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Dborn
Confirmed
Looks like an Hid headlamp. If so, this a D series, either a D1 or D3. I believe there is a locking ring which is a real pain to undo. You need an extra joint or two in your upper limb!! The bulb itself does not twist. Once you have it out you will need to check the notches on the plastic collar to determine whether you have the D1 or 3. Those notches locate the bulb. When I did mine I removed the entire headlight ( instructions on this site), since I was going from a 25 watt bulb to 35 watt and also had to change the ballast. ( in Australia, different spec to USA, and was a D 8.). Much the easiest way to change bulb, but a big deal since you have to remove bumper bar.
Mine is also US though maybe my vin is a lot lower? 5xxx
I use a costway 3-ton heavy duty jack
fsch
Member
Thanks a bunch for these instruction on how to replace the bulb without removing the wheel! I have the Tech package, but its mostly the same. @StephenM link to David Drives Electric video was also very informative in this respect but that method involved removing the wheel and I'm not equipped for that.
It was a bit painful for the hand though (more specifically, the thumb on the edge of the hole) when you try to unlock/lock the lamp in place. Perhaps I should have asked my wife who has smaller hands, but I'm quite sure she would have refused to 1) participate in this DIY thing instead of taking the car to the SvC, and 2) touching any HV electric part despite my reassurances that the light was off, etc! Anyway, happy to save 1.2 k$CAD.
TMC is the gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks for the DIY instruction & photos. The later video is also very helpful. My 2013 Model S (vin 3xxx) requires a headlight change.
Depending on Chinese quality, my reference to the earlier post of trying to help a member locally but the bulbs wouldn't lock into the housing is a real risk on this DIY. Mine are still going strong but I feel bad that I couldn't get his to work
Vip
Member
No. I asked the same thing and they said the whole thing needed to be replaced. When I told them about what I read on this thread they didn't know anything about it.
I did purchase bulbs from Amazon as someone here had recommended. I could tell that they were not as bright as the OEMs. But you get what you pay for and these were not costly. I replaced them myself, bit of pain but doable.
Unfortunately a few months later my car was in an accident after someone ran a red light. Well during the repair they replaced both headlights so now I have OEM bulbs again.
Also, are there any references for a shop that actually knows how to complete an alignment on our Tesla model S units ??
The local Tesla Service center in Santa Clara, CA apparently can't even get this completed. Went in pulling right. Picked up, and still pulls right. Car for 100k and handles like im blown away! This location didn't even understand the term
-bump steer- ....It seems as though most of the Tesla tech repairs are completed with laptops and there is no need for some of these alignment guys to understand steering & suspension fundamentals.
The local Tesla Service center in Santa Clara, CA apparently can't even get this completed. Went in pulling right. Picked up, and still pulls right. Car for 100k and handles like im blown away! This location didn't even understand the term
-bump steer- ....It seems as though most of the Tesla tech repairs are completed with laptops and there is no need for some of these alignment guys to understand steering & suspension fundamentals.
amazing!! I live right here where Tesla builds these cars. They can't seem to correct these simple issues. But, they know how to crank on adjustment bolts until the alignment machine turns the red specification bars green. -its in specs- is all they can seem to tell you. The kicker is the dont seem to have a great understanding of what they are adjusting in relation to end performance factors. They have NO list of recommended parts to replace (that would cause a steering pull or the extremely poor handling results) I enjoy driving and getting lost in the twisties. I can't push my Tesla at any corner. That's just sad!!! Sexy tech car with balls, and no way to steer through. Whats the point?
Hi guys,
My D3S bulb has failed i am about to order new one from this shop BMW Angel Eyes, Car Headlights Xenon HID Bulbs, Xenon Ballast, & Car LED Light Bulbs they recommend aftermarket but i am more into genuine Philips, whats your recommendations ? aftermarket or genuine ?
thanks!
My D3S bulb has failed i am about to order new one from this shop BMW Angel Eyes, Car Headlights Xenon HID Bulbs, Xenon Ballast, & Car LED Light Bulbs they recommend aftermarket but i am more into genuine Philips, whats your recommendations ? aftermarket or genuine ?
thanks!
Last edited by a moderator:
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
Yes, if you have standard 9005 type (HB3 12V 65W) bulbs on your 2012-2015 Model S, they can be replaced with an aftermarket HID or LED kit.
Thanks so much for the details and photos! I was able to replace my halogen bulbs on my 2013 P85 (without tech package) with SEALIGHT Scoparc 9005/HB3 6000K LED bulbs successfully. No error codes, plug and play, didn't have to remove tires or trim inside frunk. It was quick and easy.
Here's the listing on Amazon:
Here's the listing on Amazon:
Amazon.com: SEALIGHT Scoparc 9005/HB3 LED Bulbs, Plug and Play Conversion Kit, 6000K Bright White, Halogen Replacement, Quick Installation, Pack of 2: Automotive
Buy SEALIGHT Scoparc 9005/HB3 LED Bulbs, Plug and Play Conversion Kit, 6000K Bright White, Halogen Replacement, Quick Installation, Pack of 2: Headlight & Tail Light Conversion Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: SEALIGHT Scoparc 9005/HB3 LED Bulbs, Plug and Play Conversion Kit, 6000K Bright White, Halogen Replacement, Quick Installation, Pack of 2: Automotive
Buy SEALIGHT Scoparc 9005/HB3 LED Bulbs, Plug and Play Conversion Kit, 6000K Bright White, Halogen Replacement, Quick Installation, Pack of 2: Headlight & Tail Light Conversion Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Where did you put the LED ballast? The bulb and the plug have a ballast in between them. And the rubber boot that covers the light is extremely close to the bulb, so there is no room inside the headlight assembly for the LED ballast. You must have made a hole in the boot? I am worried the LED ballast gets too hot.
