Replacement of both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2024 Model Y. The headlights are accessed after removing the front fascia/bumper cover, which is typical for Model 3/Y platform vehicles.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front headlight assembly, left (driver side) — 2024 Model Y matrix-style × 1 — Manufacturer-specified LH headlight for 2024 Model Y
• Front headlight assembly, right (passenger side) — 2024 Model Y matrix-style × 1 — Manufacturer-specified RH headlight for 2024 Model Y
• Plastic push-pin / trim retainers (single-use, replace any broken) × 10 — OEM fascia push-pin retainers

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried 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 behind/under the rear seat area on 2024 Model Y — refer to architecture notes). Loosen the 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. Open the frunk and remove any cargo. Open the frunk liner/tub to access upper fascia fasteners.
7. Raise the front of the vehicle on a lift or jack stands using the manufacturer-specified lift points (puck-style lift pads on pinch welds). Never lift on the battery pack.
8. Place soft fender covers along the fender tops and front quarter panels to protect paint during fascia removal.
9. Set the suspension/ride height to standard (no air suspension on Model Y — N/A) and confirm tires are chocked at the rear.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove frunk liner and upper fascia fasteners
   Open the frunk. Remove the frunk tub/liner by releasing the perimeter push-pin retainers and lifting it out. With the liner removed, locate the upper row of fasteners securing the top edge of the front fascia to the radiator support and headlight tabs. Remove these fasteners and set them aside in order.
2. 2

   Remove wheel-well liner edge fasteners
   Turn the front wheels for access. At each front wheel well, remove the forward push-pin retainers and screws securing the inner fender liner to the front fascia on both sides. Pull the liner edge back enough to expose the fascia-to-fender bolts.
3. 3

   Remove lower fascia/undertray fasteners
   From under the vehicle, remove the front aero undertray fasteners (combination of T25 Torx and 10mm bolts) along the leading edge where the undertray meets the fascia. Take care not to drop the undertray — support it as the last fasteners come out, or remove only the row that captures the fascia bottom.
   ⚠Aero undertrays are critical to range and cooling airflow. Reinstall fully and replace any stripped or broken plastic fasteners.
4. 4

   Release fascia from fenders and disconnect harnesses
   Starting at one front corner, gently pull the fascia outward at the wheel-well seam to release the side clip. Work to the opposite corner. With the fascia free, support it and reach behind to disconnect the front sensor and lighting harness connectors (parking sensors, ambient temp sensor, fog/DRL if separately wired, front camera/washer if equipped). Press the locking tab on each connector — do NOT pull on wires.
   ⚠Do not let the fascia hang by its wiring. Have a helper support it or place it on padded supports.
5. 5

   Set fascia aside on a protected surface
   Place the front fascia face-up on a clean blanket or padded bench. Inspect for cracked tabs, broken clips, or stretched mounting points and note for reassembly.
6. 6

   Disconnect headlight harness connectors
   At each headlight, locate the main harness connector(s) on the rear of the assembly. Release the connector lock(s) and unplug. Tuck the harness aside so it does not fall behind the radiator support.
   ℹ️Matrix LED Model Y headlights typically use a single multi-pin connector, but verify all connectors are released before pulling the housing.
7. 7

   Remove headlight mounting bolts (driver side)
   Remove the headlight assembly mounting bolts securing the driver-side housing to the radiator support and fender bracket. Support the headlight as the last bolt is removed and withdraw the housing forward. Keep fasteners organized by location.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove headlight mounting bolts (passenger side)
   Repeat the procedure on the passenger side: remove the headlight mounting bolts, support the housing, and withdraw it forward.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Compare and prep new assemblies
   Compare each new headlight assembly against the removed unit — confirm part shape, connector style/pin count, and side designation (LH vs RH). Transfer any retaining clips or grommets that did not come pre-installed on the new unit.
   ⚠Do not handle the lens or internal optics with bare hands. Fingerprints on matrix LED reflectors can cause hot spots.
10. 10

    Install new driver-side headlight
    Position the new driver-side headlight assembly into the radiator support, aligning the locating pin/tab into its grommet. Hand-start all mounting bolts before final tightening. Torque the headlight mounting bolts to the manufacturer-specified value from the verified torque list.
    Torque spec

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

    Install new passenger-side headlight
    Repeat for the passenger side: align, hand-start all bolts, then torque to the specified value.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect headlight harnesses
    Reconnect each headlight's main harness connector and verify the locking tab clicks fully home. Confirm the harness is routed clear of moving suspension parts and the radiator fan shroud. Any small connector retention screws, if present, should be torqued per the verified spec.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reposition the front fascia in front of the vehicle and reconnect all sensor/lighting harnesses (parking sensors, ambient temp sensor, camera/washer if equipped). Verify each connector locks.
2. Engage the fascia side clips into the fenders first, then align the upper edge to the radiator support and headlight tabs.
3. Reinstall upper fascia fasteners (frunk area), wheel-well liner edge fasteners, and lower undertray fasteners. Replace any broken push-pin retainers with new ones.
4. Reinstall the frunk tub/liner.
5. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
6. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. Tighten the terminal bolts to the verified Battery Terminal Bolt torque (6.0 Nm / 4.0 lb-ft) — do not overtighten.
7. Close the frunk and verify even gap to the fascia and fenders on both sides.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle. Check that no warning messages related to lighting, parking sensors, or front camera appear on the center display.
• Cycle through low beam, high beam, DRL, turn signals, and (if equipped) cornering/adaptive functions on both sides. Confirm both new headlights operate identically.
• Confirm parking sensor function in Drive and Reverse — chimes should respond to obstacles within range. If front camera/Autopilot features error out, a service-tool calibration may be required.
• Perform a basic headlight aim check against a flat wall at the manufacturer-specified distance. Matrix LED units on this vehicle may also require a Tesla service-tool aim/initialization for full adaptive behavior — note this for the customer if symptoms appear.
• Inspect fascia gaps and frunk shut lines after a short drive to confirm nothing has shifted.
• Reminder of unrelated Tesla service intervals while the front end is apart: verify cabin filter age (replace every 2 years) and brake fluid age (replace every 2 years per Tesla's published recommendation), and confirm tire rotation is current (every ~6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear).

More procedures for this vehicle