Replacement of both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The refreshed Model 3 ('Highland') requires partial front fascia loosening to access headlight mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver (LH) headlight assembly - Model 3 2024 Highland × 1 — Tesla OEM LH headlight assembly for refreshed Model 3 — verify part number against VIN
• Passenger (RH) headlight assembly - Model 3 2024 Highland × 1 — Tesla OEM RH headlight assembly for refreshed Model 3 — verify part number against VIN
• Plastic push-pin retainers (replacement) × 10 — Generic fascia/wheel-liner push pins as needed

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place vehicle in P, and engage the 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 low-voltage (12V/16V) battery. On 2024 Model 3, the 12V battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel; some 2024+ units use a lithium 12V under-floor location — confirm before disconnecting.
4. Do not touch, cut, or pierce any orange cable. If you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
5. Open the frunk and remove the frunk liner/tub to access the upper fascia and headlight retainers.
6. Raise the front of the vehicle if needed to access lower fascia fasteners and wheel-liner clips. Use Tesla-approved lift points only.
7. Allow headlights to cool fully before handling (LED housings can retain heat after operation).
8. Place protective covers over the front fenders and hood edges to prevent scratches to paint.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove frunk tub and upper fascia trim
   Open the frunk. Remove the plastic push-pin retainers along the perimeter of the frunk tub and lift the tub out. Remove the upper radiator support cover/trim panel by releasing its push-pins and clips. This exposes the upper headlight mounting bolts and the inner fascia retaining bolts.
   ⚠Push-pin centers can break if pried at an angle — lift centers straight up before removing the outer body of the clip.
2. 2

   Loosen front fascia for headlight clearance
   Turn front wheels for access. Remove the front wheel-arch liner fasteners (forward third only) on both sides. Remove the lower fascia/skid pan fasteners as needed. Release the fascia clips along the upper edge and at each wheel-arch interface so the fascia can be pulled forward several centimeters — full removal is not required, but the fascia must clear the outboard edge of each headlight housing.
   ⚠Highland front fascia houses radar, cameras, and parking sensors. Support the fascia — do not let it hang by harnesses.
3. 3

   Disconnect headlight electrical connectors (driver side)
   Locate the headlight wiring harness connector(s) at the rear of the LH headlight assembly. Release the connector lock tab and gently disconnect. Inspect for corrosion or pin damage and address before installing the new unit.
4. 4

   Remove driver-side headlight mounting bolts
   Remove the headlight mounting bolts securing the LH housing to the body and fascia support structure (typically upper and side fasteners — refer to Tesla Service Manual for exact count on Highland). Support the headlight with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove driver-side headlight assembly
   Pull the headlight assembly straight forward out of its locating tabs. Do not twist or pry against the painted body. Set the old unit on a padded surface, lens up.
   ⚠Aluminum body panels — do not strike with hammer or pry against painted edges.
6. 6

   Repeat on passenger side
   Repeat steps 3–5 for the RH headlight: disconnect the connector, remove mounting bolts, and withdraw the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compare new and old assemblies
   Before installing, place each new headlight next to the corresponding old unit. Verify housing shape, connector type, mounting tab geometry, and any integrated brackets match. Confirm LH/RH orientation — Highland headlights are side-specific and not interchangeable.
8. 8

   Install passenger-side headlight
   Position the RH headlight into its locating tabs, ensuring the inboard alignment pin seats fully into the radiator support. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before final torque to allow alignment with the fascia gap.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install driver-side headlight
   Repeat the install process for the LH headlight. Hand-thread all bolts first.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify fascia gap and torque mounting bolts
    Loosely position the fascia against both headlights and verify even gap and flush surface alignment along the top and sides. Adjust headlight position as needed, then torque mounting bolts to specification. For any auxiliary bracket bolts, torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
    ℹ️Uneven gap between headlight and fascia is the most common indicator of a misaligned install — correct now, not after final reassembly.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect headlight electrical connectors
    Reconnect both headlight connectors. Ensure the locking tab fully engages — a partial click is not sufficient. Route harnesses clear of moving fascia components and any sharp edges.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front fascia upper clips, wheel-arch liner fasteners, and any lower fascia/skid pan fasteners removed. Replace any push-pins that were damaged.
2. Reinstall the upper radiator support cover/trim and the frunk tub.
3. Reconnect the 12V (or applicable LV) battery. Torque the terminal bolts to specification.
4. Close the frunk and verify it latches and aligns correctly.
5. Lower the vehicle if it was raised.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and check the touchscreen for any vehicle alerts referencing lighting, headlight modules, or 'service required' messages.
• Test low beam, high beam, turn signals, daytime running lights, and adaptive/matrix functions (if equipped) on both sides.
• Verify the auto-leveling/adaptive system runs its self-check at startup (look for the brief sweep) without errors.
• Headlight aiming: park 25 ft from a flat wall on level ground and confirm beam pattern symmetry. Highland matrix headlights typically require Tesla service tooling for full aim/coding — if the customer reports beam misalignment or matrix faults, refer to a Tesla service center for software-based calibration.
• Inspect headlight-to-fascia and headlight-to-hood gaps for symmetry side-to-side.
• Confirm no water intrusion paths: all gaskets seated, drains clear.

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