Replacement of a tail light assembly on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor. The Cybertruck's stainless exoskeleton and integrated rear light bar require careful handling to avoid scratching adjacent panels during removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail Light Assembly (Cybertruck, side-specific LH or RH) × 1 — Tesla OEM Cybertruck tail light — confirm LH vs RH by VIN
• Replacement fasteners (if any are damaged on removal) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified fasteners as required

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Cybertruck service procedure (NOT a 12V battery — the Cybertruck uses 48V LV architecture). Refer to the Tesla Service Manual for the LV disconnect location and sequence.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Open the tailgate/bed area to access the rear of the tail light housing.
7. Identify whether the LH or RH tail light is being replaced; confirm replacement assembly matches.
8. Apply painter's tape along the stainless edges adjacent to the tail light to prevent scratching during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear of the tail light
   From inside the bed/rear quarter access area, locate the back side of the tail light assembly. Remove any access panel or cover required to reach the mounting fasteners and electrical connector. Use a plastic trim tool — do not pry against the stainless skin.
   ⚠Stainless steel exoskeleton — do not use metal pry tools against panel edges.
2. 2

   Disconnect the tail light electrical connector
   Depress the locking tab on the tail light wiring harness connector and pull the connector straight out. Inspect terminals for corrosion or damage. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Remove the tail light mounting fasteners
   Remove the tail light mounting bolts securing the assembly to the body structure. Support the assembly with one hand as the last fastener is removed so it does not fall and scratch the stainless.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove the tail light assembly
   Carefully pull the assembly straight rearward to disengage any alignment pins or grommets. Do not twist or pry — the housing tabs can break. Set the assembly on a clean, padded surface.
   ⚠If the assembly resists removal, recheck for any hidden fastener — do not force it.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting points and seals
   Inspect the body mounting points, alignment pins, and any foam/rubber gaskets for damage. Clean the mounting surface. If the gasket is torn or compressed, replace it before installing the new assembly to maintain a weather seal.
6. 6

   Position the new tail light assembly
   Align the new tail light with the body locating pins and gently seat it into position. Verify the gasket is evenly compressed and the housing sits flush with the surrounding stainless panel. Check the gap to adjacent panels before tightening.
7. 7

   Install and torque the mounting fasteners
   Hand-thread all tail light mounting bolts before torquing any of them. Then torque to specification in a cross/even pattern to avoid distorting the housing.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Plug the wiring harness connector into the new tail light assembly until the locking tab clicks. Tug lightly to confirm it is fully seated.
9. 9

   Reinstall any access panels
   Reinstall any interior access cover or trim that was removed. Ensure clips are fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Remove painter's tape from the stainless panel edges.
2. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per the Tesla service procedure.
3. Close all doors and the tailgate; allow vehicle systems to wake and initialize.

Verification

• With the vehicle powered on, test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights (have an assistant press the pedal or use a brake pedal depressor), turn signals, reverse light, and any rear light bar/animation functions specific to the Cybertruck.
• Check the center touchscreen for any lighting or vehicle fault messages — clear/verify no DTCs related to rear lighting.
• Inspect panel gap and alignment between the new tail light and adjacent stainless panels in good light; adjust if uneven.
• Spray water along the upper edge of the assembly and check inside the bed/quarter for leaks to confirm the gasket seal.
• Note: Tail light replacement is not a scheduled maintenance item, but while the rear is accessed, this is a good time to verify other interval items are current — brake fluid (every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 2 years), and tire rotation (every ~6,250 mi on Cybertruck due to weight and torque).

More procedures for this vehicle