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Protruding headlights: Did Tesla fix this on your 3?
- Thread starter azred
- Start date
chibi_kurochan
Member
Hmmm.. interesting.. the same explanation can apply to the constant buzzing/whirring behind the headlight as well I guess.
I believe you when you say that is what you were told. But I don’t believe the explanation you were given. The headlights are LED; they do not need “cooling”. And the variation between cars — and between headlights on the same car —that I have perceived visually, and felt with my fingers, is significant. It cannot possibly be intentional.
And there were three techs, all nodding their heads in agreement. I don’t understand it either but obviously have no basis to challenge the explanation. I’m sure we will hear more in the future since it seems to be a common complaint. My S lights are flush with the fender, so that makes the explanation even stranger.
No need to stand on your head. Just running your hand around each light tells the story. My S lights are flush to the touch, the 3 lights, not even close to flush.
Fusion
Member
Believe it or not... LED's do create a lot of heat and often heat sinks are needed otherwise they degrade at very high rate.
Nosken
Active Member
My nephews under 3000 VIN had the raised lights. Service center corrected them, and are now flush.
WileyTheMan
Peanut Gallery Member
Any way you can get a picture of the now-flush lights? I have yet to see any that are.
C141medic
Active Member
If you search aftermarket LED lights, they either have a heat sink or a fan for cooling. So, I’m guessing that the M3 LED’s have fans? If so, why would the headlight assembly need to have a “bulge”?
Nosken
Active Member
Bad lighting in hs garage--VIN is just over 3500. he stated that they are flush all around except for a tiny spot.
The "bulging is on purpose for cooling" excuse is silly. I can't believe that bulging a few millimeters would increase the amount of cooling... and would have ZERO effect when the vehicle is stopped. If cooling is an issue (and it very well might be) then a heat sync and/or fan is the solution, not sticking out the headlights slightly above the adjacent body panels.
Without seeing them in person, even the worst ones don't look that bad to me but it's very understandable that we all want a $50K car to be as close to perfect as possible. And, as was mentioned earlier, this is going to be a bigger issue as they move beyond the early adopters.
For those who have been able to get the SC to fix the issue, can you expand on what was said to get them to comply?
Without seeing them in person, even the worst ones don't look that bad to me but it's very understandable that we all want a $50K car to be as close to perfect as possible. And, as was mentioned earlier, this is going to be a bigger issue as they move beyond the early adopters.
For those who have been able to get the SC to fix the issue, can you expand on what was said to get them to comply?
Also, are they are experienced enough with the new model to commit to fixing it? They are unlikely to touch it unless they are reasonably certain they can do something about it. That's why I asked earlier which service center.
According to a new thread started by @chinnam3 there is now an official service procedure to fix the protruding headlights issue, it is done by adjusting the bumper, not the headlights. See New Bulletin available to SC to align headlights with bumper - Mine fixed
Of course they are supposed to be flush. Statements from some Tesla showeroom or service personnel to the contrary.
Of course they are supposed to be flush. Statements from some Tesla showeroom or service personnel to the contrary.
Mine protrude too. Early on after delivery in April, I asked about it. They said they all do, within spec. I compared to every Model 3 in the lot for delivery and they all protruded, so I kind of shrugged and moved on. That said, there's no way they were DESIGNED to protrude. Nothing else protrudes on this car. The lights appear to be shaped to fit the shape of the car. My first thought is to wait to get this fixed if I have anything else that needs to be fixed down the road, but I worry about the flood of Model 3's that are coming (Indiana, so not as bad as most of you... not near the volume here).
johndorian
Member
I asked during delivery about mine and was told they are supposed to sit "over-flush" by some guy who came up from Fremont and works in the factory.
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