Replacement of a rear tail light assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The Model 3 tail lights consist of an outer (body-mounted) and inner (trunk-lid-mounted) section; this procedure covers the body-mounted outer assembly accessed through the trunk side trim.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail Light Assembly (outer, body-mounted, side-specific) × 1 — Tesla Model 3 2024 outer tail light — confirm left or right side and refresh variant before ordering
• Replacement push-pin / trim clips (as needed) × 4 — OEM-equivalent trunk trim retainer clips

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 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, this is typically the lithium 12V/16V unit — refer to architecture notes for location (behind right rear seat back panel on most years; some 2024+ have lithium 12V under floor).
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 trunk and confirm which tail light (LH/RH, inner/outer) is being replaced. This procedure covers the outer body-mounted assembly.
7. Clean the area around the tail light to prevent debris from entering the body cavity when the assembly is removed.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the trunk side trim
   Open the trunk lid. On the affected side, remove the trunk side carpeted trim panel by releasing the push-pin retainers and unclipping the panel. Pull the panel inward to expose the rear of the tail light assembly.
2. 2

   Locate tail light fasteners
   With the side trim removed, locate the manufacturer-specified retaining bolts/nuts securing the outer tail light assembly to the body. There are typically two to three fasteners accessible from inside the trunk cavity.
3. 3

   Disconnect the wiring harness
   Locate the tail light electrical connector at the rear of the housing. Depress the locking tab and gently pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage before setting aside.
   ⚠If the connector is stiff, do not use metal tools to pry — broken connector locks will require a wiring repair.
4. 4

   Remove tail light retaining fasteners
   Using an appropriate socket, remove the tail light retaining bolts. Support the housing from the outside with one hand as you remove the last fastener so it does not fall.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the tail light assembly
   From outside the vehicle, grasp the tail light housing firmly and pull straight rearward (perpendicular to the body) to release the alignment dowels from their grommets. Do not twist or pry against the painted body panel.
   ⚠Aluminum/steel hybrid body — do not lever a screwdriver against the quarter panel; use only hand force or a padded plastic wedge.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points
   Inspect the rubber alignment grommets in the body for damage and the foam/rubber gasket on the new tail light assembly for proper seating. Replace damaged grommets before installing the new light. Check that body drain paths behind the light are clear.
7. 7

   Install the new tail light assembly
   Align the new tail light's locating dowels with the body grommets and press the assembly straight into place until flush with the surrounding bodywork. Verify even gap with the trunk lid and quarter panel before fastening.
8. 8

   Torque the tail light fasteners
   Install the retaining bolts and torque to specification. Do not overtighten — the housing is plastic and threads are into captured nuts in a thin metal bracket.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the wiring harness
   Reconnect the tail light electrical connector until the locking tab fully engages with an audible click. Confirm the connector is fully seated and the wiring is routed away from any pinch points.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the trunk side trim panel, ensuring all push-pin clips fully engage. Replace any clips that were broken on removal.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery, observing terminal torque specification.
3. Close the trunk and verify alignment of the new tail light with the surrounding panels.

Verification

• With the 12V reconnected and the vehicle powered on, verify all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights (press brake pedal), turn signals (left and right), and reverse light (shift to R with foot on brake).
• Check for any vehicle alerts on the center touchscreen related to exterior lighting — clear codes via a vehicle power cycle (Controls > Safety > Power Off, wait 3+ minutes, then wake by pressing brake) if a transient code is present.
• Inspect the tail light gap and flush fitment from outside the vehicle in good light; gap should be even with the quarter panel and trunk lid.
• Spray water lightly along the upper edge of the assembly and check inside the trunk cavity for leaks before returning the vehicle to service.
• Note: Tail light replacement is not a scheduled-interval service item, but while the trunk trim is open, this is a good opportunity to verify the 12V battery condition (3-5 year typical life on AGM; longer on Li-ion 2024+ units).

More procedures for this vehicle