Juniper Gear Stalk "Retrofit" Installation Observations and Review (for Premium AWD/RWD US models)

rworne | 2026-03-14 19:42 | 17 views

Not exactly a retrofit, it's a 3rd party accessory available from one vendor here in the US, and also on Aliexpress. The key takeaway is \*this\* particular add-on is compatible with the US Premium AWD/RWD vehicles. Most of these kits are not compatible wth the revised steering column in this particular model. Now, I'm an old fart who likes tactile controls. I made a big compromise when I bought my 2023 Model 3, and with the turn signals and gear stalk, I was pretty happy with the arrangement. When the Juniper was rumored, I saw the Highland Model 3's "stalkless" design, and the was a showstopper. When the Juniper came with the turn signal stalk, I was willing to compromise, and after a short while, I got used to the auto shifting feature. The problem was whenever I got back into the Model 3, adjusting to the stalk was annoying. Additionally, the wife drives the Model 3 exclusively, and she's a creature of habit. This also makes the Juniper drive just like the Model 3. So a win there too. First thing is: If you don't want to use it, you can ignore it and the car behaves just like it always did. But don't use the beta shifting and the stalk at the same time. Not because it malfunctions, but it may change unexpectedly depending on your steering and pedal input. So a few things to say about this: 1. It makes the Juniper feel just like a legacy Model Y. 2. The controls look good enough it passes for OEM. 3. Installation is simple - and at one point challenging - at the same time. 4. It's not quite as solidly built as the stalk in the Model 3, but it's pretty close. 5. As somewhat expected, order from a US store, and it's drop shipped from China. It took less than a week to get here. One thing to say is that the box came with no installation instructions, not even a QR code to look them up. This can be an issue because the video instructions you see on the Internet are close, but not exactly the same for this model Juniper. In particular are the trim pieces you tuck the cable by the passenger and driver's knees. There's a knee airbag present and the trim does \*not\* pop off - in fact, it looks like there's an involved disassembly to get it off. You can use the trim tool to open a space to tuck the cable in. No need to spend an hour scratching your head trying to figure out why the trim pieces are not budging. The included cable is now one piece and is a universal design - you need to choose which of the connectors to use in the passenger footwell to connect the cable. It's obvious - but another difference from the instructions. The biggest pain in the ass was getting the cable end that goes to the stalk up the steering column. The video instructions have you putting the cable into the gab between the trim pieces and using a zip tie to fish down the column, tape the cable end to it, then pull it up. Looks simple? Not on this model. The knee airbag is in the way. I had to use the trim tool to pry a gap to the left of the airbag, feed the cable connector end first, then "push a rope" to get it to drop down where the brake pedal is located. A bit of a hassle, but it got there. The last bit: evidently the manufacturer knew of this issue and now includes a longer plastic rod to fish for the cable. The problem is it's not long enough and only gives you 3-4" to work with once it's dropped down behind the dash. Manipulating the end to tape on the connector usually has it drop down a couple more inches, then the other end drops into the steering column and you gotta pull it out and start over again. If they included another 6-12", it would have been easy. In the end, I had to tie fishing line to it and feed the line down the column. Tied the line to the cable, wrapped it in tape then reeled it up and it eventually came out. Then you plug it into the stalk, you remove a screw from the steering column control module, fit the stalk, and reinstall the screw. Then you use the supplied trim piece to replace the OEM one. Don't lose the screw - it's small and if you drop it it will disappear forever into another dimension. You cannot order one from Tesla either, they only come attached to a $400 module. This stalk has what appears to be a bluetooth module for SW updates, but again, there's no instructions for it. I've written to the US vendor two days ago with the above observations and have not received a reply - yet. The same product is available on Aliexpress, but with the perpetual promotions offered by Tesla accessory dealers, it was only $15 or so more than Aliexpress ($175.20 total for the kit). If you consider ordering one, just be aware there are two versions - and the most common version is for the Launch edition of the Juniper. If you have the RWD/AWD Premium US model, you will need version 2 of the stalk. The version 2 has what appears to be a small circuit board sticking out of it that the version 1 does not have. They are not interchangeable - so if you have doubts, contact your vendor and ask questions. I'll be sticking around answering any specific questions. I'm not shilling for any particular vendor - that's why I'm not mentioning any names or links. But if someone asks, I'll provide the name where I ordered it.

Comments (12)

rpack1 2026-03-14 20:25

I got the same one that you did, and faced exactly the same issues. I actually pried so hard on the knee panel that I broke the pry tool. Luckily it was that and not the panel. Also had trouble fishing the plastic rod down through the steering column, but found doing it on the right side instead of the left was easier. Just by dumb luck, it popped out in the gap above the knee panel - right where I had already fished the cable. Until that happened, I was thinking I'd have to remove it all and send it back. Updated instructions would be nice certainly, but I think you covered the issues that I ran into pretty well. Very happy with the operation. The only difference I noticed is that older cars will go into FSD if you press down on the stalk and exit if you push up. This stalk will enter FSD just fine, but won't exit using the stalk. Not that big a deal, but muscle memory would like it to also work that way.

rworne 2026-03-14 20:37

I didn't mention I did the right side too, right along the cable harness for the steering wheel. That plastic rod was really curved and for me, I bent it straight, but = it went everywhere except where I wanted it to go. As for FSD, there's no "neutral" on this stalk. But I typically shut FSD off by tapping the brake or torquing the wheel (depending on the situation). But for the price and the unobtrusive nature of the device (looks like it belongs there and requires no modification of the vehicle - 100% removable) - it's a worthwhile addition.

jaqueh 2026-03-14 20:39

Reason #3 why I will be going rivian r2 after my 2022 dies in 5+ years

kossiewossie 2026-03-14 21:02

You can replicate all of this without much effort with Enhauto Stalk, https://www.enhauto.com/products/stalk-standalone Requires there commander to work. Plus adds plenty of other functionality if desired and install took 2 mins.

jtnoboru 2026-03-14 21:19

This is a much more solid. Doesn’t need to be attached with adhesive, not battery powered, and will be noticeably more responsive due to direct connection. I have this mod as well as a commander and buttons.

ShermanTanko 2026-03-14 21:35

Does this work with the Juniper? The website only mentions Highland. Also it seems they don’t sell the commander for new Junipers made after Nov of 2025. I just picked up my AWD today and started looking at this stuff.

kossiewossie 2026-03-14 21:50

Yes it says Highland but if you buy only the right stalk it fits perfectly and functions perfectly too, for newer junipers (I bought mine December 2025) they released a cable and firmware that’s compatible with newer junipers but might not reflect on there website (reach out to support) they sent me a free cable to hookup the commander too and all working perfectly.

rworne 2026-03-14 22:31

My Juniper is an August '25 build. Nearly every website is selling (or appears to be selling) a version for the Highland or the older US Foundation series Junipers. There may be wider availability for this mod, but it's not easy to find. I was warned back in August to be careful when ordering these as the default version seems to fit Shanghai and EU models. The installation video doesn't show a US model, as the Juniper in that video doesn't appear to have knee airbags.

rworne 2026-03-14 22:34

I saw this type and did not want an adhesive attached unit. Mine is a PITA to install, but once there, it's there for good. I do like the commander for the other features it offers - but not for this.

Lanky-Slice-9122 2026-03-14 23:40

24 tm3 here can confirm the steering wheel turn signals are the worst especially switching back and forth with our 23 tm3. The gear shift beta though is pretty good and convenient. I Understand wanting the stalk but I’d use the buttons on the overhead console before dropping the $175 for an aftermarket gear selector stalk. I’m still heavily leaning towards dropping the $600 for the turn stalk retro direct from Tesla though just to have an oem solution. I feel Tesla should be on the hook for the price of the turn signal stalk.

rworne 2026-03-15 01:50

The Juniper, as far as I know, does not have an OEM retrofit option for the shifter. If they did, I'd pay for it. I adapted to the beta quite quickly, but there were a couple of occasions where it screwed up. It's a good thing I do pay attention to it. I think it is neat as hell, but it does affect how I drive cars without it. I also wanted a consistent interface between the legacy 3 and the Juniper. My wife took some time getting used to the 3 from her ICE, and loves it now. But she does not want to stress over the different controls. I certainly understand that every time I hop in the 3. Sure, I had $175 burning a hole in my pocket. But I can reverse the install in about 30 minutes and have the car back to stock.

Lanky-Slice-9122 2026-03-15 02:21

They don’t, that’s why I said I’d use the overhead console/screen/auto shift before adding an aftermarket shift stalk, Just a difference of opinion. I understand the feeling of wanting consistency too. I feel they should offer auto shift in the original cars with the stalks. I get in the 23 and forget what to do when it doesn’t shift itself. Also in parking lots when I start to set up to back in or leave a spot when it doesn’t auto shift to reverse/drive. As you mentioned mine has got it wrong a few times always in my own driveway though. it seemed to get really confused but it seems a lot better with the first actual 2026 update I got a week ago or so.

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