Replacement of both left and right front headlight assemblies on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Requires partial front fascia/wheel liner access and recalibration of adaptive headlight aiming via the vehicle touchscreen after install.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front headlight assembly, LH (driver side) — Model 3 2024 Long Range matrix LED type × 1 — Tesla OEM headlight assembly — confirm by VIN
• Front headlight assembly, RH (passenger side) — Model 3 2024 Long Range matrix LED type × 1 — Tesla OEM headlight assembly — confirm by VIN
• Replacement plastic push-pin fasteners (fascia/wheel liner) × 1 — Generic Tesla fascia clip kit

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 12V (or 16V on applicable 2024 units) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel; some 2024+ builds have a lithium 12V/16V under-floor unit — verify location before disconnecting.
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. Disable Sentry Mode and place the vehicle in Service Mode via the touchscreen before disconnecting 12V if possible.
7. Allow headlights to cool fully if recently used — internal LED heatsinks retain heat.
8. Cover the front fenders and hood edge with soft panel protectors.
9. Lay out new headlight assemblies and inspect for shipping damage before beginning.

Procedure

1. 1

   Open frunk and remove front trunk liner
   Open the frunk. Remove the frunk floor/liner by releasing the perimeter push-pin fasteners with a plastic trim tool. Set the liner aside on a clean surface to expose the upper headlight mounting area.
2. 2

   Remove frunk side trim and access panels
   Remove the left and right frunk side trim panels and any foam crash absorbers covering the upper headlight bracket. Fasteners are plastic push-pins and small Torx screws. Keep hardware sorted by side.
3. 3

   Turn front wheels for liner access
   Turn the steering wheel to expose the front section of each wheel liner. Remove the forward-most fasteners of each front wheel liner to gain access to the lower outboard headlight mounting point and fascia clips.
   ⚠Do not fully remove the wheel liner unless required — partial release at the leading edge is usually sufficient.
4. 4

   Release front fascia upper edge (if required)
   Depending on assembly clearance, partially release the upper edge of the front fascia by removing the screws/clips along the top edge between the headlights and at each fender-to-fascia seam. Do not fully drop the fascia — only relax it enough to allow the headlight to pull forward.
   ⚠Aluminum/composite hybrid body — do not pry hard against painted panels. Use a helper to support the fascia.
5. 5

   Disconnect headlight wiring harness
   Locate the headlight connector(s) at the rear of each assembly. Press the lock tab and gently rock the connector free. Inspect the pins for corrosion or bent terminals before installing the new unit.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove headlight mounting bolts
   Remove the manufacturer-specified headlight mounting bolts (typically three per side: one upper-inboard, one upper-outboard at the fender, and one lower forward bolt accessed through the wheel liner opening). Support the headlight by hand as the last bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove the headlight assembly
   Pull the headlight straight forward out of the front-end carrier. The assembly may have alignment pins/locating tabs that engage the radiator support — wiggle gently and avoid prying against the fascia paint.
   ⚠Set the removed headlight lens-up on a soft surface — the lens scratches easily.
8. 8

   Repeat for the opposite side
   Repeat steps 5–7 on the opposite headlight assembly.
9. 9

   Transfer brackets/components if required
   Compare new and old headlight assemblies. If the new assembly arrived without an attached mounting tab/bracket that is present on the old unit, transfer it using the manufacturer-specified hardware. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
10. 10

    Install new headlight assemblies
    Align the new headlight to the locating pins on the front-end carrier and seat it fully. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before torquing any. Once all are started, torque the headlight bracket/mounting bolts to spec.
    ⚠Verify even gap to hood and fender before final torque — adjustment is limited once tightened.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect wiring harness
    Reconnect the headlight harness connector(s) until the lock tab clicks fully. Ensure the connector boot/seal is seated to prevent water intrusion.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front fascia upper fasteners and any released clips. Verify panel gaps are even side-to-side.
2. Reinstall wheel liner forward fasteners on both sides.
3. Reinstall frunk side trim panels and crash foam.
4. Reinstall frunk floor liner and push-pins.
5. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery. Torque battery terminal bolts to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft) — do not overtighten.
6. Reinstall the rear seat back panel or under-floor cover, depending on 12V location.
7. Close frunk and verify latch operation.

Verification

• Power up the vehicle. Check the touchscreen for any headlight, lighting, or ADAS-related fault messages.
• Test low beams, high beams, turn signals, position lights, and DRLs on both sides.
• Test cornering/adaptive function (if equipped) by turning the steering wheel with headlights on — matrix segments should respond.
• Verify auto-high-beam and any forward-facing camera-based lighting features still function (these share the windshield camera, not the headlight, but confirm no calibration alerts).
• Park 25 ft from a flat wall and confirm beam pattern is symmetric and at correct height. Adjust aim via Service menu or mechanical adjusters if available; for full adaptive matrix calibration, schedule a Tesla service visit (Toolbox required).
• Drive at night to confirm correct cutoff line and no oncoming-driver glare.
• Note: this job is not part of a scheduled Tesla maintenance interval, but while the front end is open it is a good time to inspect the cabin air filter (2-year interval) and verify washer fluid level (washer reservoir capacity ~3.5 qt).

More procedures for this vehicle