Replace the panoramic glass roof shade/sunroof motor on a 2024 Model Y Performance. Note: the Model Y has a fixed panoramic glass roof — there is no opening sunroof, only a powered sunshade in some configurations. This procedure covers the powered shade motor assembly accessed via the headliner.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof/sunshade motor assembly (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model Y) × 1 — OEM Tesla replacement — verify VIN match through Tesla parts catalog
• Replacement plastic trim clips (commonly damaged on removal) × 1 — Generic headliner/pillar clip kit

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and 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. On 2024 Model Y, the 12V (low-voltage Li-ion) battery is accessed under the front trunk (frunk) liner — refer to the vehicle's emergency response/service documentation for exact location, as it varies by build date.
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 is equipped with a powered sunshade (not all trims are). Operate the shade once before disconnecting the battery to confirm fault symptoms (no movement, partial movement, noise, etc.).
7. Move both front seats fully rearward and recline. Remove any roof-mounted accessories.
8. Gather all trim clips and fasteners in a labeled tray — Model Y headliner uses many small clips that are easy to lose.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify fault and confirm scope
   Before disassembly, cycle the sunshade via the touchscreen and the overhead control (if equipped). Listen for motor operation. If the motor hums but the shade does not move, the issue may be a broken cable/track rather than the motor itself — replacing the motor alone may not resolve the symptom. Document the fault.
2. 2

   Disconnect 12V battery
   With the safety preamble complete, disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery. Isolate the terminal so it cannot accidentally re-contact the post.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove A-pillar trims
   Gently pull the A-pillar trim covers away from the pillar, starting at the top. The trim is retained by clips and a tether (for airbag deployment safety). Disengage the tether per the manufacturer-specified method — do not yank. Set the trim aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Remove B-pillar upper trim and C-pillar trim
   Remove seatbelt upper anchor cover and unbolt the upper seatbelt anchor (note position for reinstallation). Release the B-pillar upper trim from its clips. Repeat for the C-pillar trim. Torque the seatbelt anchor on reassembly to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
5. 5

   Remove overhead components
   Remove sun visors (Torx fasteners), visor clips, grab handles (pry caps then unscrew), and the overhead dome light/console assembly. Disconnect each electrical connector as components come free. Label connectors if multiple are present.
6. 6

   Lower the headliner
   With a helper, gently lower the rear edge of the headliner first, then the front. Do NOT fold or crease the headliner — flex damage is permanent. Disconnect any remaining connectors (microphone, ambient lighting, antenna leads if routed through headliner). Either fully remove the headliner from the vehicle (requires tilting/rotating through a door opening, which is difficult on Model Y) or support it on padded stands inside the cabin to access the shade mechanism.
7. 7

   Locate and access the sunshade motor assembly
   With the headliner displaced, locate the powered sunshade motor — it is typically mounted to the roof structure near one side of the shade frame, driving the shade via cables or a flexible drive. Photograph the motor orientation, harness routing, and cable engagement before disturbing anything.
8. 8

   Disconnect motor harness
   Release the locking tab on the motor's electrical connector and disconnect it. Inspect the connector for corrosion or pin damage — a faulty connector can mimic motor failure.
9. 9

   Remove the sunshade motor
   Remove the motor mounting fasteners (typically Torx or small hex). Disengage the motor's drive coupling from the shade cable/track carefully — do not allow the cables to retract into the track guides, as re-threading is tedious. Remove the motor.
   Torque spec

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

    Install the new motor
    Compare the new motor to the old one for connector keying, gear orientation, and mounting pattern. Engage the drive with the shade cable in the correct timing/position (refer to manufacturer-specified indexing marks if present). Install mounting fasteners and torque per the verified spec.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect harness and bench-test before closing up
    Reconnect the motor harness. Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal (torque to spec), close all doors, wake the vehicle, and operate the shade fully open and fully closed at least twice to confirm correct operation and travel limits before reinstalling the headliner. Disconnect the 12V again before continuing.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the headliner in reverse order of removal, reconnecting all overhead connectors (dome light, microphone, ambient lighting, antennas) before seating the headliner against the roof.
2. Reinstall overhead console, grab handles, sun visors, and visor clips. Torque sun visor and grab handle fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
3. Reinstall C-pillar, B-pillar upper, and A-pillar trims, ensuring all clips fully seat and the airbag tethers on the A-pillars are properly reattached.
4. Reinstall the upper seatbelt anchor bolts and torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. This is a safety-critical fastener.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and torque to spec.
6. Allow the vehicle to fully wake and complete its boot sequence (can take 1-2 minutes).

Verification

• Operate the powered sunshade fully open and fully closed via the touchscreen at least three full cycles. Confirm smooth travel with no binding, grinding, or stalls.
• Confirm the shade auto-stops at both end positions and that the touchscreen reports correct position state.
• Check for any new alerts on the touchscreen (Service / Vehicle warnings).
• Verify all overhead components function: dome lights, map lights, voice command microphone (test via 'Hey Tesla' or voice button), and any ambient lighting.
• Inspect A/B/C-pillar trims for proper seating and confirm seatbelt height adjustment moves freely.
• Check the headliner for any sagging, gaps, or pinched material at the perimeter.
• Test drive briefly and listen for new wind noise or rattles from the headliner area.

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