Replacement of a front headlight assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. Requires partial front fascia access and careful handling of the matrix LED connector and adaptive headlight harness.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight assembly (LH or RH, matrix LED, model-year specific) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model X 2024 Plaid headlight assembly — order by VIN
• Replacement plastic trim clips/retainers (often damaged on removal) × 6 — Generic Tesla fascia push-pin 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 (negative terminal first). On 2024 Model X this may be a Li-ion 16V unit — follow the disconnect sequence printed on the battery label.
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. Lower the air suspension to Jack Mode is NOT required for this job, but DO disable Auto-Lower / set to Jack Mode if you need to access lower fascia clips at a comfortable height.
7. Allow the headlight assembly to cool fully if the vehicle was recently driven.
8. Place a soft cover over the front fender and hood edge adjacent to the headlight to protect aluminum paint from scratches.

Procedure

1. 1

   Open frunk and access fascia fasteners
   Open the frunk. Remove the frunk liner / weather seal at the front edge as needed to expose the upper headlight mounting bolts and the front fascia upper retaining fasteners. Use a plastic trim tool to release push-pin retainers — do not pry with metal tools against aluminum.
2. 2

   Remove wheel-arch liner edge for side access
   Turn the front wheel on the affected side outward to gain access. Remove the forward-most fasteners of the wheel arch liner where it meets the front fascia. This exposes the lateral headlight mounting tab and the lower fascia-to-fender clip.
3. 3

   Release front fascia from headlight area
   Release the upper fascia clips above the headlight and the side fascia clip that engages the headlight assembly tab. The fascia does NOT need to be fully removed — only relieved enough to allow the headlight to slide forward. Have an assistant support the fascia, or use foam blocks to hold it off.
   ⚠Do not pull the fascia hard — sensors (parking, camera, washer line) are routed behind it and will tear if stressed.
4. 4

   Remove headlight mounting bolts
   Locate the headlight assembly mounting bolts (typically two upper bolts accessed from the frunk area and one lateral bolt accessed from the fender/fascia gap). Remove all mounting bolts. Retain the bolts — they will be reused.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Slide headlight forward and disconnect harness
   Carefully pull the headlight assembly straight forward out of its locating pins. Once the connector is accessible, depress the connector lock tab and disconnect the main electrical connector(s) from the rear of the housing. Set the assembly on a padded surface, lens up.
   ⚠Do not yank the harness — adaptive matrix LED housings have a locking connector that must be released before unplugging.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and harness
   Inspect the body-side mounting tabs, locating pins, and ground bolt location for corrosion, debris, or damage. Inspect the connector pins for water intrusion or green corrosion (a known issue on vehicles operated in wet climates). Clean as needed.
7. 7

   Transfer any service-specific hardware to new assembly
   If the new assembly does not include adjuster screws, retaining clips, or a ground strap, transfer them from the old unit. Confirm the new assembly part matches the side (LH/RH) and trim level (matrix LED).
   Torque spec

   Adjuster Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new headlight assembly
   Connect the harness to the new headlight assembly and confirm the connector locks fully (audible click). Slide the assembly into the body locating pins, ensuring it seats flush with the fender and hood gap lines. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before final torque.
   Torque spec

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

   Torque mounting bolts
   Torque the headlight assembly mounting bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Do not overtighten — the housing mounting tabs are plastic-reinforced and will crack.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall ground bolt (if applicable)
    If the assembly uses a separate chassis ground bolt for the LED driver, reinstall and torque it. A loose ground will cause flicker, error codes, or matrix beam failure.
    ⚠The ground bolt is critical — under-torque causes intermittent faults, over-torque strips the aluminum chassis thread.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reseat fascia and wheel arch liner
    Push the front fascia back into engagement with the headlight tab and upper clips. Reinstall any push-pin retainers (replace any that were damaged on removal). Reinstall the wheel arch liner fasteners.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall frunk liner / weather seal removed for access.
2. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative). Torque terminal bolts to the manufacturer-specified value.
3. Close the frunk and verify the latch engages on both primary and secondary catches.
4. Power on the vehicle and allow systems to fully boot before testing lighting.
5. If equipped, exit Service Mode.

Verification

• On the touchscreen, cycle through low beam, high beam, DRL, turn signal, and side marker — confirm all functions on the replaced side.
• Check for any vehicle alerts on the touchscreen (e.g., 'Headlight needs service' or adaptive headlight faults). If matrix beam fault codes are present, the new assembly likely requires coding via Tesla service tooling.
• Aim the headlights against a wall or aiming target. Adjust using the manufacturer-specified adjuster screws if needed.
• Verify panel gaps between the new headlight, fender, and hood are even — uneven gaps usually indicate the assembly is not fully seated on its locating pins.
• Drive briefly at night to confirm adaptive/matrix beam transitions work correctly and there is no flicker.
• Note: This job is not on a Tesla service interval, but while the front fascia area is accessible, consider checking the cabin air filter (Tesla recommends every 2 years; every 3 years for HEPA-equipped Model X with bioweapon defense mode) and brake fluid (every 2 years regardless of mileage).

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