Hi- Please help! I lost my key fob for 2016 model X and when I look on Tesla website for replacement, they only show the credit card style key for model X. My car is not equipped to support the key card (I know, I asked them!). Will the model 3/Y fob work with a 2016 model X? If not, does anyone have any ideas for me? Thanks!
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2016 X replacement key fob
- Thread starter Xdriver
- Start date
Tam
Well-Known Member
No. Different technology. It's doubtful that Tesla would retrofit the technology because it might be just too costly.
All S/X prior to 2021 don't have user-friendly user-programmable fob/key card/key phone so you'll need to book an appointment with a Service Center or Mobile Service for a replacement and programming.
The Model X fob is not owner programmable. Therefore it is a service part. Only available through a service ticket. I asked once and think I was told $250, which included programing. For some odd reason, setting up a model X fob takes quite an effort.
Suggestion: Be sure the new fob is set up uniquely from your other key, before you leave. They had a devil of a time making my fobs different from each other, after replacing the central body control module (which manages the fobs among other things).
I'm not a fob expert. But I did buy some spare fobs this year (because I tend to misplace small things) and had them programmed by Tesla.
- First, I think the new price from Tesla is something like $175. (But not sure, as I did not get them from Tesla; see below). I believe they are still available from Tesla, but not advertised on the Tesla "Shop" website page.
- There was no charge (for me) to have them programmed. (But I have a new Model X and was having some other stuff done under warranty. Check with service via messages using your phone app.) A mobile service tech did it for me. So you don't necessarily have to go to a service center.
- I bought new (no scratches; batteries good) fobs for about half-price using Craig's List. Check locally and in other urban markets. Fobs are small so easy to ship. EBay is another possibility. There is a Tesla dismantler (Zapaska) near Sacramento that sometimes sells fobs on eBay. Check your local dismantlers. There are "new" fobs for sale for around $70 right now on eBay. Take the usual precautions when buying online. But with eBay and PayPal there are return policies that help protect buyers.
- Make sure you buy a Model X fob. They are slightly larger and have the side window buttons. Models S, 3, and Y fobs will not work for the X.
- The Model X (mine is a 2020/21) will take up to 8 fobs! (It says so in the current Tesla Model X pdf owner's manual.) (Not sure if 2016 will accept that many.) So if you can get more than one spare at a good price, I say do it.
- Get a good cover with chain/lanyard to protect your fob(s) and lessen the chance of loss. I use an aluminum clamshell cover (from China) that I like. It is protective but doesn't cover the five buttons (front, rear, top, and 2 side buttons).
Harvey Danger
Member
I can only choose one reaction, 'like', 'informative' or 'helpful'. Your post deserved all three! Excellent stuff, thank you for typing all that out.
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