The Tesla Model 3 key fob costs $225 plus tax Canadian. You can also get the Tesla Model 3 Key Band which is $25 plus tax Canadian as well directly from Tesla Canada Store website.
It takes about a week and a half to arrive to Toronto, Canada from California, USA.
Unlike other key fobs on the market, this is a pretty unique one because unlike traditional keys from vehicles like Audi, BMW or even Lexus, this key fob is in the shape of your Tesla Model 3.
Opening the Box
When you open up the box you can immediately see the sleekness and the cool factor of this key.
It is super unique.
Is the box a bit overkill? Could they have used less packaging. Probably. But it definitely seems premium.
You will also be given 2 coin cell Panasonic CR2032 batteries.
Multiple Versions
Now, there are a few version of this key fob. There is a version that supports passive entry and another one that doesn’t.
If your key fob has the TESLA letters on the back, it supports passive entry meaning that the car will automatically lock and unlock when the key fob is within a few feet. If your key fob has the MODEL 3 logo, it can’t passively lock or unlock your vehicle.
The key itself is water resistant but it’s not waterproof so try not to submerge the key into a lot of water as that can cause damage.
Installing the Battery
When I initially got the key fob, I was at first perplexed on how to install the battery. I was worried applying too much force would break it. But, if you look at the back near the Trunk of the keyfob, you can actually fit your nails in here to pry it open.
Tesla says that with normal use, the key fob battery should last you around 5 years.
To secure the battery, click it in place.
Key Band
I must admit, I was a bit worried with the Model 3 Key Band that the key fob will fall out since I I thought it may not be secured enough.
So far in the several months that I’ve had it, it’s been pretty sturdy and it hasn’t caused me any more cause for concern.
Pairing to the Car
Pairing the the key fob to the car is a pretty simple process.
Click on the Car Icon on the bottom. Go to locks, and click the + icon to add the key fob.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Place the new key fob behind the cup holder to begin the pairing process.
After a few seconds a prompt will appear.
You then grab your original key card and place it in the same spot.
After that, the key fob has been successfully paired.
One thing to note though, you may notice that the car doesn’t completely recognize or name the key fob automatically.
So what we can do is click the pencil icon here to edit the name.
I called mine: “Key Fob”
Now just like that the key fob is enabled in the Tesla.
So how do you use the KeyFob?
Well fortunately, it’s pretty intuitive.
If you click once on the Frunk portion of the key it won’t do anything. This is a safety mechanism in place so that if the key fob is in your pocket and it gets clicked by accident, the car doesn’t open up your car.
Click on the Frunk twice, it will open the Frunk.
This same concept goes for the doors. To lock the doors, tap the roof once; To unlock the doors, tap the roof twice.
If you want to unlock the trunk, press it twice.
Now the one thing that stumped me for a few minutes was how to open up the charger port.
Logically I would have assumed pressing the charger area on the side of the key would have worked. However that is not the case.
You actually press and hold the Trunk.
So what do I think about this key fob?
Honestly it’s great. It’s sleek, it’s unique and does all of the functions I need.
So, Should You Buy This Key Fob?
Well, for $225 it’s a pretty good deal for a key.
Buying a key fob and programming it at another car manufacturer at the dealer can easily cost way over $500.
This key fob is ideal for owners who don’t want to rely on your phone key or your card key.
While it may not have the text on the key fob such as lock or unlock like most key fobs do, it’s pretty intuitive to lock and unlock parts of the vehicle.
Want to lock the doors? Tap the roof once
Want to unlock the doors? Tap the roof twice
Want to open the Frunk? Tap the frunk twice
Want to open the Trunk? Tap the trunk twice.
My only complaint is that it wasn’t immediately obvious that holding the trunk opens up the charger port.
It’s also ideal to buy this if you are like me and you just can’t get used to walking away hoping that the car locks itself. Personally I like to press the button so that I can be sure that I’ve locked the vehicle.
If these are functions and features are appealing to you, I would buy this key fob.
