Replacement of a front headlight assembly on a 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD. The headlight is accessed after removing the front fascia/bumper cover, as Tesla mounts the assembly with bolts accessible only from inside the wheel arch and behind the fascia.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front headlight assembly (LH or RH as required, matched to 2024 Model Y trim/market) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y 2024 headlight assembly — verify by VIN
• Plastic push-pin retainers / fascia clips (replace any damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM-equivalent fascia retainer clips

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 12V low-voltage battery. On the 2024 Model Y the 12V (Li-ion) battery is located under an access panel — refer to Tesla Service Manual for exact location on this build. 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. Place the vehicle in 'Transport Mode' / 'Jack Mode' is NOT required for this job, but disable Sentry Mode and walk-away lock from the touchscreen before powering down.
7. Open the frunk and confirm it stays open (it is electrically released — do this BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery, or use the manual frunk release procedure if needed).
8. Cover the front fenders with padded covers to prevent paint damage during fascia removal.
9. Identify which headlight (LH/RH) is being replaced and confirm the replacement assembly matches by part number and connector configuration.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheel arch liner fasteners (affected side)
   Turn the steering wheel to provide access to the inner fender. Remove the plastic push-pin retainers and screws securing the front portion of the wheel arch liner to the front fascia. Pull the liner back to expose the rear edge of the fascia and the side bracket of the headlight.
2. 2

   Remove lower fascia fasteners
   From under the vehicle, remove the plastic push-pins and screws along the lower edge of the front fascia where it meets the front underbody tray. Note the location and type of each fastener for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove upper fascia fasteners (frunk area)
   Open the frunk and remove the frunk tub or upper trim panel as required to access the upper row of fascia retainers. Remove the upper fascia bolts/clips that secure the top edge of the fascia to the radiator support.
   ⚠Frunk release is electric. Confirm the frunk is fully open and supported BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery in preparation.
4. 4

   Release front fascia and disconnect harnesses
   With a helper supporting the fascia, gently pull the fascia forward at the front fenders to release the side retaining clips. Lower the fascia and disconnect the electrical connectors for parking sensors, ambient temperature sensor, fog lights (if equipped), and front camera washer (if equipped). Set the fascia on a padded surface — do not let it hang by wiring.
   ⚠The fascia is heavier than it looks due to integrated sensors and reinforcement. Use two people.
5. 5

   Disconnect headlight electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector at the rear of the headlight assembly. Release the lock tab and unplug the connector. Inspect the connector and pins for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Remove headlight assembly mounting bolts
   The Model Y headlight is secured by mounting bolts at the top, side (near the fender), and lower/forward edge. Support the headlight with one hand while removing the bolts with the other. Carefully withdraw the assembly forward out of the vehicle, taking care not to scratch the fender paint.
   ⚠Do not pry the headlight against the fender. The headlight has alignment pins that must be lifted straight out of their grommets.
   Torque spec

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

   Transfer any reusable hardware to new assembly
   Compare the old and new headlight assemblies. Transfer any brackets, alignment pins, or hardware that did not come pre-installed on the new unit. Confirm part number and connector keying match the original.
8. 8

   Install new headlight assembly
   Position the new headlight assembly into the opening, ensuring the alignment pins seat fully into their grommets. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before final tightening to allow alignment. Torque the bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect headlight electrical connector
   Plug the main connector into the new headlight assembly until the lock tab fully engages. Verify the connector is fully seated — partial engagement causes intermittent faults that can be hard to diagnose.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front fascia in reverse order: lift fascia into position, engage the side fender clips, then install upper, lower, and wheel-arch fasteners.
2. Before fully tightening, reconnect all fascia electrical connectors (parking sensors, ambient temp, fog lamps, camera washer).
3. Verify panel gaps at the fender, hood, and headlight are even on both sides before final tightening.
4. Reinstall wheel arch liner fasteners and frunk trim removed for access.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal. Torque the battery terminal bolt to specification.
6. Close the frunk and verify it latches properly.

Verification

• Power up the vehicle and check the touchscreen for any headlight, lighting, or parking sensor fault messages.
• Test low beam, high beam, DRL, turn signal, and (if equipped) cornering/adaptive functions on the replaced side.
• Walk around the vehicle and verify the parking sensor self-test produces no chirps/errors (drive at low speed near a wall to confirm).
• Perform a headlamp aim check against a wall or aiming target. The 2024 Model Y uses adjuster screws on the headlight body — torque any adjustment hardware to spec after aiming.
• Verify panel gap and flushness between the new headlight, front fender, hood, and fascia. Reseat fascia clips if any gap is uneven.
• If the touchscreen reports an unrecognized lighting module or persistent fault, the assembly may require coding by Tesla Service — this is normal for some 2024 Model Y matrix-style headlight assemblies.
• Note: This job does not affect any Tesla service intervals (brake fluid every 2 years, cabin filter every 2 years, tire rotation every 6,250 mi).

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