Sunroof Motor

Replacement of the sunroof motor on the 2012 Tesla Roadster. Note that the Roadster's removable hardtop/targa roof is the standard configuration; a powered sunroof is uncommon on this platform, so verify the vehicle is actually equipped with a factory or dealer-installed sunroof assembly before proceeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof drive motor assembly (manufacturer-specified for Roadster) × 1 — OEM-specified sunroof motor — verify against VIN
• Replacement trim/headliner clips (as needed) × 1 — generic — replace any clips broken on disassembly

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P (or in gear if manual transmission unit), 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 using insulated tools. On the 2012 Roadster the 12V auxiliary battery is located in the front trunk/forward compartment area — refer to the owner's manual for exact access. Torque the terminal on reconnection to 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. Operate the sunroof to the fully closed position BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery so the mechanism is at a known reference point.
7. Gather replacement clips — original headliner/trim clips are often single-use.
8. Protect the seats, dashboard, and paint with soft covers; the Roadster cabin is small and tools can easily contact finished surfaces.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify sunroof configuration
   Visually confirm the vehicle has a powered sunroof assembly (motor, switch, glass panel that slides/tilts under power). If the vehicle has a removable targa/hardtop panel only, this procedure does not apply — stop work.
2. 2

   Cycle sunroof closed and disconnect 12V
   With the sunroof fully closed, complete the safety preamble and disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal first, then positive. This prevents the motor from running mid-disassembly and preserves the closed reference position.
   ⚠Do not overtighten the small 12V terminal bolts — the posts are easily damaged.
3. 3

   Remove interior trim to access the motor
   Remove sun visors, grab handles (if equipped), and the headliner/overhead trim panel covering the sunroof motor. Use plastic pry tools to release clips. The Roadster cabin is tight — work slowly to avoid cracking trim. Note clip locations and orientation.
   ⚠Original trim clips are often brittle after a decade — have replacements on hand.
4. 4

   Locate and document the sunroof motor
   Identify the motor housing, its electrical connector, and its mechanical coupling to the drive cables/gear. Photograph the assembly from multiple angles before removing anything. Note the motor's clocked position relative to the drive gear teeth — this is your phase reference.
5. 5

   Disconnect the motor electrical connector
   Release the locking tab and unplug the motor's wiring harness connector. Inspect the connector for corrosion or pin damage. If the connector is held by small screws rather than a clip, remove them carefully.
6. 6

   Remove the motor mounting fasteners
   Support the motor by hand. Remove the fasteners securing the motor to its bracket / sunroof frame. Keep fasteners organized — different lengths may be used. Do not let the motor drop and do not allow the drive gear to rotate as it disengages from the cables.
   ⚠If the drive gear rotates during removal, the sunroof cables can fall out of sync, causing glass binding on reinstall.
7. 7

   Extract the motor
   Carefully withdraw the motor from its mounting location. Inspect the drive gear, cables, and any rubber isolators. Replace damaged isolators or clips as needed.
8. 8

   Compare old and new motors
   Verify the replacement unit matches the original in connector type, gear pitch, mounting pattern, and rotational orientation. The Roadster's low production volume means aftermarket replacements may not exist — only fit a genuine or manufacturer-specified unit.
   ℹ️If the new motor differs in any meaningful way, do NOT force-fit it. Confirm correct part number first.
9. 9

   Pre-position the new motor
   If the motor has an internal index or alignment mark, set it to the 'closed' reference position per the manufacturer specification before installing. This ensures the gear engages the cables in phase with the closed glass panel.
10. 10

    Install the new motor
    Seat the motor into the bracket so the drive gear cleanly engages the sunroof cable rack. Hand-thread all fasteners before final torquing. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
    ⚠Aluminum threads strip easily. Do not over-torque.
11. 11

    Reconnect motor electrical connector
    Plug in the harness, verify the locking tab clicks home. If retained by screws, torque per the verified Connector Screws spec.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall headliner/overhead trim panel, replacing any broken clips.
2. Reinstall sun visors, grab handles, and any removed lighting.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery: positive first, then negative. Torque battery terminal bolts to the verified spec (6.0 Nm) — do not overtighten.
4. Allow the vehicle's body control electronics to wake up before testing the sunroof.

Verification

• With 12V reconnected, operate the sunroof through one full cycle slowly: open, close, tilt (if equipped). Listen for binding, grinding, or motor stalling.
• Confirm the glass seats fully and evenly in the closed position with no wind-noise gap. If misaligned, the motor may have been installed out of phase — recheck step 9.
• Verify no warning lights or window/sunroof-related faults persist on the instrument cluster.
• Spray-test or water-test the closed sunroof seal to confirm no leakage into the cabin.
• Note: while the cabin is open, this is a good opportunity to check service-interval items — brake fluid (every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 2 years if equipped), and gearbox oil (Roadster-specific change interval per Tesla's revised guidance, not 'lifetime').

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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