Replace a single TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The sensor is integrated into the valve stem assembly and requires tire dismount/remount; the vehicle uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) TPMS sensors that auto-locate after a short drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• BLE TPMS sensor (2021+ Tesla Model 3/Y BLE-type, NOT the earlier 433MHz type) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified BLE TPMS sensor for 2024 Model 3 Performance
• TPMS service kit (valve seal, grommet, nut, valve core, cap) × 1 — OEM service kit matched to the BLE sensor

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage 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 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the rear cargo floor depending on build — consult the in-vehicle service manual to confirm before removal.
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. Identify which wheel position has the failed sensor using the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Tire Pressure) before lifting.
7. Note tire rotation direction and wheel position; mark the tire with chalk relative to the valve stem so it can be remounted in the same orientation if desired.
8. Confirm replacement sensor is the correct BLE type for 2021+ Model 3.

Procedure

1. 1

   Loosen lug nuts
   With the wheel still on the ground, break loose the 5 lug nuts on the affected wheel using a 21mm socket. Do not fully remove yet.
2. 2

   Lift the vehicle
   Using a floor jack and Tesla-approved puck adapter, lift at the manufacturer-specified jack point nearest the affected wheel. Support the vehicle on a rated jack stand at the designated lift point. Never rely on the jack alone.
   ⚠️Lifting at any point other than the designated Tesla jack pads can puncture the floor-mounted HV battery. This can cause fire or electrocution.
3. 3

   Remove the wheel
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the hub. Set the wheel face-down on a clean, padded surface to protect the finish.
4. 4

   Deflate the tire
   Remove the valve cap and use a valve core removal tool to remove the valve core, fully deflating the tire. Save the core only if reusing; otherwise install a new one from the service kit.
5. 5

   Break the tire bead
   Using a tire machine, break both inner and outer beads. Apply tire lubricant to the beads. Take care to position the bead breaker away from the TPMS sensor location at the valve stem to avoid damaging the new or old sensor.
   ⚠On Performance low-profile tires, aggressive bead-breaking can scuff or bend the alloy rim flange. Use protective covers on the machine clamps.
6. 6

   Dismount one bead
   Mount the wheel on the tire machine using protective rim guards. Dismount only the upper bead — full tire removal is not required to access the TPMS sensor.
7. 7

   Remove the old TPMS sensor
   From the outside of the wheel, remove the valve stem nut. From inside the wheel, withdraw the old TPMS sensor through the valve hole. Discard the old sensor, grommet, seal, and nut — do not reuse sealing components.
8. 8

   Install the new TPMS sensor
   Install the new BLE TPMS sensor with a fresh grommet/seal from the service kit. Feed the valve stem through the wheel valve hole from the inside, ensuring the sensor body sits flat against the rim's mounting pad. Hand-thread the new nut onto the valve stem from the outside.
   ⚠Do not over-torque the valve stem nut — it will crack the sensor housing or deform the seal. Use the sensor manufacturer's specified torque (typically 4–8 Nm range; verify with the kit instructions).
9. 9

   Torque the sensor valve stem nut
   Torque the valve stem nut to the sensor manufacturer's specification using a small torque wrench. Do not guess by feel. Refer to the service kit instructions for the exact value.
10. 10

    Remount the tire
    Lubricate the bead and remount the upper bead onto the wheel using the tire machine. Position the tire so any directional or balance markings align as before. Avoid pinching the new sensor.
11. 11

    Inflate and seat the beads
    Install a new valve core. Inflate the tire to seat both beads (typically 40–50 psi during seating), then adjust to the door-jamb-placard pressure (commonly around 42 psi cold for Model 3 Performance — verify on the actual placard). Install a new valve cap.
    ⚠Never exceed the maximum bead-seating pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Stand clear during inflation.
12. 12

    Rebalance the wheel
    Spin-balance the wheel/tire assembly. Removing and reinstalling a TPMS sensor changes the assembly's mass distribution slightly; rebalancing prevents steering vibration on this Performance model.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face (no debris or corrosion).
2. Hand-thread all 5 lug nuts to seat the wheel.
3. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground.
4. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
5. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
6. Re-torque lug nuts after 50 miles as a safety best practice.
7. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.

Verification

• Power the vehicle on. Navigate to Controls > Service > Tire Pressure and confirm all four positions are reading (may show '--' until first drive).
• Drive the vehicle at over ~15 mph for 10+ minutes to allow the BLE TPMS system to auto-locate and learn the new sensor's position.
• After the drive, verify all four pressures display correctly and that no TPMS warning is present on the instrument cluster area of the touchscreen.
• Confirm no air leak at the new valve stem using soapy water around the sensor base and valve core.
• Re-check tire pressure cold against the door-jamb placard within 24 hours.
• While the wheel is off, this is also an opportune time to inspect brake pad thickness and rotor condition — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage, and tire rotation every 6,250 miles.

More procedures for this vehicle