Replacement of the panoramic roof glass motor/drive assembly on a 2024 Model X Plaid. Note: the Model X Plaid uses a fixed panoramic glass roof — if the customer concern is with the Falcon Wing door actuators rather than a sliding sunroof, this procedure does not apply. Confirm the vehicle actually has a sliding sunroof mechanism before proceeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof / panoramic roof drive motor assembly × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model X roof motor — confirm part number against VIN via Tesla parts catalog
• Replacement trim clips (as needed) × 1 — OEM headliner/A-pillar clips — replace any that break on removal

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 in the frunk. Lift the frunk liner, remove the cover, and disconnect the negative terminal first. Torque on reinstall per the verified 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. Place the Falcon Wing doors in service/transport mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V, so they remain in a safe, closed position. Do not attempt to operate Falcon doors during this job.
7. Move the front seats fully forward and recline rearward to give clearance to the headliner.
8. Mask the A-pillar and roof rail trim edges with painter's tape to prevent scuffing.
9. Have a second technician or a padded support stand ready before lowering any portion of the headliner.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify concern and access location
   Confirm the failed component is the panoramic roof drive motor and not a Falcon door actuator or roof shade motor. Identify the motor's location per the Tesla Service Manual for this VIN — on Model X the roof drive motor is typically accessed at the front-center of the roof above the headliner.
2. 2

   Remove A-pillar trim and grab handles
   Using a plastic trim tool, carefully release the A-pillar trim covers on both sides. Disconnect any tweeter or sensor harness connectors. Remove rear grab handles and sun visors using a Torx driver, disconnecting visor lighting connectors as you go.
   ⚠Side-curtain airbags are routed behind A-pillar trim. Do not yank — release clips gently and do not damage the airbag tether.
3. 3

   Lower the headliner enough to expose the motor
   Release only the necessary headliner fasteners and clips at the front-center to gain access to the roof motor. Avoid full removal if possible. Support the lowered section with a padded stand or second technician — do not let it hang on the wiring or Falcon door sensors.
   ⚠The headliner integrates wiring for dome lights, microphones, cameras, and Falcon door overhead sensors. Identify and free each harness before lowering further.
4. 4

   Disconnect harnesses from the roof motor
   Locate the drive motor electrical connector(s). Release the connector lock tab and disconnect. Inspect the connector and pins for corrosion or damage that may have contributed to the failure.
5. 5

   Note motor index/home position
   Before removing the motor, mark the drive gear position relative to the cable/track using a paint pen or photo. The replacement motor will likely require an initialization/calibration procedure — recording the original position helps if mechanical re-indexing is needed.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts/screws securing the drive motor to the roof frame. Support the motor as the last fastener is removed. Bag and label the fasteners.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove motor assembly
   Carefully disengage the motor pinion from the drive cable/track. Withdraw the motor through the access opening. Inspect the cable/track for damage, debris, or binding that may have caused the motor failure — replacing only the motor on a damaged track will result in repeat failure.
8. 8

   Install replacement motor
   Align the new motor's pinion with the drive cable in the same index position noted earlier. Seat the motor into its mounting location and hand-start all fasteners before final torquing.
9. 9

   Torque motor mounting fasteners
   Torque the motor mounting fasteners to the manufacturer-specified value. If the specific fastener is not listed in the verified torque table, torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect motor harness
    Reconnect the electrical connector(s) to the new motor. Ensure the lock tab clicks fully home. Route the harness exactly as removed, securing with original clips/tape.

Reassembly

1. Re-secure all overhead wiring (dome light, microphones, cameras, Falcon door overhead sensors) into their original retention clips before lifting the headliner.
2. Lift the headliner back into position with a second technician — do not crease.
3. Reinstall headliner clips, sun visors, grab handles, and A-pillar trim. Replace any clips that broke on removal.
4. Reconnect any disconnected accessory harnesses (visor lights, A-pillar tweeters, etc.).
5. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal last. Torque to the Battery Terminal Bolt spec — do not overtighten.
6. Reinstall the 12V battery cover and frunk liner.

Verification

• Power up the vehicle and allow systems to fully boot. Clear any expected 12V-disconnect alerts.
• Perform the roof motor initialization/calibration procedure per the Tesla Service Manual for this VIN — most Tesla powered roof actuators require a learn cycle after replacement.
• Cycle the roof open and closed at least three full cycles. Listen for grinding, hesitation, or end-of-travel issues.
• Re-enable the Falcon Wing doors and cycle each door open and closed once to confirm overhead sensors and harnesses were not pinched during reassembly.
• Inspect the headliner for sagging, gaps at the A-pillars, or visible clips — re-seat as needed.
• Scan for fault codes related to the roof, Falcon doors, and overhead lighting circuits. Address any new codes before releasing the vehicle.
• Reminder for the customer: brake fluid service is due every 2 years, cabin air filter every 2 years (3 years if HEPA-equipped), and tire rotation every ~6,250 mi — check service history while the vehicle is in the shop.

More procedures for this vehicle