Tesla introduces the key card method, expanding the present key collection, as its new-tech features move even farther. This approach goes beyond the conventional car locking mechanism
You may now operate your Tesla’s lock mechanism at your convenience while maintaining your sense of style using just a thin card with a short-range radio-frequency identification (RFID) signal.
Are you unsure about the proper way to carry it out? Follow these instructions to lock a Tesla using a key card.
The Features of the Tesla Key Card
The Tesla Key Card comes with a number of useful features that are intended to make working with Tesla simpler. You can securely lock and unlock the automobile from as far as ten feet away, eliminating the need to struggle in the dark for your keys.
Even when standing outside the car, you could utilize it as a form of remote control to open and close the windows and sunroof.
The card acts as an additional level of security. No one else with a Tesla key card can access it since it has a special authentication code that can only be read by your car. This eliminates the possibility of your automobile being stolen.
Locking Tesla with Key Card: The A-Z How to Guide?
Many people may become confused by this technique as applying a key card to lock a Tesla is still a novel concept. So, the following is a comprehensive guide on using a Tesla key card:
1. Sync your Key Card with the Vehicle
All Tesla models specially 3, Y, X, and S made after 2021 are offered with pre-programmed key cards.
However, you must first make sure that your automobile has been programmed with the new key card if you have one for whatever reason. Otherwise, it won’t affect how your Tesla’s lock operates.
You might wish to follow these simple instructions to activate your Tesla key card:
- First, enter the car menu on your car’s touch screen.
- Click the add button after choosing “Locks.”
- The third step is to choose “Add a key fob or key card.”
- Scan the key card you would like to program on the card reader located on top of the center console, directly behind the cup holder.
- Remove the card you’re inserting from the scanner and swap it out for the original or a key card that has already been programmed to confirm the activation.
- The new card will appear in the list once the activation has been verified. If you wish to change the name, press the pencil icon.
Keep in mind that since your phone lacks an RFID reader, you cannot use it to turn on the fresh key card from the outside.
2. Keep your Key Card Separate from other RFID-Activated Cards
An RFID chip is embedded in the Tesla key card to communicate with the vehicle’s lock system. The B-pillar (driver’s door pillar) scanner will validate the RFID data before locking or unlocking your automobile.
When you use your Tesla key card while it is piled alongside other chirp-operated cards (such as ATM cards), the problem most frequently occurs.
Due to interference from other RFID chips emitting radio wavelengths that are somewhat similar in this case, the RFID scanner may be unable to authenticate your key card.
Therefore, when using your key card to start your car, keep it distinct from other cards.
3. Hit the B-pillar with your Key Card
Some people could find it challenging to scan their key card due to the card reader’s covert appearance. Keep in mind that your key card’s scanning location is crucial to functioning your Tesla’s lock mechanism.
Just so you know, the card reader is under the autopilot camera and in the B-pillar, which is the door pillar for the driver.
Place your key card on the designated spot and give the scanner at least three
seconds to read it before locking your Tesla from outside.
4. Check to see Whether the Car Responds
Normally, you have to lock your automobile after at least three seconds of scanning it. Once you’ve successfully locked it with your key card, the Tesla needs to respond.
The following automobile activities must occur if the card reader confirms your action:
- Folding the side mirror
- The front light blinks.
- Moreover, based on your selections,
- The honk made a brief chirp.
If the vehicle does not respond, determine if the card has been programmed into your vehicle or take it out of the pile of other cards, and then try again.
Few More Alternative Ways
There are also alternative ways available to lock your Tesla with a key card. Let’s have a look at those.
Employing Voice Commands
Using Google Home or Alexa devices, you may also lock and unlock the Tesla using voice commands. Both its speech recognition functionality and Bluetooth system are used to connect them.
By connecting their phones to suitable devices with Bluetooth, such as Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana, customers can operate their vehicle by speaking orders through their smartphones or other compatible devices.
Use of Key Fob
Using the key fob that comes standard with many Tesla models, such as the Model S, X, and 3 cars, is another option to lock and unlock your Tesla.
Simply push either button on the top of the fob when positioned close enough to get a signal to use this method. The locking/unlocking feature should successfully operate when you hear a buzzer sound.
Sentry Mode
Those who desire more security for their parked cars can use the sentry mode to provide an additional degree of security.
It makes use of numerous cameras around the car’s exterior to keep an eye on the area while it is parked and spot any strange activity, such as an attempted break-in or vehicle tamper.
Sentry mode uses a mobile application to notify the owner if anything suspicious happens so they can take the appropriate action.
Related Post: The Complete Guide to Tesla Key Card Replacement Cost
Can I Lock My Tesla with My Key Card Inside?
It is acceptable to lock the Tesla after leaving the key card inside. You’ll need a mobile or key fob for that. Don’t lock the car with the card inside though if you lose the phone and key fob or the battery dies.
In that case, it is preferable to bring your key card along, lock the Tesla, and then open it using the card.
Simply put the card there before selecting Locks (located in the touchscreen’s upper-left corner of the map) to accomplish this. After that, exit the locked vehicle and use the Tesla app to unlock it (Controls > Unlock).
How to Use a Key Card to Unlock a Tesla?
You can unlock your Tesla with your key card if it has keyless entry. To unlock the door, simply hold the card against the handle.
Simply place the card once more against the door handle to lock it. Additionally, you can open the trunk using the key card. It opens by just placing it up against the trunk handle.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Does Tesla use a key card to automatically lock doors?
Key cards do not offer automatic locking and unlocking, in contrast to phone keys and key fobs.
Does Tesla have an automatic off switch?
The Model 3 automatically turns off when you walk away with the mobile device key and key fob.
Can I leave my Tesla key card in the car?
There is no issue putting it in the car. To turn on the car, it must be somewhat close to the console.
Can my Tesla be turned off to conserve battery?
You can do this by touching on the Car icon in the touchscreen’s lower-left corner and then selecting Safety & Security.
How do you open a Tesla Without a key?
See the following link: https://youtu.be/lx9F_AMYVrQ
Read Also: Tesla Phone Key Not Working: Here’s What You Need to Do!
