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Ultra Bright LED Puddle Lights for All ModelsUpdated a year ago

Please refer to this video if you're fitting the puddle lights in a Model 3 (around the 15 minute mark):

FAQ

Q: I can't get the plug to fit into the bulb

A: Tesla have used a few variations of the plug.  They're all basically the same, but it does mean that we've had to design the socket to accommodate all the options.  If you experience issues, please check the following:

  • There are 2 pins in the socket, they line up with the connector.  Sometimes these pins can become bent when inserting the plug at a slightly off-angle.  Slide the plug in at a slight downward-facing angle to ensure it easily engages with the pins.  If all else fails, in most cases, you can simply bend the pins up very slightly using a flat-blade screwdriver.
  • If the plug is very tight (but still makes a connection) then don't worry, it's not going anywhere.  When fully inserted it should snap into place, but sometimes a variation in either the plug or socket will make it more difficult.  There's no need to force it though, it will not become disconnected.

Q: The puddle lights are making a high-pitch noise when plugged into my Model 3

A: Although we can't completely explain why, the solid-state fuses in the Model 3 are causing this issue, and normally reset after the car goes through a sleep cycle. Sometimes it can take a couple of cycles for the circuit to 'settle' with the new bulbs, but once it does, the whine should go away. The car normally sleeps after 4-6 hours of inactivity, so typically overnight. During this time the solid-state fuses go through a soft-reset, and that normally stabilizes the circuit, after which there won't be any further issues.

Q: The projection is pointing the wrong way

A: Each bulb should have an L or R sticker, for Left and Right, so first make sure that you have the correct bulb installed.  To rotate the projection, do this before fully inserting the bulb into the door, as getting it back out can be a bit of a fight.

If you need to rotate the projected image, please refer to this article: https://help.abstractocean.com/en-US/puddle-light-adjustment-196898 


Q: How do I remove the bulb from the door?

To accommodate the projection unit, the bulb is about 1mm wider than the factory bulb.  To remove the bulb, simple pop it out of the hole using a spudger.  This will release the first part of the bulb, and the wider black part will probably still be inside the door.  Now, grasp the bulb on the long-sides (this is important - if you pull the bulb out fusing the short sides, you might pull the clear lens off), and give it a good wiggle while pulling it down.  The bulb should then pop out.

Q: I have a Model 3/Y, and the window dropped/raised when installing the bulbs. Has this caused any damage?

Nope. For reasons only known to Tesla, when a bulb is removed from the door, the window toggles up or down, as it would when the door is opened or closed. It does it again when plugging in the new bulb, and it's possible the car will report that the emergency door release was used, and that it shouldn't be. Either way, once the bulbs are installed, there's no lasting effects, it's just a quirk of how the doors are set-up. Be sure to roll your windows down before installing the bulbs, to avoid accidentally closing the door with the window fully rolled up.

Q: My lights go out after a minute. Is something wrong?

Nope. Thermal management if these bulbs is an important aspect to getting them CE Certified. In order to protect the components, the lights will time out after about 90 seconds. Closing and re-opening the door will turn them back on.

Q: The projected image appears skewed, is this normal?

The slight skew on the projected image is due to the Model 3 & Y doors (as opposed to S & X) having an angled mounting point for the lights. Rotating the image a little will, to some extent, compensate for it, but it will not be perfectly symmetrical. You can also pop one edge of the bulb out very slightly from the opening to make it more flush with the door trim. As long as it's still within the recess, it will cause no issues with the door opening/closing.

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