2025-05-29

SAE Headlights - Adjust (Wall Method) (Test/Adjust)

Correction code 17400100 FRT 0.18 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the above correction code and FRT reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. To provide feedback on FRT values, email ServiceManualFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

  • 2025-05-29: Updated the wall test procedure to improve accuracy.

Adjust Headlights Using a Wall

Special tools required for this procedure:
  • 1114934-00-A: Laser Measure
  • 1115239-00-A: Tape Measure, 5m-16ft
  • 1115212-00-A: Fender Cover
  1. Position the vehicle for adjusting the headlights. The vehicle should be:
    • Located in a darker work area with low ambient lighting.
    • Parked on a level surface.
    • Perpendicular to a wall that has a matte surface. The wall must be at least 1.8 m (6 ft) high and 3.7 m (12 ft) wide.
  2. Make sure that all 4 tires are inflated to specification.
  3. Apply a piece of tape on the wall 61 cm (24 in) from the ground.
  4. Measure 7.62 m (25 ft) away from the wall and apply a piece of tape on the ground to indicate where the vehicle should be parked.
  5. Park the vehicle on flat level surface perpendicular to the wall and align the front fascia with the tape on the ground.
  6. Confirm that the vehicle is perpendicular to the wall by measuring the distance from the center of each front wheel to the wall.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the distances are equal, this ensures vehicle is perpendicular to wall; otherwise, reposition the vehicle until the difference between left and right measurements is no greater than 3 mm.
  7. Position a laser pointer against the tape on the wall and project the laser beam onto the center point of the vehicle. Once the beam is precisely aligned with the center of the vehicle, apply a piece of tape at the laser pointer's location to mark a center line on the wall.
  8. Apply two pieces of tape to the wall at 77 cm (30 in) to the left and to the right of the center line.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    These reference marks will be the targets for headlight adjustment.
  9. Use the front camera as a guide to apply a vertical strip of tape, marking the center of the vehicle. From this central mark, ensure a distance of 776 mm (approximately 30 in) to the edge of the fascia.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    This reference mark will aid in aligning the midpoint between the two headlights for accurate adjustment.
  10. Open LH front door and lower LH front window.
  11. Enter the Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  12. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Adjust Headlights to enable Headlight Adjustment Mode.
  13. Enable test drive override through center display.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The override button can be activated only if the floor is level, with a maximum deviation of 3 mm, to ensure a flat surface.
  14. Cover the RH headlight with a clean shop towel; make sure that all light from the right headlight is blocked.
  15. Adjust LH headlight: touch Left on the touchscreen, and then use the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel to adjust the beam level. Adjust the LH headlight so that the top of the horizontal beam aligns with the horizontal tape mark on the wall, and the left edge of the L-shaped beam aligns with the LH vertical reference tape mark.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not sit in the vehicle during headlight aiming since this will affect the height of the headlight beam.
  16. Remove the cover from the RH headlight.
  17. Repeat steps 14 through 16, covering the LH headlight and adjusting the RH headlight.
  18. Exit the headlight adjustment mode on the center display.
  19. Exit the Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  20. Raise LH front window and close LH front door.