Replacement of a tail light assembly on the 2024 Tesla Roadster (Tri Motor). Note: the 2024 Roadster is an extremely low-production, low-documentation vehicle; verify fastener locations against the actual vehicle before proceeding, as service literature is scarce.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly (LH or RH as required) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Roadster tail light assembly — confirm side and trim
• Replacement fasteners / clips (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM specification

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 (or 16V/48V on applicable models) low-voltage battery. See architecture notes — Roadster low-voltage battery location is not standardized across Teslas; consult vehicle-specific documentation.
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 rear trunk/decklid and protect surrounding paint with a fender cover or soft blanket.
7. Identify which side (LH/RH) is being replaced and confirm the new assembly matches part number and connector style.
8. Have the replacement assembly within reach so the harness is exposed for the minimum amount of time.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear of the tail light assembly
   From inside the trunk/rear compartment, carefully remove the interior trim panel(s) covering the back side of the tail light. Use a plastic trim tool to release retaining clips. Set fasteners aside in order. Do not pull on any wiring harnesses while removing trim.
2. 2

   Inspect for HV proximity
   Visually confirm there are NO orange (high-voltage) cables routed near the tail light cavity. The Roadster's HV routing is non-standard; if any orange conductor is visible, stop work and consult a Tesla-certified technician before proceeding.
   ⚠️Orange = HV. Lethal voltage. Do not proceed if exposed.
3. 3

   Disconnect the tail light electrical connector
   Locate the main harness connector on the back of the tail light housing. Depress the locking tab and pull the connector straight off — do not pull on the wires. If a secondary connector is present (e.g., for separate turn/reverse circuits), disconnect it as well.
   ⚠Connectors on low-volume vehicles can be brittle. Apply even pressure on the latch only.
4. 4

   Remove the tail light retaining hardware
   Remove the bolts/nuts securing the tail light assembly to the body. Quantity and location vary; typical layouts use 2–4 fasteners accessible from inside the trunk cavity. Support the assembly with one hand as the last fastener is removed so it does not fall against the paint.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the tail light assembly from the body
   Gently work the assembly outward from the rear of the vehicle. There may be alignment pins or rubber grommets retaining it; rock the assembly evenly rather than prying one corner. Once free, place it lens-down on a soft surface.
   ⚠Do not strike the assembly or body panel — Roadster body panels are lightweight composite/aluminum and are easily dented or cracked.
6. 6

   Transfer any reusable hardware
   If the new assembly does not include grommets, alignment pins, or gaskets, transfer them from the old assembly. Inspect the body-side mounting surface and clean any debris or old sealant.
7. 7

   Install the new tail light assembly
   Align the new assembly with body-side locating pins/grommets and seat it flush against the body. Verify even panel gap with the surrounding bodywork BEFORE tightening fasteners. Hand-thread all fasteners before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Final torque the retaining hardware
   Torque the tail light retaining bolts to specification in a cross/even pattern to avoid stressing the housing.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector(s)
   Reconnect the harness connector(s) until you hear/feel the latch click. Verify the seal is fully seated to prevent moisture ingress.
10. 10

    If lens fasteners were disturbed
    If any lens-level screws were removed during transfer of components, torque them to specification. Do not overtighten — the lens housing can crack.
    Torque spec

    Lens Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels removed for access, ensuring all clips fully seat.
2. Reconnect the 12V/low-voltage battery and torque the terminal hardware to specification.
3. Close the trunk/decklid gently and verify nothing is pinched.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake, verify all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights (have an assistant press the pedal), turn signals (both sides), reverse light (shift to R with foot on brake), and rear fog if equipped.
• Check for any vehicle warning messages on the touchscreen related to exterior lighting.
• Inspect panel gap and flush-fit with surrounding bodywork from 6 ft away in good light.
• Spray water lightly along the upper edge of the assembly and verify no ingress into the trunk cavity after a few minutes.
• Note: This job is not part of any scheduled Tesla service interval, but while the trunk trim is open, it's a good opportunity to confirm the 12V battery age (3–5 year typical AGM service life) and condition.

More procedures for this vehicle