2019 Tesla Model S Key Fob Programming Guide

As an ASE-certified electrical technician and automotive locksmith, I frequently get questions from EV owners about key and fob replacements. The 2019 Tesla Model S is a technological marvel, and its access system is entirely different from traditional combustion-engine vehicles. For the 2019 model year (often referred to as the "Raven" update era), Tesla utilizes a combination of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and RFID technology.

Below is your comprehensive guide to understanding, programming, and replacing the key fob for a 2019 Tesla Model S.

Quick reference

Step-by-step on-board programming

One of the great advantages of modern Teslas is the ability to program a new key fob yourself directly through the vehicle's user interface—provided you already have at least one recognized, working key fob or a paired Phone Key.

Here is the step-by-step on-board programming procedure for the 2019 Tesla Model S:

1. Sit in the driver's seat: Ensure all doors are closed and you have both your working key (or Phone Key) and the new, unprogrammed key fob with you.
2. Access the Locks menu: On the center touchscreen display, tap the Car icon (Controls) in the bottom corner, then navigate to Locks.
3. Initiate pairing: In the Locks menu, look for the section that lists your active keys. Tap the "+" (Add) icon to begin pairing a new key.
4. Scan the new fob: The screen will prompt you to place the new key fob on the RFID reader. For the 2019 Model S, this reader is typically located on the center console, right behind the cupholders (or just below the 12V power outlet). Place the new fob there.
5. Authenticate with a working key: Once the vehicle detects the new fob, the screen will prompt you to authenticate the process. Take your existing, programmed key fob and place it on the exact same RFID reader spot.
6. Confirm success: The touchscreen will briefly load, and the new key fob will appear in your key list. You can tap the pencil icon next to it to rename the fob (e.g., "Driver 2 Fob").
7. Test the new fob: Step outside the vehicle and test the lock, unlock, and trunk functions to ensure the programming was successful.

Battery replacement

When your key fob battery is running low, your Tesla touchscreen will display a warning message. Replacing the battery is a quick DIY task that requires a standard CR2032 coin-cell battery.

1. Place the key fob button-side down on a soft surface.
2. Using a small flathead screwdriver or a strong fingernail, carefully pry the battery cover off the bottom of the vehicle-shaped fob.
3. Remove the old battery.
4. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the "+" side facing up toward you.
5. Snap the battery cover back into place, ensuring it sits flush and the seals are tight.

Where to buy a replacement fob

When it comes to purchasing a replacement fob for a 2019 Tesla Model S, your options are a bit more restricted than with a standard Ford or Toyota.

• Tesla App / Service Center (Recommended): Purchasing directly from the Tesla app or a local Tesla Service Center is the safest and most reliable route. An OEM fob usually costs around $175. It is guaranteed to work with your vehicle's firmware.
• Locksmiths: While automotive locksmiths are experts in traditional transponders, many do not stock Tesla fobs due to the proprietary pairing process and the ease with which owners can buy them directly from Tesla.
• Amazon / eBay: You can find used, unlocked, or refurbished OEM fobs online, often priced between $80 and $120. However, proceed with caution. If a fob has not been properly wiped or is damaged internally, the vehicle will reject it. Since aftermarket options don't exist for this high-security system, you must ensure you are buying a genuine, working OEM fob.

If on-board programming isn't supported

If you have lost all of your working keys and do not have a Phone Key set up, you will not be able to access the "Locks" menu to program a new fob yourself.

In this "all keys lost" scenario, you cannot bypass the immobilizer system on your own. You will need to contact Tesla Service (via the app if you still have account access, or by phone). Tesla Mobile Service can come to your location, verify your ownership, unlock the vehicle digitally, and program new keys using their proprietary diagnostic software (Toolbox). Expect to pay the cost of the new fobs (approx. $175 each) plus a service fee, which usually brings the total to around $250 to $350.

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