Tesla Model 3: 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.

7. Perform the A/C system vacuum.

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

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

10. 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).

11. 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).

12. 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).

13. 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).

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

16. 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).

17. Install the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).
18. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Remove the vehicle from the lift.
21. Remove the A/C lines from the vehicle.
22. Install the caps onto the A/C ports.
23. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
24. Install the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
25. Install the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
26. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).

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