Sunroof Motor

Replace the sunroof/glass roof motor assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. Note: the 2024 Model 3 (Highland) ships with a fixed panoramic glass roof and no factory power sunroof — verify the vehicle actually has a moving glass panel before quoting this job, as it may be an aftermarket installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof / glass roof drive motor assembly (manufacturer-specified) × 1 — OEM replacement matched to VIN — confirm with Tesla parts before ordering
• Replacement headliner / trim clips (single-use plastic clips often break on removal) × 1 — Generic Tesla interior trim clip set

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 low-voltage battery. On the 2024 Model 3, the 12V (lithium) battery is typically located under the rear seat or under the front trunk floor — confirm location for your specific build before disconnecting. Torque battery terminal bolts on reinstall to spec.
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 a functional moving glass panel (factory 2024 Model 3 Highland did not). If aftermarket, obtain the installer's service documentation — internal layout will not match Tesla OEM.
7. Move the front seats fully rearward and recline; move rear headrests down or remove for clearance.
8. Cover the dashboard, seats, and door sills with soft covers to protect from dropped fasteners and trim.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm sunroof type and failure mode
   Before disassembly, attempt to operate the sunroof from the touchscreen (if controls are present). Listen for motor hum, clicking, or silence. Document the failure mode. If the panel is stuck partially open, attempt to manually close it per the installer/OEM procedure before removing trim — a closed panel is far easier to support during motor R&R.
2. 2

   Remove rear interior trim and assist handles
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently pry the B-pillar upper trims, sun visors, visor clips, and grab handles. Remove any Torx fasteners hidden behind covers. Set fasteners aside in a labeled tray — Tesla uses several different lengths in adjacent locations.
   ⚠Several headliner clips are single-use and will break on removal. Have replacements on hand.
3. 3

   Disconnect dome light / overhead module
   Carefully release the overhead console / dome light module and disconnect its electrical connectors. Note connector orientation. The microphone array and any cabin camera harnessing routes through this area — do not pull on wires.
4. 4

   Lower the headliner enough to access the motor
   With a helper supporting the headliner, release the front-edge clips and gently lower the rear portion of the headliner only as far as needed to expose the sunroof frame and motor. Full removal is typically not required for motor-only service. Do not crease the headliner.
   ⚠Headliner foam backing tears easily — support along its entire length, not at single points.
5. 5

   Locate and document the motor mounting
   Identify the sunroof motor on the frame (typically center-front or center-rear of the cassette). Photograph the motor orientation, harness routing, and any index marks on the drive gear before removal. This is critical for correct re-timing of the cables on reinstall.
6. 6

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the motor's wiring harness connector and disconnect it. Inspect the connector for corrosion or pin damage. If connector retaining screws are present, loosen them.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the sunroof motor
   Remove the motor mounting fasteners (typically 3–4 small bolts to the cassette frame) using the manufacturer-specified pattern. Support the motor as the last fastener is removed. Do NOT rotate the drive cables in the cassette while the motor is out — this de-syncs the left/right tracks and will require a full cassette re-time. Torque to OEM specification on reinstall — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
   ⚠If the cables shift while the motor is removed, the panel will bind on first operation. Mark cable position with paint pen before removal.
8. 8

   Compare old and new motors
   Place the old and new motors side by side. Verify connector type, drive gear count, mounting pattern, and pinion clocking are identical. If the new motor's pinion is at a different index than the old one, rotate the new motor's pinion to match before installation.
9. 9

   Install the new motor
   Align the new motor's pinion with the cassette drive cables in the same orientation as the original. Hand-thread all mounting fasteners before torquing any of them. Torque the motor mounting fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
10. 10

    Reconnect motor harness
    Reconnect the motor electrical connector until the locking tab fully clicks. If retaining screws are present, torque them to spec.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery (terminal bolts to 6.0 Nm / 4.0 lb-ft) and test motor operation BEFORE reinstalling the headliner — this avoids re-removing trim if the motor is defective or miswired.
2. Cycle the sunroof fully open and fully closed at least 3 times. Listen for binding, ticking, or motor strain.
3. Disconnect the 12V battery again before reinstalling the headliner.
4. Reinstall headliner clips, replacing any broken clips with new ones.
5. Reconnect the dome light / overhead console electrical connectors and seat the module.
6. Reinstall sun visors, visor clips, grab handles, and B-pillar upper trims. Verify all clips are fully seated — partial seating causes rattles.
7. Reconnect 12V battery terminals; torque battery terminal bolts to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten.
8. Close all doors and allow vehicle to wake. Verify no warning messages on the touchscreen.

Verification

• Operate the sunroof through full open, vent, and full close cycles from the touchscreen (or aftermarket controller). Motion should be smooth with no binding or chatter.
• Verify auto-stop / anti-pinch reverses when an obstruction (e.g. a rolled towel) is placed in the path during closing.
• Park the vehicle in sun or run a hose over the roof; check for water intrusion at the headliner edges and A/B-pillar trims.
• Confirm no new fault codes or alerts appear on the Tesla touchscreen after a full sleep/wake cycle.
• Reminder: while replacing this motor, this is a good time to also note Tesla's other interval items the owner may be due for — brake fluid every 2 years, cabin air filter every 2 years, drive unit gear oil at 12,500 mi initial then every 25,000–50,000 mi, and tire rotation every 6,250 mi.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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