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Homelink retrofit install failure

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I created an account after I saw this post on a Reddit thread, but when I read all the issues I panicked a little as I have a 2024 MYLR 3 weeks old and also bought that Tesla HomeKit from the same seller on eBay. I am on 2023.44.200.5.1 and decided to try the install instead of returning the unit. Just finished about 30 minutes ago and everything worked perfectly. Immediate adoption and programming with my garage. I will note that several YouTube videos have the bracket installed backwards so be careful which ones you follow. The bracket should be on the number side of the mount not facing the driver. Sorry that this didn’t work for you OP but you may have saved me from the loss.
 
I created an account after I saw this post on a Reddit thread, but when I read all the issues I panicked a little as I have a 2024 MYLR 3 weeks old and also bought that Tesla HomeKit from the same seller on eBay. I am on 2023.44.200.5.1 and decided to try the install instead of returning the unit. Just finished about 30 minutes ago and everything worked perfectly. Immediate adoption and programming with my garage. I will note that several YouTube videos have the bracket installed backwards so be careful which ones you follow. The bracket should be on the number side of the mount not facing the driver. Sorry that this didn’t work for you OP but you may have saved me from the loss.
Bumper not number
 
Can confirm - still works on 2023.44.200.5.1. Just installed the module from the '23 I traded in on a '24.
If I had to guess the probably was what as added as security improvements in the 2024 firmware. Just my luck that I upgraded early, if I only I received my module earlier.

Security Improvements​

Tesla Security Improvements feature in update 2024.2.3

Available Worldwide
Models:
S
3
X
Y
This update includes important security fixes and improvements.
 
Yup. Looks like people with the older 2023 software are still in luck! Probably 2024 that locks it out.

I created an account after I saw this post on a Reddit thread, but when I read all the issues I panicked a little as I have a 2024 MYLR 3 weeks old and also bought that Tesla HomeKit from the same seller on eBay. I am on 2023.44.200.5.1 and decided to try the install instead of returning the unit. Just finished about 30 minutes ago and everything worked perfectly. Immediate adoption and programming with my garage. I will note that several YouTube videos have the bracket installed backwards so be careful which ones you follow. The bracket should be on the number side of the mount not facing the driver. Sorry that this didn’t work for you OP but you may have saved me from the loss.

It doesn't matter which way the mount is installed. It'll work perfectly irrespective of the direction. The correct way is to obviously click the mount in on the front of the holder spot and bolt it in there. But my hands weren't flexible enough to do that so I ended up doing what the others did (bolt the mount at the back of the holder). Zero problems. And there shouldn't be. Because think about it. Depending on how you enter the garage with your car (whether you drive in or back up), the direction of the module changes. So yeah.
 
I wanted to chime in regarding the Homelink retrofit install issue. I recently encountered a similar problem with my 2024 Tesla Model Y on software version 2024.2.2.1. Like you, I received an installation error and couldn't get it to work.

In my case, I had a Tesla specialist come out for a service appointment on another matter. I took the opportunity to ask about the Homelink problem, before he started working and interestingly, he had experienced the same issue just earlier that day before my appointment. He mentioned that he managed to resolve it but didn't specify the exact steps he took. However, he did offer to install it for me. After he fixed my service request, unfortunately, he later informed me that he couldn't proceed with the installation and suggested returning the Homelink and ordering it through the Tesla app.

When I showed him the software error, the image showing the "Failed to update Homelink Configuration" he confirmed it was the same one he encountered and remarked, "I just was determined to fix the issue and I didn't do anything you can't find online."

So it seems like there might be a workaround out there, but it's unclear exactly what it entails. Hopefully, Tesla addresses this issue soon, but in the meantime, returning and reordering through the app might be the best course of action for those experiencing this problem.
 
OP here and wanted to share my experience. I have 2023 MYLR, Fremont build picked in March of 2023. Ordered the OEM (brand new) part. Got the authorization error during the install (hence this thread). Tried everything but it did not work. I am on software 2023.2.2.1. Finally took it to the nearby Tesla SC. They said retrofit is no longer allowed because there is VIN to module registration. So he said he can swap it for me and put another one. He did that and it started working. I was done in about 20 minutes. So clearly aftermarket modules purchased anywhere else wont work anymore. Lesson learnt.

My advice to any future DIY installers is not to bother with this adventure anymore. Its unclear when Tesla blocked it or if the service agent did something else inside the shop (I was in waiting room) to activate it. I don't know but all I know is that it was a painful experience with a lot of time & effort wasted (not worth it). In my informal chat with the agent we speculated that one the reasons behind removing homelink could be to encourage people to use MyQ integration instead. The monthly MyQ subscription has Tesla cut built into it perpetually. Although it was said that Homelink was being removed because stats show very few people are using it. No idea how they got those stats because most people who buy EVs *HAVE* a garage so that they can charge the car. Anyway, my saga has ended. Good luck to others who may still want to go down this adventure path.
OP here and I just realized (because someone DM me on it) that I had a typo in my msg. I cannot edit the msg anymore so wanted to clarify here. The software in my car was 2024.2.21 when I tried to the do the install and got the authentication error. I am very sorry that I did not check my msg that I had accidently put 2023. So I would like to confirm that I ran into this install issue probably because I had upgraded to 2024.xxx software. If you are on a previous version you might probably be fine.
 
If a service tech said he found the workaround on the internet then surely the community can find how to get this working again. Only thing I saw was a post from 2 years ago and a person said they had to put the card key down and then enter service mode. May be worth a shot. I am guessing 0.1% of people here use the card key to actually start the car.
 
If a service tech said he found the workaround on the internet then surely the community can find how to get this working again. Only thing I saw was a post from 2 years ago and a person said they had to put the card key down and then enter service mode. May be worth a shot. I am guessing 0.1% of people here use the card key to actually start the car.
Hey there,

I wanted to add to the discussion on finding a workaround for the Homelink software issue. It's true that the service technician mentioned he found a solution, but unfortunately, it seems like the specifics of that workaround remain elusive.

As for my own experience, I followed up with Tesla regarding the software problem with my Homelink module by opening up a service request. Interestingly, Tesla's response was rather disheartening. They reached out to inform me that they couldn't address the issue and that they wouldn't provide a fix. Instead, their proposed solution was to send a technician to remove the Homelink module I installed and replace it with a new one if I purchased it in the app.

What's more, Tesla mentioned that the technician who initially helped with the Homelink issue before my appointment was reprimanded since the module wasn't directly purchased from Tesla. It's unfortunate to see such a response from Tesla, especially considering the efforts we've made to try and resolve the issue.

If anyone has any further insights or suggestions on how to tackle this problem, I'd greatly appreciate it. It's frustrating to encounter these roadblocks, especially when trying to enhance the functionality of our vehicles.
 
If a service tech said he found the workaround on the internet then surely the community can find how to get this working again. Only thing I saw was a post from 2 years ago and a person said they had to put the card key down and then enter service mode. May be worth a shot. I am guessing 0.1% of people here use the card key to actually start the car.
Tried with both card keys, unfortunately didn't work
 
Tried with both card keys, unfortunately didn't work
Does anyone know what happens when you run the retrofit without it connected? Just curious to see if it will activate the software without it connected and then do the retrofit after again. Just curious why when buying from the service center it works, thinking that they probably check to see if it's activated before and not allow it to clear the configuration.
 
Does anyone know what happens when you run the retrofit without it connected? Just curious to see if it will activate the software without it connected and then do the retrofit after again. Just curious why when buying from the service center it works, thinking that they probably check to see if it's activated before and not allow it to clear the configuration.
There is nothing in the Homelink kit that will not work. The problem is the software part in the MCU has been disabled by Tesla and it appears to be tied to the VIN Number. Without the software the module is basically useless. I believe Tesla reps can program the VIN number to an older module but some of them will not do it as they may get into trouble and Tesla simply wants you to buy a new module from them and not on eBay.