electrical
Turn Signal Switch
for 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
7
Steps
10
Replacement of the left-hand turn signal/drive selector stalk on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The 2024 refresh (Highland) eliminated the traditional column stalks in North American/global markets — verify your specific vehicle actually has a column-mounted stalk before proceeding, as some 2024 Model 3 vehicles use steering-wheel capacitive buttons instead.
Warnings
⚠️Do not touch, cut, or pierce any orange cable. The HV pack remains energized even with the 12V disconnected.
⚠The 2024 Model 3 'Highland' refresh removed column stalks on most production vehicles — confirm the vehicle actually has a stalk before ordering parts. If the car has steering-wheel capacitive turn signal buttons, this procedure does not apply.
⚠The clockspring / SRS contact assembly sits directly behind the stalks. Do NOT rotate the steering wheel while the stalk/clockspring connectors are disconnected, or the clockspring can be damaged or off-centered.
⚠Airbag/SRS connectors are nearby. Do not pull on yellow SRS harnesses. Do not work on airbag connectors with the 12V connected.
ℹ️The Model 3 column shrouds are thin painted/textured plastic. Use plastic pry tools only — metal will leave permanent marks.
ℹ️Tesla aluminum-hybrid body: do not strike any structural panel with a hammer.
Tools required
Plastic trim removal tool setEssential
Torx driver set (T20/T25/T30)Essential
Small Phillips screwdriverEssential
Calibrated torque screwdriver (1–6 Nm range)Essential
Calibrated torque wrench (5–25 Nm range)
10 mm socket and ratchet (for 12V battery terminal)Essential
ESD-safe wrist strap
Parts
- Turn signal / multifunction stalk switch assembly (left-hand column stalk) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model 3 (2024) left column stalk — confirm exact part number against VIN at parts counter
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place the vehicle in P, and engage the parking brake.
- Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key carried at least 3 meters away from the vehicle. Wait a minimum of 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
- Open the frunk and remove the frunk liner/cowl as required to access the 12V low-voltage battery (location per architecture notes — most 2024 Model 3 use a Li-ion 12V/16V LV battery). Disconnect the negative terminal first and isolate it so it cannot contact the post.
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
- 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.
- Center the steering wheel (wheels straight ahead) BEFORE disconnecting anything. Mark the wheel position with tape relative to the column shroud as a reference.
- Lock the steering column by leaving the wheel centered; do not allow it to rotate during the repair.
- Allow at least 2 additional minutes after 12V disconnect before working near any SRS/airbag-adjacent connectors.
Procedure
- 1Adjust steering column for accessUsing the touchscreen (before 12V disconnect) or manually if already powered down, telescope the steering column fully out and tilt it fully down to maximize working room around the stalk and column shrouds.
- 2Remove the lower steering column shroudLocate the retaining screws on the underside of the lower column shroud (typically Torx). Remove them. Release the perimeter clips with a plastic pry tool, working slowly around the seam between upper and lower shrouds. Lower the bottom shroud away from the column.⚠Do not pry against the painted dash bezel — pry only against the shroud-to-shroud seam.
- 3Remove the upper steering column shroudWith the lower shroud out, lift the upper shroud upward and forward off its locating tabs. Set both shrouds aside on a soft surface to avoid scratching.
- 4Identify the stalk module and clockspringWith the shrouds removed, the multifunction stalk assemblies are mounted to the clockspring/SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) housing on either side of the column. Identify the left-hand stalk (turn signal / drive selector / wipers depending on configuration) and trace its connector back to the SCCM.⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel from this point forward until reassembly is complete.
- 5Disconnect the stalk electrical connectorRelease the locking tab on the stalk-to-SCCM connector and unplug it. If the connector has a secondary lock (CPA), lift it first. Do not pull on the wires — pull on the connector body only.
- 6Release the stalk from the column moduleMost Model 3 stalks are retained by either a single small screw and a sliding latch, or two small screws into the SCCM housing. Remove the manufacturer-specified stalk retaining screw(s) and slide/withdraw the stalk straight out of its keyway. Do not twist or pry — the retention is a precision keyed slot.⚠If the stalk does not slide out with light pull, re-check that all retaining screws/clips are released. Forcing it will crack the SCCM housing.Torque specSwitch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 7Compare old and new stalkPlace the removed and replacement stalks side-by-side. Verify connector pinout, keyway orientation, and any stalk-end button or rotary functions match exactly. The 2024 Model 3 has had multiple stalk variants — an incorrect part will physically install but produce miscoded warnings.
- 8Install the new stalkSlide the new stalk into the SCCM keyway until fully seated. Install the retaining screw(s) and tighten to specification.Torque specSwitch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect the electrical connectorMate the connector firmly until the primary lock clicks. Engage the secondary lock/CPA if equipped. Verify there is no slack pulling on the connector by routing the harness through any provided clips on the SCCM.
- 10Reinstall column shroudsPlace the upper shroud onto its locating tabs first. Bring the lower shroud up to meet it, ensuring no wires are pinched at the seam. Press the perimeter clips home, then install the underside screws.⚠Pinched harness at the shroud seam will chafe over time and cause intermittent stalk faults. Visually verify all wiring is internal to the shroud before fastening.Torque specSteering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Confirm the steering wheel is still centered and was not rotated during the repair.
- Reinstall any frunk trim removed for 12V access.
- Reconnect the 12V/LV battery negative terminal and torque to specification.
- Close the frunk.
Verification
- Power the vehicle on. Confirm no SRS/airbag warning, no EPAS warning, and no 'Steering Assist Reduced' alert appears on the touchscreen.
- Cycle the new stalk through every function: left turn (tap and full), right turn (tap and full), high-beam flash, high-beam latch, and — if equipped on this stalk — drive selector (D/R/N) and wiper functions. Each must register on the instrument cluster / touchscreen.
- With the vehicle in P and foot on brake, verify drive-selector functions (if applicable to this stalk) shift the vehicle into D and R correctly. Test in a safe area before road use.
- Drive the vehicle in a safe location at low speed and verify auto-cancel of turn signals after a steering input.
- Check for any new fault codes via the touchscreen Service menu after a short drive.
- Note: this job is not on a Tesla scheduled service interval, but while the column is apart it is a good time to verify cabin air filter age (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years) and 12V battery health (3–5 year typical life).