Replace the rear power window regulator on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. Note: the Roadster is a two-seat targa coupe with no rear doors — this job applies to the door window regulator on this single-row vehicle. Confidence is low for Roadster-specific door internals; treat as a Lotus Elise-derived door assembly and consult OEM documentation before proceeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power window regulator assembly (manufacturer-specified for 2012 Roadster) × 1 — OEM Tesla Roadster / Lotus-derived regulator — verify by VIN
• Replacement door panel clips (commonly damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM-spec door card retainer clips
• Replacement vapor barrier adhesive / butyl tape (if barrier is disturbed) × 1 — Generic automotive butyl sealant strip

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P (or in gear with parking brake on for manual transmission Roadsters), engage 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 the 2012 Roadster the 12V auxiliary battery is located in the front trunk area — disconnect 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. Position the window fully UP before disconnecting the 12V battery so the glass can be taped in place.
7. Apply painter's tape across the top of the door frame and glass to retain the window during service.
8. Lay out a soft mat or blanket to set the door card on once removed — the inner surface scratches easily.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm correct door and verify part
   The 2012 Roadster is a two-seat vehicle and does not have rear doors. Confirm the work order refers to the driver or passenger door window regulator. Compare the new regulator to the original visually before disassembly to confirm correct fitment.
   ℹ️If the work order genuinely specifies a 'rear' window/regulator, stop and clarify — the Roadster has no rear power windows.
2. 2

   Secure the window glass
   With the window fully raised, apply two strips of painter's tape from the top edge of the door frame across the glass and back to the frame on the outside. This prevents the glass from dropping into the door once the regulator clamps are released.
3. 3

   Remove door card trim
   Carefully pry off any trim covers concealing door card fasteners (typically near the interior pull and around the latch surround). Remove the visible screws securing the door card. Use plastic trim tools — do not pry against composite body panels.
   ⚠Door card clips on Lotus-derived doors break easily. Have replacement clips on hand.
4. 4

   Detach door card and disconnect switches
   Lift the door card upward and outward to release it from the door. Reach behind and disconnect the window switch and any speaker or courtesy lamp electrical connectors. Set the door card aside on a soft surface.
5. 5

   Peel back vapor barrier
   Carefully release the vapor barrier (plastic moisture sheet) from its butyl adhesive bead, peeling only as much as needed to access the regulator. Avoid tearing — it must be reused or replaced.
6. 6

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor harness connector inside the door. Release the locking tab and disconnect it. Free the harness from any clips on the regulator assembly.
7. 7

   Release glass from regulator
   Through the access holes in the inner door panel, loosen the regulator-to-glass clamp bolts (typically 2 fasteners). Confirm the tape is still holding the glass at the top of the frame before fully releasing the clamps. Slide the regulator carriage clear of the glass attachment points.
   ⚠Verify the glass is taped securely. If it slips, it will shatter inside the door.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts/nuts securing the regulator and motor assembly to the inner door structure. Note the orientation and any spacers. Torque on reinstallation should follow the OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual or Lotus Elise reference for this fastener.
   ℹ️Do not invent a torque value for these fasteners — torque to OEM specification only.
9. 9

   Extract the regulator assembly
   Maneuver the regulator and motor as a single assembly through the largest access opening in the inner door panel. The assembly may need to be rotated; do not force it against the glass or door skin.
10. 10

    Install the new regulator
    Feed the new regulator/motor assembly into the door through the same access opening. Align the mounting points with the inner door studs/holes and start all fasteners by hand before tightening any of them.
11. 11

    Tighten regulator mounting fasteners
    Torque the regulator mounting fasteners in a cross pattern to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Reconnect the motor electrical connector and confirm the locking tab clicks home.
12. 12

    Reattach glass to regulator carriage
    Lower the glass onto the regulator carriage clamps, align to the previously noted position, and tighten the glass clamp bolts to OEM specification. Remove the painter's tape only after the glass is fully secured to the carriage.

Reassembly

1. Reseat the vapor barrier using fresh butyl adhesive where the original seal was disturbed — a leaking barrier will cause water intrusion and electrical issues.
2. Reconnect the door card switch and speaker connectors.
3. Align the door card to the door, press in the perimeter clips, and reinstall all visible screws and trim covers.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Torque the battery terminal bolt to specification.
5. Cycle the window fully up and fully down several times. If equipped with one-touch / auto-up, perform the window initialization procedure per owner documentation (typically: hold up at full close for several seconds, then hold down at full open).

Verification

• Window raises and lowers smoothly through full travel without binding or unusual motor noise.
• Glass seats fully into the upper seal with no wind-noise gap; check by closing the door and visually inspecting the seal line.
• No water intrusion when sprayed along the top edge of the glass — confirms the vapor barrier was reinstalled correctly.
• Door card sits flush with no gaps around the switch panel or armrest.
• Window switch operates from both the door switch and (if applicable) the master switch.
• No new warning indicators on the instrument cluster after 12V reconnection.

More procedures for this vehicle