Replace the turn signal (indicator) stalk switch on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. Because the Roadster is built on the Lotus Elise platform, the steering column switchgear is largely Lotus-sourced rather than Tesla-specific, and service information is scarce — proceed carefully.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Turn signal / indicator stalk switch assembly (Roadster / Lotus-platform spec) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified replacement — verify against VIN; many Roadster column switches are shared with Lotus Elise/Exige

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission in 1st gear (manual) or P (if equipped), 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 (Roadster 12V is located in the front trunk/frunk area under an access cover — refer to Roadster Owner's Manual for exact location on your VIN). Loosen the negative terminal first.
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. Center the steering wheel and lock it in the straight-ahead position before disassembly to preserve clock-spring orientation.
7. Lower the steering column to its fullest extended/lowest position (if adjustable) for access.
8. Have a clean, padded surface ready for column trim pieces — they scratch easily.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify 12V is disconnected and SRS is safe
   Confirm the 12V negative terminal is disconnected and isolated. If the vehicle has any SRS components on the column, allow the manufacturer-specified discharge time before proceeding. Verify the steering wheel is centered and locked.
   ⚠️Working on column switchgear with 12V connected can deploy SRS components if equipped. Do not skip this step.
2. 2

   Remove the lower steering column shroud
   Locate and remove the screws securing the lower half of the steering column shroud (typically Phillips or Torx from underneath). Carefully unclip the lower shroud and set it aside on a padded surface.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the upper steering column shroud
   Release the upper shroud retainers. On Lotus-platform columns the upper shroud usually unclips upward once the lower is removed. Do not force — if it resists, check for a hidden fastener near the tilt mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Identify the turn signal switch assembly
   With shrouds removed, identify the left-hand stalk switch (turn signal / headlight). Note routing of the wiring harness and any retaining clips before disconnecting anything. Photograph the connector orientation for reassembly reference.
5. 5

   Disconnect the switch electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the turn signal switch connector and gently separate it. Do not pull on the wires — pull on the connector body. Inspect the pins for corrosion or damage and address before installing the new switch.
6. 6

   Remove the switch retaining hardware
   The stalk assembly is typically held to the column by two small screws or a clamp band, depending on Roadster production variant. Remove the retaining screws or loosen the clamp screw and slide the switch off the column shaft.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compare old and new switches
   Place the old and replacement switches side by side. Confirm connector pinout, stalk geometry, mounting tab locations, and any self-cancelling cam features match exactly. If they do not match, STOP and verify the correct part — Roadster production varied across the run.
8. 8

   Install the new turn signal switch
   Position the new switch on the column, ensuring any locating tab or self-cancel cam engages correctly with the column. Install the retaining screws finger-tight, verify alignment, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Mate the harness connector to the new switch until the locking tab clicks fully home. Ensure the harness is routed clear of the steering shaft, tilt mechanism, and any moving parts. Secure with original clips.
10. 10

    Preliminary function test (before reinstalling shrouds)
    Temporarily reconnect the 12V negative terminal. With ignition on (engine/drive system not engaged), verify left turn, right turn, lane-change tap, headlight low/high beam, and flash-to-pass functions. Verify self-cancelling on each side by rotating the wheel. If all functions are correct, disconnect 12V again before reinstalling shrouds.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the upper steering column shroud, ensuring it seats fully without pinching the harness.
2. Reinstall the lower steering column shroud and torque the cover screws to the Steering Column Covers spec (2.0 Nm / 1.5 lb-ft) — do not overtighten; these threads are typically into plastic.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and torque to the Battery Terminal Bolts spec (7.0 Nm / 5.0 lb-ft). Connect positive first if previously removed; negative last.
4. Verify no warning lamps on the instrument cluster after 12V reconnection.

Verification

• Cycle the ignition/drive-ready state and confirm no new fault indications on the cluster.
• Test left turn signal: stalk down, indicator flashes, audible relay clicks, self-cancels when wheel returns to center.
• Test right turn signal: stalk up, same verification.
• Test momentary lane-change function (light press without latching).
• Test headlight high/low beam toggle and flash-to-pass via the same stalk if integrated.
• Test hazard switch operation independently to confirm no wiring was disturbed.
• Inspect that the steering wheel returns freely lock-to-lock with no harness binding or noise.
• Note: While the column is apart is a good opportunity to check 12V battery age — Roadster 12V batteries typically last 3–5 years and should be replaced proactively if near end of life.

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