Replace a suspension ride height sensor on a 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD. Note: this vehicle uses coil suspension (no air suspension is offered on Model Y), but it does have ride height/level sensors used by adaptive headlights and chassis systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ride height / level sensor assembly (manufacturer-specified for Model Y, corner-specific) × 1 — OEM Tesla ride height sensor — verify left/right and front/rear application
• Sensor mounting hardware (if not reused) × 1 — OEM bolts/clips as supplied with sensor

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 behind/under the rear seat area on Model Y — refer to architecture notes).
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. Confirm which corner's sensor is being replaced (front-left, front-right, rear-left, rear-right). Sensors are not always interchangeable between corners.
7. Loosen the lug nuts on the affected corner before lifting.
8. Lift the vehicle only at the OEM jack pad locations using approved pucks. Support with jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Remove the wheel at the affected corner to gain access.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ride height sensor
   The sensor is mounted to the vehicle body or subframe on the affected corner, with a short link arm connecting it to the lower control arm. Identify the sensor body, its electrical connector, and the link arm ball stud or clip.
2. 2

   Photograph the installation
   Take clear photos of the sensor orientation, link arm position, harness routing, and connector latch direction before removing anything. The sensor's neutral arm position is reference for ride height calibration.
3. 3

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Release the connector lock tab using a pick if needed. Pull straight out of the sensor — do not pry on the wires. Inspect the pins for corrosion or damage.
   ⚠Tesla connector locks are fragile. If the lock tab breaks, the connector may not retain reliably and the harness pigtail will need repair.
4. 4

   Disconnect the sensor link arm
   Detach the link arm from its lower attachment point on the control arm (typically a small ball stud with a clip, or a bolt — verify on this vehicle). Do not bend or stretch the link rod.
5. 5

   Remove the sensor mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts securing the sensor body to its bracket. Support the sensor as the last fastener is removed so it does not fall and pull on the harness.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the sensor
   Withdraw the sensor from the vehicle. Compare the new sensor to the old one side-by-side: confirm body shape, connector keying, link length, and arm orientation match before installing.
   ⚠Left and right sensors often look similar but are mirrored. Installing the wrong-side sensor will cause incorrect ride height readings.
7. 7

   Install the new sensor
   Position the new sensor on its bracket. Start the mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the bracket (often aluminum or composite). Torque the mounting fasteners to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Reattach the sensor link arm
   Connect the link arm to the lower control arm attachment point. Ensure the arm is seated fully and any retaining clip is fully engaged. Verify the arm moves freely through its range without binding on suspension components or the brake hose.
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the connector in until the lock tab clicks. Tug-test to confirm it is fully seated. Route the harness back into its original clips so it does not contact moving suspension parts.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying any torque.
2. Lower the vehicle so the wheel just touches the ground, then snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
4. Final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to wake and complete its self-checks before driving.
7. Note: if any control arm or strut hardware was disturbed during access, those fasteners must be torqued with the vehicle weight on the wheels per the verified specs (Control Arm Bolts, Strut Bolts, Strut Tower Nuts, Sway Bar Link). Refer to the Tesla Service Manual for sequence.

Verification

• Power the vehicle on and check the touchscreen for any chassis, suspension, or headlight-related alerts. Clear codes only after confirming the new sensor is reading.
• With the vehicle on level ground, verify headlight aim (auto-leveling) cycles normally at startup — the headlights should perform a brief self-leveling sweep.
• Compare measured ride height at all four corners to confirm the replaced corner is consistent with the others (within Tesla's published tolerance).
• If any chassis fault persists, a sensor calibration through Tesla service software may be required — this is a Tesla-dealer/authorized-shop operation.
• Test drive on a smooth road and verify no new warnings appear and headlight aim does not hunt or droop.
• While the vehicle is in the air, take the opportunity to inspect tire wear (Model Y wears tires quickly — Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 mi) and confirm brake fluid service interval (every 2 years) and cabin air filter interval (every 2 years) are not overdue.

More procedures for this vehicle