By eliminating the steering column stalks from its most recent cars, Tesla has sparked debate, including among its own supporters. The turn signals, windscreen wipers, and headlights are now triggered via the steering wheel, touchscreen, or voice commands for people who have not recently had the chance to drive a Tesla. Engaging the drive mode entails swiping on the screen, or your Tesla will try to anticipate your intended direction and change gears accordingly to prevent.
Many Tesla owners seem not to have received this aftermarket replacement, which has caused a severe outcry that forced a rare Tesla return. The newest Tesla Model Y electric SUV has been equipped once more with a turn-signal stalk. Still, changing gears is controlled via a somewhat constrained interface or the touchscreen of the vehicle.
For Tesla owners missing their aftermarket replacement stalks, luckily, there is some good news. Multiple firms have produced aftermarket replacement column stalks for the newer Tesla models, sold from many retailers, including Amazon, implying they might even come in a car made by Tesla rival Rivian. You can buy a pair of stalks for the Tesla Model 3 Highland, as well as the S and X models, that restore the turn signal, headlights, wipers, and transmission controls to their proper position as intended by the divine (not by Elon).
For the Model Y, a single-stalk alternative brings back shifting and Autopilot/FSD activation in addition to giving the steering column visual symmetry. The setup seems to be rather simple. The switches are coupled with a CAN bus connector in the right-side door jamb. Some of the twin-stalk units need the steering wheel to be removed, together with DIY instructions for the project; others replace a trim piece on top of the steering column, but the happy suggestion to “pop out the airbag” causes us a little hesitation.
