Adjust Headlights Using a Headlight Tester

2018 Tesla Model 3 BaseSECTION Adjust Headlights Using a Headlight Tester

Special tools required for this procedure:

Supplier Part Number Description
Tesla 1133367-00-A Beissbarth Headlight Tester, Model 815
  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. Make sure that all 4 tires are inflated to specification.
  3. Open the front trunk hood.
  4. On the touchscreen, touch Controls  (vehicle icon), and then touch the Software  tab to display the vehicle firmware version.
    • If the vehicle is running firmware version 2018.36.8 or higher, proceed to Step  5.
    • If the vehicle is running an earlier firmware version, update the vehicle firmware to version 2018.36.8 or higher. See FIRMWARE UPDATE .
  5. On the vehicle touchscreen, enter headlight adjustment mode: Controls > Service > Adjust Headlights  .
  6. Turn on the headlights.
  7. Position the headlight tester tool ~11 in. (30 cm) from the front of the LH headlight lens.
  8. Adjust the height of the headlight tester tool to ~27.5 in. (70 cm) above the ground to align with the center point of the headlamp.
  9. Connect the headlight tester tool to an electrical outlet, and then turn on the headlight tester tool.
  10. Adjust the knobs on the base of the headlight tester tool until the tool is leveled, as indicated by the bubble gauge on the tool.
    NOTE: The bubble must be entirely inside of the center ring in order to properly align the headlights.
  11. Turn on the alignment laser near the top of the tool, and then rotate the tool as necessary to align the laser with the base of both hood struts.
    NOTE:

    LH Hood Strut

    G14744256Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  12. On the headlight tester tool, select Test US  , then select Applications  >Free Test  .
  13. On the headlight tester tool, select Headlight  , and then use the or buttons to change the Headlight type to "VOR".
  14. On the headlight tester tool, select Light  , and then use the or buttons to change the Light type to LED  .
  15. On the headlight tester tool, select Inclination  , and then use the or buttons to set the inclination.
    NOTE: Inclination information is located on the headlight.
  16. On the headlight tester tool, select Height  .
    1. On the headlight tester tool, select Laser  , and then position the laser in the middle of the headlight.
    2. Move the headlight tester tool up or down on the column to the indicated height.
  17. On the headlight tester tool, select OK  .
  18. Choose settings to test and adjust the fog lights, if necessary. See LIGHT - FOG - FRONT (ADJUST) .
    NOTE: Or click OK  to skip the Fog Light setup screen.
  19. On the headlight tester tool, select Laser  to turn on the headlight laser guide.
  20. On the headlight tester tool, select Left low beam  , and then select Low beam  near the bottom of the screen.
    NOTE: The "L" and "R" indicators at the bottom of the screen are reversed. For example, "L" is on the right side and "R" is on the left side.
  21. Adjust the headlight laser guide crosshair to line up with the vertical and horizontal marks on the LH headlight.
    NOTE: Or place a piece of paper against the LH headlight, and then adjust the tool to place the headlight laser guide crosshair over the brightest spot on the paper.
  22. On the headlight tester tool, select Laser  to turn off the headlight laser guide.
  23. On the steering wheel, use the left scroll wheel to adjust the beam level: Target 0.00" +/- 1.0"
    CAUTION: Do not sit in the vehicle, as this will affect headlight alignment.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.