Replace a TPMS sensor on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. The Roadster uses a Lotus Elise-based chassis with conventional valve-stem TPMS sensors mounted inside each wheel; replacement requires tire dismount and a TPMS relearn.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• TPMS sensor (matching Roadster OEM frequency/protocol) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified TPMS sensor for 2012 Tesla Roadster
• TPMS service kit (valve core, grommet/seal, nut, cap) × 1 — Service kit matching the installed sensor

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in neutral with the parking brake engaged (or in P if equipped with the optional automated mode), and chock the wheels.
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 before working near the vehicle. Refer to the Roadster service manual for the 12V battery location on this Lotus-based chassis.
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 which wheel has the failed sensor using a TPMS scan tool before disassembly.
7. Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel while the vehicle is still on the ground.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift the vehicle
   Raise the Roadster at the manufacturer-specified jacking points and support it on jack stands. Do NOT lift on the aluminum chassis rails outside of the designated pads — the bonded tub can be damaged.
   ⚠Use only OEM-approved Roadster lift points — the Lotus-derived chassis is bonded aluminum and is intolerant of point loads.
2. 2

   Remove the wheel
   Remove the lug nuts and lift the wheel/tire assembly off the hub. Set the wheel face-down on a protective pad to avoid scratching the finish.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Deflate the tire and break the bead
   Remove the valve cap and use a valve core tool to fully deflate the tire. Break both beads on a tire machine, taking care to protect the wheel lip. Mark the tire's position relative to the valve stem so it can be remounted in the same orientation for balance.
   ⚠Confirm the tire is fully deflated before breaking the bead.
4. 4

   Dismount the tire enough to access the sensor
   Demount one bead (or fully demount the tire if preferred) so the TPMS sensor inside the wheel is accessible. Use plenty of tire lubricant to avoid bead damage.
5. 5

   Remove the old TPMS sensor
   Remove the retaining nut from the outside of the wheel, then push the sensor and stem assembly into the wheel cavity and withdraw it. Discard the old sensor, grommet/seal, valve core, nut, and cap — do not reuse.
6. 6

   Inspect the wheel sealing surface
   Inspect the valve hole for corrosion, burrs, or cracks. Clean the sealing area thoroughly. Any pitting around the valve hole can cause a slow leak after sensor installation.
7. 7

   Program/clone the new TPMS sensor (if required)
   If the replacement sensor is a programmable/universal type, program it to the correct ID and protocol for the Roadster using a compatible TPMS tool before installation. If using a direct-fit OEM-equivalent sensor, note the sensor ID for the relearn step.
   ℹ️Roadster TPMS protocol is uncommon — verify tool compatibility before purchasing the sensor.
8. 8

   Install the new TPMS sensor
   Fit the new grommet/seal to the sensor stem, insert through the valve hole from inside the wheel, and install the new retaining nut from the outside. Tighten the nut to the sensor manufacturer's specification — typically a low value (around 4–8 Nm depending on sensor brand). Torque to OEM specification — refer to the sensor manufacturer's instructions and the Tesla Service Manual.
   ⚠Do not use an impact tool on the sensor nut. Overtightening will destroy the new sensor.
9. 9

   Mount and inflate the tire
   Lubricate the beads and remount the tire in its original rotational orientation. Inflate to seat the beads, then set pressure to the Roadster's door-jamb placard specification. Install a new valve core and cap.
10. 10

    Balance the wheel
    Balance the wheel/tire assembly on a wheel balancer. Use stick-on weights on the inside barrel to preserve the wheel finish.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, hand-threading all lug nuts to avoid cross-threading the aluminum hub studs.
2. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Perform a TPMS relearn procedure appropriate to the 2012 Roadster — refer to the Tesla Roadster service documentation or use a TPMS tool that supports the Roadster relearn sequence.
6. Drive the vehicle briefly above the TPMS activation speed (per the relearn procedure) to confirm the new sensor is recognized.

Verification

• Confirm the TPMS warning light is off after the relearn procedure completes.
• Use a TPMS scan tool to read live pressure and temperature data from all four sensors and verify the new sensor is reporting.
• Recheck cold tire pressure against the door-jamb placard after the wheel has cooled.
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after approximately 50–100 miles of driving — alloy wheels can settle.
• Service interval reminder: while the wheel is off, this is a good opportunity to inspect brake pads, rotors, and rotate tires (Tesla recommends rotation every ~6,250 miles).

More procedures for this vehicle