Sunroof Motor

Replacement of the sunroof drive motor on the 2024 Tesla Roadster. Note: this vehicle is extremely rare and service documentation is sparse — confirm the actual roof configuration (fixed glass vs. removable targa vs. powered sunroof) before beginning, as not all Roadster trims include a powered sunroof assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof drive motor assembly (manufacturer-specified) × 1 — OEM Tesla Roadster sunroof motor — verify part number with Tesla Service before ordering
• Replacement headliner / trim clips (as needed) × 1 — Generic interior trim retainer clips, sized to OEM

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 (or 16V/48V on applicable models) low-voltage battery. Refer to the Tesla Service Manual for the Roadster's LV battery location, as it differs from other Tesla models.
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. Fully close the sunroof (if possible) before disconnecting the 12V battery — this places the mechanism in a known position for service.
7. Mask the glass roof edges and surrounding paint with painter's tape to prevent scratches during trim removal.
8. Lay out a soft padded surface inside the cabin to set the headliner panel and motor assembly on once removed.
9. Verify the actual sunroof configuration of your specific vehicle matches a powered motor design before continuing.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm sunroof position and de-energize
   With the 12V battery already disconnected per the safety preamble, verify the sunroof glass is in the closed (or fully open if it failed open) position. Do not attempt to manually crank the mechanism unless the OEM service procedure specifies a manual override port.
2. 2

   Remove interior trim to access motor
   Using plastic trim tools, carefully release the sun visors, A-pillar trim (if required), grab handles, and the front portion of the headliner panel that covers the sunroof motor housing. Take photos before removal to aid reassembly. Set removed trim on a padded surface.
   ⚠Headliner material on the Roadster is delicate and expensive — support it across its full length, do not let it fold or crease.
3. 3

   Locate the sunroof motor assembly
   The motor is typically mounted to the roof frame near the front-center of the sunroof opening, behind the headliner. Identify the motor body, its mounting bracket/screws, and the wiring harness connector. Photograph the orientation before disturbing.
4. 4

   Disconnect the motor electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the motor's wiring harness connector and disconnect it. Inspect the connector for corrosion or pin damage. If the connector uses retaining screws, remove them carefully.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Note motor index/timing position
   Before removing the motor, mark the drive gear position relative to the cable/track mechanism with a paint pen or photo. The motor must be reinstalled in the correct rotational index, or the sunroof will bind, mis-track, or trigger an obstruction fault on calibration.
   ⚠Skipping the index step is the most common cause of post-repair sunroof failure. Do not skip.
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the manufacturer-specified mounting bolts/screws securing the motor assembly to its bracket on the roof frame. Support the motor with one hand as the final fastener is removed so it does not fall against the headliner channel.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disengage motor from drive cables
   Carefully separate the motor's pinion gear from the sunroof drive cables/tracks. Do not force the assembly — if it does not release with light pressure, recheck for a hidden retaining clip or fastener.
   ⚠If the drive cables shift out of their tracks during motor removal, the entire roof mechanism may need to be re-timed — a much larger job.
8. 8

   Inspect mechanism before installing new motor
   With the motor removed, inspect the drive cables, tracks, and glass panel guides for damage, debris, or seized rollers. Replacing only the motor on a binding mechanism will burn out the new motor. Clean and lubricate per OEM specification if needed.
9. 9

   Install new sunroof motor
   Align the new motor's pinion to the index mark made earlier and seat it onto the drive mechanism. Hand-start the mounting fasteners to prevent cross-threading, then torque to the manufacturer-specified value.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical harness
    Reseat the wiring harness connector until the locking tab clicks. If the connector uses retaining screws, install and torque them carefully — these are small and easy to strip.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the headliner panel, grab handles, sun visors, and any A-pillar trim removed for access. Ensure all clips are fully seated; loose headliner clips will rattle at speed.
2. Remove painter's tape from the glass and surrounding paint.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery, observing the Battery Terminal Bolts torque spec.
4. Allow the vehicle to fully wake and complete its initial bus check before operating the sunroof.
5. Perform the sunroof initialization/calibration procedure per the Tesla Service Manual — this typically involves holding the close switch through a full cycle until the controller learns the end stops. Refer to OEM documentation for the exact sequence on the Roadster.

Verification

• Operate the sunroof through at least 3 full open/close cycles. Motion should be smooth, with no binding, grinding, or unusual motor noise.
• Confirm the auto-close and auto-open features (one-touch and pinch protection, if equipped) function correctly.
• Verify the glass seats fully and evenly against its weatherstrip in the closed position — uneven seating indicates incorrect motor indexing or a track issue.
• Spray the closed sunroof seam with water to confirm no leaks before returning the vehicle to service.
• Check the touchscreen / vehicle log for any new alerts or roof-related fault codes; clear historical codes if present.
• Reminder: while not on a fixed Tesla service interval, inspect sunroof tracks and lubrication during routine cabin air filter service (every 2 years) to prevent recurrence.

More procedures for this vehicle