Bring Cybertruck Boldness to Your Model Y or 3 Interior
The Tesla Cybertruck’s design is nothing short of revolutionary, a piece of science fiction brought to life on our roads. Its angular, aggressive styling has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts everywhere. But what if you could infuse a piece of that futuristic DNA into the cockpit of your Tesla Model Y or Model 3? For owners looking to elevate their driving experience and make a bold statement, the answer lies in a single, transformative upgrade: the steering wheel.
Replacing the stock steering wheel is one of the most impactful interior modifications you can make. It’s the primary touchpoint between you and your vehicle, the command center for every drive. In this guide, we join Matt from the popular YouTube channel MyModelYAdventure as he installs the stunning Tesery Cybertruck Steering Wheel on his Tesla Model Y. We’ll break down his expert process step-by-step, from the initial unboxing to the final test drive, providing the insights you need to tackle this project with confidence.
First Impressions: A Fusion of Style and Substance
Before diving into the installation, it's worth appreciating the craftsmanship of the Tesery wheel. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a premium accessory designed to enhance both aesthetics and ergonomics. The wheel features a distinctive rectangular, yoke-like frame but cleverly includes a top bar, offering the futuristic feel of a yoke without sacrificing the practicality and handling of a full wheel—a perfect compromise for daily driving.
The visual details are striking. The model Matt installs features crisp white leather on the grips, perfectly complementing his Model Y's white interior. This is contrasted by sleek, genuine carbon fiber accents that add a touch of performance-oriented luxury. The overall impression is one of quality. The stitching is precise, the leather feels supple yet durable, and the entire unit feels solid and substantial, ready to transform the driver's connection to the car.
The Ultimate DIY Guide: Installing Your Tesery Wheel
Swapping a steering wheel can seem daunting, especially with the critical airbag component involved. However, as Matt demonstrates, with the right tools and a methodical approach, it's a very manageable DIY project. Follow along with these detailed steps to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Step 1: Preparation and Airbag Release
Your first task is to safely remove the airbag module from the stock steering wheel. This is the most delicate part of the process. For this, you will need the small Allen key provided in the Tesery kit.
- Locate the small access holes on the steering wheel. Depending on your Tesla's build date, these will be at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions or sometimes directly at the bottom.
- Insert the Allen key into one of the holes, pushing firmly inward. You are aiming to press against a metal retainer clip inside. You'll feel a spring-like resistance.
- Push until you hear and feel a distinct 'pop' as one side of the airbag releases. Repeat the process on the other side. The airbag unit will now be loose.
Important Safety Note: Once the airbag is loose, you'll see a safety restraint system error message on your Tesla's main screen. This is completely normal and expected. Do not be alarmed; it will clear once everything is reconnected.
Step 2: Disconnecting and Removing the Airbag
With the airbag popped loose, carefully pull it toward you to expose the wiring. You will see two primary connectors that need to be unplugged.
- The Airbag Connector: This is a bright yellow plug. It has a small safety tab that must be gently pried up with a small tool or your fingernail before you can pull the connector straight out. Never tug on the wires themselves.
- The Scroll Wheel Connector: This is a maroon or purple-colored plug that powers the scroll wheels and horn. This unplugs more simply.
Once both are disconnected, you can set the airbag aside in a safe place, face up.
Step 3: Removing the Steering Wheel Bolt
Now, you can remove the steering wheel itself. It is held in place by a single, large center bolt. For this, you'll need a 10mm hex bit. While a standard ratchet can work, an impact wrench, as used by Matt, makes this step significantly easier.
- The factory applies a thread-locking compound to this bolt, so it will be very tight. An impact wrench will break it loose in seconds.
- Once the bolt is completely unscrewed, the steering wheel is ready to come off. Wiggle it from side to side while pulling it straight toward you. It should slide off the splined steering column.
- Notice that the column is 'keyed'—it has a specific shape that matches the wheel. This is a fantastic design feature that makes it impossible to reinstall the wheel crooked, ensuring perfect alignment every time.
Step 4: Transferring the Heating Controller (If Applicable)
If your Tesla is equipped with a heated steering wheel, you must transfer a small electronic module from your old wheel to the new Tesery Cybertruck Steering Wheel.
- On the back of the old wheel's trim piece, remove the four screws holding it in place.
- Carefully pop the trim off to reveal the internal components.
- Locate the small, black PCB controller box. Unclip it from its housing and disconnect its wiring.
- Snap this controller into the designated spot at the base of your new Tesery wheel and connect its wiring harness. This ensures your heating function works seamlessly with the new wheel.
Step 5: Mounting Your New Cyber-Wheel
This is the rewarding part—seeing your new wheel in place. The process is the reverse of removal.
- Slide the new Tesery wheel onto the keyed steering column, ensuring it's fully seated.
- Start the 10mm center bolt by hand to prevent any chance of cross-threading. This is a crucial step.
- Once it's hand-tight, use your impact wrench or ratchet to tighten it securely.
- Reconnect the maroon scroll wheel plug and the yellow airbag connector. Ensure they click firmly into place.
- Carefully position the airbag module over the center of the wheel and press down firmly on all sides. It will snap back into place with a satisfying click. The safety error message on your screen should now disappear.
- Finally, test the horn to confirm everything is connected correctly.
The Driving Experience: A New Connection to Your Tesla
With the installation complete, it's time for the test drive. Matt's review highlights the immediate difference. The wheel feels substantial, and the ergonomic shape provides a comfortable and confident grip. He notes that while it has the aggressive look of a yoke, the top bar makes it feel natural and easy to handle during turns and low-speed maneuvers.
Functionality is flawless. A quick test confirms the heating elements on the side grips warm up quickly, providing comfort on cold days. The scroll wheels are perfectly responsive, controlling media and Autopilot/FSD functions just as they should. The new wheel doesn't just change the look of the cabin; it enhances the entire driving experience, making every journey feel a bit more special.
Final Verdict: Is This the Ultimate Model Y/3 Upgrade?
For any Tesla owner looking to personalize their vehicle and stand out from the crowd, the Tesery Cybertruck Steering Wheel is a phenomenal choice. It masterfully blends the audacious design of the Cybertruck with the functionality needed for a daily driver. It's a high-quality, well-engineered product that elevates the interior from minimalist to futuristic.
As demonstrated in the video, the installation is straightforward for the confident DIYer. It's a project that can be completed in under an hour but will provide enjoyment for years to come. If you're ready to transform your Tesla's cockpit, this is one upgrade that delivers on every promise. And as a bonus, you can use the discount code MYADVENTURE at checkout for 20% off your order!