Replacement of the panoramic sunroof drive motor on a 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid. The motor is accessed by lowering the headliner at the front edge to expose the sunroof assembly mounted to the roof frame.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panoramic roof drive motor assembly (Model S Plaid 2024) × 1 — Tesla OEM panoramic roof motor — verify by VIN at parts counter
• Replacement headliner clips (often break on removal) × 1 — Generic headliner retention clips — Tesla-spec

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 (or 16V Li-ion on applicable 2024 Plaid units) low-voltage battery in the frunk under the nose cowl panel. Torque terminal 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. Open the sunroof shade fully and, if possible before disconnecting 12V, move the glass to the service position per Tesla Service Manual (this is easier with power still applied).
7. Lay a clean blanket over both front seats and the dash to protect surfaces and to catch the headliner when dropped.
8. Have a second person available — the headliner must be supported during front-edge release.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim (both sides)
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently pry the A-pillar trim panels away from the body. Disconnect any tweeter or ambient light connectors as the trim comes free. Set aside on padded surface.
   ⚠Curtain airbag is routed behind the A-pillar. Do not yank — release clips evenly to avoid disturbing airbag tether routing.
2. 2

   Remove sun visors and grab handles
   Remove sun visors by extracting the visor cover screws (typically Torx) and disconnecting the vanity light connector. Remove the visor center clips. Remove front grab handles if equipped by prying out the end caps and removing the retention screws.
3. 3

   Remove front dome light / overhead console
   Carefully release the overhead console (dome lights, mic, interior cameras) using a plastic trim tool. Disconnect all electrical connectors and label them. The Plaid overhead console contains driver-monitoring camera wiring — do not stress the harness.
   ⚠Driver-monitoring camera alignment is calibrated. Avoid striking or rotating the camera module.
4. 4

   Lower front edge of headliner
   With a helper supporting the headliner, release the front-edge clips and gently lower the front section just enough to access the sunroof motor housing at the front of the roof opening. Do NOT fully remove the headliner — fold it down only as needed and protect it from creasing.
   ⚠Headliner is foam-backed and creases permanently. Do not fold sharply.
5. 5

   Locate and disconnect the sunroof motor
   Identify the sunroof drive motor mounted to the front cross-member of the roof frame. Disconnect the electrical connector from the motor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage before setting aside.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the sunroof motor
   Remove the motor mounting fasteners (typically 3 small bolts/screws securing the motor to the roof frame). Support the motor as the last fastener is removed. Carefully disengage the motor pinion from the cable drive without forcing — note pinion orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠If the motor pinion is cross-threaded into the drive cable on removal, the sunroof can lose mechanical sync. Mark the glass position before removal.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect drive cables and tracks
   With the motor out, inspect the drive cables, slider shoes, and front track for debris, dried grease, or broken plastic. Clean and re-lubricate the tracks with the manufacturer-specified sunroof track grease — do NOT use general-purpose lithium grease, as it attacks the plastic shoes.
   ℹ️Pano roof track contamination is a known Model S failure pattern — addressing it now prevents repeat motor failure.
8. 8

   Install new sunroof motor
   Align the new motor's pinion to the drive cable in the same orientation as removal (glass must be in the marked reference position). Hand-thread all mounting fasteners before torquing. Torque mounting hardware to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual if not in the verified torque list.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect motor electrical connector
   Reseat the motor connector fully until the lock tab clicks. Verify the harness is routed in its original clip path so it cannot contact the moving glass mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the headliner front edge, ensuring all retaining clips fully seat. Replace any clips that broke during removal.
2. Reinstall the overhead console, reconnecting all connectors (dome lights, microphone, driver-monitoring camera). Verify camera seats flush.
3. Reinstall sun visors, grab handles, and A-pillar trim. Reconnect tweeter / ambient light connectors before snapping A-pillars home.
4. Verify no tools or fasteners remain on the headliner or in the roof channel before final reassembly.
5. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery. Torque terminal hardware.
6. Allow the vehicle ~30 seconds to wake and complete its boot cycle before operating any controls.

Verification

• From the touchscreen, perform the sunroof initialization/calibration procedure (full close → full vent → full open cycle) per Tesla's on-screen prompts. The roof must learn its end stops after a 12V disconnect.
• Cycle the sunroof through full open, vent, and close at least 3 times. Listen for grinding, clicking, or hesitation — any of these indicates pinion misalignment with the drive cable.
• Verify the glass closes flush with the body at all four corners (Model S panoramic roof should sit within ~1 mm of body line).
• Spray-test the roof seal with a low-pressure hose (not a pressure washer) and check for leaks at the front A-pillar and B-pillar headliner seams.
• Verify no fault messages appear on the center display. If 'Sunroof requires service' or similar persists after calibration, recheck motor connector seating.
• Note in service records: while overhead trim is open, this is a convenient time to check cabin air filter age — Tesla recommends replacement every 3 years on HEPA-equipped Model S Plaid.

More procedures for this vehicle