Tesla Model 3 Owners & Service Manuals

Tesla Model 3: A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

Tesla Model 3 2017-2025 Service Manual / Thermal Management / Refrigerant System / A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

SPECIAL TOOLS

Tool, Flashlight, UV (1053591-00-A)

UV Leak Detection Kit (1080563-01-A)

Procedure

  1. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  2. Remove the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  3. Remove the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
  4. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  5. Remove the caps from the A/C ports.
  6. Connect the hoses from the A/C machine to the vehicle, and then perform the A/C recovery.

Note: Record the amount of A/C refrigerant and oil that has been recovered after the A/C system is discharged.

  1. Perform the A/C system vacuum.

Note: The A/C system vacuum takes 30 minutes to complete.

  1. Perform the A/C refrigerant refill.
  2. Set the temperature to LO on both driver and passenger sides and set the A/C system to AUTO.

A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

  1. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the TXV valve area.

Note: If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the TXV valve. See TXV Valve - Evaporator (Remove and Replace).

A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

  1. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the chiller and EXV valve area.

Note: If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the chiller and EXV valve. See Chiller and EXV Assembly (Remove and Replace).

A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

  1. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the compressor discharge and suction lines area.

Note: If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the compressor to condenser high pressure pipe. See Pipe - High Pressure - Compressor to Condenser (Remove and Replace).

  1. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the high/low pressure refrigerant pipes area.

Note: If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the high/low pressure refrigerant pipes. See Pipes - Refrigerant - High / Low Pressure (Remove and Replace).

  1. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  2. Remove the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).

A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

  1. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to inspect both condenser connections and the condenser itself for A/C refrigerant leaks.

Note: If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the condenser. See Condenser (Remove and Replace).

  1. Install the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).
  2. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  3. Lower the vehicle.
  4. Remove the vehicle from the lift.
  5. Remove the A/C lines from the vehicle.
  6. Install the caps onto the A/C ports.
  7. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  8. Install the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
  9. Install the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  10. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).

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