Replacement of a rear tail light assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance. The Model Y has both an outer (quarter panel-mounted) and inner (liftgate-mounted) tail light section; this procedure covers the outer body-mounted assembly accessed from inside the rear cargo area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear outer tail light assembly (Model Y, side-specific) × 1 — Tesla OEM Model Y outer tail light — confirm left/right and 2024 revision before ordering
• Replacement push-pin retainers (in case of breakage during trim removal) × 4 — Generic Tesla interior trim push-pin retainer

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the 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 low-voltage auxiliary battery (16V Li-ion on 2024 Model Y), located under the rear seat / front trunk area per current architecture — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for exact location on this build.
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 liftgate and clear the rear cargo area. Lay a soft cover over the rear bumper edge to prevent paint damage while removing the assembly.
7. Confirm which side (LH/RH) tail light is being replaced and that the replacement part matches the VIN-correct revision.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear cargo area trim access panel
   On the affected side of the rear cargo area, peel back the carpeted side trim / access cover to expose the rear of the tail light housing. The panel is held by push-pin retainers and friction clips. Use a plastic trim tool to release clips evenly — do not yank. Set retainers aside; replace any that break.
   ⚠Tesla interior clips are brittle in cold weather. Warm the cabin to room temperature before removing trim if possible.
2. 2

   Locate tail light fasteners and electrical connector
   With the access panel open, identify the tail light mounting fasteners (typically 2-3 nuts/bolts accessed from the inside of the body) and the wiring harness connector feeding the assembly. Take a photo for reference before disturbing anything.
3. 3

   Disconnect tail light wiring harness
   Depress the locking tab on the harness connector and pull straight off the tail light pigtail. Do not pull on the wires. Inspect the connector for corrosion or moisture intrusion — a common failure point if the housing seal has degraded.
   ℹ️If corrosion is present, the new tail light's gasket should be inspected for proper seating before reinstall.
4. 4

   Remove tail light mounting fasteners
   Using a 10mm socket with a short extension, remove the tail light mounting fasteners. Support the outside of the assembly with one hand (or have a helper) so it does not fall out and scratch the bumper or paint when the last fastener is removed.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Release and remove tail light assembly
   From the outside of the vehicle, grip the tail light assembly firmly and pull straight rearward. The assembly has alignment pins/grommets that release with steady even force. Do not twist. Once free, route the harness pigtail out cleanly and set the old assembly on a padded surface.
   ⚠Aluminum body panel — do not pry against the paint with metal tools. Use only plastic trim tools if separation is needed.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and gasket surface
   Wipe the body mounting surface clean. Inspect the rubber/foam gasket area on the body for damage. Verify that the alignment grommets in the body are intact and not torn — replace if damaged (manufacturer-specified grommet).
7. 7

   Test-fit new tail light assembly
   Before fully seating, dry-fit the new assembly to confirm alignment pins line up with the body grommets and that the gasket sits flush with no gaps. Check exterior panel gap to the liftgate and quarter panel — should be even side-to-side.
8. 8

   Connect wiring harness to new assembly
   Plug the vehicle harness into the new tail light pigtail until the locking tab clicks. Tug gently to confirm full engagement.
9. 9

   Seat assembly and install mounting fasteners
   Press the assembly firmly into the body until alignment pins fully seat. Install the mounting fasteners hand-tight first to allow final alignment, then torque to specification in a cross/even pattern.
   ⚠Do not overtighten — these fasteners thread into plastic/composite bosses inside the housing and will strip easily.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall cargo area access panel
    Reroute any harness slack neatly. Reinstall the cargo trim panel and seat all push-pin retainers fully. Replace any retainers that broke during disassembly.

Reassembly

1. Confirm all interior trim clips are fully seated — a partially seated panel will rattle on rough roads.
2. Reconnect the low-voltage auxiliary battery negative terminal. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
3. Close the liftgate and verify panel gap and flushness of the new tail light against the body and liftgate.
4. Allow the vehicle to wake fully (touch the door handle / open driver's door) before functional testing — the 2024 Model Y may take 30-60 seconds to fully boot all body control modules after a 12V/16V disconnect.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake, turn on parking lights and verify both running light and brake light function on the new assembly.
• Press the brake pedal and confirm brake light illuminates at full intensity (helper or reflection off a wall/garage door).
• Activate the turn signal — confirm the new assembly's signal flashes at the same rate as the opposite side. A faster flash rate (hyperflash) indicates an LED fault or harness issue.
• Activate reverse (with the vehicle safely chocked) and confirm reverse light function if the outer assembly contains it on this trim.
• Check the Tesla touchscreen for any new alerts related to exterior lighting (e.g., 'Lighting fault — service required'). The Model Y will detect LED driver faults and display a warning.
• Spray the assembly perimeter with water and inspect from inside the cargo area for any leaks — a poorly seated tail light is a known source of trunk water intrusion on the Model Y.
• After reassembly, verify the rear cargo trim is flush and that the spare tire/jack kit area (if equipped) is accessible.

More procedures for this vehicle