Tesla has the most advanced and, in some cases, most complicated electric car technologies. As a result, it also faces some issues as well.
“Tesla door won’t open” is such an issue. So, what causes that, and how can it be resolved? The major reasons that cause the issue are not limited to but include the following.
- Door handle fuse issue
- Software issue
- Faults in the door mechanism
- Key FOB issue
- Driver door unlock mode is turned on
- The child lock function is on
In this write-up, I will explain all the common reasons and how you can fix them. So, no more ado, let’s fix your Tesla door stuck issue.
Tesla Door Won’t Open: A Quick Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the reasons and their quick solutions for the Tesla door not opening issue.
| Reasons | Solutions |
| Door handle fuse issue | Check and tight the fuses firmly or replace the worn-out fuses |
| Software issue | Update the software |
| Faults in the door mechanism | Check the motor, micro switch, and actuator, and fix them accordingly |
| Key FOB issue | Change the key fob battery or the key fob itself |
| Driver door unlock mode is turned on | Turn off the driver door unlock mode |
| The child lock function is on | Turn off the child lock option |
I Have 6 Reasons to Explain Why Your Tesla Door Got Stuck
Here, I have discussed the 6 most common reasons why your Tesla door won’t open. Let’s explore them in detail and get their potential solutions.
1. Tesla Door Handle Fuse Issue
The Tesla Model S has a common but weird problem with its door handle fuses. The door handle fuses are sometimes loose. Also, the fuse can wear out, too.
If the door handle fuses don’t sit firmly or wear out, you won’t be able to open the doors, and this may happen to any door.
Please note this particular issue frequently happens in Model S.
# Diagnosis and Solution:
To diagnose if the fuses are actual issues, you have to open the fuse box in the frunk (front hood).
- Step 1: Check fuse number 40 for the rear doors and 41 and 32 for the front side doors.
- Step 2: Check if the fuse(s) are seated firmly in their places. Pull out the fuses and check if the inner circuit is worn out.
- Step 3: If the fuse(s) is loose, press it a little to make sure it is seated firmly. If the fuse is worn out, replace it with the same rated fuse(s).
2. The Door Control Module Issue (Door Actuator, Microswitch, Motor)
This could be a little hazardous issue because I am talking about the door control module. In Tesla, the door control module consists of the door motor, actuator, door latch, microswitch, etc.
If any of these is faulty, you can’t open your Tesla door. The issue can happen in any door or multiple doors at a time. However, you have to diagnose the actual reason first to resolve the door control module issue.
# Diagnosis and Solutions
- Step 1: Open the Door Control Module: First, you need to open the door control module. To do so, open the door from the inside of the car. Now, remove the door panel to access the door control module.
- Step 2: Check the Motor: Check if the motor is moving by pressing the remote key or pulling the door handle. If the motor is moving, there are no issues with it. If the motor isn’t moving, the motor is gone. Replace the motor.
- Step 3: Check the Actuator: If the motor is okay, check the actuator by pressing the remote key or pulling the door handle. See if the actuator responds. If the motor is okay, and the actuator doesn’t respond, replace it.
- Step 4: Check the Micro Switch: If the micro switch is faulty, both the motor and the actuator won’t respond. In terms of microswitch, the fault can be in the switch itself or in the wire of the microswitch. In this case, you have to replace the microswitch and replace the wiring.
Here is a video replacing the micro switch in the Tesla Model S.
Note: In my experience, I have seen this issue mostly happen in the driver-side door.
3. There Is a Software Issue
Your Tesla app can cause the door to get stuck when pressing from your smartphone (from your Android app or iOS app). When the app doesn’t work, a software glitch or an update issue may happen.
This is a pretty common issue, by the way.
# Diagnosis and Solution:
Check for any updates on your app (Android or iOS). If there is a due update, install it. Now, the app should work. If still stuck, uninstall the app and install it again. This should solve the issue.
Also, keep the Tesla app on your phone running in the background. App sleep in the background can also cause issues when you suddenly try to use the app after a while.
Note: Your key fob should work over time.
4. Key FOB Issue
If you are able to unlock your Tesla’s door with the phone app and can’t do so with the key fob, there is an issue with the fob.
Either the key fob is faulty, or the key fob battery. But, in most cases, the battery has a problem. So, in this case, simply replace your Tesla’s key fob battery.
Unfortunately, if the key fob doesn’t work even after the battery change, you have to replace the key fob itself.
The battery will cost you around $20. But the key fob costs around $180.
5. Driver Door Unlock Mode Is On
This is not a big issue, but you may put your Driver door unlock function on from the car setting. If you keep the driver door unlock option on, you can only open the driver door and the charging port cover. Other doors won’t open.
# Diagnosis and Solution:
- Go inside the car through the driver’s door.
- Press the “Car” button on the Tesla’s screen.
- Go to “Locks.”
- Check if the “Driver Door Unlock Mode” is checked.
- If checked, uncheck the option, and your car’s driver door unlock mode is off, and you can now open other doors.
Here’s a video demonstrating how the driver door unlock function works.
6. The Child Lock Function Is On
In the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, there are child lock options. If you keep the child lock option on, the rear doors won’t open from the inside through the interior release buttons.
It is actually a safety feature so that your child in the backseat can’t open the door all of a sudden. So, if your Tesla is a Model Y or Model 3, someone might turn on the child lock function.
# Diagnosis and Solution:
- Touch the “car symbol” on your Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.
- Go to the “Locks” option.
- You will see the option for “Child Lock.”
- If the option is selected, it will be blue in color.
- Tap the option, and the option will be unselected, and the blue color will be gone. Now, your child lock option is turned off, and you can open the rear doors.
FAQs
Here are some additional questions about your Tesla door opening issue. These might help you with any remaining confusion.
Yes, the position can cause your Tesla door to get stuck, and you might not be able to open the door. You have to point your key fob toward the front passenger side’s windshield wiper beside the driving seat.
It is an electronic device that breaks or helps to flow electric current located in the door mechanism. The electric current is responsible for operating the actuating plunger that locks and unlocks the Tesla car doors.
Final Words
The ‘Tesla door won’t open’ issue can happen due to different reasons. Driver door unlock mode, fuse not firmly seated, etc., are the major reasons. Most of the reasons are easy to fix and don’t need professional or mechanical fixations.
However, the door control mechanism issue should be checked and fixed by Tesla’s professional mechanics. So, when a door unlocking issue happens in your Tesla car, don’t be panicked, and find out the reasons. As I said, you can fix most of the issues yourself if you don’t panic.
I am an experienced guide in electric mobility, offering clear and expert guidance for those venturing into the world of electric vehicles.
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