Tesla Model 3: Service Precautions
Observe the following precautions when handling components used in the air
conditioning system:
-
Air conditioning units must not be lifted by their hoses, pipes, or
capillary lines.
-
Hoses and lines must not be subjected to any twist or stress; the efficiency
of the air conditioning system will be impaired by kinks or restrictions.
Make sure that hoses are correctly positioned before tightening couplings,
and make sure that all clips and supports are utilized.
-
Completed assemblies must be checked for refrigeration lines touching metal
panels. Any direct contact of components and panels may transmit noise and
so must be eliminated.
-
The appropriate torque wrench must be used when tightening refrigerant
connections to the stipulated value. An additional wrench must be used to
hold the union to prevent twisting of the pipe when tightening connections.
-
All protective plugs must remain in place to seal the component until
immediately prior to connection.
-
Make sure components are at room temperature before uncapping, to prevent
condensation of moisture from the air that enters it.
-
Components must not remain uncapped for longer than 15 minutes. In the event
of a delay, the caps must be fitted.
-
When disconnecting, immediately cap all air conditioning pipes to prevent
ingress of dirt and moisture into the air conditioning system.
-
The receiver/drier contains desiccant which absorbs moisture. It must be
positively sealed at all times. A receiver/drier that has been left uncapped
must not be used.
-
The receiver/drier should be the last component connected to the air
conditioning system to ensure optimum dehydration and maximum moisture
protection of the air conditioning system.
-
Use alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth to clean dirty connections.
-
Make sure that all new parts fitted are suitable for use with the specified
refrigerant.
HVAC Line Installation
Always carry out the following procedure before connecting any hose or pipe:
-
All refrigeration fittings require oiling with the recommended refrigerant
oil before installation.
-
When connecting refrigeration fittings, make sure that the O-ring is
positioned correctly. Push the joint together until the O-ring disappears
before attempting to tighten the nut. The nut should start by hand. If a
wrench is required, then the joint is misaligned. Tighten the joint to the
torque shown.
-
The air conditioner refrigeration system must be kept clean and capped at
all stages. At no time must any hoses be left open to atmosphere as the oil
in the system is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). The connection to the drier
should only be completed just prior to commissioning, or at least the air
conditioning system should be vacuumed to keep the system dry so any
moisture generally in the pipe work does not affect the oil or 'wet' the
receiver drier.
-
Keep the lid on oil containers such that a small amount can be dispensed at
any time and then at the end of the week, the whole can is disposed of to
avoid using contaminated oil. Oil containers kept to lubricate O-rings
should not be used to top up oil in the air conditioning systems due to
potential contamination.
Use the HVAC machine to perform a leak test after a major repair has been
completed.
Refrigerant Oil
The compressor contains a lubricant, which has greater electrical insulating
properties than the A/C lubrication oil normally used for standard mechanical
belt driven A/C pumps. It is important that the compressor is kept upright at
all times to retain the lubricant in the compressor's sump.
Caution:
Use of the incorrect oil may affect the dielectric strength of the
motor and potentially cause an internal short circuit as well potentially
affecting the bearing life.
Caution:
Refrigerant oil easily absorbs water and must not be stored for long
periods. Do not pour unused refrigerant oil back into the container.
READ NEXT:
A new compressor is sealed. Make sure that no foreign material is allowed to
enter the compressor.
Caution: Do not remove the compressor caps until immediately prior to
connecting the air conditioni
Internally or externally damaged components can cause debris and moisture to
enter the A/C system. Perform the following procedures if debris or excessive
moisture ingress is suspected.
Caution: Do
General
Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric vehicle, meaning the High Voltage (HV)
battery needs to be charged by a charging station after finishing driving. The
touchscreen and smart phone app info
SEE MORE:
Remove
Remove the LH center console side panel carpet. See Carpet - Side Panel
- Center Console - LH (Remove and Replace).
Disconnect 12V power. See 12V Power (Disconnect and Connect).
Remove the driver footwell cover. See Cover - Footwell - Driver (Remove
and Replace).
Remove the T20
DRAFT
Warning:
This procedure was derived from pre-production computer
models, and might not reflect the real-world situation. Warnings
and cautions might be missing. Follow safety requirements and
use extreme caution when working on or near high voltage s