Back to 2024 Tesla Model X

2024 TESLA MODEL X

Long Range Dual Motor AWDAWDAUTOMATICev
8 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs92Labor371Torque3269Fluid8DTC557Battery0Maintenance0Recalls8
electrical

Headlight Assembly - Pair

for 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
7
Steps
12

Replace both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2024 Model X. Access requires removing the front fascia upper trim and partial fender liner pull-back; calibration of the matrix LED system via the touchscreen is required after installation.

Warnings

⚠️Falcon wing doors are not involved in this job, but ensure they remain closed during work — accidental actuation while the front fascia trim is removed can damage sensors and trim.
Model X body panels around the headlight openings are aluminum. Do not strike, pry aggressively, or rest tools on them — dents and scratches do not work-harden out like steel.
Matrix/adaptive LED headlights require calibration after replacement. Driving without calibration may result in incorrect beam aim and oncoming-driver glare.
ℹ️Headlight assemblies are paired with the vehicle via the touchscreen; new units may require coding/configuration. If the vehicle does not recognize the new headlamp, a Tesla Service Center visit may be needed.
Disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging headlight connectors — live disconnection can damage the LED driver modules.

Tools required

Trim removal tool set (plastic, non-marring)Essential
Torx bit set (T20, T25, T30)Essential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (2-25 Nm range)Essential
Soft fender covers / blanket (aluminum body protection)Essential
Insulated gloves for 12V disconnect
Headlamp aim target / wall aiming setup

Parts

  • Front headlight assembly, driver side (Model X 2024 matrix LED) × 1 — Tesla OEM Model X Refresh LH headlamp — verify part number against VIN
  • Front headlight assembly, passenger side (Model X 2024 matrix LED) × 1 — Tesla OEM Model X Refresh RH headlamp — verify part number against VIN
  • Replacement plastic push-pin retainers (as needed) × 10 — Generic fascia/fender liner retainers

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 low-voltage battery, located in the frunk under the forward access cover (similar position to Model S). Disable Sentry Mode and place the vehicle in Service/Tow Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting if possible.
  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 frunk and remove any cargo/liner needed to access the headlight upper mounting points.
  7. Lay soft fender covers across both front fenders and the hood edge to protect the aluminum bodywork.
  8. Turn the front wheels for partial access to the fender liner edges where headlight side bolts may be reached.
  9. Have both new headlight assemblies on-hand and inspect for shipping damage before beginning.

Procedure

  1. 1
    Confirm 12V is disconnected
    Verify the 12V battery negative terminal is disconnected and isolated. Confirm the touchscreen is dark and exterior lights cannot be activated by the key fob. This protects the LED driver electronics during connector removal.
  2. 2
    Remove frunk liner and upper closeout panel
    Remove the frunk tub/liner per the manufacturer-specified procedure to expose the upper headlight mounting bolts and the rear of the headlight housings. Set fasteners aside in labeled order.
  3. 3
    Pull back front fender liners (both sides)
    Remove the front-most push-pin retainers and screws securing each front fender liner to the fascia. Pull the liner back enough to access the outboard headlight mounting bolt. Replace any damaged push pins on reassembly.
    Do not over-flex the liner in cold temperatures — it will crack.
  4. 4
    Loosen fascia upper edge for clearance
    Release the upper fascia fasteners along the leading edge of the frunk opening per the manufacturer-specified procedure. Full fascia removal is generally NOT required for headlight replacement — only enough relief to allow the headlight assembly to slide forward out of its locating tabs.
    The fascia is painted body-color and the headlight aperture has tight tolerances. Forcing the headlamp will scrape paint.
  5. 5
    Disconnect driver-side headlight harness
    Reach behind the driver-side headlight assembly and depress the lock tab on the main electrical connector. Pull straight off — do not pry on the connector body. Tuck the harness aside so it cannot fall into the fender cavity.
  6. 6
    Remove driver-side headlight mounting bolts
    Remove the headlight assembly mounting bolts (typically three: upper inboard, upper outboard, and a side/forward bolt accessible through the fender liner opening). Support the assembly with one hand as the last bolt comes out.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Extract driver-side headlight assembly
    Slide the headlight assembly forward out of its locating pins. Move the housing carefully past the fascia edge — do not drag the lens against painted bodywork. Set on a soft surface, lens up.
  8. 8
    Install new driver-side headlight assembly
    Align the new assembly's locating pins with the body receivers and seat fully. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before torquing any. Confirm the lens-to-fascia gap is even along the full perimeter before final torque.
    ℹ️Use the 27 Nm spec from the verified torque list for headlight assembly mounting bolts. If the OEM spec differs for this exact fastener, defer to the Tesla Service Manual.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect driver-side electrical connector
    Press the main connector firmly into the new headlight until the lock tab clicks. Tug-test gently to confirm full engagement.
  10. 10
    Repeat for passenger side
    Repeat steps 5 through 9 for the passenger-side headlight assembly. Take the same care with fascia clearance and locating pin alignment.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reinstall fascia, fender liners, and frunk components
    Reseat the upper fascia edge fasteners, reinstall fender liner push pins and screws, and reinstall the frunk liner and any covers removed for access. Replace any damaged retainers — do not reuse cracked push pins.
  12. 12
    Reconnect 12V battery
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Torque the terminal bolt to spec — do not overtighten, as the post is soft.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Confirm all fascia gaps are even left-to-right and that headlight lenses sit flush with surrounding bodywork.
  2. Verify no harnesses are pinched between the headlight housing and the body.
  3. Reinstall any frunk liner trim and close the frunk gently — confirm latch engagement.
  4. Remove fender covers and inspect aluminum panels for any incidental contact marks.

Verification

  • Power on the vehicle and check the touchscreen for any 'headlight', 'lighting system', or 'service required' alerts. Clear or address as needed.
  • Cycle through all lighting modes: low beam, high beam, automatic high beam (if equipped), turn signals, daytime running lights, and parking lights — both sides.
  • If the vehicle is equipped with adaptive/matrix LED, drive briefly at night or in a dark bay and confirm the beam pattern adapts as expected. New assemblies may require a calibration drive cycle.
  • Perform a headlight aim check against a wall target per the manufacturer-specified procedure. Adjust if necessary.
  • Confirm no water intrusion path — inspect headlight-to-body seal and gasket seating.
  • Note: Headlight replacement is not on a scheduled service interval, but while the frunk is open it is a good opportunity to verify 12V battery age (typically 3-5 years on AGM, longer on Li-ion) and inspect the cabin air filter service date (Model X HEPA filter recommended every 3 years if equipped, 2 years standard).

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →