Tesla Model 3 'Highland' soft close frunk motor installation & review (spoiler: it's brilliant!!)

[@infamousgook]

First off, thank you so much for this tutorial. I just finished doing this on my 2024 model 3 Highland almost perfectly following your guide. There is only one thing I want to mention. When attempting to remove the entire frunk, I believe the US version is slightly different than your version, which I assume is UK? The US version has 6 bolts instead of the 4. There are 2 hidden bolts underneath a little panel that you have to slide off to reveal. The panel is pretty obvious. I was struggling to remove the frunk after removing the 4 initial bolts and yanking hard was not helping and then I noticed that I had a little panel that you didn't have in your car so I slid that panel off and noticed 2 additional bolts. Hopefully that tips helps someone in the future. Everything else was perfect and spot-on. Cheers!

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thanks for sharing - and glad the installation was successful.

[@Alex-sf3oj]

I wish I had read this comment earlier 😭. I also struggled with popping the frunk out after removing the 4 bolts. I pried and yanked at it for a good 15-20 minutes before deciding to slide off the other panel and realizing there were 2 more bolts hidden in there. My wrench did not fit in the tiny holes to get the bolts out, so in frustration I started putting everything back together and accidentally snapped one of the plastic clips off that secure the frunk 😢. Now I gotta order a new wrench and a clip lol

[@infamousgook]

@@Alex-sf3oj dang!! Yeah I was in the same situation but luckily I found those 2 bolts before yanking too much.

[@karolpeelu]

This is undoubtedly one of the best and most professional follow up videos as I’ve ever been following 👌. This installation was a piece of cake with your guidance. Thank you, you saved me a lot of time and for sure some mistakes. Soft close works like a charm.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Wow, thanks!

[@mincooper]

Good informative video. I like the full power frunk more but not 5x more. This kit makes more sense economically. I ordered one from Aliexpress that looks identical and it was around $75.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Glad it helped

[@jasonberger3227]

As a car guy, i just hate finger prints on the hood. Thank you for this video. I have only seen the fully powered frunk kits, which for $500 is just too expensive. This solves my biggest issue with using the frunk. Just ordered.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

You’ll love it!

[@jasonberger3227]

So following up on my previous post. Just got my delivery from Tlyard yesterday, and installed on my 2023 Model Y Performance. It is fantastic. Works great and simple install. BUT, also got one for my 2019 Model 3 SR+. This one sucks. It doesn’t close itself, I still have to press down on the hood for it to latch and pull closed. While troubleshooting, I noticed this on the website: For the 2017-2020 Model 3, due to the curvature of the original car lock body, after installing this product, you need to press the frunk lightly to absorb it. If you are looking to buy this product, it is great for newer model Tesla’s. Not worth it for 2017-2020 models. I might order a fully powered frunk kit in the future.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thanks for sharing. Great insight!

[@jcfleisch]

Great video and upgrade idea. One reason you need a Low Voltage battery is to drive the High Voltage contactor coil so that it open and closes when the car is off or on respectively. Also, all the electronics works off low voltage. High voltage is only used to drive the motor(s) and top-up the LV battery.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thank you! I assumed the 12v battery was to power the more traditional car electronics but thanks for clarifying 👍🏼

[@UKDagnar]

Mind boggles as to why it doesn't come as standard with the soft close. I worry that over time me pressing it down is going to bend the tip on the bonnet so will certainly be checking one of these kits out thanks.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Totally agree! Tesla should have included this element with the car but I’m so glad I’ve added it. I was also worried about accidental damage - to the car or my wrists, eventually. Problem solved!

[@cblue808]

Thank you so much for your tutorial! I installed mine on my 2024 Model 3 with ease thanks to your video!

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Glad it helped!

[@wontsteal]

Thanks for the video. It helped me install mine from Amazon. It was the cheapest one but I felt good when all of the parts of mine looked the same as yours., The pry tool was even the same color. One thing I noticed was my frunk tub was different than yours. I have 6 bolts vs 4 and 2 red clips. I had no red clips and I also had an extra panel that hid the last 2 bots. Just something for people to be aware of. Also that panel is removed by sliding it towards the front of the car. Pulling up breaks the clips...ask me how I know.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thanks of the insight and glad my video could help. Sorry to hear about the front panel removal - makes me wonder if they modify the design regularly to improve/save money/etc.

[@mickosmile850]

My guess is it's dependent on your VIN i.e., which factory it comes from.

[@eried]

Is this the panel with the towing hook? (I ordered this kit, just preparing mentally now for the install 😁)

[@JamesBond-qv2ht]

I have always hated how the frunk is closed. I just ordered mine. Thank you.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

You're more than welcome - honestly, it's a game changer! Should have been on the car as standard, but at least it is an easy install retrospectively. Enjoy - you'll love it!

[@arecibo1974]

Great job with your camera placement and instructions 😎👍🏼 Thanks for the great video.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Happy to help!

[@GaryWieland]

Saw you disconnect a cable from the left side of the frunk mechanism (GoPro POV) but didn’t see you reconnect it. Editing oversight or intentional.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

I'm going to go with editing, as everything definitely went back in. The main power to the frunk motor went back in during the video, as that is what set the alarm off, and the internal frunk release button was plugged back in during the high speed bit.

[@dazdrum3390]

Another great video and the installation was so well explained Something I will be getting via your link Nice one Paul

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thanks so much - appreciate the support.

[@eried]

The one I ordered was slightly different and it was a pain in the ass, didn't close fully all the time. I will need to deal with aliexpress returns know and will try to find the one you used. The "new" one does not need to modify the original spring, goes on top

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Even better!

[@eried]

@@PaulsViewsReviews if it worked lol!

[@PH61a]

Superb video. I don't know much about cars so it's not clear to me where exactly you disconnect the power from the battery so you can work safely. I see you connect the positive (red) and negative (black) so the power must be off. Is it the plug from the closing mechanism in the front which tends to be a bit difficult to connect? Before testing you're talking about the mains power (before the alarm goes off). I didn't see you do anything on that right side of you before. What am I missing?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thank you. The motor unit (the plug I anticipated being hard to remove but actually came out relatively easily), is the only plug you need to disconnect. The kit itself only connects to the 12v car battery so there’s no danger there, as long as you connect in the right order (positive first). The alarm was triggered by me reconnecting the original frunk motor (which is also 12v, so I should have chosen better terminology). Hope that clarifies?

[@PH61a]

@@PaulsViewsReviews Thank you very much for your answer Paul. I should be able to install this myself now.

[@PH61a]

Well, I finally installed mine. Works very well. Didn’t take me long. However balancing the thing took me a lot of time as I couldn’t find my markings anymore. Once again: thanks a lot for the brilliant video!

[@markhurdus-nc2sj]

Great idea… will be buying prior to delivery of my Model 3! Love the red colour.. that’s the colour I’ve chosen… cant stand white!

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Good choice - enjoy the car! The frunk motor is genuinely game changing!

[@MrHoudinidog]

Thanks great video bought the kit but not directly this one as cheaper available 👍

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Cool. It’s a very worthwhile addition.

[@Howie-nn9ny]

Thanks for the sharing, can i install it to a 16v battery?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

It’s a good question that I can’t answer. Have a look at their website and it should tell you. If not, give them a shout and ask - I’d like to think so but definitely worth clarifying!

[@marianjuranyi699]

Would love to install this, just concerned that the motor is connected directly to 12V battery and i don't see any fuse. I know it's corner case but if it shortens my 12V battery, i'm stranded. Anyway, thanks for the great tutorial.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

You're very welcome, but there actually was a fuse in the power wire between the battery and the motor - the black box shown on the cable (but not explained by me!). So far, so good for me!

[@TheSolarisirc]

Does it has any safety in case something gets in the say while closing? I mean it would be perfect if it does

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

I don’t believe it does, no, but it’s a very small gap for something to get in the way. There could be a risk of something in the frunk being too tall, I guess. No idea what would happen then.

[@rutger1101]

Very nice solution. Did you also consider a solution for opening and closing the frunk automatically by itself?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

No, I didn’t want to replace the struts. I’m happy to add an accessory, but not replace factory fitted elements. The kits that are out there look very good, though.

[@Magicinstalls]

Pretty brave to test it like that not being sure if it would open again…

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

All about living life on the edge! 😂

[@dronyland]

Nice video review of the Tlyard system. I am actually working on a similar video for my Model 3 (which is also red!). BTW, what kind of camera you use on the side angle, that automatically tracks your body ?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Thanks. It’s a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - it’s very good, particularly if you buy the kit which includes the DJI Mic2!

[@bikersydney5653]

Nice 👍. I’ve installed the Hansshow power frunk on both my Tesla 2021 M3LR and 2023 MYLR . It’s a great feature . The hardest part was swapping out the standard struts for the power ones. This install looks a lot easier with similar functionality. I notice Hansshow now also sell this soft close kit. I assume the emergency mechanical release is also supplied but not mentioned in your video?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

There was no mention of an emergency mechanical release, but I did see a video where someone installed this kit and then simulated an issue and the frunk still opened without an issue, albeit it took a couple of processes.

[@bikersydney5653]

@@PaulsViewsReviews Yes in the extremely unlikely event of low voltage battery death 🪫 access to the frunk can still be achieved by applying current to 12/16v battery via the emergency tow opening on the front bumper .

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

@@bikersydney5653that’s good to know - thank you.

[@jeanbaptistelabelle]

@@PaulsViewsReviews I wanted to install one but all the horror story of failure puts me off. If it fails (and it has been failing), you basically...cannot get access to the trunk except destroying the front bumper. That is a pretty serious risk.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

@@jeanbaptistelabelle I was reassured by this video before I installed mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIPEZWeJmdhmZ9ksi=Oez9sI11MGfnVIBJ

[@raymondschembri5042]

Hey Paul love this gadget. Do they fit 2019 Models?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

They sure do - there is a version especially for that year's model. Click on the link and it's an option on the Tlyard site. Enjoy!

[@raymondschembri5042]

@@PaulsViewsReviews Thanks mate 👍

[@Kozmotoo]

Tlyard sent me the wrong kit for my 2024 Model 3 Highland. They sent a kit with the motor mounted at the latch (not remotely mounted with a long cable).

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Actually, that was the one I expected, as it is the version which features on their own installation video, and challenged them on. They said it was correct, so I’m pretty sure they’re both spot on.

[@Kozmotoo]

@@PaulsViewsReviews your affiliate link selects the 2020-2024 Model Y product by default, but your link was in your Model 3 Highland video. Because I didn’t change the default selection, I ordered the wrong kit. Maybe you could look into getting that default selection changed so dummies like me don’t make that mistake.

[@Madbirdjose]

Hello, I´ve just discovered your channel!!! is nice, i have exactly the same car than you, of course Wheel-drive is on the left.... :-) I was thinking about commander several weeks, and after see your video i finally buy!!! But, i´m only interested in the frunk automatic motor, but my big "point" is the guarantee, it was the same for commander, but i dont know, it seems more "standard".....i´m really afraid to lost guarantee installing auto frunk..... Thanks & Regards from Madrid

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Hi. I was assured by the manufacturers that my warranty would be unaffected by the frunk motor but it is good to be cautious. It is easy to install and can be removed without leaving a trace, if that makes you feel more comfortable. Likewise, I have no worries about the Commander unit, as that plug is easy to get to and does not damage the car in any way. Love the extra functionality, though!

[@Madbirdjose]

@@PaulsViewsReviews Just done, both things, Commander is very useful, and frunk absortion a really nice thing...... Thanks!!!!

[@mickosmile850]

Can the 90sec close be shortened? I'd prefer 30sec..

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

I'm afraid not - there is no interaction with the programming at all so nothing can be modified.

[@mickosmile850]

@@PaulsViewsReviews Ah too bad.

[@kkhh1096]

Thank you, I think it's helpful, gonna try this

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@walterrumohr7090]

Guys, don’t be carried away by jobbers idiosyncrasies to make money. Elon eliminated the safety lock.

[@markhurdus-nc2sj]

Cheers Paul… love your videos! There are some great accessories on the website you mentioned… 😊

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Excellent! Make the most of the discount code, too!

[@markhurdus-nc2sj]

@@PaulsViewsReviews I nearly forgot about the discount code… thanks 🙏

[@MrHoudinidog]

Ordered the tessories one it’s going back tried to fit twice and it’s neither use not ornament it’s as if there’s not enough power and the instructional video doesn’t even show a uk m3 😢

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

That’s disappointing! Hope you find a solution that works.

[@brianiswrong]

Really enjoyed this guide and we don't even own a tesla😀

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mangop7q]

Any potential failure with this upgrade in the future? It's going to be a bad headache one it gets broken.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

I don't think so - I could remove it in 10 minutes and the frunk will se able to open if the motor fails without issue, from what I can see.

[@jeanbaptistelabelle]

@@PaulsViewsReviews except it has not. TMC forum has a thread on this. With all the different variants. Issue is that sometimes the motor does not release the cable and keep it pulled so there is nothing you can do from the outside.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I love it!

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Me, too!!

[@twostate7822]

I could never understand how Tesla could sell $50K cars without a powered frunk and trunk. A couple of years ago they added a power lift trunk but still no powered frunk? Still, if I was going to the expense and trouble of adding a frunk closer, I would spend the extra money and time to put in a full power lift frunk kit.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

I agree that there should be more fitted as standard - I’ve wondered if it’s a crash safety thing but now the cyber truck has an electric frunk, I think it’s just a cost saving exercise on the M3 and Y. I might have been tempted to go with the full electric installation but I’m conscious that it is a company vehicle and not my own, so I’m reluctant to do any more than this.

[@av_oid]

These soft closers are in the low $100-ish. The power open kits are near $500 or more and the install difficulty is much higher. Though I agree they should be standard :).

[@twostate7822]

@@av_oid I quickly looked and saw a Tesstudio power frunk kit for $321, but yeah, even this is a couple hundred more the just a closer. But having an automatic open and close is so nice :-).

[@tudor2it]

What about the warranty of the car? If this third party fails or another issue with the car will appear, then the Tesla service will have a good excuse to refuse repair due to this transfaction.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Honestly, I’m not worried. It doesn’t interfere with anything, so shouldn’t cause any such issues with the warranty, and it’s so easy to install and remove, if needed.

[@Magicinstalls]

Need one for the boot also…

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

The boot has electric open and close so no need back there. My previous Tesla, on the other hand…

[@bt4b4]

Should you power off your car first ?

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

I actually did power it off on the dash though, just to be on the safe side, but not sure it mattered so I didn't include it in the edit; I wasn't touching anything that wasn't running off 12v and, by unplugging the frunk motor, nothing was live anyway. After that, it was like wiring into any car's 12v circuit, which is fine as long as you it in the right order.

[@robtorok3935]

Please do a finger test? I’d hate to see what happens.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

You’d struggle to get them in the gap, to be fair.

[@stephen2220]

That's nice and all but I'd still rather have it open & close by the push of a button like the trunk, IMHO 🙂.

[@PaulsViewsReviews]

Me, too, mate. Me, too!