Seeing the Tesla lock not working suddenly is annoying and concerning! You can not drive your car with such an issue in any way. Now, to get out of this, you need to look into the problem right away!
So, why is the Tesla not locking? Well, this happens when you don’t shut the doors properly. Besides, issues with the Tesla app and its settings might result in this problem, too. Putting any keys inside the car will stop it from locking as well. Last but not least, internal issues may disrupt Tesla’s locking operations, too.
Well, these are the reasons behind the problem. To know about the solution, read along, as we have got many insights here. So, move on to the main part to resolve the problem now!
Why Is My Tesla Not Locking?
There could be multiple reasons why your Tesla is not locking. Here, we have covered all the reasons why Tesla is not locking. Take a look.
Doors Shut Loosely
A very common reason for a Tesla is not locking is the doors of it not shut properly. This happens if the latch of the door is faulty or if there are some other issues with the door.
Note that this problem also arises if the trunk is not shut properly. So, any of the parts of the Tesla not being shut properly would lead to this problem.
Due to the design of the door, there is almost no noise, and people at times get confused about whether it’s closed properly or not.
Tesla App Not Synced Properly
Another common reason for your Tesla doesn’t lock is the connection issue of the Tesla app with your car. If you can not sync or set up the Tesla app properly, it will not work accordingly.
Moreover, some of the new Tesla app users also fail to understand the system of this app.
But if the app is not refreshing, read our guide on the possible reasons and solutions why your Tesla app is not refreshing.
Disabled Auto-lock Feature
Tesla has an auto-lock feature like the smart parking locks of many cars. Besides, it has an option that allows the user to exclude some of the areas for the auto-lock feature.
That means being a Tesla user, you can set some of the places where your car will not lock itself.
Keys inside Tesla
A common mistake that new users of Tesla make is putting any keys inside and trying to lock the car. However, this is a silly reason for which your Tesla will have locking issues.
That means if you put any keys inside your Tesla and try to lock it remotely, the Tesla will not lock.
If you are experiencing issues like your Tesla repeatedly asking for a key card, read this guide on ‘Tesla Keeps Asking for Key Card.’ You will learn about the detailed causes and solutions to this problem.
Internal Issues
With the aid of technology, Tesla has reached a milestone, but these technical things can have glitches at times.
Your Tesla might not be locking due to software or hardware issues that are absolutely internal. This can happen after a software update. Note that this may also happen for an issue like charging complications.
What to Do to Fix the Tesla Lock?
As you know the reasons behind the problem, you would definitely think of the solutions now. So, here is how you resolve Tesla’s not locking problems.
Open and Close the Doors Manually
The first thing you do to resolve the Tesla lock issue is open and close all the doors manually. Starting from the driver to the passenger doors, open them all and close them after a few seconds.
Make sure to exert enough pressure to close them properly. After that, open the trunk and close it too.
In case the door latch seems loose, put a screwdriver on and tap on it with a little force. This will tighten the latch. Now, see if the Tesla locks; the problem is solved! If the latch is worn out, get it replaced in the Tesla service center.
Sync the Tesla App Properly
First, you need to re-install the Tesla app in case it’s already on your phone.
- Once you do it, open the settings of your Tesla display in your car, go to the lock tab, and press ‘add key.’
- Now, open the Tesla app on your phone and press ‘Set Up Phone Key.’ Make sure the Bluetooth is turned on the entire time. After that, press ‘Pair’ and tap your Tesla card key on the dash under the screen of your car.
- This time, a dialog box will appear, and you need to click on confirm to pair up the app. And this is how you can sync the app to lock your Tesla.
Fix the Auto-lock Feature
If you are in a location that is excluded from the auto-lock feature, your Tesla will not lock. So, you either have to move out of the area or change the settings.
To fix this, you can go to the settings on the display and remove the location for disabled auto-lock. Note that the only place is in the list of disabled auto-lock, and this is your home.
Take out Any Keys Left Inside
If your Tesla is not locking, you need to check if there are any keys inside the car. In case you lose any keys, you need to take them off and lock the car again after a few minutes.
Internal Fix
If none of the above solutions fix the Tesla lock problem, the issue could be internal. There might be a need for a software update or internal checking.
To update the software, you open the Tesla app on your phone. You will automatically receive the update notification there when it is available. Tap on it to update the software.
Note that you won’t be able to drive while updating the software. So, it is better to do it overnight.
If you need more assistance, contact Tesla customer service and seek a solution. They could fix the problem easily.
Tips to Keep the Tesla Lock in Good Condition
To maintain your Tesla lock properly, here are a few tips that you can follow.
- Try to keep the hinge and lock of your Tesla clean. You may use a grease spray to clean these parts once every six months.
- Although some people don’t lock Tesla manually, it is better to do it sometimes. You may lock your Tesla manually once in a while to keep it active.
- Even if you don’t go out with your Tesla for a couple of days, lock and unlock it once every day. You can do it automatically or manually to keep the lock well.
- Try to keep your Tesla neat and clean. Wipe off any dust particles, especially after you get back from a long drive.
- Do not lock and unlock your Tesla back and forth frequently. This would disrupt the internal mechanism of the lock for back-to-back commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look here at some of the commonly asked queries regarding Tesla lock issues.
Yes, you can lock your Tesla without using the app. You may use a key fob or a card key to lock it manually. To lock it, hold the card key very close to the door lock for 3 to 5 seconds.
Yes, you can enable auto-lock in your Tesla. If you enable this feature in your car, your Tesla will lock automatically by itself. Your Tesla will lock by itself if there are no keys inside your car.
A new Tesla key fob costs about $150 in the USA. Note that the price of it might vary a bit from state to state. In general, the price ranges between $130 to $180.
The Final Words
Now you know why the Tesla is not locking! We believe you will have no issues to resolve this issue by following the solutions we provided.
As we wrap up the article, here is a last tip for you. If you are not using your Tesla for a very long time, unlock and lock it once every day. This will keep the lock of your car active and free of rust. We wish you good luck!
I am an experienced guide in electric mobility, offering clear and expert guidance for those venturing into the world of electric vehicles.
Through collaborations, research, and hands-on experience, I navigate readers through the evolving landscape of smart automobile technologies and the significance of renewables.