Tesla cars pack a powerful punch when it comes to innovativeness and advanced security systems. They’re among the most sophisticated vehicles, ideal for eco-conscious drivers. Thanks to their Walk Away feature, these cars guarantee security wherever you go.
Unfortunately, many users report that their cars won’t lock, leaving them insecure. This issue is common with the Tesla Model 3.
The most common reasons Tesla won’t lock include doors not fully closed, software issues, malfunctioning auto-lock function, electrical problems, malfunctioning driver seat sensor, faulty door locks, and outdated Tesla mobile app.
Are you having trouble locking your Tesla? Keep reading and learn how to address these issues.
Answer: Doors or Trunk Not Fully Closed
Tesla doors should fully close if there’s no obstruction or mechanical issue. So, if the car doesn’t lock, there might be one or more doors that are not fully closed.
A possible culprit is the driver’s door. If your kids close your Tesla doors, they might not have enough strength to shut them entirely. In this case, the Walk Away feature won’t lock the doors after detecting this error.
Another possible reason for doors not locking is the trunk not shut properly. There might be something obstructing the trunk from closing.
Fixes:
Check all the doors by doing a walk-around or use the Tesla’s touch screen to check which door is the culprit. Close the doors fully, and the auto-lock function will do its work.
If the above fails, check if the trunk is the cause. Inspect the latch and inside the trunk to see if objects prevent it from shutting fully. Remove any obstructions and close the trunk.
Answer: Leaving an Additional Key in Your Car
Another reason your Tesla fails to lock is leaving an additional key inside. Tesla allows users to pair additional keys to ensure more than one person can drive. Extra keys include phones, cards, and fobs.
If you leave an additional key inside, the car’s sensor might detect it, and the doors won’t lock. You will close the doors fully, walk away, and the vehicle will lock. But after a while, the car will unlock after detecting the additional key. This happens because your Tesla believes there’s an authorized user inside.
While it sounds like a security nightmare, Tesla does so to prevent users from locking themselves in the car.
Fixes:
Check for an additional key in the car if your Tesla fails to lock. Move out with the extra key, close the door, and walk away to allow the auto-lock to lock the car. Alternatively, you can use the app to lock the car manually.
Answer: Malfunctioning Auto-Lock Function
If your Tesla won’t lock, the auto-lock function might be the cause. This function works hand in hand with controls, locks, and the Walk Away feature. If the doors are fully shut, the auto-lock feature will lock the car after you’ve walked far enough.
Thankfully, this function allows you to add a sound to help you know when the car gets locked.
However, the auto-lock function might fail due to the following:
- Not walking far away from the car
- Phone or key fob not enabled in the Tesla App
- Bluetooth is not enabled on your phone
Fixes:
Try walking far away enough from your Tesla. Listen to the sound your car makes after locking. You must ensure all the doors and the trunk are fully closed.
If walking away doesn’t help, check your phone or key fob to ensure they’re enabled in the Tesla App. Enable them if they’re not. Then, check your phone’s Bluetooth and enable it if it’s off.
Answer: Malfunctioning Driver’s Seat Sensor
Issues with the driver’s seat sensor might cause your Tesla not to lock. This sensor works with the Walk Away feature to lock the car.
Several issues might cause the sensor not to work. They include:
- Dirt or debris on the sensor
- Defective sensor
Fixes:
Inspect the sensor to see if dirt or debris blocks its view. If the sensor appears dirty, use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the dirt. Check if the car locks after cleaning the sensor.
If your Tesla fails to lock, the sensor might be faulty. The lights, AC, and mirrors usually won’t go off if the sensor is defective. In this case, take your car to a Tesla Service Center to get the sensor replaced.
Answer: Faulty Door Handles
The door handles need to work appropriately for your Tesla to lock automatically. However, excessive use might cause the door handles to succumb to damage and fail to function as they should. When this happens, the auto-lock function won’t recognize that you’ve closed the doors.
Fixes:
Open and close the doors several times. With several attempts, the security system might recognize closed doors. If the issue persists, take your car to Tesla Service Center to have the problem addressed.
Answer: Outdated Tesla Mobile App
If you control your Tesla remotely, you must ensure that you have an up-to-date Tesla Mobile App. An outdated app might compromise your Tesla security system, resulting in the locking issue.
Fixes:
Check your App Store and install updates if you have an outdated app. Ensure you’ve enabled the mobile app with the car’s security system. Doing this should help resolve the problem.
Answer: Software Issues
Your Tesla’s software, particularly the security system, ensures the car locks automatically. The software might be outdated or have bugs if the car won’t lock automatically.
If you’ve not checked the software lately, it might be outdated and cause locking problems.
Fixes:
If the issue results from outdated software, use the touchscreen display to go to the “Software” menu. Check for available updates and install them. Try locking your car using the auto-lock function.
If your Tesla won’t lock after updating the software, contact Tesla support for professional help or advice.
Answer: Electrical Issues
Issues with the electrical system in your Tesla could cause the car not to lock. For example, wires and connections might break or become loose over time.
If your car has loose or broken wires and connections, you might notice other symptoms like malfunctioning lights, windows, and media.
Besides the wiring, your car might have issues with the battery, causing difficulties when locking. The good news is that you’ll receive information about a problematic battery or wiring on the touchscreen.
Fixes:
Inspect the battery for loose cables and reconnect them if necessary. If the terminals appear corroded, clean them with a wire brush. Then remove the stubborn rust with baking soda and water.
If the battery is defective, check if it’s still under warranty. You can install a new battery if you’re out of warranty.
Lastly, take your car to the Tesla Service Center to fix the wiring.
Wrapping Up
A Tesla that won’t lock can be annoying. Resolve this issue promptly to prevent unauthorized access or theft. Luckily, we’ve seen why your Tesla won’t lock and how to address the problem. Contact Tesla support or take your car to the Tesla Service Center for help if you can’t resolve the issue.