How To Run Tesla Light Show

People are currently reading this guide.
👤
Published by A contributor at Hows.Tech sharing helpful insights.
📝 Article edited 0 times 🕒 Last modified by Default Author

Have you ever seen a Tesla perform a choreographed light and music show and thought, "How can I make my car do that?!" Well, you're in for a treat! Running a Tesla Light Show is a fantastic way to showcase your vehicle's unique capabilities and truly turn heads. It transforms your car into a dazzling spectacle of synchronized lights, moving windows, and even an opening trunk, all set to music. Let's dive into how you can make your Tesla dance! ✨

Step 1: Confirm Your Tesla's Readiness

Before you get started, it's crucial to ensure your Tesla is equipped to perform this impressive feat. Not all models or software versions support the Light Show feature, especially older vehicles.

Check for Compatibility

  • Supported Models: The Light Show feature is available on most newer Tesla models. This includes:

    • Model S (2021+ refresh and newer)

    • Model 3 (all years)

    • Model X (2021+ refresh and newer)

    • Model Y (all years)

    • Cybertruck

  • Software Version: Your Tesla needs to be running Software v11.0 (2021.44.25) or newer.

    • To check your software version, go to Controls > Software on your Tesla's touchscreen. If an update is available, install it!

Essential Prerequisites

  • Parked and Safe Location: The light show will only work when your Tesla is in Park (P). Choose a safe, open area with no obstructions or hazards around.

  • Battery Charge: Ensure your Tesla has sufficient battery charge. Running a light show can consume a bit of power.

  • Optimal Environment: For the best visual impact, aim to perform the light show in a darker environment, such as evening or night. If possible, having a vertical surface like a wall for the lights to shine onto will enhance the experience.

Step 2: Activating a Pre-Loaded Tesla Light Show

Your Tesla comes with a pre-installed light show that you can easily activate. This is the simplest way to experience the magic!

Using Your Tesla's Touchscreen

  1. Unlock Your Car: Make sure your car is unlocked.

  2. Access Toybox: On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap the app launcher (the three dots icon, usually at the bottom of the screen).

  3. Navigate to Light Show: Select the Toybox icon.

  4. Start the Show: Within the Toybox, tap Light Show > Start the Show.

  5. Adjust Volume: A pop-up window will appear. You can adjust the volume of the accompanying music, which will play from your car's external speaker.

  6. Exit and Enjoy: Once you've confirmed your settings, exit the vehicle and close all doors. The show will begin shortly after a brief countdown. You'll see a timer on the screen counting down. You can cancel the countdown or stop the show at any time through the app or touchscreen.

Using the Tesla App

You can also initiate the light show from your Tesla mobile app, even when you're not in the car!

  1. Open Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone.

  2. Navigate to Schedule/Toybox: The exact path might vary slightly with app updates, but generally look for a "Schedule" or "Toybox" section.

  3. Select Light Show: Choose "Light Show" and pick a song.

  4. Customize and Confirm: You can set the volume and schedule a start time. Confirm your choices, and the countdown will begin.

  5. Watch the Magic: Once the countdown ends, your Tesla will put on its dazzling performance!

Step 3: Unleashing Custom Light Shows (The Advanced Route!)

This is where the real fun begins! Tesla allows you to create and upload your own custom light shows, synchronized to your favorite music. This requires a bit more technical setup but opens up a world of possibilities.

What You'll Need

  • A USB Drive: You'll need a USB flash drive. Important: This drive should be separate from any USB used for Dashcam or Sentry Mode footage.

  • Correct Formatting: The USB drive must be formatted as exFAT or FAT32 (for Windows), or MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, or ext4. NTFS is not supported.

  • Light Show Files: Custom light shows consist of two main files:

    • A .fseq file (the sequence file that controls the lights and movements)

    • A .mp3 or .wav file (the audio file). .wav is generally recommended for better synchronization.

  • "LightShow" Folder: On your USB drive, you must create a base-level folder named exactly LightShow (case-sensitive).

  • Matching Filenames: The .fseq and audio files for each show must have the same filename (e.g., mycustomshow.fseq and mycustomshow.mp3).

  • xLights Software (for creating custom shows): This is a specialized software used to design the light sequences. Tesla provides documentation and example files for xLights on their GitHub page.

  • Patience and Creativity: Crafting a custom show takes time and a good ear for music!

Step 3.1: Preparing Your USB Drive

  1. Get a USB Drive: Grab a reliable USB flash drive.

  2. Format the Drive:

    • Windows: Plug the USB into your computer. Right-click on the drive in "This PC" (or "My Computer"), select "Format...", and choose exFAT or FAT32 as the file system.

    • Mac: Plug the USB into your Mac. Open "Disk Utility," select the USB drive, click "Erase," and choose MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFAT as the format.

  3. Create the "LightShow" Folder: On the newly formatted USB drive, create a new folder named LightShow. This is where all your custom show files will go.

Step 3.2: Obtaining Custom Light Show Files ⬇️

You have two main options:

Option A: Download Pre-Made Shows

  • TeslaLightShare.io: This is a popular community-driven website where you can find and download hundreds of free custom Tesla light show files.

  • XLightShows.io: Another large collection of Tesla light shows. Some might be free, others might require a subscription.

  • YouTube: Many creators share their custom light shows on YouTube and often provide download links in their video descriptions.

Option B: Create Your Own Light Show (For the Ambitious!) ‍

  1. Download xLights: Get the xLights software. It's available for various operating systems.

  2. Tesla's xLights Guide: Refer to Tesla's official xLights documentation on GitHub. This will provide detailed instructions on setting up your project, importing the Tesla model, and sequencing effects.

  3. Import Audio: In xLights, import the .wav or .mp3 audio file for your chosen song. Ensure the audio is encoded with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz.

  4. Sequence the Lights: This is the creative part! Using xLights, you'll choreograph your Tesla's lights, doors, windows, and trunk movements to the music. You can control individual light groups and closure channels (e.g., liftgate, mirrors, charge port, windows).

  5. Export the Sequence: Once you're happy with your creation, export the sequence as a .fseq file.

  6. Validate (Optional but Recommended): Tesla provides a Python validator script to ensure your .fseq file adheres to their specifications and memory limits.

Step 3.3: Loading Custom Shows onto Your Tesla

  1. Copy Files: Copy your .fseq and matching audio file (e.g., myshow.fseq and myshow.mp3) into the LightShow folder on your USB drive.

    • Tip for multiple shows: For Tesla software versions 2023.44.25 and newer, you can store multiple shows on one USB drive. Just ensure each pair of .fseq and audio files has a unique, matching name (e.g., Song1.fseq and Song1.mp3, Song2.fseq and Song2.wav).

  2. Plug into Tesla: Insert the USB drive into one of your Tesla's front USB ports (USB-A or USB-C). Do NOT use the rear USB ports or the glovebox port if it's solely for Dashcam/Sentry Mode.

  3. Access Light Show: Go to Toybox > Light Show on your Tesla's touchscreen.

  4. Select Custom Show: If your USB drive is recognized correctly, you'll see your custom light show(s) listed with a title like "Custom Light Show" or the name of your show if you have multiple. If it only says "Light Show," it might not be reading the USB correctly.

  5. Start the Show: Select your desired custom show, adjust the volume, and press "Confirm."

  6. Exit and Enjoy: Get out of the car, close all doors, and prepare to be amazed!

Troubleshooting Tips for Light Shows ️

Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

  • USB Not Recognized:

    • Ensure the USB is fully inserted into a front USB port (not rear).

    • Verify the USB is formatted correctly (exFAT or FAT32).

    • Check that the "LightShow" folder is at the root level of the USB drive and is spelled exactly "LightShow" (case-sensitive).

    • Make sure there's no "TeslaCam" folder or other firmware update files on the same USB drive.

    • Try restarting your Tesla (hold both steering wheel scroll wheels until the screen reboots).

  • Light Show Option Missing:

    • Confirm your Tesla model is supported and you're on Software v11.0 (2021.44.25) or newer.

    • Restart your Tesla.

  • Sound Issues:

    • Turn up your Tesla's volume.

    • Ensure your phone's Bluetooth isn't connected to another device that might be overriding the car's audio.

  • Show Not Playing Correctly:

    • Verify that the .fseq and audio files have identical filenames.

    • Check if the audio file (especially .wav) has a 44.1 kHz sample rate.

    • Ensure your car is in Park.

    • If you have a Cybertruck or 2021+ Model X, use the front USB-C ports in the center console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to check if my Tesla supports light shows?

You can check by opening the Toybox on your Tesla's touchscreen and looking for the "Light Show" option. If it's there, your car supports it.

How to format a USB drive for Tesla light shows?

Format your USB drive as exFAT or FAT32 (for Windows) or MS-DOS (FAT) (for Mac).

How to put multiple custom light shows on one USB?

For Tesla software 2023.44.25+, you can have multiple shows on one USB. Create a "LightShow" folder, and within it, place pairs of .fseq and audio files, ensuring each pair has unique and matching filenames (e.g., Show1.fseq and Show1.mp3, Show2.fseq and Show2.wav).

How to create my own custom Tesla light show?

You'll need to download and use the xLights software. Tesla provides documentation on their GitHub for guiding you through the creation process.

How to fix a Tesla light show that isn't playing sound?

Ensure your Tesla's volume is turned up and that no other Bluetooth devices are connected and overriding the car's audio.

How to troubleshoot a USB drive not being recognized for light shows?

Double-check formatting (exFAT/FAT32), folder name ("LightShow" - case sensitive), and ensure the USB is plugged into a front data-enabled USB port. Restarting your Tesla can also help.

How to get more songs for my Tesla light show?

You can download pre-made light shows from community sites like TeslaLightShare.io or XLightShows.io, which often include the accompanying music.

How to stop a Tesla light show once it has started?

You can stop the light show at any time by tapping the "Stop" button on your Tesla's touchscreen or within the Tesla app.

How to ensure my custom light show syncs perfectly with the music?

When creating your show in xLights, use a .wav file for the audio, as it tends to offer better synchronization than .mp3. Precise timing in xLights is key.

How to get the best visual experience from my Tesla light show?

Perform the show in a dark environment and, if possible, in front of a flat, vertical surface like a wall. This will make the light patterns more prominent and impactful.

Here's a video from YouTube that might help you get started with the Tesla Light Show: How to Start Light Shows with Tesla App! This video demonstrates how to activate Tesla Light Shows using the Tesla app, even when you're not inside the car.

How to Start Light Shows with Tesla App! - YouTube Opens in a new window Opens in a new window
YouTube video views will be stored in your YouTube History, and your data will be stored and used by YouTube according to its Terms of Service Opens in a new window

0842250713111034628

hows.tech

How To Run Tesla Light Show

You have our undying gratitude for your visit!