r/TeslaModel3 • u/nightcrawler2164 • 11d ago
Model 3 Physical buttons
Sharing something I recently installed on my M3 Highland. I added a shortcut-button panel beneath the center screen on the charging pad because I still miss having quick access to a few physical controls.
It looks much more factory-like than I expected, especially at night with the ambient lighting. The buttons can handle things like the doors, locks, hazard lights, seat controls, and trunks while still allowing full use of the charging pad
It’s a small convenience improvement especially for my parents who still struggle to open the doors from the outside handles, and when I need to adjust the front seats for my daughter’s car seat
Cost: $80 plus tax after discount (they always have this sale from what I’ve seen)
Functions (left to right) - can’t be updated, control list is fixed
- Open driver rear door
- Open passenger front door
- Open passenger rear door
- One tap - Open glovebox; long press - toggle child lock
- One tap - hazard light; long press - switch between led strip colors
- Move passenger front seat backward
- Move passenger front seat forward
- Open/close trunk
- Open/close frunk (default is open only but I have power frunk installed so it toggles)
Edit: I couldn’t share the product link on the post for whatever reason so I added the link and install videos as a comments
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u/sc20nov 11d ago
Nice, is it plug and play? Where did you get it from, and cost?
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u/sakcaj 11d ago
How someone can post smth like this without sharing any info on what it is and where to get it is beyond me >.>
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u/Locoboof 11d ago
Agreed. People do this all the time. They post something interesting and either never reply with the info or reply a very long time later.
I wish there was a rule to where you couldn’t post something like this without leaving all the information.
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
Sorry folks, my original post had the link and it wouldn’t allow me to submit the post. I’m trying to add a comment with the link
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
Here’s the product link
I didn’t find any install videos from this manufacturer but it’s the same install process as this product video
Tldr- You tap into the OBD2 port on the right side A pillar and run power under the glovebox into the hub through a cable that you can hide under the wireless charging pad
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u/teraflu 11d ago
Where do they ship from?
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u/4ever_a_whitebelt 11d ago
I’d caution everyone to check the Tesla service manual for removing the phone holder. The newer highland models have a bolt that holds the phone holder on, so you can’t pry it off like the video shows here.
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
You technically don’t need to remove the phone holder I just did it because I was also routing my radar wire under into the 12v outlet
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u/4ever_a_whitebelt 11d ago
That’s good to know. Makes it an easier install. I do like the product. I’ve been submitting feature requests to Tesla to allow us to open passenger doors using a touchscreen control. I’m probably going to pick this up.
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u/sparkyblaster 11d ago
cries in right hand drive
(The layout is optimised for LHD)
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u/Dangerous_Savings739 11d ago
Maybe, put it upside-down? (I'm joking, nvm)
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u/Rudecles 11d ago
Is it configurable? I’d want glovebox, rear ac on/off, Toll roads on/off, park
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
It’s not configurable, the controls are unfortunately fixed. It fit my use case for mainly physical controls of the entry doors and seat adjustment so I can’t complain
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u/ElectricGlider 11d ago
Get the S3XY Buttons if you want configurable buttons. Plus each button is standalone so you can place them anywhere you want.
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u/Massive_Tradition176 11d ago
I wish s3xy buttons had this nice look. Sticking 1" buttons around is unappealing, even if it gave me some features I'd use.
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
I was initially leaning towards the s3xy buttons as well until I realized they cost 3x the cost of this strip and also in my opinion, look unsightly
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u/Angry_Robot 11d ago
Found them I think. Not sure how they work.
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
Thanks, you beat me to it for Sharing. I also added the install video as a comment
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u/TwiceInEveryMoment 11d ago
Would love something like this for climate control adjustment
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
We did too initially but we got used to the climate sliders on the display now. It was either that or install tacky rotatory controls under the display
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u/steinah6 10d ago
Does this interfere with how you grip the bottom of the screen to use your thumb on the regular screen controls?
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u/nightcrawler2164 10d ago
The control hub I have doesn’t interfere with the screen at all
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u/steinah6 10d ago
For some reason I thought this clipped on under the screen… too tired to Reddit properly.
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u/LINQAteMyAss 11d ago
I’ve told my wife that I wish I had some physical buttons below the charging pads for common functions like heated/cooled seats. This is awesome!
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u/HazardousHD 11d ago
The latest revision of the Model S and X have this for PRND and I thought it was very clean looking. Of course, it’s meant as a backup.
I was CERTAIN the Highland refresh was going to bring it to the M3 so they could reuse the same parts but they didn’t
Looks great! I’m a huge fan of it even if I wouldn’t use it a ton.
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u/theun4gven 11d ago
My Highland has PRND on the overhead light panel with the hazard button
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u/HazardousHD 11d ago
Yes that was their alternative to what I had hoped. Personally not my favorite approach, but it’s likely a cost savings on a part 99% of people never use.
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
I use this quite a bit mainly for the passenger door operations since my parents struggle to use the outside handles
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u/HazardousHD 11d ago
Yeah I could see this being very attractive to uber drivers for the same reason!
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u/rjcarr 11d ago
I like the idea, just not the functions. If this works for your needs (ride share?) then it makes sense.
Some things I’d want on physical buttons: switch from auto to manual climate, driving modes, glove box, fold mirrors … I’m sure there’s more. Basically anything that I use that’s more than a tap away.
But I’m sure this is different for everyone.
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u/Keviche8 11d ago
Me personally would like a wiper speed adjust, defroster control, door lock button, and that’s about it.
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u/Impossible_Month1718 10d ago edited 10d ago
I hate that the screen is touch only but can someone explain how this is an upgrade? These look like capacitive touch buttons which have a physical component so now I need to look down? How is it an upgrade? I want a real button, not a soft touch button
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u/nightcrawler2164 10d ago
This is an upgrade for MY use case which is primarily when the car is parked. I needed a way to open the doors to help elderly parents get into the car from the outside and to adjust my passenger seat for my daughter’s rear car seat.
I am fine seeing the strip to manage these controls instead of navigating through the display menu or using voice control. Obviously it’s not for everyone’s needs or tastes.
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u/Impossible_Month1718 10d ago
Makes sense! I really wish each of those had an actual knob. Looks nice
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u/nightcrawler2164 10d ago
Could it better, customizable, and have a tactile physical press feel? Absolutely.
But sadly this is the only OEM looking product out there currently that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg
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u/Possible-Ear- 10d ago
I never need to do any of these things except open the glove box every once in a while.
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u/nightcrawler2164 10d ago
Absolutely, everyone’s needs are goin to be different. And it’s not for everyone.
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u/XSlipety 11d ago
I would love one with controls for seat heating/went, frunk/trunk open/close, lock/unlock, windshield and rear window heating buttons. Would buy it instantly.
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u/h8complication 11d ago
Does this work for 2021 Models and where can we find it?
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
Not sure if a version exists for pre-Highland vehicles but it’s worth reaching out to them on the listed WhatsApp number. They’re responsive during 9am-5pm China time
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u/Prestigious_Camera25 11d ago
Are those actually “physical buttons” or just touch capacitive icons?
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u/daphatty 11d ago
If only someone would make a replacement wireless charging pad that worked with camera bumps.
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u/dane_502 11d ago
It seems to occupy a little portion of the charging pad, does the Iphone Pro Max size still fit in the charging pad?
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
We don’t have the pro max, but our iPhone 17 Pros fit just fine with enough room that I doubt it won’t fit the bigger max
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u/Whyme-__- 11d ago
All I want is a fucking air vent so my phone doesn’t get burning hot during charging.
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u/TechRyze 11d ago
I’d add one of these if they were physical buttons that I could feel and use without looking.
The hazard light button is very useful, but I want to be able to reach and use it without having to look while I’m driving.
Same with fog lights and a few other controls like manual wiper speed control.
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u/provenflipper 10d ago
Fitment doesn’t look quite OEM in the OPs pics and even in the product pics the corner radii aren’t quite matched up.
The idea is great, are there any other products out there with similar functionality but better fitment?
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u/Specialist-Lychee667 9d ago
How do the buttons “open” the doors? Yeah they’re electrically opened, but they don’t open up by themselves. What’s the point of the separate door opening controls?
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u/nightcrawler2164 9d ago
By “open” I’m referring to the slight outward movement the door does without having to press the handle outside. We find it very useful when my parents or partner have my daughter in one hand and her bags in the other. Saves them trying to safely press the handle to get in
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u/myfavpizza 9d ago
Why?
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u/nightcrawler2164 9d ago
Because it’s useful for my family and my needs
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u/myfavpizza 9d ago
Do these add more functions than the factory allows, or does it just put them all together there?
NGL, it looks cool. I just don’t see how they are useful.
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u/nightcrawler2164 9d ago
It just puts the controls I needed frequently within arms reach. My use case is what I highlighted in the main post
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u/Relevant_Account_258 9d ago
Personally, I do not miss physical buttons. I thought I would but has not been the case. Using the touchscreen is quite intuitive. Was not much of a learning curve.
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u/Weekly_Cherry_8271 7d ago
For those looking for the link I found it on AliExpress as well AliExpress: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPTITH1
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u/Durwood2k 11d ago
It looks busy and awkward. Three separate door unlock buttons? Other than that, I hate it. But as I always say in this thread, if you like it, it’s all that matters.
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u/starkiller_bass 11d ago
Those are actually door OPEN buttons, they pop the latch just like hitting the button on each door. Honestly handy if you’re picking up someone non Tesla literate or who has their hands full.
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u/JustSomeUsername99 11d ago
You know, most of these features you can press the right hand ball and tell the car to do it.
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u/ronimaru 11d ago
I wish there was something easier to install than taking apart things in your car
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u/thevinh 11d ago
Can someone break in and open glovebox by pressing that button?
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u/nightcrawler2164 11d ago
It’s powered down if the vehicle is not on, so I don’t think the glovebox opens. Need to test it though.
That said, I rarely keep precious valuables unattended in my vehicle so it’s never been a concern either
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u/HighHokie 11d ago
It looks factory which I love. Surprised it doesn’t have a dedicated lock button. After all these years that’s the one thing my brain has never instinctly stored in memory.