Replacement of the sunroof/glass roof motor assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Note: the 2024 Model 3 (Highland) ships with a fixed laminated glass roof — there is no factory sunroof. This procedure applies only if an aftermarket sunroof has been installed; otherwise the job does not exist for this VIN and the work order should be verified before proceeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof drive motor assembly (manufacturer-specified for installed sunroof system) × 1 — OEM replacement matching installed sunroof brand/model
• Headliner clips (replacement, as needed) × 1 — generic Tesla Model 3 headliner retainer clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery may be located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the floor — verify location before disconnecting.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Verify the vehicle actually has an aftermarket sunroof installed. The 2024 Model 3 Highland was not produced with a factory sunroof — if no sunroof is present, close the work order.
7. Identify the sunroof system manufacturer (Webasto, Inalfa, etc.) and obtain that manufacturer's service literature for the motor assembly.
8. Open the sunroof to its service position per the sunroof manufacturer's instructions before disconnecting 12V, if required by that system.
9. Gather interior trim removal tools, tape off headliner edges, and have an assistant available for headliner support.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm sunroof presence and identify system
   Inspect the roof from inside and outside the vehicle to confirm an aftermarket sunroof is installed. Photograph the motor location decal or any branding inside the headliner access area to confirm the sunroof manufacturer. Cross-reference replacement motor with that sunroof brand.
2. 2

   Move sunroof to service position
   With 12V still connected, follow the sunroof manufacturer's procedure to move the glass to the position required for motor removal (often half-tilt or fully closed). Then proceed to disconnect the 12V battery as listed in preparation.
   ⚠If the motor is already failed and will not move, do not force the glass mechanically — manual override procedures vary by manufacturer.
3. 3

   Remove A-pillar and grab handle trim as needed
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently release A-pillar covers and any overhead grab handles or coat hooks that retain the headliner. Note that A-pillar trim on Model 3 contains the curtain airbag — handle carefully and do not pull on airbag tethers.
   ⚠️Curtain airbag is routed behind the headliner edge. Do not pinch, cut, or pull on yellow-jacketed wiring.
4. 4

   Remove dome light / overhead console
   Carefully release the overhead console housing the dome lights and microphone array. Disconnect the low-voltage connectors. On Model 3 Highland, this assembly also houses cabin sensors — set aside on a clean surface.
5. 5

   Lower the headliner
   Remove sun visors, visor clips, and any remaining trim retaining the headliner. With an assistant supporting the panel, lower the headliner just enough to access the sunroof motor — full removal usually is not required. Protect glass and dash with a soft blanket.
   ⚠Headliner foam backing creases permanently. Do not fold.
6. 6

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the sunroof motor connector. Release the locking tab and disconnect. Inspect the connector and pins for corrosion or burn marks — a failed motor is sometimes accompanied by a damaged connector.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove the sunroof motor assembly
   Remove the manufacturer-specified motor mounting fasteners (typically 3–4 small bolts or screws securing the motor housing to the sunroof frame). Note motor index/timing position before fully removing — most sunroof motors must be installed in a specific home position to re-sync with the cable drive.
   ⚠Do not rotate the drive cables manually with the motor removed — this will throw the panel out of sync.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Compare old and new motor
   Place old and new motor side by side. Verify gear orientation, drive pinion position, and connector keying match. If the new unit is not pre-indexed, follow the sunroof manufacturer's procedure to set home position before installation.
9. 9

   Install new motor
   Seat the new motor onto the sunroof frame, ensuring the drive pinion engages the cable drive correctly. Hand-start all fasteners before final torque. Torque to OEM specification — refer to the sunroof manufacturer's service manual; if not specified, use the verified Module Mounting Bolts torque.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect motor connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector and confirm the locking tab is fully seated. Route the harness back into its retainer clips so it cannot rub on moving parts.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect 12V and perform initialization
    Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery (Battery Terminal Bolts torque). Power the vehicle on. Run the sunroof manufacturer's initialization/normalization sequence (typically holding the close switch for several seconds after the panel reaches a hard stop). Verify smooth, full-travel operation in tilt, vent, and slide modes as applicable.
    ⚠Do not reinstall headliner until full motion test passes — re-removing trim is far more work than leaving it down for a retest.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. With the sunroof confirmed operational across full travel, disconnect 12V again before final trim reinstallation.
2. Raise the headliner with an assistant and reseat all locating pins.
3. Reinstall sun visors, visor clips, grab handles, and overhead console. Reconnect overhead console electrical connectors.
4. Reinstall A-pillar covers, taking care to route curtain airbag tethers correctly and seat all clips fully.
5. Reinstall any dome light or microphone console fasteners. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
6. Reconnect the 12V battery, torquing terminals to 6.0 Nm (Battery Terminal Bolts). Do not overtighten.
7. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to wake fully (touchscreen boot complete).

Verification

• Cycle the sunroof through full open, full close, tilt, and vent modes at least three times. Listen for binding or uneven motor speed.
• Verify pinch protection (auto-reverse) by lightly obstructing the panel during close — it must reverse without excessive force.
• Spray water along the sunroof seal and check for leaks at the headliner edges and A-pillars.
• Confirm no warning indicators on the touchscreen and no curtain airbag fault (SRS warning). If an airbag warning appears, the curtain airbag connector was likely disturbed — STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
• Test dome lights, microphone (via voice command), and any overhead console functions to confirm trim was reassembled correctly.
• Note: This job is not a scheduled maintenance item. However, while the headliner area is open, this is a convenient time to inspect/replace the cabin air filter (Tesla recommends every 2 years) if it is approaching its interval.

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