Replace the sunroof control switch on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. Note: the Roadster was offered as a convertible with a removable hardtop/soft top — a factory power sunroof was not standard equipment. If your specific car has an aftermarket or dealer-installed sunroof, the switch location and procedure will vary; this procedure covers the generic approach for a dash- or headliner-mounted rocker switch.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof switch assembly (manufacturer-specified replacement matching your installed unit) × 1 — Match part number printed on the original switch — Roadster sunroofs were not factory-standard, so OEM Tesla part numbers are not reliably catalogued

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission in gear (or P on 2-speed/single-speed equipped cars), and engage the parking brake.
2. Exit the vehicle with the key fob and move it well away from the car. Wait at least 2 minutes for all systems to de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On the 2012 Roadster the 12V auxiliary battery is located in the front trunk area — remove the negative terminal first using a 10mm socket.
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. Identify whether your sunroof switch is mounted in the center console/dash area or in an overhead console/headliner location, as the Roadster did not ship with a factory power sunroof and aftermarket installations vary.
7. Have the replacement switch on hand and confirm it matches the original connector and pinout.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm switch location and failure mode
   Operate the switch (with 12V reconnected briefly if needed for diagnosis, then disconnected again before service) to confirm it is the failed component and not the sunroof motor or wiring. Note the switch's exact mounting location — center stack, overhead, or aftermarket console.
2. 2

   Verify 12V battery is disconnected
   Confirm the 12V negative terminal is disconnected and isolated before working on any cabin electrical component. This prevents short circuits when the switch connector is unplugged.
3. 3

   Remove surrounding trim panel
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently release the bezel or trim panel surrounding the sunroof switch. On the Roadster, work slowly — interior panels are thin and the underlying aluminum tub is unforgiving. Release clips evenly around the perimeter; do not lever against painted or aluminum surfaces.
   ⚠Roadster interior trim clips are often brittle with age. Have replacement clips available.
4. 4

   Free the switch from the trim
   Most rocker-style sunroof switches are retained by integral plastic tabs. Depress the tabs from the rear of the panel and push the switch out toward the cabin side. Do not pull on the wiring.
5. 5

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the connector's locking tab and pull the connector straight off the switch. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion, bent terminals, or melted plastic — any of these indicate an underlying issue beyond the switch itself.
6. 6

   Test the new switch (recommended)
   Before installation, use a multimeter to verify continuity through the new switch in each operating position. Compare against the original if possible. This avoids reassembly with a defective replacement.
7. 7

   Install the new switch
   Plug the connector firmly onto the new switch until the locking tab clicks. Orient the switch correctly (open/close or tilt arrows facing up/forward as appropriate) and press it into the trim panel until the retaining tabs seat fully.
8. 8

   Reinstall trim panel
   Align the trim panel with its mounting points and press evenly to seat all clips. Confirm there are no gaps and that the switch operates without binding against the bezel.

Reassembly

1. Confirm the trim panel is fully seated with no visible gaps.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Torque the terminal bolt to the Battery Terminal Bolts specification (6.0 Nm / 4.0 lb-ft) — do not overtighten.
3. Close the front trunk and verify any associated alarms or warnings clear after a key cycle.

Verification

• Cycle the ignition/wake the vehicle and operate the sunroof switch through all positions (open, close, tilt if equipped). Confirm smooth operation with no intermittent behavior.
• Verify the switch illumination (if equipped) functions with parking lights/headlights on.
• Check that no new warning lights or VDS messages appear on the Roadster's instrument cluster.
• Confirm the trim panel is flush and the switch does not rattle or bind during operation.
• Note: the 2012 Roadster does not have a Tesla-recommended service interval tied to this component, but while the 12V is disconnected, consider whether your 12V battery is approaching its 3–5 year replacement window.

More procedures for this vehicle