Tesla’s light show feature allows owners to personalize their vehicles with custom light displays and synchronized music. However, occasionally users may encounter errors preventing the light show from playing or the car from recognizing it. One common error is the “File Formatting Error.” In this tutorial we will explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you overcome it. If you are looking for a full step-by-step tutorial on how to set up a light show USB drive we got you: How to download, install and start a custom light show on your Tesla

Check USB Drive Formatting

The first step in troubleshooting the “File Formatting Error” is to ensure that your USB drive is correctly formatted. Tesla supports the following formats: exFAT, FAT 32 (for Windows), MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, and ext4. However, it’s important to note that NTFS is not supported. To format your USB drive, follow the appropriate method for your operating system.

• For Windows users, right-click on the USB drive, select “Format,” and choose either exFAT or FAT 32 as the file system.
• Mac users should use the Disk Utility application to format the USB drive as MS-DOS FAT.

Organize Files and Folders

To ensure smooth playback of your light show, organizing your files and folders correctly is crucial. Follow these guidelines:

• Create a base-level folder named “LightShow” (case sensitive, without quotation marks) on your USB drive. This folder should contain all the light show files.
• Make sure there is no base-level folder named “TeslaCam” on the USB drive, as it can interfere with the light show recognition.
• Remove any map update or firmware update files from the USB drive, as they are unrelated to the light show feature.

Correct File Naming

Proper file naming is essential for the light show to function correctly. Ensure that your light show files are named as follows:

• For the light show animation, use the file name “lightshow.fseq.”
• For the synchronized music, use either “lightshow.mp3” or “lightshow.wav.”

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Avoid Common Mistakes

To avoid common mistakes that can lead to errors in your Tesla light show setup, it’s important to pay attention to a few key details. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Display File Extensions on Mac and Windows:

Enabling the display of file extensions is crucial to verifying accurate file names. Sometimes, users inadvertently double the file extension, resulting in names like “lightshow.mp3.mp3.” By following these simple steps, you can prevent this common mistake:

On Windows:

• Open any folder or File Explorer window on your computer.
• Click on the “View” tab at the top of the window.
• In the “Show/Hide” section of the toolbar, check the box next to “File name extensions.” This will display file extensions for all files on your computer.

On Mac:

• Open a Finder window on your Mac.
• Click on the “Finder” option in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
• In the “Finder Preferences” window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
• Check the box next to “Show all filename extensions.” This will enable the display of file extensions for all files on your Mac.

By enabling file extensions, you can easily spot any accidental duplication or errors in your file names.

Properly Use USB Ports:

To ensure seamless performance, it’s recommended to use the USB ports in the glovebox of your Tesla. Although newer vehicles may have USB ports in the center console, they might not provide reliable functionality for light show purposes. By using the glovebox USB ports, you can avoid any potential issues and enjoy a consistent light show experience.

For a Convenient Solution: Tesla Light Shows Store

If you prefer a hassle-free experience and want to enjoy a plug-and-play light show without the need to troubleshoot file formatting errors, the Tesla Light Shows Store offers a range of ready-to-use USB drives. These USB drives come preloaded with captivating light shows and are designed to work seamlessly with your Tesla. Simply insert the USB drive into the USB port and you’ll be ready to enjoy a beautiful visual experience on your Tesla.

To explore the available options and purchase a plug-and-play USB drive with a preloaded light show, browse through our shows at https://teslalightshows.store/.