Downgrading headlights (how do I read LIN signals)?

[AndrewApple12]

I currently own a 2018 model s. The led headlights on it are terrible. ive had them replaced 3 times under warrant and the are still having problem. Teslas asking price for replacements is $3,298 and I didn’t want to pay for headlights that are going to fail again. I want to put in the pre facelift hid headlight. my only issue is that the car controls its current headlights with Using LIN, is there any way to read or conver it to just the basic 12v signals?

I will post updates on my project once I start.

 

[cucubits]

Sad to hear 2018 S lights are still bad. I had a 2016 and the terrible headlights were one of the reasons from my list for which I gave up and sold the car. It was light driving with a couple disco balls on the nose, very very poor design and the price they want for replacements is properly insane.

Good luck with your project, the HIDs should work much better if you manage to retrofit.

 

[ucmndd]

Sad to hear 2018 S lights are still bad.

Oh don’t sell Tesla short, the brand new 2022s are still using the exact same janky terrible headlights that were introduced in 2016.

 

[WilliamG]

Oh don’t sell Tesla short, the brand new 2022s are still using the exact same janky terrible headlights that were introduced in 2016.

Yep. It’s really sad how crap they are. Tesla should be ashamed.

 

[KalJoMoS]

There was someone doing the same project some time ago, worth searching a bit.

 

[whitex]

Oh don’t sell Tesla short, the brand new 2022s are still using the exact same janky terrible headlights that were introduced in 2016.

"Every penny counts" - Elon Musk

 

[AndrewApple12]

Good luck with your project, the HIDs should work much better if you manage to retrofit.

Thank you!

 

[AndrewApple12]

Oh don’t sell Tesla short, the brand new 2022s are still using the exact same janky terrible headlights that were introduced in 2016.

That is awful

 

[AndrewApple12]

There was someone doing the same project some time ago, worth searching a bit.

Any tips for what to throw in the search box on here or google?

 

[BrownOuttaSpec]

Any tips for what to throw in the search box on here or google?

"Tesla HID retrofit"

HID Projector Retrofit

I've had my 2015 Model S for about a month now, and I love almost everything about it. However, coming from a Lexus RX450h with GREAT headlights, I can say that I really don't like the headlights in this car. Overall just not enough light, mainly driven by the fact that the cutoff is really...

teslamotorsclub.com

FYI: I think this site has some great reviews on HID Bulbs:

BulbFacts | Best Recommended HID/Xenon Headlight Kits

Bulb Facts, Lab testing on automotive headlight & foglight bulbs, comparison chart before you buy.

www.bulbfacts.com

 

[krsgio]

"Tesla HID retrofit"

HID Projector Retrofit

I've had my 2015 Model S for about a month now, and I love almost everything about it. However, coming from a Lexus RX450h with GREAT headlights, I can say that I really don't like the headlights in this car. Overall just not enough light, mainly driven by the fact that the cutoff is really...

teslamotorsclub.com

FYI: I think this site has some great reviews on HID Bulbs:

BulbFacts | Best Recommended HID/Xenon Headlight Kits

Bulb Facts, Lab testing on automotive headlight & foglight bulbs, comparison chart before you buy.

www.bulbfacts.com

This isn't the same thing that OP is asking. He's asking about replacing his facelift LED headlights with HID units from earlier years but it's not exactly plug and play.

OP I'd reach out to the folks who figured out how to 'upgrade' the LED headlights on the older models for people doing a 'refresh upgrade'. I'm sure its a similar process to go from LED to HID pin outs.

 

[AndrewApple12]

I currently own a 2018 model s. The led headlights on it are terrible...

Thank you everyone for your support and help. I have decided I am going to take the main control board out of the current headlights and connect it the the 1st gen headlights or swap the boards entirely. I will be ordering the headlights soon and will be posting a video on youtube this Wednesday.
channel: AndrewApple12 tech

 

[AndrewApple12]

OP I'd reach out to the folks who figured out how to 'upgrade' the LED headlights on the older models for people doing a 'refresh upgrade'. I'm sure its a similar process to go from LED to HID pin outs.

good idea! I think I figured out something that should work and looks oem. But if it doesn’t work then I’ll definitely reach out to someone, I was thinking electrified garage.

 

[AndrewApple12]

"Tesla HID retrofit"

HID Projector Retrofit

I've had my 2015 Model S for about a month now, and I love almost everything about it. However, coming from a Lexus RX450h with GREAT headlights, I can say that I really don't like the headlights in this car. Overall just not enough light, mainly driven by the fact that the cutoff is really...

teslamotorsclub.com

FYI: I think this site has some great reviews on HID Bulbs:

BulbFacts | Best Recommended HID/Xenon Headlight Kits

Bulb Facts, Lab testing on automotive headlight & foglight bulbs, comparison chart before you buy.

www.bulbfacts.com

Not exactly what im trying to do but thanks for the help. Will definitely check out the bulbfacts website though!

 

[BrownOuttaSpec]

This isn't the same thing that OP is asking. He's asking about replacing his facelift LED headlights with HID units from earlier years but it's not exactly plug and play.

OP I'd reach out to the folks who figured out how to 'upgrade' the LED headlights on the older models for people doing a 'refresh upgrade'. I'm sure its a similar process to go from LED to HID pin outs.

Oops, I had pasted the wrong link from my clipboard.
I meant this one: Want new HID headlights

Nothing specifically helpful but that person had the same question and a few people chimed in. Maybe a direct PM to some of the people in that thread can get more answers about what they found out.

Bonus: Here is another thread on this forum of people talking about the aftermarket HID bulbs:

Any nose-cone'ers tried XENARC NIGHT BREAKER LASER headlight bulbs?

I have seen a few videos stating these are quite a bit brighter than the standard Xenon HID's (pre LED headlights). They are not 'laser' like the product says but they do throw quite a bit more light than the stock ones based on the youtube vidoes I have seen. They seem quite expensive for...

teslamotorsclub.com

 

[yo_chill]

Am I the only person that likes the headlights (Refresh S)? They seem fine. They light up the road in front of me, give me more on the sides when I turn, and won't blind other drivers.

The only problem is with the lack of stalks I can't switch the high beams manually, and the auto high beams are atrocious.

 

[AndrewApple12]

Am I the only person that likes the headlights (Refresh S)?…

I haven’t personally experienced a refresh MS but i know it has the new matrix LEDs.

 

[ucmndd]

I haven’t personally experienced a refresh MS but i know it has the new matrix LEDs.

The 2021+ refresh Model S has headlights identical to your 2018. As in same exact part number.

 

[Snerruc]

I raise the left light one full turn of the adjuster and the right one and a half. Makes a big difference and no complaints from other drivers. I think they set them too low at the factory.

 

[Gtech]

Why not try upgrading to matrix led when those headlamps can be ordered from Tesla?

Tesla unveils updated Model S with new headlights, taillights, and CCS charge ports

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electrek.co