Model X key malfunction forces Glenn Howerton to give up on Tesla after support couldn't help and tow mode didn't work

"Always Sunny" actor Glenn Howerton had a harrowing Tesla Model X key fob malfunction story to tell on the 53rd edition of the show's podcast. During his "rich guy moment of Zen" ordeal, Glenn went into the Director's Guild of America underground parking garage even though he noticed that something was off with his key fob on previous starts. Still, he needed the Model X to get to a screening, and used the Tesla app to open and start the car.

When he had to leave, however, there was no cellular connection in the underground garage, so he could neither start the car, nor even open it. He went to Rite Aid and got a new battery for the key fob, but that didn't turn out to be the problem with it. In these cases, Tesla has a failsafe solution, too, which is explained in its mobile app user guide:

Your phone and vehicle must both be actively connected to cellular service to allow the mobile app to communicate with your vehicle. Tesla recommends that you always have a functional physical key readily available if parking in an area with limited or absent cellular service, such as an indoor parking garage.

The "Always Sunny" lead Uber-ed home and returned on Saturday morning with the key card which is the third way to unlock and start the electric vehicle, if all else fails. Glenn was able to unlock the door and get into his Model X but the car didn't start no matter how he placed the key card near the spot he was supposed to use it over.

After speaking with a dozen people at Tesla - including their Roadside assistance crew - until late in the afternoon, nobody could figure out what to do besides what he already did. Ultimately, Glenn said "you lost a customer of 10 years today" to the person in sales who was the quickest to get to.

He spoke with AAA for a tow truck, but they said they only have a few with a clearance low enough to get the Model X out of the underground parking lot. He then went home as he had to be on the phone with Tesla technicians, but there was no reception down where the car is, while they required him to be in the car troubleshooting.

Glenn eventually found a tow service which could get the Model X's tires on rails with wheels and they got the car out of the garage at about 9:30 PM, so the Tesla key fob malfunction took a whole day for him to play out. Once outside, the Tesla app connected, the car started, and he was able to again drive the Model X around, though the key fob situation still hasn't been resolved and he has to avoid parking underground.

"Technology failed me, humanity saved me," was his final summary, as all the security guards as well as the construction crew at the Director's Guild parking place were nothing but helpful and understanding while Tesla support was trying to figure out what went wrong and ultimately couldn't.

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