Matrix-style headlights have been included within the refreshed design plans of the Mannequin S since 2021. Nonetheless, as a result of Matrix LED know-how took too lengthy to be authorized by the NHTSA, Tesla manufacturing included an older LED-style headlight on the 2021 and 2022 refresh Mannequin S.
Then, in February of 2022, the NHTSA legalized using Matrix-style LED headlights on US autos.
Enter what Tesla lovers have dubbed the “refresh refresh”: in June/July of final 12 months (2023), Tesla began delivering the Mannequin S with Matrix headlights and newly redesigned tail lights put in. These new “refresh refresh” headlights are environment friendly, adaptive, and much more fashionable than their predecessors. And whereas the software program replace to essentially use these headlights as supposed took a bit bit longer than anticipated, now you can see them in motion out on the freeway.
However what concerning the outdated Mannequin S refresh headlights that type forgot? Properly, when Tesla pushed software program updates for Matrix headlight performance earlier this 12 months, retrofitting the Matrix-style headlights into the 2021-2022 Mannequin S and Mannequin S Plaid (and even into the Mannequin X, although we don’t cowl that right here) turned potential.
In at present’s weblog submit, we’ll go into the why and the way of a matrix headlight retrofit for the 2021 and 2022 Tesla Mannequin S. Let’s get began with the why:
Tesla Matrix Headlights vs Outdated Headlights: Why Retrofit?
Matrix headlights are an adaptive know-how that helps Teslas keep away from the detrimental facet of LED headlights and maximize their optimistic elements. For starters, every LED within the Matrix-style headlight can function independently. These LEDs can be programmed with extra than simply an on or off routine: they are often dimmed to completely different percentages, too.
If oncoming site visitors is detected by your Tesla, the headlights will selectively flip off or dim just a few of the LEDs within the path of the oncoming site visitors to position them in shadow. This reduces the discomfort of the opposite driver whereas preserving your visibility on the highest stage potential. It’s a reasonably neat answer to a doubtlessly harmful facet of LED headlights.
Are you aware which headlights got here along with your Tesla? If not, right here’s verify:
Tesla Matrix Headlights: The best way to Inform if You Have Matrix vs LED
Fortuitously, it’s fairly simple to inform which headlights got here along with your Mannequin S (or Mannequin X) from 2021-2024: the outdated refresh headlights have chrome across the edge, which at this level is a deviation from the chrome-less type of the remainder of the automotive.
The “refresh refresh” Matrix headlights on the Tesla Mannequin S have matte grey design components with out the shiny chrome accents. You’ll additionally discover the spherical projector lenses on the brand new Matrix-style gentle, that are absent within the outdated reflector-style LED headlight.
How Can I Set up Matrix Headlights in My Older Mannequin S (2021-2022 Refresh)?
Disclaimer: this submit is for informational functions solely. We aren’t Tesla service techs, and you must proceed with warning when making any sort of change to your Tesla’s configuration with out the supervision of Tesla Service Personnel.
Putting in the brand new matrix headlights in your older Mannequin S isn’t a plug-n-play operation, however the course of is pretty easy (particularly in case you have the correct help that will help you).
For an amazing visible overview of the method, Tesla proprietor and fanatic Reid Tomasko walks us by way of his Mannequin S matrix headlight retrofit over on his YouTube channel:
In accordance with Reid, you’ll want the next components and the help end the retrofit:
- OEM Matrix headlight set (Left: 1563713-00-B, Proper:1563714-00-B)
- Adapter for the headlight wiring harness (connecting the unique 4 wire meeting to a 3 wire enter for LIN, energy, and floor). See Reid’s video description for his buyer adapter supply.
- Automobile configuration replace in order that your Tesla acknowledges the brand new {hardware}. You’ll be conducting the replace with Tesla Toolbox on a PC by way of the automobile’s ethernet connection (out there with the Steam pc gaming improve) or by way of the H-MTD connection and a media converter field (like this one from Rosenberger, although chances are you’ll need to see when you can borrow one slightly than shopping for).
In his video, Reid mentions that it’s best to get the configuration modified when you occur to know somebody who works at Tesla (or who already has entry to and information of the Tesla Toolbox). He has a supply who might be able to enable you to linked in his video. Observe: a Tesla Cell service tech could or might not be keen/in a position to do that configuration change for you.
Are you able to add matrix headlights to the pre-refresh Mannequin S (2012-2020)?
Tesla’s matrix headlights vs the common Tesla headlights are undoubtedly a notable tech enchancment. Sadly for the outdated pre-refresh Mannequin S (pre-2021), the bodily profile of the brand new matrix headlights is constructed to suit the brand new refresh Mannequin S customary. The brand new lights simply don’t line up properly on the older fashions.
It’s additionally unclear if the software program help mandatory for the total perform of a matrix-style headlight is current for the pre-refresh Mannequin S (or pre-refresh Mannequin X).
Nonetheless, you possibly can change the OEM headlight with different aftermarket components in the marketplace. These replacements could embrace eradicating all the entrance finish meeting and embrace additional software program and configuration updates, in order that they might not be an excellent DIY newbie mission for these with little or no modification expertise.
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