The Great Key fob unboxing

[Msjulie]

Ok that's more grand than it is but there is a hint of Apple-ness in the packaging






They give you 2 batteries, it takes 1

I don't see anyway to hook any lanyard on it but that's ok for now

The process for pairing is unexpected but easy:

- go to your car
- go to tesla screen to add key card or fob (you need newer firmware)
- choose fob, follow instructions (be sure to have an existing paired key card)





Pretty much it's a keycard in a fob shape from what I can tell, one that can open the trunk/front and lock/unlock from some distance (I've not tried super far away yet)

I've not yet used it to go driving yet, just set up and tested.

 

[eCharcoal]

Since it doesn’t support passive entry, do you need to hold it to the b-pillar or press a button to unlock the door?

 

[Msjulie]

I was able to stand some feet back from the car and click the top to lock/unlock the car. Just like a regular older-school remote

 

[Twiglett]

another question, does it support Summon?

 

[Msjulie]

another question, does it support Summon?

Honestly I'm not sure, not even sure how to figure it out just yet... my initial guess is that it can lock and unlock stuff and that might be it's sole purpose.

I will try some more stuff later today

 

[ecarfan]

another question, does it support Summon?

In one of the multiple threads about the 3 fob, someone who has received one says it did not initiate Summon when used like the S/X fob.

 

[Msjulie]

In one of the multiple threads about the 3 fob, someone who has received one says it did not initiate Summon when used like the S/X fob.

Mods feel free to merge this with one of the multitudes..

 

[Birdman325]

Its interesting. It is a beautiful box, the fob itself is really really nice looking (at least in the pictures) and not only do they include the battery but they provide an extra battery! But unfortunately, as has been relentlessly debated on many threads, it doesn't actually do very much! (But if it would allow me to summon in Canada; I know it doesn't seem to yet; I would buy one. )

 

[Msjulie]

Mostly for me it's useful for when someone not me will drive it; seems less likely to be lost or misunderstood like the card - it is pretty enough I suppose but it is pricey for what it is..

 

[crackers8199]

how hard is it to tell the separate buttons apart while it's still in your pocket? without supporting passive entry, that's the only way i can see this being worth buying - if i can just reach into my pocket and easily feel the unlock button, click twice, and open (without having to get out my phone or the card)...

 

[Msjulie]

how hard is it to tell the separate buttons ...

It's easy to feel the shape of the car in your hand I'd say; lock/unlock is pressing on the 'roof' so yep no need to take the fob out of your pocket, depending on how tight the pocket is?

 

[Msjulie]

Here's a bug - maybe - unlock is double squeeze and the horn beeps same as lock does.. no stealth unlock...

 

[Scrutmonkey]

I don't see anyway to hook any lanyard on it but that's ok for now

man, i just watched a video of this today where someone took the FOB apart and there's a spot you can loop a lanyard and add a keyring on the end. I need to find it again.

Found it -

 

[Msjulie]

That sure is small! My expectations were out of line with reality there fur shur...

 

[Glamisduner]

Looks identical to the S fob sitting in front of me.

 

[Lon12]

Just got mine today.

 

[Lon12]

Since it doesn’t support passive entry, do you need to hold it to the b-pillar or press a button to unlock the door?

Yes. If you hold it up against the pillar it unlocks just like the card.

 

[Altes]

Ha, sounds like it beats my BMW experience. went for a second key, needed drivers liscense and title certificate in order to purchase the key. spend $187 on the key and then it doesnt work, the parts guy says "Oh, you need to have service department PROGRAM it" I take it tover to them and they say "Make an Appointment and it will be $180 to program it". At that point I walked out....came back for my minimalist "free service" a month later and said "gee my key fob stopped working" they reporgrammed it under warranty....F U BMW!!!!

 

[groovyd]

Way too bulky to tie to a keyring and seems it would accidentally trigger clicks in your pocket if it hit anything. This key card debacle is the biggest regret of my model 3 ownership so far and it may seem small but i feel it every single time i get in and out of the car. It really sucks and Tesla really needs a proper passive entry keychain solution without clicks. Remove the buttons, slim down the shell and make it work Tesla.

 

[bluemonster]

Honestly I'm not sure, not even sure how to figure it out just yet... my initial guess is that it can lock and unlock stuff and that might be it's sole purpose.

I will try some more stuff later today

does not support summon