Many people assume that replacing a Tesla Key Card is too expensive and complex. However, it is less expensive and simpler than most Tesla owners believe.
The cost of a Tesla Key Card Replacement stays between $68 and $200 (including the labor and tax payment).
Reasons for Needing a Tesla Key Card Replacement
3 most common reasons behind Tesla Key Card replacement are:
- Lost Key Card,
- Damaged or Malfunctioning Key Card, &
- Need for an Additional Spare Key Card.
Besides that, other reason that might cause you to replace your Key Card includes when your Tesla key card suddenly stops working due to:
- Low power or faulty interference,
- Out-dated software updates, and
- scratches in the card reader.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tesla Key Card?
Tesla Key cards are sold in pairs in all Tesla physical and online stores at $35 (same for each Tesla Model) including the Tesla Bifold wallet. If you want to get theTesla Band, you must pay an extra $18.
But if you go to Tesla Specific Service Shop, they will charge an additional $15 to $85 to program the new Key Cards to your vehicle.
Tesla Service Center or body shop will also charge you $155 per hourly service center rate and a 9.49% tax rate on your total parts price.
You can even purchase key cards from third-party stores like eBay or Amazon. But that will be more expensive since the Genuine OEM Tesla Key Cards are available over there at a price range between $40 (single) and $60 (pair).
Remember these Key Cards will not come with the Tesla Bi fold Wallet like the Original Tesla Key card package available in Tesla Shop. That means you’ll have to buy the wallet separately.
Besides, if you choose the (you should not) used Key Card to replace your damaged, stolen, or lost Key Card, it will cost you only $15 to $25.
Extra accessories: Such as the Tesla Key Ring, Key Card Wallet, Key Card Holder, or Center Console Holder will cost you an additional $12 to $129, depending on the current price of your chosen accessory.
How to Obtain a New Tesla Key Card?
There are two simple ways to obtain a new Key Card/s based on the circumstances you are currently in. So, read and follow the path that corresponds to your situation:
Scenario 1 – If your main Key Card is not working or somehow lost the main Key Card but have excess to your spare one, deactivate the lost or not functioning Key Card first by using the spare key:
- Go inside your car with the spare one and navigate to the central touchscreen.
- Enter the car menu to open “Control” and click on the “Locks” feature.
- Select the Key Card which needs to be deactivated or disabled from the list.
- After selecting your desired Card, press on the “Trash” icon.
- Follow the series of prompts step by step and finish the Key removal process.
- The system will direct you to the option where you must scan your spare key card on the key reader (located on the top of the Center Console). Now your previous Card is deactivated.
- Go to Tesla’s official shop website and order a new Key Card.
- Once the new Key Card arrives, add and activate it.
Scenario 2 – If you have lost both Key Cards, then, proceed with the new Key Card purchase and activation process.
You can book a service appointment via Mobile App to get professional assistance.
Or just buy the new Key Card Set and activate them yourself by following the below instructions:
- Go to your Car’s display screen and navigate to the “Control Menu“.
- Click on the “Locks” feature and you will see a large “+” sign located in the “Keys” section option. So, press that sign.
- The system will prompt you to put the new Card on the reader. So do that.
- Once the system detects the new entry, remove the Card from the reader.
- On the car’s display screen, you will find an “Edit” option next to the “New Key Card“. Click on that to rename your new Key Card. All done now.
- Similarly, add the other Key and activate that.
How Can I Link My Tesla Key Card to My Smartphone?
If you have not linked or paired your Tesla Key Card to your smartphone yet, then follow the below instructions to link it:
- Install the Tesla Mobile App on your smartphone first.
- Open the Tesla app and tap on the “Controls” button at the bottom of the App screen.
- Click on the “Settings” icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- It will either show the “Phone Key” or “Set Up Phone Key” feature. Now click on whichever shows on your App screen.
- Then hit the pair command. You will see that the app says it is communicating with your car.
- After a split second, the app will ask you to slide the Key Card down in the area where the key cards go down below (card reader scanner).
- Once it’s done, it will show a “Superman is connected” notification popping on the screen.
- So go to your Car’s touchscreen and check whether “Superman” is showing under the Key feature. If it’s showing, you’ve successfully connected your phone as your Tesla Key.
- Once your smartphone is paired, click on “Add Key Card” and hold your Tesla Key Card against the back of your smartphone until it is recognized.
- Give the Key Card a name and assign it to the driver’s profile. Similarly, you can add the Key Ring or other accessories from that list.
Read More: The Complete Guide to Understanding Tesla Mobile Service Costs
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How many Key Cards do Tesla cars come with?
Each Tesla Model originally comes with two Key Cards.
Can I start my Tesla without Key Cards?
Yes, you can use your smartphone or the Tesla app to start and drive the car without a key card.
How long does it take to replace and program Tesla Key Cards?
Reportedly, Tesla-specific body shops or service centers take about thirty minutes to replace and program the two Key cards.
Can I Track Down My Lost or Stolen Tesla Key?
That’s only possible if you have lost the Card at your home or office, which falls under the NFC or near field communication.
You can detect your Card within NFC range with the help of Tesla Bluetooth & GPS tracker features. Unfortunately, you can’t track down the lost Key Card outside of the NFC range.
How to Keep Your Tesla Key Card Safe?
Here are 5 tips and tricks to Prevent Your Tesla Key Card from losing:
- Label your Key Cards, like one as “home” and another as “office” or whatever suits you so that you can easily recognize which one you’re using or have, and which one got lost.
- Since Tesla Key Cards come in pairs, always keep one of them at home as an “emergency” or “spare key”.
- You can even set a pin to ensure extra security.
- Use an key ring instead of a slim card because those will be difficult to lose.
- Or you can add the “Remote S” on your Apple watch to manage your car with more ease.
Can you clone a Tesla Key Card?
No. Since these Key Cards are made of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, Tesla Key Cards are not physically cloneable.
Are Tesla key cards waterproof?
Yes, they are designed to be waterproof.
Can I Start My Tesla without a Key Card?
Yes. You can drive your Tesla without its Key Card, but in that case, you will need to have the Tesla App activated and linked to your phone.
