Tail Light Retrofit- AMBER turn signal

One thing I've always hated about my 3 was how they use the Brake light as the turn signal. I'm a big believer in a dedicated color(amber) for turn signal. Unfortunately a lot of manufactures are going away from that in favor for the brake/turn combo. Maybe it's cost savings.IDK, but I am out to change that.

I started looking into just purchasing the European model 3 Tail lights which have an amber turn signal factory(its required by law over seas to have a orange signal). The problem I ran into was the US spec cars are programmed to use the brake AS the turn signal. Which means than even if I got a European lamp, i would still need to find a way to change the computer system to flash a dedicated output for the turn signal.

So I purchased a set of stock tail lights and cut them apart. While inside I painted the chrome black which gave i a much cleaner look. Then I retrofitted a 3" Diode dynamics HD amber LED strip where the OEM reverse was. For the reverse, I retrofitted a 3" white LED strip right next to it(inner). The wiring was a bit tricky as I had to tap off the 3rd brake light for dedicated "BRAKE" then the front camera side markers for a dedicated "TURN" signal. Overall worked pretty well!

In the trunk, pass side there's a harness. Blue wire is 3rd brake light which is where I tapped off.

Running the turn wires through the trunk boot. fun stuff

here's a video showing the functions. They might look dim, but its out in direct sunlight. I assure you they are bright
Also you may notice they are hyperflashing because the car isn't seeing any load(i disconnected the stock brake/turn wire) I left them as is, but if it get annoying I will throw a resistor in there.

Also Decided to do blackout headlight, and AMBER DRL mod

 

[sk001]

sorry i missed the last part, i purchased the whole lot, the addition light number were 1502088-00-B & 1502059-B but the connector is 4 pin and my car has 3 pin, really anoying, def because the outta ones just plugged in and worked a treat :-(

For the inner lights, if you plugged in the new 4 pin lights to the existing 3 pin connector to your car, does the inner lights even work at all?
Or only some of the lights worked?

 

[thebestiam1]

Those that are still having the hyperflashing on the left hand side, is there still a fix for it or are you guys just rocking the lights w/ the hyperflashing?

 

[Nomisal]

@thebestiam1
Package with updated adapter versions for left side have been sent to prep center. And will be shipped to "lucky ones" with this problem from there. Should take about a week I think.

 

[thebestiam1]

@thebestiam1
Package with updated adapter versions for left side have been sent to prep center. And will be shipped to "lucky ones" with this problem from there. Should take about a week I think.

Sweet! Looking forward to it!

 

[Lardyboy]

For the inner lights, if you plugged in the new 4 pin lights to the existing 3 pin connector to your car, does the inner lights even work at all?
Or only some of the lights worked?

Hi no the 3 pin and 4 pin connectors are completely uncompatible, the 3 pin is quite a bit smaller in size

 

[sk001]

Any chance we can purchase a 3pin to 4pin adaptor or wiring harness?

Do you have some photos of the older 3 pin connector vs the new 4 pin lights?

 

[thebestiam1]

Just got the turn signal light fault message on my 2021 Model 3. Anyway to make this disappear? So weird how it came up after 3 weeks with the new Model Y tail lights. Can't wait to try out the updated version hardness for the left hand side!

 

[Coolson205]

@Nomisal

Hi, any update on the updated harness?​

 

[Lardyboy]

dont look like it, shame i would happy purchase one

 

[Nomisal]

@Nomisal

Hi, any update on the updated harness?​

Hi! They say that all will be sent tomorrow.

 

[Lardyboy]

Hi! They say that all will be sent tomorrow.

who have you purchased it from?

 

[thebestiam1]

Has anyone received the left side replacement already for the harness?

 

[Coolson205]

Expected delivery on 16th

 

[thebestiam1]

My replacement for the left side for the 2021+ is coming today. Will test and let you guys know if it still hyperflashed. Thanks again @Nomisal !

 

[thebestiam1]

Received the updated harnesses and it no longer hyperflashes! Only issue is the first blink is skipped like other users have posted which I am fine with. I am a bit OCD and noticed one wire seems to be exposed. This shouldn’t cause any problems in the future right? Thank you!!

 

[Lardyboy]

@thebestiam1
Package with updated adapter versions for left side have been sent to prep center. And will be shipped to "lucky ones" with this problem from there. Should take about a week I think.

 

[Lardyboy]

Can you let me know where you ordered them from please

 

[Hellajdm]

I got my replacement left side harness and will install soon. Thanks @Nomisal

 

[Lardyboy]

I think about producing first small batch and sell them via amazon or etsy.

How can I get my hands on your adapters?

 

[E90alex]

How can I get my hands on your adapters?

Adapters aren’t needed for Euro market cars since you already have amber turn signals. The new style outer lights are plug and play.

New style trunk mounted lights will require custom wiring/adapters to plug in and have the two backup and two rear fogs work but that’s not the adapter this thread is talking about.