Sunroof Motor

Replacement of the panoramic roof glass shade/sunroof motor on a 2024 Model Y. Note: the Model Y has a fixed glass roof (no opening sunroof); this procedure addresses the powered sunshade motor assembly, which is the only roof motor present on this vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunshade drive motor assembly (manufacturer-specified for Model Y panoramic roof) × 1 — Refer to Tesla EPC for 2024 Model Y sunshade motor
• Replacement plastic trim clips (commonly damaged during headliner drop) × 1 — Generic Tesla interior trim clip assortment

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the 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 under the rear seat / rear cargo area on 2024 Model Y — refer to architecture notes). Torque on reinstall per Battery Terminal Bolts 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. Confirm the vehicle actually has a powered sunshade and that the failure is the motor (not a stripped drive cable, jammed shade, or blown fuse). Test fuse and connector voltage before committing to motor replacement.
7. Lay clean moving blankets over the front seats, dash, and rear seats to protect them while working overhead.
8. Have a helper available for headliner support — do not attempt solo.
9. Tape off A-pillar, B-pillar, and C-pillar trim edges to prevent scuffing.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify failure mode
   With 12V still connected, operate the sunshade from the touchscreen. Listen for motor hum without movement (drive cable issue), no sound at all (motor or power issue), or thermal cutout behavior. Check the relevant fuse in the rear/front fuse panel per the Tesla Service Manual. Only proceed with motor replacement once the motor itself is confirmed faulty.
2. 2

   Disconnect 12V battery
   Following the preparation steps, access and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal. Isolate and tape the terminal so it cannot contact ground. Wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
   ⚠Disconnecting 12V will reset window/shade auto-stop calibrations. Re-initialization will be required after the job.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove rear interior trim necessary for headliner access
   Using plastic trim tools, carefully release the C-pillar trim covers, grab handles, dome/map light assembly, and any sun visor and visor clip hardware needed to free the headliner. Disconnect any low-voltage connectors as trim panels are released. Bag and label fasteners.
   ⚠Grab handles and visor clips often hide Torx fasteners under small plastic caps — pry caps gently to avoid breakage.
4. 4

   Partially lower the headliner
   With a helper supporting the headliner, lower the rear portion enough to expose the sunshade motor and its harness. Do not crease the headliner. Support it with padded props or have the helper hold it. You typically only need to drop the rear third for sunshade motor access — full removal is usually unnecessary.
   ⚠Headliner contains the antenna harness and possibly dome light wiring — do not yank. Disconnect connectors as you go.
5. 5

   Locate and disconnect the sunshade motor
   Identify the sunshade drive motor mounted to the roof frame at one end of the shade track. Depress the locking tab and disconnect the low-voltage electrical connector. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage before installing the new motor.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove sunshade motor mounting hardware
   Remove the fasteners securing the motor and any associated bracket to the roof structure. Note the exact orientation of the motor relative to the drive cable/gear before removal. Photograph the assembly for reference.
   ⚠Do not allow the drive cable or shade to retract uncontrolled when the motor is freed — support the shade.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove the motor and inspect drive interface
   Carefully disengage the motor's drive gear from the shade cable/tape drive. Inspect the cable teeth and guide tubes for wear, debris, or stripping. If the cable is damaged, the motor alone will not solve the problem — stop and source the correct shade assembly.
8. 8

   Install the new sunshade motor
   Align the new motor's drive gear with the shade cable in the same orientation as the original. Seat fully without forcing. Install bracket and mounting hardware finger-tight first, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect motor electrical connector
   Reseat the low-voltage connector until the locking tab clicks. Verify the connector is fully home and the harness is routed in its original clips so it cannot chafe against moving shade components.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Temporary test before reassembling headliner
    With the headliner still lowered, temporarily reconnect the 12V battery (torque negative terminal lightly to spec for the test). Power up the vehicle and cycle the sunshade fully open and fully closed at least twice. Confirm smooth travel, no binding, and correct auto-stop. Then disconnect the 12V again before reassembly.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools clear of the moving shade and tracks during test.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the headliner into its original position, ensuring all clips, antenna leads, and dome light/visor harnesses are reconnected and routed correctly.
2. Reinstall sun visors, visor clips, grab handles, dome/map light assembly, and C-pillar trim. Replace any broken trim clips with new ones.
3. Verify no wiring is pinched between the headliner and the roof frame.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and torque to specification.
5. Restore any items removed for access (rear seat components if disturbed).

Verification

• From the touchscreen, fully open and fully close the sunshade at least three complete cycles. Travel should be smooth, quiet, and reach both end stops without stalling.
• Confirm the shade auto-stops correctly at both ends and does not require re-initialization. If re-initialization is required, follow the Tesla Service Manual procedure for the panoramic roof shade.
• Check that no error or alert appears on the instrument cluster after a full power cycle and a short drive.
• Inspect the headliner edges, A/B/C-pillar trim, and visors for proper seating and no gaps.
• Verify dome lights, map lights, and any roof-mounted microphones/antennas function correctly (LTE, GPS, voice commands) — these harnesses are routed through the headliner and are commonly disturbed during this job.
• Note: while you have the 12V disconnected, this is a good time to confirm 12V battery age. AGM units in 2024 Model Y typically last 3–5 years; replace proactively if marginal. Also confirm cabin air filter status (2-year interval) and tire rotation interval (every 6,250 mi).

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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