Replace both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2024 Model S Plaid. Requires partial front fascia loosening for access on this body style and recalibration of adaptive matrix LED headlights via the vehicle's service menu after installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Left (driver) headlight assembly, Model S Plaid 2024 matrix LED × 1 — OEM Tesla Model S 2021+ refresh LH headlight assembly — verify by VIN
• Right (passenger) headlight assembly, Model S Plaid 2024 matrix LED × 1 — OEM Tesla Model S 2021+ refresh RH headlight assembly — verify by VIN
• Plastic push-pin retainers (front fascia) × 6 — Generic Tesla front fascia push-pin clips — replace any broken on removal

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 low-voltage battery: open the frunk and remove the nose cowl panel to access the 12V (or, on some 2021+ Plaid units, the 16V Li-ion under the rear seat — verify by VIN). Disconnect negative terminal first.
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. Place soft fender covers across both front fenders and the hood edge.
7. Open the frunk and remove the frunk liner/tub to expose the upper headlight mounting points and front fascia upper fasteners.
8. Clean dirt and debris from around each headlight perimeter so it does not fall into the cavity during removal.
9. Have both replacement headlight assemblies on hand and inspect for shipping damage before starting.

Procedure

1. 1

   Loosen front fascia at upper edge and wheel arches
   Remove the upper fascia retaining fasteners along the leading edge of the frunk opening (typically Torx and plastic push-pins). At each front wheel arch, turn the wheel for access and remove the fender liner fasteners that secure the fascia tab to the fender. The fascia does not need to come fully off — it only needs to flex outward enough to free the outboard side of each headlight. Do not yank the fascia; release tabs gently with a plastic trim tool.
   ⚠Aluminum body — never pry directly against the fender. Always pry against the fascia plastic.
2. 2

   Access headlight mounting fasteners
   With the frunk tub removed and the fascia upper edge eased forward, expose the headlight mounting bolts. Each headlight is typically retained by upper fasteners accessed from the frunk area and an outboard fastener accessed from the fender/fascia gap. Note the exact locations before removal so reinstallation matches.
3. 3

   Disconnect headlight electrical connectors (driver side)
   Reach behind the driver-side headlight and depress the locking tab on each connector (typically one main multi-pin connector for the matrix LED module and harness). Pull straight back — do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage before setting aside.
   ⚠Confirm 12V/16V battery is disconnected before unplugging — live disconnection can fault the matrix LED driver module.
4. 4

   Remove driver-side headlight assembly
   Support the headlight with one hand. Remove the headlight mounting bolts. Carefully draw the assembly forward and out, guiding any harness through the body opening. Set on a padded surface, lens-up. Do not place the assembly on its lens or connector.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect and remove passenger-side headlight assembly
   Repeat the connector disconnect and removal procedure on the passenger side. Verify both old assemblies are clear of the body before bringing replacements near the openings.
   Torque spec

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

   Compare new assemblies to old
   Place each new headlight next to its corresponding old unit. Verify mounting tab geometry, connector type and pin count, and lens shape match exactly. Confirm left/right designation. A mismatched assembly will not seat properly and may damage the fascia or fender during install.
   ℹ️Pre-refresh and refresh Model S headlights are not interchangeable. Confirm by VIN that replacements are for a 2021+ refresh Plaid.
7. 7

   Install passenger-side headlight assembly
   Route the harness through the body opening first, then guide the assembly into position. Engage any locating pins/tabs into the body before starting fasteners. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before final torque to allow alignment. Torque mounting bolts to the manufacturer-specified value for headlight retention. Reconnect the electrical connector(s) until the locking tab clicks audibly.
   ⚠Do not force the assembly. If it does not seat, recheck alignment — forcing will crack the mounting tabs.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install driver-side headlight assembly
   Repeat the install procedure on the driver side. Hand-thread fasteners, verify alignment with the hood shut line and fascia gap before final tightening, then torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect electrical connector(s).
   Torque spec

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

   Verify panel gaps and alignment
   Before reinstalling the fascia and frunk tub, close the hood gently and check that the headlight upper edge is flush with the hood and fender. The fascia-to-headlight gap should be even on both sides. If misaligned, loosen the mounting bolts, reposition, and re-torque.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reseat the front fascia upper edge and reinstall all upper fasteners and push-pin retainers. Replace any broken push-pins.
2. Reinstall fender liner fasteners at both front wheel arches.
3. Reinstall the frunk tub/liner and any trim removed for access.
4. Reconnect the low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative). Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
5. Close the frunk and verify it latches normally.

Verification

• Power the vehicle on (driver in seat with fob). Confirm no headlight or ADAS-related warnings appear on the touchscreen.
• Test low beams, high beams, turn signals, daytime running lights, and cornering/adaptive functions on both sides.
• If a beam-aim or matrix LED calibration fault appears, the assemblies must be calibrated through the vehicle's service menu — refer to Tesla Service Manual procedure for adaptive headlight calibration.
• Aim headlights against a vertical surface at the manufacturer-specified distance and verify the cutoff line height matches spec on both sides.
• Drive at night briefly to confirm matrix/adaptive behavior responds correctly to oncoming traffic and steering input.
• Recheck panel gaps after a few days — fascia clips can settle and may need re-seating.

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