Tesla Model 3: Key Card

Tesla provides you with two Model 3 key cards, designed to fit in your wallet. Tap your Model 3 key card on one of its card readers, located on the driver's side door pillar and on the center console.

To use a key card to unlock or lock Model 3, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located just below the Autopilot camera on the driver's side door pillar. When Model 3 detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if equipped with the premium package and Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Sound Confirmation is on), and the doors unlock or lock.

Note: You may need to physically touch the center console or driver's side door pillar with the key card, and you may need to hold it against the transmitter for one or two seconds.

Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within thirty seconds of scanning the key card (see Starting and Powering Off) If you wait longer than thirty seconds, you must re-authenticate by placing the key card near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console.

When your key card is detected, your 30 second authentication period restarts.

Note: Walk-Away Door Lock operates only when using an authenticated phone or passive key fob. When you walk away from Model 3 carrying your key card, Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock, even if this feature is turned on (see Walk-Away Door Lock)

Caution: Always carry your key card with you in your purse or wallet to use as a backup in case your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen.

Key fob

If you have purchased the key fob accessory (available for purchase from Tesla stores or online, you can quickly familiarize yourself with this key by thinking of it as a miniature version of Model 3, with the Tesla badge representing the front.

The key has three buttons that feel like softer areas on the surface.

1. Front trunk - Double-click to open the front trunk.
2. Lock/Unlock All - Single-click to lock doors and trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-click to unlock doors and trunks.
3. Rear trunk - Double-click to open the rear trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the charge port door.

Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button on the key fob (see Starting and Powering Off) If you wait longer than two minutes, you must press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key fob is detected, the two minute authentication period restarts.

When approaching or leaving Model 3 carrying the key fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model 3 as you press a button, but you must be within operating range.

Radio equipment on a similar frequency can affect the key. If this happens, move the key at least one foot (30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phone, laptop, etc.).

If the key fob does not work (for example, its battery is dead), you can touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver's side door pillar (like the key card). Instructions for changing the battery are provided in Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Note: You can use the same key fob with multiple Model 3 vehicles provided you authenticate it (see Managing Keys). However, key fob works with only one Model 3 at a time. Therefore, to use a key fob for a different Model 3, touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver's side door pillar.

Note: Model 3 supports up to four different key fobs.

Caution: Protect the key from impact, high temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid contact with solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners.

Passive Key Fob

Due market region or vehicle configuration, Passive Key Fob may not be available for your vehicle.

Locking and unlocking Model 3 with your key fob is conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model 3 has sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range of approximately three feet (one meter). Therefore, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and simply pull on the door handle to unlock. When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open the trunk without having to use the key by pressing the trunk's exterior door handle. If Walk-Away Lock is on, your vehicle automatically locks when you exit and senses that the key fob is no longer in range (see Walk-Away Door Lock). Passive key fob is automatically enabled when you pair your key fob to your vehicle.

The key fob can only be paired to one vehicle at a time. If you want your key fob to passively lock and unlock for a different vehicle, touch the flat side of the key fob onto the driver's side door pillar or center console card reader.

You only need to do this once to pair it to your desired vehicle. You must pair your key fob every time you use it with a different vehicle.

Note: Only key fobs with the TESLA logo printed on the flat side have the passive locking and unlocking functionality. Key fobs with the MODEL 3 logo printed on the flat side cannot passively lock and unlock your vehicle.

Note: For increased security, your key fob disables itself after five minutes of being stationary while in range but the vehicle is not in use. The vehicle will not lock or unlock passively when this occurs. Shake or press a button on your key fob to wake it up.

Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Under normal use, the accessory key fob has a battery that lasts for up to five years, depending on key fob version and selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a message displays on the touchscreen.

To replace the key fob battery:

1. With the key fob placed button side down on a soft surface, release the bottom cover.

2. Remove the battery by lifting it away from the retaining clips.

3. While avoiding touching the battery's flat surfaces, insert the new battery (type CR2032) with the '+' side facing up.

Note: CR2032 batteries can be purchased through online retailers, local supermarkets, and drug stores.

4. Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until it snaps into place.
5. Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking your vehicle.

Attaching a Lanyard

To attach a lanyard, release the bottom cover as described above. Place the lanyard over the pin located between the slots on the widest side of the key fob. Re-align the cover and snap into place.

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