Tesla Model X Won’t Turn On? 4 Ways to Fix

Tesla Model X is a futuristic electric SUV with falcon-wing doors and impressive performance. However, some owners have reported that their Model X won’t turn on or start at times.

This can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem, especially if you’re in a hurry or stranded somewhere.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the possible causes and solutions for this issue.

Tesla Model X Won’t Turn On? (FIXED)

1. Change Key Fob Battery

The key fob is a small device that communicates with your car and allows you to unlock and start it. If the battery is low or dead, the key fob won’t be able to send or receive signals from the car.

To check if this is the case, you can try to use the Tesla app on your smartphone to unlock and start the car.

If the app works, then it means that your key fob battery is likely the culprit. You can also try to use another key fob if you have one.

To replace the key fob battery, you’ll need a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery and a small flathead screwdriver. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the small indentation on the bottom of the key fob and insert the screwdriver into it.

2. Gently pry open the key fob case and remove the old battery.

3. Insert the new battery with the positive side facing up.

4. Snap the key fob case back together and test it with your car.

2. Change Tesla’s 12V Battery

The 12V battery is a small auxiliary battery that powers some of the car’s systems, such as the lights, horn, windows, doors, and touchscreen.

If the 12V battery is low or dead, you may see a warning message on your touchscreen or app saying “12V Battery Needs Service” or “Replace 12V Battery Soon.

The 12V battery is supposed to be charged by the main battery pack, but sometimes it can fail or drain faster than normal. This can happen due to extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, or leaving the car unused for a long time.

To check if this is the case, you can try to jump-start the 12V battery using another car or a portable jump starter. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the 12V battery under the front hood of your car and remove the plastic cover.

2. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the 12V battery to the positive (+) terminal of the other car or jump starter using a jumper cable.

3. Connect the negative (-) terminal of the other car or jump starter to a metal ground point on your car, such as a bolt or a bracket.

4. Turn on the other car or jump the starter and wait for a few minutes.

5. Try to start your car using the key fob or app.

If this works, then it means that your 12V battery is likely the culprit. You should drive your car to a Tesla service center or schedule a visit with a mobile tech as soon as possible to have the 12V battery replaced.

3. Software Causing the Problem

Sometimes, the software can freeze or crash, causing various issues with your car’s functionality. This can happen due to bugs, updates, or corrupted files.

To check if this is the case, you can try to reset and reboot your car’s system. There are two types of resets: soft reset and hard reset. A soft reset is like restarting your computer, while a hard reset is like unplugging your computer from the power source.

A soft reset is usually enough to fix most software issues, while a hard reset is more drastic and should be used as a last resort.

To perform a soft reset on your Model X, follow these steps:

1. Place your car in park, with all doors shut

2. Go to Controls > Safety and Security > Power Off

3. Don’t touch anything (brake, doors, steering wheel, touchscreen, etc) for at least two minutes (though it may be best to wait for at least five).

4. After two (or five) minutes have passed, press the brake or open the door to start everything back up again¹

To perform a hard reset on your Model X, follow these steps:

1. Place your car in park, with all doors shut

2. Open the front hood and locate the 12V battery and the first responder loop

3. Unplug the first responder loop and wait for a few seconds

4. Unplug the 12V battery and wait for a few minutes

5. Reconnect the 12V battery and the first responder loop

6. Close the front hood and try to start your car

Note: The hard reset or reboot on a Model S or Model X is not recommended (and accidental warranty voiding can happen), so if you can get to a Service Center or schedule a visit with a Mobile Tech, you should do that first. We don’t recommend the following method (even though this reset is probably what the Service Center techs will try).

If this works, then it means that there was a software glitch in your car’s system. You should check for any software updates and install them as soon as possible to prevent future issues.

4. Other Solutions

There are some other less common issues that can cause your Tesla Model X to not turn on, such as:

• Faulty door latch or sensor making the car think that the door is open and preventing it from starting
• Defective high voltage battery pack or contactor causing a loss of power to the car
• Damaged wiring or fuse causing a short circuit or a fire in the car

These issues are more serious and require professional diagnosis and repair. You should contact Tesla roadside assistance or a service center immediately if you suspect any of these issues.

Conclusion

Tesla Model X is an amazing electric SUV, but it can also have some problems that prevent it from turning on. Some of the most common causes are a dead key fob battery, a dead 12V battery, or a software glitch.

These can be fixed by replacing the battery, jump-starting the car, or resetting the system. However, some other issues may require professional help, such as faulty door latches, defective battery packs, or damaged wiring.

If you encounter any of these issues, you should contact Tesla roadside assistance or a service center as soon as possible.