Replacement of a front headlight assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Access requires partial removal of the front fascia/wheel arch liner edge to reach the assembly's mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight Assembly (LH or RH as required, matching trim/feature level of the 2024 Model 3 Long Range) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model 3 2024 refresh headlight — confirm side and configuration before ordering
• Replacement push-pin retainers (in case originals break during removal) × 4 — Generic OEM-style fascia push-pin clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key 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 low-voltage battery. On the 2024 Model 3 this is typically the lithium 12V/16V unit accessed under the front trunk floor area; refer to architecture notes and the Tesla Service Manual for exact location on your build.
4. Do NOT touch, cut, or pierce any orange cable. If you encounter one or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
5. Open the frunk and place a soft cover over the front fender/painted edge near the headlight you are servicing.
6. Turn the front wheel on the affected side toward the opposite side to gain access to the wheel arch liner edge.
7. Confirm you have the correct left or right replacement assembly and that it matches the trim/feature configuration (e.g., projector/matrix variant) of the original.

Procedure

1. 1

   Release the frunk/front trunk trim edge
   Open the frunk. Remove the push-pin fasteners along the rear edge of the frunk tub/upper radiator support cover that retain the upper trim near the headlights. Use a plastic trim tool — do not pry against painted aluminum.
2. 2

   Free the upper fascia edge above the headlight
   Carefully release the clips along the top edge of the front fascia where it meets the headlight assembly. Pull straight outward only enough to expose the upper headlight mounting bolt(s). Do not bend the fascia sharply in cold conditions.
   ⚠Hidden clips can break. Have spare push-pin retainers on hand.
3. 3

   Release the wheel arch liner front edge
   From the wheel well, remove the front-most fasteners on the wheel arch liner so the liner can be pulled back to expose the lower/outboard headlight mounting bolt. Removal of the wheel is generally not required.
4. 4

   Disconnect the headlight electrical connector(s)
   Reach behind the headlight assembly and depress the locking tab(s) on the main wiring connector(s). Pull straight back to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires. The 2024 Model 3 headlight may use one or more connectors depending on adaptive/matrix configuration.
   ℹ️Inspect connector pins for corrosion or bent terminals before installing the new assembly.
5. 5

   Remove the headlight mounting bolts
   Remove the headlight assembly mounting bolts (typically located along the top, inboard, and lower outboard mounting tabs). Support the assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the headlight assembly from the vehicle
   Slide the assembly forward and slightly outboard to clear the fascia and fender. Set it lens-up on a clean, padded surface. Do not lay it lens-down.
   ⚠Mounting tabs are plastic and brittle if the headlight has had prior impact. Do not force.
7. 7

   Compare old to new
   Place the new headlight next to the original and verify identical connector layout, mounting tab geometry, and feature equivalence (matrix/adaptive variant). Transfer any retained brackets only if specified by the manufacturer-supplied instructions.
8. 8

   Install the new headlight assembly
   Position the new assembly into the opening, engaging any locating pins/tabs into the fender and core support. Start all mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the plastic-bossed mounts, then torque the headlight assembly bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector(s)
   Mate each connector fully until you hear/feel the locking tab click. Verify the seal is seated. Route any wiring back into its original retainers.
10. 10

    Set initial aim adjusters (if accessible)
    If the new assembly has external adjuster screws, set them to a neutral/center position and torque to the adjuster screw specification. Final aim must be set per Tesla Service Manual procedure after reassembly.
    ℹ️Final headlight aim and adaptive calibration on the 2024 Model 3 typically requires Tesla service software.
    Torque spec

    Adjuster Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel arch liner front edge fasteners.
2. Reseat the front fascia upper edge along the headlight, ensuring all clips fully engage with an even gap to the headlight lens.
3. Reinstall the frunk tub / upper radiator support trim push-pins.
4. Verify panel gaps between the headlight, fender, hood, and fascia are even on both sides before final tightening of any adjustable hardware.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery and torque the terminal hardware to the Battery Terminal Bolts specification.
6. Close the frunk and confirm normal latching.

Verification

• Power up the vehicle and verify no headlight, DRL, turn signal, or Autopilot/forward camera related alerts are present on the touchscreen.
• Cycle low beam, high beam, turn signal, DRL, and (if equipped) adaptive/matrix functions to confirm operation on the replaced side.
• Visually confirm panel gaps and that the headlight lens is flush with the fender and fascia; no rattles when door/frunk is closed.
• Perform a headlight aim check against a wall at the manufacturer-specified distance; if out of spec, adjust per Tesla Service Manual.
• If adaptive driving beam, auto-leveling, or matrix features are not behaving correctly, the assembly likely requires configuration via Tesla Toolbox at a service center.
• Unrelated reminder while front-end is open: 2024 Model 3 cabin air filters are due every 2 years and brake fluid every 2 years — consider scheduling if approaching those intervals.

More procedures for this vehicle