Replacement of both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The front fascia must be partially loosened to access the outer headlight bolts; full bumper removal is not strictly required but improves access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Left (driver) headlight assembly — Model Y Performance, matrix-capable LED × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y 2024 LH headlight assembly — verify part number against VIN at order time
• Right (passenger) headlight assembly — Model Y Performance, matrix-capable LED × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y 2024 RH headlight assembly — verify part number against VIN at order time
• Plastic push-pin retainers / fascia clips (replacements for any broken on removal) × 10 — Generic Tesla fascia/wheel-liner push retainer — keep a small assortment

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, this is accessed under the front trunk (frunk) cowl/scuttle panel. Loosen the negative terminal first; isolate it from the post.
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 frunk and remove the frunk liner/tub to expose the upper fascia and headlight mounting fasteners.
7. Turn the steering wheel to gain access to fender liner fasteners on each side.
8. Have the replacement assemblies unboxed and inspected for shipping damage before disassembly begins.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove frunk liner and weatherstrip
   Open the frunk. Pull the rubber weatherstrip from the frunk perimeter. Release the push-pin retainers around the frunk tub liner and lift the liner out. This exposes the top of both headlight assemblies and the upper fascia bolts.
2. 2

   Loosen front fender liner edges
   Turn the steering wheel for access. At each front wheel, remove the forward push-pin retainers and any T25 Torx fasteners holding the front edge of the fender liner to the fascia. You only need to free the forward 6–8 inches of liner on each side to access the lower outer fascia fasteners near the headlights.
   ⚠Plastic clips snap easily in cold weather — warm the area or use new replacement clips on reinstall.
3. 3

   Release fascia fasteners adjacent to headlights
   Remove the upper fascia fasteners along the top edge of the front bumper cover (visible after frunk liner removal). Remove the lower fascia screws under the wheel arch on each side. Do not fully remove the fascia — only relax it enough to pull the upper outboard corners forward by 1–2 inches to clear the headlight tabs.
   ℹ️Mark fastener locations with painter's tape — different lengths are used in different positions.
4. 4

   Gently release fascia outer corners
   Have a helper support the fascia. Working at one side at a time, carefully release the fascia from its outer side clips by pulling outward and forward. The fascia interlocks with a tab on the headlight assembly — pulling the corner forward by 1–2 inches frees the headlight outboard tab. Do not yank; if it resists, recheck for a missed fastener.
   ⚠Painted fascia corners scratch easily against fender edges — apply painter's tape to the fender lip.
5. 5

   Remove headlight mounting bolts
   With the fascia corner relaxed, remove the headlight assembly mounting bolts (typically three per side: one upper-inboard near the frunk opening, one upper-outboard, and one lower/forward). Use a 10mm socket. Support the headlight as the last bolt is removed. Torque on reinstallation is to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
6. 6

   Disconnect headlight harness
   Pull the headlight assembly forward just enough to access the rear connector(s). Press the connector latch and disconnect. Some variants have two connectors (main lighting + matrix/control). Note orientation. Set the old assembly aside on a soft surface, lens-up.
   ℹ️Do not pull on the wires — squeeze the connector housing latch and rock gently.
7. 7

   Repeat for opposite side
   Repeat steps 4–6 on the other side of the vehicle.
8. 8

   Compare old vs. new assemblies
   Before installing, place each old and new headlight side-by-side. Confirm identical connector count/keying, mounting tab geometry, and that left/right are not swapped. Confirm any rubber gaskets or foam seals are present on the new units.
9. 9

   Connect new headlight assemblies
   Plug the connector(s) into each new headlight until the latch clicks. Verify the latch is fully seated — partial seating causes intermittent faults and codes.
10. 10

    Install new headlight assemblies
    Set each new headlight into position, engaging the inboard locating pin/tab into the radiator support grommet first, then aligning the outboard tab behind the fascia corner. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening any. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
    ⚠Do not force a misaligned headlight — if it does not seat by hand, recheck the locating pin and fascia tab alignment.
11. 11

    Reseat fascia and verify panel gaps
    Push the fascia outer corners back into their clips, then walk around the vehicle and verify even gaps between the headlight, fascia, hood, and fender on both sides. Adjust before final fastener torque if needed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall fascia fasteners (upper edge, lower edge, and wheel-arch screws) — torque to OEM specification.
2. Reinstall front fender liner forward edges with T25 fasteners and replacement push-pin retainers as needed.
3. Reinstall frunk tub liner and surrounding push-pins.
4. Refit frunk weatherstrip, pressing it fully into the channel around the entire perimeter.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal — torque the terminal bolt to the Battery Terminal Bolt spec; do not overtighten.
6. Close the frunk by pressing down firmly at both front corners (do not slam — Tesla frunks latch via dual struts).
7. Allow the vehicle to fully wake (touch screen on, gear selector responsive) before functional testing.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake, cycle headlights through OFF / Auto / On / High Beam from the steering-wheel stalk. Confirm both low beams, both high beams, both daytime running lights, and both front turn signals function.
• Activate the parking lights and confirm side marker/position lighting on both sides.
• Check the touchscreen Service or Notifications panel for any new alerts related to lighting, front camera, or matrix LED control. A 'Headlight needs service' or matrix-related alert indicates the new assembly may require coding via Tesla service tooling.
• If adaptive/matrix high-beam behavior is incorrect after a night-time test, the assemblies likely need configuration through Tesla — schedule a Mobile Service or Service Center appointment for coding.
• Aim the headlights against a wall or with an aiming target — the projector cutoff should be even side-to-side and at the manufacturer-specified height for the vehicle's distance from the wall.
• Inspect panel gaps one final time in daylight: hood-to-headlight, headlight-to-fender, and headlight-to-fascia gaps should be uniform left vs. right.
• Note: This job is not on a Tesla service interval, but while the front end is apart, it is a good time to inspect the cabin air filter (2-year interval) and verify washer fluid level (system holds ~3.5 qt).

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