a transponder that goes outside the car under the front license plate holder.

 

[Hayseed_MS]

I'd follow the diagram. I did for my model S (near the rearview mirror for my version) and it works great. I think there is a metallic film that blocks RF outside the diagrammed area.

As far as reaching the transponder, I've never had any issues with the device being read but you can, at least in my state, opt for a transponder that goes outside the car under the front license plate holder.

Thanks. It looks pretty stupid down in the pass corner. I do not need it much so will just flash out the window the few times I do use it.

Does the roof glass block the transmission?

 

[croman]

Thanks. It looks pretty stupid down in the pass corner. I do not need it much so will just flash out the window the few times I do use it.

Does the roof glass block the transmission?

I'm pretty sure the roof is heavily shielded but I haven't tried it.

 

[DerbyDave]

The 2020 Model S does not have any Metallic film on windshield. I would be surprised if they added this back on the new model.

 

[VikH]

Looking to put my I-Pass transponder in my new Model S. The owners manual states to mount in lower passenger windshield. Has anyone had issues with it at that location?

Also, I have issues at some locations and have to read the numbers off the back or hold it up out the window. With it in the lower pass windshield, I cannot reach it while driving.

I just looked this up in the manual and I agree that looks ridiculous (attached). Like @DerbyDave said, I doubt they added back the metallic coating to the windshield, so try tucking it behind the rear view mirror. Let us know what works since I will need to do the same soon.

 

[DerbyDave]

Although my manual also has a location for RFID in the 2020, the image you posted with the yoke steering wheel indicates that maybe they DID add metallic coating back again, for some reason. I read where they did switch glass manufacturers for the windshield this year to Peru's AGP from AGC. The new glass is lightweight and is eGlass.

 

[Hayseed_MS]

My guess is it does have the metallic coating for the refresh. It is a heated windshield.

 

[DerbyDave]

My guess is it does have the metallic coating for the refresh. It is a heated windshield.

I have heard the only heated portion is under the wipers on the lower edge, not the entire windshield.

 

[Hayseed_MS]

I have heard the only heated portion is under the wipers on the lower edge, not the entire windshield.

There are no elements under the wipers. Betting it is whole windshield.

 

[DerbyDave]

There are no elements under the wipers. Betting it is whole windshield.

That will be costly to ever replace.

 

[Hayseed_MS]

That will be costly to ever replace.

Yes, my rover windshield (with the heating elements throughout) was $900 for an aftermarket version. But worth it for me in the winter.

 

[SailorDave]

It would be good to know if anyone figures this out as I Have a toll tag and radar detector that need a metal free view of the road.

 

[Hayseed_MS]

It would be good to know if anyone figures this out as I Have a toll tag and radar detector that need a metal free view of the road.

I did place it where the manual states. Used it yesterday and it was confirmed to work. Did not try it anywhere wlse.

 

[SoCal Buzz]

Has anyone tried the FasTrak or other transponder sticker in the refresh? Any other input on transponder placement and success / failure? It sounds like the bottom-right passenger window is recommended.

 

[Zarwin]

Just wanted to note should anyone else be looking through this thread that mine is working fine to the right of the rearview mirror in a 2022 Model S. I have not tried it anywhere else but can confirm it works here.