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.

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