-
Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Wiki Matrix LED Headlights Retrofit Journey
- Thread starter pengy
- Start date
Yes
no, 1 wire remains unused.
As I understand it’s old turn signal, now it’s integrated in LIN wire.
When i start the tesla lightshow, headlights project the TESLA on the walls.
What about the roads, it doesn’t work like mine previous mercedes 2020 which turn off few LEDs in order to do make a shadow around the ongoing car.
On Tesla it just turns off the high beam from what I really saw.
Looks like it's out of stock - Model S Matrix Headlight Upgrade (For 2012-2021 Model)
No waitlist
.
Did anyone figure out if the Matrix function works on pre-refresh models with the upgraded headlights?
My car is experiencing the burnt eyebrow on the driver's side, looking for new headlights.
Found these 3 options unless anyone knows better?
1. Tesla Model S 2017-20 Options | SW LIGHTS
2. Model S Matrix Headlight Upgrade (For 2012-2021 Model)
3. AlphaRex NOVA-Series 5x LED Projector Headlights for Tesla Model S (2012-2020)
No waitlist
.Did anyone figure out if the Matrix function works on pre-refresh models with the upgraded headlights?
My car is experiencing the burnt eyebrow on the driver's side, looking for new headlights.
Found these 3 options unless anyone knows better?
1. Tesla Model S 2017-20 Options | SW LIGHTS
2. Model S Matrix Headlight Upgrade (For 2012-2021 Model)
3. AlphaRex NOVA-Series 5x LED Projector Headlights for Tesla Model S (2012-2020)
everydaychris
Active Member
I saw the Alphra rex ones in person at SEMA. holy it's so sexy. projectors, sequential. BRIGHT.Looks like it's out of stock - Model S Matrix Headlight Upgrade (For 2012-2021 Model)
No waitlist
Did anyone figure out if the Matrix function works on pre-refresh models with the upgraded headlights?
My car is experiencing the burnt eyebrow on the driver's side, looking for new headlights.
Found these 3 options unless anyone knows better?
1. Tesla Model S 2017-20 Options | SW LIGHTS
2. Model S Matrix Headlight Upgrade (For 2012-2021 Model)
3. AlphaRex NOVA-Series 5x LED Projector Headlights for Tesla Model S (2012-2020)
However sexy they appear, I do not believe they can integrate with factory intelligence and sensors. IF matrix features worked, third-party headlights won't work, even if it is a projector. I also do not know if auto-leveling would work, etc.
I ordered both headlights and tailights, will post when it arrives in December and I install in January
TWoodstream
Member
What plug was required for this? The rewire seems simple enough. I just ordered new matrix headlights for a hopeful retrofit into my 2016.5 p100d as my eyebrow on the passenger side is now burnt out. They should arrive next week. I need to order whatever plug is required for the rewire. Any guidance on where to order and which specific plug is required is appreciated!
Last edited:
leecox
Member
Unless you know you can get it to work, building an adapter is a better path.
You'll need this: Connector housing Pigtail For Audi VW BMW VOLVO GM ROVER DODGE PARKING PDC PUMP | eBay
and
This: Headlight Wiring Harness Xenon For 2003 2004 2005 2006 Porsche Cayenne 3.2L 4.5L | eBay
I tend to depin any unused connectors, then cut the opposite end of the wire. You'll need a crimp tool to make it this way and a set of depinning tools. Simple enough to do and takes about an hour total.
All of this said, I don't have high hopes that the MCU2 codebase has the Matrix control software in it for the Model S.
If that's not your cup of tea and you want to splice into the factory harness, you can find the pigtail here: 4F0 973 703 Fits VW Audi SKODA 3-Pin Pigtail Plug Wiring Connector Adapter New | eBay
or this one: VW AUDI BMW MB VOLVO JAG GM Bumper Parking Distance Control Sensor Pigtail Plug | eBay
You'll need this: Connector housing Pigtail For Audi VW BMW VOLVO GM ROVER DODGE PARKING PDC PUMP | eBay
and
This: Headlight Wiring Harness Xenon For 2003 2004 2005 2006 Porsche Cayenne 3.2L 4.5L | eBay
I tend to depin any unused connectors, then cut the opposite end of the wire. You'll need a crimp tool to make it this way and a set of depinning tools. Simple enough to do and takes about an hour total.
All of this said, I don't have high hopes that the MCU2 codebase has the Matrix control software in it for the Model S.
If that's not your cup of tea and you want to splice into the factory harness, you can find the pigtail here: 4F0 973 703 Fits VW Audi SKODA 3-Pin Pigtail Plug Wiring Connector Adapter New | eBay
or this one: VW AUDI BMW MB VOLVO JAG GM Bumper Parking Distance Control Sensor Pigtail Plug | eBay
Last edited:
On BMW when coding you have to set options and code them.
on VAG you code directly on parameters.
but hardware sometimes is not compatible. For instance maybe the autopilot hw has to be at least latest model to be able to send display data to the headlights.
to be honest i think all models hardware is sufficient enough to process the visuals and send to the matrix units. Problem is that Tesla's are hard to code.
on VAG you code directly on parameters.
but hardware sometimes is not compatible. For instance maybe the autopilot hw has to be at least latest model to be able to send display data to the headlights.
to be honest i think all models hardware is sufficient enough to process the visuals and send to the matrix units. Problem is that Tesla's are hard to code.
leecox
Member
I completely agree that each car could do it.
Teslas operate on "Feature Flags" from software development for the hardware installed. These values are stored in the Gateway config file of the Gateway LIN/CANBUS controller within the MCU. You must have a certain level of access to the Tesla Toolbox 2/3 diagnostic tool to make changes to that file or be really good at decoding, accessing, and modifying Linux systems to change the values directly.
As with any vehicle, it's all parts, wiring, and code these days. The problem is Tesla wants to be the only one to access the code on vehicles we own. This is very similar to how Apple operates their ecosystem. Controlling the software, firmware, and features in each product.
Tesla vehicles though, aren't architected like other auto manufacturers cars. It's all code written by Tesla, MCU designed by Tesla, Body Controllers designed by Tesla. The feature flag values set in the MCU on the Gateway are then programmed into the Body Controllers (VCFront, VCLeft, VCRight, Charging Controller, HVBattery Controller) during a software deployment (it deploys software and firmware to all the subcomponents in the car too like the Matrix Headlights, iBooster, USS, Cameras, iTuner, Seats, etc...). That's why often times when an "upgrade" is available for a vehicle, or they change an electronic component. They need to reinstall the current software version. Like the recent Round Steering wheel vs the Yoke for the latest Palladium/SOP14-16 Model S cars.
MCU2 vehicles with Matrix lights have been limited to Model 3 (maybe Y?) cars. "If" the MCU2 Model 3s and the MCU2 Model Ss share the same build branch, then the "Feature Flag" for Matrix lights may be present and configurable. Since MCU2 Model S vehicles never came with Matrix lights that subcomponent of code may not be present. It really comes down to how Tesla manages their software branches for the code deployment across different vehicles.
Not trying to be argumentative, just sharing what I know on why I'm saying, "It depends."
Teslas operate on "Feature Flags" from software development for the hardware installed. These values are stored in the Gateway config file of the Gateway LIN/CANBUS controller within the MCU. You must have a certain level of access to the Tesla Toolbox 2/3 diagnostic tool to make changes to that file or be really good at decoding, accessing, and modifying Linux systems to change the values directly.
As with any vehicle, it's all parts, wiring, and code these days. The problem is Tesla wants to be the only one to access the code on vehicles we own. This is very similar to how Apple operates their ecosystem. Controlling the software, firmware, and features in each product.
Tesla vehicles though, aren't architected like other auto manufacturers cars. It's all code written by Tesla, MCU designed by Tesla, Body Controllers designed by Tesla. The feature flag values set in the MCU on the Gateway are then programmed into the Body Controllers (VCFront, VCLeft, VCRight, Charging Controller, HVBattery Controller) during a software deployment (it deploys software and firmware to all the subcomponents in the car too like the Matrix Headlights, iBooster, USS, Cameras, iTuner, Seats, etc...). That's why often times when an "upgrade" is available for a vehicle, or they change an electronic component. They need to reinstall the current software version. Like the recent Round Steering wheel vs the Yoke for the latest Palladium/SOP14-16 Model S cars.
MCU2 vehicles with Matrix lights have been limited to Model 3 (maybe Y?) cars. "If" the MCU2 Model 3s and the MCU2 Model Ss share the same build branch, then the "Feature Flag" for Matrix lights may be present and configurable. Since MCU2 Model S vehicles never came with Matrix lights that subcomponent of code may not be present. It really comes down to how Tesla manages their software branches for the code deployment across different vehicles.
Not trying to be argumentative, just sharing what I know on why I'm saying, "It depends."
The tesla tools seem to treat Gen 2 (pre-palladium Model S/X) and Gen 3 (Model 3, Y, Palladium, Cybertruck) as fairly different entities, and it does not appear the Gen 2 software can be configured to support matrix headlamps. Tesla could certainly update things to do so if they were so inclined, but I don't think it's something anyone else could do even with root access.
Hello all,
I've read the thread a few times and haven't understood if the final agreement was if the headlights work or not on the older model S.
for reference, I have a 2017 90D and my eyebrow LED has gone out. It would be ideal to have the 2021+ headlights installed on mine. I don't care about the matrix features working or not.
I understand the wiring is different but if I were to adapt the wiring to the new headlights would they work without having to reprogram anything? or would I still have to find someone to change settings in the car?
thanks all for taking the time to reply to me.
I've read the thread a few times and haven't understood if the final agreement was if the headlights work or not on the older model S.
for reference, I have a 2017 90D and my eyebrow LED has gone out. It would be ideal to have the 2021+ headlights installed on mine. I don't care about the matrix features working or not.
I understand the wiring is different but if I were to adapt the wiring to the new headlights would they work without having to reprogram anything? or would I still have to find someone to change settings in the car?
thanks all for taking the time to reply to me.
leecox
Member
The wiring for the 2021 "Premium" lights should be the same as your current ones. Infact, they're likely the same lights. In Feb 22 Tesla switched over to the Matrix headlights with a different connector, but the same LIN circuit. They pushed the blinker across the LIN bus also losing the analog blinker function and wire (blue wire). The Matrix lights seem like they will only work on the Ryzen based cars, or a narrow group of cars made from Feb 21-Feb 22 with the old "Premium" lights. To get it to work you have to find someone who can change the Gateway Config and either modify the harness or build an adapter as I outlined above.
Consensus seems to be that the Matrix lights won't work on the Gen 2 or Pre-Refresh cars, but I don't know of anyone who has tried.
All the LED to Matrix projection changes across the Tesla platforms requires reprogramming and config changes in the cars.
Consensus seems to be that the Matrix lights won't work on the Gen 2 or Pre-Refresh cars, but I don't know of anyone who has tried.
All the LED to Matrix projection changes across the Tesla platforms requires reprogramming and config changes in the cars.
Last edited:
Appreciate reading this and your previous post. It's always nice to have someone with deep technical knowledge and explains the background in detail.
Agree. The M3 headlights on my Tesla Service loaner are far brighter than my MSP. In fact, my P85D had a more uniform spread Than the blotchy MSP headlights.
Similar threads
- Locked
