Replace a failed air suspension ride height sensor on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The sensor links the control arm to the chassis and reports suspension travel to the air suspension ECU; after replacement, the system requires a calibration via Tesla's service interface.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension ride height sensor assembly (corner-specific, OEM) × 1 — Tesla Model X (Raven/refresh) front or rear height sensor — verify by VIN and corner
• Sensor linkage / ball-stud hardware (if supplied separately) × 1 — OEM specification

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, located in the frunk under the front trim panel (similar position to Model S). Follow the on-vehicle low-voltage 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. Before disconnecting the 12V: enter the touchscreen and activate Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to lock out air suspension self-leveling. Also disable Falcon door auto-presenting if the rear doors are nearby.
7. Identify which corner's height sensor has failed via service alerts or visual inspection of the linkage.
8. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the affected corner before lifting.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support the vehicle
   With Jack Mode active, lift the affected corner using a Tesla-approved jack pad at the designated lift point. Support the chassis with a rated jack stand. Do not rely on the jack alone. Remove the wheel.
   ⚠️Model X curb weight exceeds 5,400 lb. Use only properly rated equipment.
2. 2

   Locate the height sensor
   The height sensor is mounted to the chassis/subframe with a small bracket and connects via a rigid plastic link arm to a ball stud on the lower control arm (front) or trailing/lower link (rear). Inspect the linkage and bracket for damage; broken plastic links are a common failure mode.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Trace the sensor harness up to its connector. Release the secondary lock with a pick, then depress the primary tab and unplug. Free the harness from any retaining clips so it can be removed with the sensor.
   ⚠Tesla connectors use fragile secondary locks — do not pry on the wires.
4. 4

   Disconnect the link arm from the suspension
   Pop the plastic link arm off the ball stud on the control arm/lower link. Use a small trim tool to release the socket clip — do not pry the link itself, as it cracks easily.
5. 5

   Remove the sensor mounting bolts
   Remove the two small bolts securing the sensor body to its chassis bracket. Note orientation — the sensor is corner-specific and indexed.
6. 6

   Remove the sensor
   Withdraw the sensor and link arm assembly from the vehicle. Compare the new sensor to the old one to confirm correct part (front vs. rear, left vs. right — they are not interchangeable).
7. 7

   Install the new sensor body
   Position the new sensor on its bracket in the original orientation. Install the mounting bolts and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reattach the link arm
   Press the link arm socket onto the ball stud on the control arm until it clicks fully into place. Verify it is seated by gently pulling — it should not separate.
   ⚠An improperly seated link will pop off during driving and report a false ride height, potentially causing the air system to over-inflate that corner.
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Plug the harness in until the primary tab clicks, then engage the secondary lock. Reseat any harness clips. Confirm strain relief — the harness must not contact moving suspension components or the brake rotor.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel and start the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern. Fully lower and remove the jack stand.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
2. Close the frunk and reinstall any trim removed for 12V access.
3. Power up the vehicle and exit Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode > toggle off).
4. Allow the air suspension to self-level. The vehicle should rise to standard ride height; observe for any uneven corner behavior.

Verification

• Check the touchscreen for any active alerts related to suspension, ride height, or sensor faults — these should clear after calibration.
• Perform a ride height calibration through Service Mode (Tesla touchscreen Service Mode > Chassis > Suspension). Calibration is mandatory after height sensor replacement; without it the corner will not level correctly.
• Measure ride height at all four corners (wheel center to fender lip) on level ground and confirm they are within Tesla's published tolerance for the affected corner relative to the others.
• Cycle through ride height settings (Low / Standard / High via Controls > Suspension) and confirm the corrected corner travels smoothly and matches the others.
• Test drive briefly and confirm no suspension warnings appear and that the vehicle does not exhibit a lean or sag at the repaired corner after parking.
• Note: This job is not on a scheduled interval, but while the wheel is off, check brake fluid age (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years) and tire rotation interval (every 6,250 mi) — Model X chews tires quickly due to weight and instant torque.

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