electrical
Sunroof Switch
for 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid Tri Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
6
Steps
9
Replacement of the overhead sunroof/dome console switch assembly on a 2024 Model S Plaid. This is a low-voltage interior trim job involving headliner-edge console removal — no HV exposure expected.
Warnings
⚠️Do NOT touch any orange cabling at any point. If you encounter an orange cable while working overhead, stop immediately — you should not see HV cabling on this job.
⚠The Model S refresh headliner is a single-piece molded panel and is easy to crease permanently. Do not flex or fold it. Use only plastic trim tools — never metal pry bars.
⚠Aluminum body and trim clips are fragile. Do not strike trim with a hammer or use excessive prying force; clips break easily and Tesla parts availability can be slow.
ℹ️Some 2024 Plaid units use a 16V lithium low-voltage battery in the frunk; confirm before disconnecting and use the correct procedure for that chemistry.
⚠After 12V/16V disconnect, the frunk and doors will not operate normally. Open the frunk and place the manual frunk release lanyard within reach BEFORE disconnecting.
Tools required
Plastic interior trim removal tools (nylon pry set)Essential
Small Phillips screwdriver
Torx driver set (T10–T30)
Insulated 10mm socket/wrench (for 12V battery disconnect)Essential
Microfiber cloth (to protect headliner)
ESD-safe wrist strap
Parts
- Sunroof/overhead console switch assembly × 1 — Tesla Model S (2021+ refresh) overhead switch — verify by VIN through Tesla parts catalog
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake.
- Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
- Open the frunk and locate the low-voltage battery (12V AGM or 16V lithium) under the nose cowl panel per the architecture notes for this vehicle. Disconnect the negative terminal first and isolate it.
- 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.
- Allow the vehicle to sit with LV power disconnected for at least 2 minutes so capacitive touch and overhead modules fully power down.
- Confirm the replacement switch matches the existing part visually (button layout, connector style, color) before disassembly.
- Have a clean, padded surface ready to set the overhead console on so the headliner is not stressed.
Procedure
- 1Identify the overhead consoleLocate the overhead console between the front sun visors. On the 2024 Model S Plaid, the sunroof/dome switch panel is integrated into this overhead module along with interior dome lighting and (if equipped) microphones.
- 2Release the overhead console trimUsing a plastic trim tool, gently release the overhead console from the headliner. The console is retained by spring clips and/or concealed fasteners. Work around the perimeter slowly; do not yank — the headliner foam behind it tears easily.⚠Do not pry against the headliner fabric. Pry only against the rigid console housing.
- 3Remove any retaining fastenersIf the console uses screws (commonly hidden behind small caps or behind the visor mounts), remove them with the appropriate Phillips or Torx driver. Retain all hardware — do not mix with replacement hardware.
- 4Lower the console and disconnect harnessesCarefully lower the console a few inches. Disconnect the low-voltage harness connectors feeding the switch panel, dome lights, and any microphone/sensor leads. Press the connector locking tab fully before pulling — do not pull on wires.⚠All wiring at the headliner should be low-voltage signal/12V. If you see any orange-jacketed cable, STOP.
- 5Transfer the console to a clean work surfacePlace the console face-down on a padded surface. Do not rest it on the switch buttons.
- 6Separate the sunroof switch from the consoleRelease the switch sub-assembly from the console housing. It is typically retained by integrated plastic tabs and/or small fasteners. Work the tabs gently with a plastic pick. If fasteners are present, torque to OEM specification on reinstall — refer to Tesla Service Manual.⚠Plastic retention tabs on Tesla interior modules are single-use brittle. Flex only as far as needed to release.
- 7Install the new switchSeat the new switch into the console housing, ensuring all retention tabs click fully and the buttons move freely without binding against the trim opening.
- 8Reconnect harnessesReconnect each low-voltage connector to the console. Verify each click locks fully. Route wiring so it cannot be pinched when the console is pressed back into the headliner.
- 9Reseat the overhead consoleAlign the console with its opening and press evenly until all spring clips engage. Reinstall any screws removed in Step 3. Torque small interior fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
Reassembly
- Confirm the console sits flush with the headliner around its entire perimeter — no gaps, no headliner pinch points.
- Replace any fastener caps or visor screws disturbed during removal.
- Reconnect the low-voltage battery negative terminal. Torque the battery terminal bolt to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft) — do not overtighten.
- Close the frunk and verify it latches normally.
- Allow the vehicle 1–2 minutes to wake and re-initialize all body modules before testing.
Verification
- With the vehicle awake and a foot on the brake, press the sunroof switch (if a panoramic glass roof is fitted and motorized — note that many Model S Plaid units have a fixed glass roof with no motorized opening; in that case the switch may control only interior lighting/sun-shade or be non-functional by design).
- Verify the dome/reading lights and any other functions integrated into the overhead console operate correctly.
- Check the touchscreen for any new alerts related to body control, lighting, or roof modules. Clear any stored faults if you have access to diagnostics.
- Inspect the console-to-headliner seam for even gap and proper clip engagement.
- While the headliner is accessible, this is a good time to verify cabin air filter service interval — Tesla recommends every 2 years (every 3 years for HEPA-equipped Model S with bioweapon defense mode).