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
Trunk Alignment: Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2023 Tesla Model 3, 2022 Tesla Model 3, 2021 Tesla Model 3, 2020 Tesla Model 3, and 2019 Tesla Model 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Perform trunk gap and flush check.NOTE: Refer to CVIS for latest specifications.
- Open trunk from exterior switch
- Retract LH overslam bumper to home position.NOTE: 1x overslam bumper. Turn clockwise until fully seated onto trunk.
- Retract RH overslam bumper to home position.NOTE: 1x overslam bumper. Turn clockwise until fully seated onto trunk.
- Remove trunk sill trim assemblyNOTE: 4x clips. Pull corner upward release clip on the end the away from body for remaining clips.
- Mark the location of trunk striker to body.
- Remove the trunk striker.NOTE: 2x bolts, T45, 24 Nm
- Loosen bolts securing hinge onto trunk assemblyNOTE: 4x bolts, 13mm, 24 Nm, Perform adjustment as necessary, Recommend assistance
- Tighten bolts securing hinge onto trunk assembly.NOTE: 4x bolts, 13mm, 24 Nm, Hand tighten bolts securing hinge onto trunk assembly
- Close the trunk to check gap / flush.NOTE: Perform adjustment as necessary, Recommend assistance if necessary, Refer to CVIS for latest specifications
- Adjust LH overslam bumper as necessary.NOTE: 1x overslam bumper.
- Adjust RH overslam bumper as necessary.NOTE: 1x overslam bumper.
- Torque bolts securing hinge onto trunk assembly.NOTE: 4x bolts, 13mm, 24 Nm
- Align trunk striker to marked position and loosely install bolts securing to body.NOTE: 2x bolts, T45, 24 Nm
- Close trunk to check for gap / flush and trunk closes as expected.NOTE: Adjust striker if necessary. Open trunk when done.
- Torque bolts securing the trunk striker to trunk.NOTE: 2x bolts, T45, 24 N.m (17.7 ft-lbs.).
- Remove masking tape around the trunk striker area.
- Install trunk sill trim assembly.NOTE: 4x clips. Align the latch with center slot then 2 locator to their slot and then press to secure the clips. Adjust the seal to overlap the trim.
- Clean both trunk hinge bolts, washer, and surrounding area prior to paint touch up.NOTE: Allow to dry for 1 minute.
- Apply touch up paint to head of LH trunk hinge bolts.NOTE: 2x bolts. Make sure to shake touch up paint before applying.
- Apply touch up paint to head of RH trunk hinge bolts.NOTE: 2x bolts. Make sure to shake touch up paint before applying. Allow sometime to dry to close trunk.
- Close trunk.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.