You can quickly familiarize yourself with the key fob by thinking of it as a miniature version of Model S, with the Tesla badge representing the front. The key has buttons that feel like softer areas on the surface.
- Rear trunk – Double-click to open or close the rear trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the charge port door.
- Lock/Unlock All – Single-click to lock doors and trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-click to unlock doors and trunks.
- Front trunk – Double-click to unlatch the front trunk.
Once inside, power up Model S 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 in the lower half of the left wireless phone charger, facing downward, on the center console. When your key fob is detected, the two-minute authentication period restarts.
When approaching or leaving Model S carrying the key fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model S 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 (phones, laptops, etc.).
In the event that the key fob’s battery is dead, you can still use it. To unlock the vehicle, scan the key fob on the card reader located on the driver’s side door pillar (like the key card).
To drive the vehicle, scan the key fob on the phone charger.
- Place it at the top of the left phone charger, against the center divider.
- Point the front of the key fob down.
- Swipe downwards.
Instructions for changing the battery are provided in Replacing the Key Fob Battery.
Note
You can use the same key fob with multiple
Model S vehicles provided you authenticate it (see
Managing Keys). However, key fob works with only one
Model S at a time. Therefore, to use a key fob for a different
Model S, touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver’s side door pillar.
Note
Model S 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.