Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Tesla Model SFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Seats -- Model S
- Front Seat Tracks And Motors
- Frame Assembly - Cushion - Driver Seat - Remove And Replace
- Motor - Seat Tilt - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Motor - Seat Height - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Assembly - Lumbar Support - Back Rest - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Motor - Recliner - Back Rest - Driver Seat - Remove And Replace
- Switch - Adjust - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Switch - Back Rest And Cushion Adjust - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Module - Memory Seat - Remove And Replace
- Actuator - Headrest - Driver's (Premium Seats) - Remove And Replace
- Controller - Driver Seat - Remove And Replace
- Controller - Front Passenger Seat (With OCS) - Remove And Replace
- Front Seat Assemblies And Hardware
- Seat Assembly - 1st Row - LH - Remove and Install
- Seat Assembly - 1st Row - LH - Remove and Replace
- Seat Assembly - 1st Row - RH - Remove And Replace
- Base Assembly - Driver Seat (Model X Seat) - Remove And Replace
- Base Assembly - Front Passenger's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Assembly - Back Rest - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Cover - Seat Back - Driver's (Premium Seats) - Remove And Replace
- Trim - Headrest - Driver's (Premium Seats) - Remove And Replace
- 2nd Row Seat Assemblies And Hardware
- Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row - Remove And Install
- Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row - Remove And Replace
- Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row - Executive - LH - Remove And Install
- Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row - Executive - LH - Remove And Replace
- Seatback Assembly - 2nd Row - LH - Remove And Install
- Seatback Assembly - 2nd Row - RH - Remove And Install
- Seatback Assembly - 2nd Row - Executive - Remove And Replace
- Frame - Seat Base - 2nd Row Cushion - Remove And Replace
- Frame - Seat Base - 2nd Row - Executive - Remove And Replace
- Frame - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - LH - Remove And Replace
- Frame - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - RH - Remove And Replace
- Bolster - Side - Seat - 2nd Row - LH - Remove And Replace
- Striker - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - LH - Remove And Replace
- Pivot Lock - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - LH - Remove And Replace
- Pivot Lock - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - RH - Remove And Replace
- Latch - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - LH - Remove And Replace
- Pivot Sleeve - Seat Back - 2nd Row Seat - LH - Remove And Replace
- Seat Back Assembly - 2nd Row - LH - Enable 3rd Row Seat Striker - Modify
- 3rd Row Seat Assemblies And Hardware
- Front Seat Covers, Pads, And Trims
- Cover - Outer Side - Driver's Seat - Remove And Install
- Cover - Outer Side - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Cover - Back Rest - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Cover - Back Rest - Driver Seat (Model 3 Seat) - Remove And Replace
- Trim - Cushion - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Trim - Cushion - Front Passenger's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Foam - Back Rest - Driver Seat (Model 3 Seat) - Remove And Replace
- Foam - Cushion - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Foam - Cushion - Front Passenger's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Foam And Trim Assembly - Driver's Seat (1st Generation) - Remove And Install
- Trim And Foam Assembly - Front Passenger's Seat - Remove And Install
- Module - Seat Heater - Driver's Seat - Remove And Replace
- Foam And Trim - Cushion - Driver's Seat (2nd Generation) - Remove And Replace
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
