When you purchase a Tesla Model S you expect it to perform flawlessly.
But just like any other vehicle sometimes things can go wrong.
One of the most common issues that Tesla Model S owners experience is that their car won’t unlock.
This can be a major inconvenience as it prevents you from being able to use your vehicle.
In this blog post we’re going to discuss why your Tesla Model S might not be unlocking and what you can do to fix the problem.
Read on to learn more!
Common Reasons Why Your Tesla Model S Won’t Unlock
The most common reason why your Tesla Model S won’t unlock is because the keyfob battery is dead.
If you don’t replace the battery in your keyfob it won’t be able to communicate with your car and thus the Model S won’t unlock.
Other potential causes of this issue include a faulty door lock actuator or a malfunctioning remote.
How to Tell If Your Keyfob Battery Is Dead
The easiest way to tell if your keyfob battery is dead is to press the unlock button on the keyfob.
If the car doesn’t respond it’s a sign that the keyfob battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
How to Replace the Keyfob Battery
Replacing the battery in your keyfob is a relatively simple process.
The first step is to remove the back cover of the keyfob.
This can be done with a small flathead screwdriver or a thin blade.
Once the cover is removed you will see the battery.
Remove the battery and replace it with a new one.
Make sure that you buy a battery that is compatible with your keyfob.
How to Check for a Faulty Door Lock Actuator
A faulty door lock actuator can cause your Tesla Model S to not unlock.
To check for this issue you will need to open the driver’s door and manually operate the door lock.
If the door lock doesn’t move or if it makes a grinding noise it is a sign that the actuator needs to be replaced.
How to Check for a Malfunctioning Remote
Sometimes the issue can be caused by a malfunctioning remote.
To check for this you will need to take the remote apart and inspect the circuitry.
If you notice any damage or if the circuits are corroded it is a sign that the remote needs to be replaced.
How to Reset the Keyfob
If none of the above steps has resolved the issue you can try resetting the keyfob.
To do this you need to press and hold the unlock and lock buttons on the keyfob at the same time for 10 seconds.
This will reset the keyfob and may allow it to communicate with your Model S again.
How to Troubleshoot Other Issues
If resetting the keyfob doesn’t do the trick you may need to take your Model S to a trained technician for further troubleshooting.
When to Replace Your Model S Keyfob
If your Model S keyfob is more than five years old it is a good idea to replace it.
This will ensure that it can communicate with your car without any issues.
Other Tips to Prevent Model S Unlocking Issues
There are a few other tips that you can follow to avoid any potential unlocking issues with your Model S.
For example always make sure that the battery in your keyfob is fresh and that the remote and door lock actuator are in good condition.
Additionally you should never leave the keyfob in direct sunlight as this can damage the circuitry.
What to Do If Your Model S Still Won’t Unlock
If your Model S still won’t unlock after following these steps the best thing to do is to visit a Tesla service center for further diagnostics.
The technicians there will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
In conclusion if your Tesla Model S won’t unlock there are several potential causes that you can check for.
If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own the best option is to visit a Tesla service center for further assistance.