Matrix Headlight Retrofit Inquiry

[saulgee]

Hey all,

I recently purchased a used 2021 MYLR for a pretty good price. I recently noticed that the left side (passenger) DRL has gone out/is completely faded. I have been thinking of buying a used headlight on eBay for ~$250 and install it myself using a few tutorials I found on YouTube.

After further investigation, it seems like there are 2 types of headlights, Matrix and Reflector. My Model Y has the outdated Reflector headlights.

I was wondering if it would be possible to just buy a pair of the newer Matrix headlights (since they seem better) and install them on my Model Y.

I have done some digging and seems like a few individuals were able to do so with some sort of "developer programming" they paid for. However, those posts were from 8-10 months ago.

Does anyone know if this is now possible? Would it be as simple as: Installing the new headlights > going into Service Mode > Reinstall Software?

What would you guys recommend:

-Wait it out and buy Matrix when/if theyre functional with older models

or

-Stop being delusional and buy a replacement Reflector


(btw sorry if this has been asked before)

 

[pontelaspilas]

do you still have warranty? if so have tesla fix it under warranty. i read they have to upgrade to the matrix headlight because the other is no longer made. i also read service mode wont work, you need the tesla toolbox to change the coding.

 

[saulgee]

Unfortunately not, i’m at 58,000 miles…

 

[T-Geekster]

Have you asked Tesla what they would charge to do the repair and change to matrix?

 

[saulgee]

Have you asked Tesla what they would charge to do the repair and change to matrix?

I personally haven’t, but I’ve read from other users it can range from $1400-$3000.. !

 

[bluenycom]

I don't think it's just plug and play. Software has to be configured. I think there is another thread about someone tried w/o success.

 

[DanDi58]

There's a long thread on here somewhere about this. I believe the answer was, it's not plug and play. If your car wasn't originally equipped with them, there's a different connector and software needs to be updated - which it can't be if you're not in the 'matrix-equipped' VIN range. But do a search here for the thread to confirm my recollection.

 

[TesLEEZ]

You might want to just buy some Alpha-Rex replacement headlights.

 

[terranx]

There's a long thread on here somewhere about this. I believe the answer was, it's not plug and play. If your car wasn't originally equipped with them, there's a different connector and software needs to be updated - which it can't be if you're not in the 'matrix-equipped' VIN range. But do a search here for the thread to confirm my recollection.

For model 3 and Y the connector is the same.

Software configuration needs to be updated, but there’s no restricted VIN. It can be updated by anyone who subscribes to toolbox. In fact Tesla doesn’t even sell the old headlights anymore for US cars. If you need to replace one, you have to upgrade to matrix.

 

[T-Geekster]

I personally haven’t, but I’ve read from other users it can range from $1400-$3000.. !

Big range.
Could remove all doubt by asking Tesla

 

[jjexpat00]

Bought a pair of used 2021 Model 3 matrix headlights (PN 1514952 & 1514953) to swap onto my 2022 Y LR that came with reflectors this week. I understand I'll need Toolbox 3, so I will probably be purchasing a 1-day subscription for that. Will post an update in this thread sometime this week/weekend.

I will be using this service manual guide (that was added last week): Model Y Service Manual | Tesla

 

[jjexpat00]

Installation took longer than expected, but new matrix headlights work. Physical installation was straightforward, but the software side needed some troubleshooting. Toolbox 3 did not connect properly for me on MacOS - it kept complaining it couldn't reach a proxy service so I was only "half" connecting to the vehicle.

I eventually gave up with the MacOS laptop and connected my Windows PC, with the Windows-only Toolbox Proxy software running - smooth sailing. In order to change the vehicle configuration I had to use the service shell, as dashboard/action tools did not work for me (bad parameter input or something). Command I used to change config:

gw-diag SET_CONFIG_DATA 00 28 2

I then performed the UPDATE_CAN-REDEPLOY action to redeploy the ECU to apply the changed config. TESLA lettering shows up during light show, so I assume I did everything correctly.

Side note: check with your local service center if they can do the vehicle configuration change for you. Someone in a Facebook group mentioned that theirs did it for $40. My local service centers all refused to, so Toolbox one day subscription was required.

 

[TypeX]

I personally haven’t, but I’ve read from other users it can range from $1400-$3000.. !

Theres a youtube video covering this.
He bought used set of matrix lights , swapped them in and opened a service ticket for them to program it for $70.

Not sure if it varies by service center or the specifics but personally not worth the warranty headache if they short something out (being used units)