2025-10-09

Headlights (Check Alignment) (Inspection)

Correction code 17130100119 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.NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautionsfor safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2025-10-08: Updated procedure and added data for Model Y.
  • 2025-08-08: Released new procedure.

Special tools required for this procedure:

Supplier Part Number Description
Tesla 1133367-00-A Beissbarth Headlight Tester, Model 815

Identify Headlight Type

The SAE/ECE headlight (1) has a different reflector and lens design compared to the Global headlight (2), illustrated below.

Headlight Inclination

Factory specification for headlight inclination is -1%. Check local regulations for your country's tolerance. The factory headlight inclination value is stamped on the light's housing, but not always easy to see. See images for reference.
Figure 1. Inclination value stamped on headlight
Figure 2. Inclination value stamped on headlight (zoomed in)

Check Headlights Alignment

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
When checking the alignment of the headlights, do not set the vehicle to the "Adjust Headlights" mode through the touchscreen. The "Adjust Headlights" mode creates a non-standard headlight beam pattern that should not be used for checking the alignment of the headlights.
  1. Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface.
  2. Make sure that the tire pressures are set to specification.
  3. Open the hood.
  4. Power on the headlight tester.
  5. Position the headlight aimer in front of the LH headlight.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Distance approx. 30 cm from the surface of the headlight lens. Adjust height as necessary to match the center point of the headlight at approximately (81 cm). Make sure that the headlight aimer is on a surface, level with the vehicle.
  6. Use the knobs on the base of the headlight aimer to adjust the tester level.
  7. Align the headlight aimer perpendicular to the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use visor/laser to line up the tester perpendicular to the axis between the hood strut furthest fender bolts. If the headlight aimer can move between the RH and LH headlights while maintaining the same laser angle projected onto the hood struts, it is set correctly (perpendicular) to the vehicle.
  8. Initiate test on the headlight aimer: select TEST EC > Free test.
  9. Select the vehicle model on the headlight aimer:
    • If headlight type is ECE or SAE, set Vehicle to Car
    • If headlight type is Global, set Vehicle to Tesla 3
  10. Select Headlight (LHD or RHD option) on the headlight aimer:
    • For LHD vehicles, select Headlight and adjust to EU Asym using the + / - buttons
    • For RHD vehicles, select Headlight and adjust to UK using the + / - buttons
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Confirm that the button to the right of "Headlight" is set to -. These settings are for inspection only. Do not use these for adjustment.
  11. Select the headlight type on the headlight aimer.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Select Light and adjust to Bi-LED using the +/- buttons.
  12. Select Inclination on the headlight aimer.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Select Inclinat and adjust to -1.0 % using the +/- button.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the inclination value corresponds to your country's tolerance.
  13. Select Height on the headlight aimer.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Select Height and adjust to approximately 81 cm as indicated on the aligner marker on the aligner post, using the +/- button, and then select OK.
  14. Adjust the headlight aimer to the LH headlight marking.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Turn on the laser aimer to adjust the tester horizontal and vertical position to the LH headlight marking. Set to apprximately 81 cm height on the post. A piece of paper can aid in finding the center point. Turn off the laser aimer before proceeding to the next step.
  15. Check the headlight beam alignment.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Select which light to be checked. Specification: -1 to -1.5 degrees vertical, 0 to 2 degrees horizontal.
  16. Note the headlight alignment values in SCA.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Note down the Headlight "V" and "H" values in internal notes in SCA. State which headlight side the values are for (LH or RH).
  17. Select the Save icon to record the results.
  18. Position headlight aimer in front of the RH headlight.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Position at approx. 30 cm distance from the surface of the headlight lens.
  19. Adjust the headlight aimer to the RH headlight marking.
    Turn on the laser aimer to adjust the tester horizontal and vertical position to the LH headlight marking. Set to approximately 81 cm height on the post. A piece of paper can aid in finding the center point. Turn off the laser aimer before proceeding to the next step.
  20. Check the headlight beam alignment.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Select which light to be checked. Specification: -1 to -1.5 degrees vertical, 0 to 2 degrees horizontal.
  21. Note the headlight aiming values in SCA.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Note down the Headlight "V" and "H" values in internal notes in SCA. State which headlight side the values are for (LH or RH).
  22. Select the Save icon to record the results.
  23. Select the save icon again to view the test results.
  24. If the headlight aiming values are out of specification, adjust the headlights. See one of the following sections: