Replacement of the left-hand multifunction stalk (turn signal/wiper control) on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. Note: The refreshed 2024 Model 3 'Highland' eliminated traditional column stalks in favor of steering wheel haptic buttons — verify your specific build has a column stalk before proceeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Multifunction turn signal/wiper stalk assembly (left side) × 1 — Tesla Model 3 (pre-Highland) LH multifunction stalk — match by VIN

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place vehicle in Park, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Open the rear seat back panel (right side) and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal. On 2024+ builds with under-floor lithium 12V/16V, follow the architecture-specific disconnect procedure.
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 has a physical column stalk (pre-Highland configuration). If the steering wheel has capacitive/haptic buttons and no stalks, this procedure does not apply.
7. Center the steering wheel and lock it in position with the wheel straight ahead — this preserves clockspring centering.
8. Tilt the steering column fully down and extended toward the driver for working access (do this BEFORE 12V disconnect, or use the manual release if applicable).
9. Allow interior to reach a comfortable working temperature; cold plastic trim is more prone to cracking.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm stalk equipment
   Visually confirm the vehicle has a left-side column stalk. If equipped only with steering wheel buttons, abort — this repair does not apply to that build.
2. 2

   Remove lower steering column shroud
   Locate the screws on the underside of the lower column shroud (typically Torx). Remove them and gently release the lower shroud from the upper half by unclipping along the seam. Lower the shroud away from the column.
   ⚠Clips are brittle. Release with a plastic trim tool, not by force.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove upper steering column shroud
   With the lower shroud out, lift the upper shroud upward and off the column. The stalk(s) will now be exposed at the clockspring/SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) housing.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel from this point forward until reassembly is complete.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect stalk electrical connector
   Locate the multifunction stalk's electrical connector at the SCCM. Release the connector lock tab and gently pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires.
5. 5

   Release stalk retention
   The stalk is retained to the SCCM by either a small retaining screw or an integral latch tab, depending on production date. Identify the retention method: if a screw is present, remove it; if a latch tab, depress it with a small flat tool while withdrawing the stalk. Withdraw the stalk straight outward from the housing — do not twist or pry against the housing.
   ⚠Do not force the stalk out. If it resists, recheck for a hidden retaining screw or latch.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect SCCM and clockspring
   With the stalk out, visually inspect the SCCM port for debris, broken pins, or corrosion. Confirm clockspring centering mark (if visible) has not moved. Do not probe internal contacts.
7. 7

   Install replacement stalk
   Align the new stalk with the SCCM port keying and slide it straight in until fully seated. Reinstall the retaining screw or confirm the latch tab clicks into place.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect stalk electrical connector
   Seat the connector fully onto the new stalk until the lock tab clicks. Tug-test gently to confirm engagement.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the upper steering column shroud, ensuring it seats around the stalk without binding.
2. Reinstall the lower steering column shroud, engaging all clips before driving the screws. Torque shroud screws to spec — see Steering Column Covers torque.
3. Verify the stalk moves freely through all detents (turn signal up/down, lane-change tap, high-beam pull, wiper functions if equipped) without contacting the shroud.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal. Torque to spec — see Battery Terminal Bolts torque.
5. Reinstall the rear seat back panel / 12V access cover.
6. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to fully wake (touchscreen boot complete).

Verification

• Cycle ignition on. Confirm no SRS/airbag warning light or message on the touchscreen — if present, the clockspring may have been disturbed and requires dealer/Toolbox service.
• Test left turn signal, right turn signal, and lane-change tap — confirm each functions and self-cancels appropriately after a turn.
• Test high-beam flash (pull toward driver) and high-beam latch (push away) — confirm headlight indicator on dash/touchscreen responds.
• If the stalk includes wiper controls, cycle through all wiper modes and washer spray.
• Test cruise control / Autopilot engagement if the stalk is the Autopilot activation control on this build (some Model 3 configurations).
• Drive a short test loop including at least one left and one right turn to confirm self-canceling and steering-angle correlation.
• Note: This job is not on a scheduled service interval, but while the column shrouds are open it is a good opportunity to verify the cabin air filter (2-year interval) and brake fluid (2-year interval) service status.

More procedures for this vehicle