2025-05-08

Desiccant (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 1840010052 FRT 0.36 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the above correction code and FRT reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. To provide feedback on FRT values, email ServiceManualFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

  • 2025-05-08: Added additional step to check refrigerant system pressure on the touchscreen after refrigerant recovery.
  • 2024-09-27: Updated the UI routines and added note on adding correction code for refrigerant recovery/recharge 18200102 as a separate activity to the service visit.
  • 2024-09-10: Added warnings to wear suitable protective clothing, consisting of face and eye protection, heat-proof gloves, rubber boots and apron or waterproof overalls must be worn when carrying out operations on the air conditioning system.
  • 2024-06-12: Added caution for Schrader valves.
  • 2024-04-02: Added reminding of checking the pressure of A/C system before opening the accumulator.
  • 2024-04-07: Added reminding of wearing PPEs.
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Warning
HFO-R1234yf and R134a are considered hazardous and, if handled incorrectly, can cause serious injury. Suitable personal protective equipment, consisting of face and eye protection, safety glasses, face shield, heat-proof gloves, chemical resistant gloves, rubber boots and apron or waterproof overall must be worn when carrying out operations on the air conditioning system.
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CAUTION
Thermal management components operate under very tight specifications and can malfunction if Service procedures are not carefully followed. DO NOT rely on past experience with other thermal management systems; read through the Service Manual and do not deviate from the instructions.
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Note
This procedure requires the A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) procedure to be performed. If not already automatically added to the Service Visit, add correction code 18200102 as a separate activity to the Service Visit.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications: Desiccant (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Accumulator dust cap
NaN Nm (NaN lbs-ft)
  • Torx T30 bit
  • 3 in extension
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Replace

Remove

  1. Set up the AC machine.
  2. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  3. Enable Service Mode via vehicle touchscreen. See Service Mode.
  4. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway Unlock.
  5. On the touchscreen, touch Service Mode > Thermal > Refrigerant System > Start Thermal Fill Drain (Refrigerant Only) and select Run to start the "Start Thermal Fill Drain (Refrigerant Only)" routine.
  6. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  7. Recover the A/C refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Maintenance).
  8. Make sure there is no overpressure in the A/C system before performing the following steps. Failure to do so may result in damage to components and/or personal injury.
  9. On the touchscreen, make sure that the refrigerant system pressure is at atmospheric level (approx. 1 bar).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    On the touchscreen, touch Service Mode > Thermal > Refrigerant System.
  10. Disconnect LV power. See LV Battery - Li-lon (Disconnect and Connect) (Modify).
  11. Remove A/C hoses from the vehicle.
  12. Carefully depress the Schrader valves (x2) to level out any pressure difference between the A/C system pressure and the actual ambient atmospheric pressure.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Make sure to depress both Schrader valves. Failure to do so may result in injury.
  13. If present, remove and discard the dust cap from the accumulator.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T30 bit
    • 3 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  14. Use snap ring pliers to remove and discard the accumulator cap snap ring.
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    Warning
    Please ensure to wear the Face Shield throughout the entire process to prevent foreign objects from flying out.
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    Warning
    The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.
  15. Use long nose locking pliers to remove and discard the accumulator cap.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Please ensure to wear the Face Shield throughout the entire process to prevent foreign objects from flying out.
  16. Use needle nose pliers to remove the desiccant bag from the accumulator.
  17. Weigh the desiccant bag. This is considered the "wet weight."
  18. Determine the "dry weight" of the desiccant bag: Inspect the bag for a label that contains the Part Number (P), Serial Number (S), and Dry Weight (W). If the label is missing, or if the dry weight is not visible, assume the dry weight is 90.4 grams.
  19. Subtract the dry weight from the wet weight. This is the amount of oil that must be added to the system in addition to the oil that was removed during refrigerant recovery. Note this amount for later.

Install

  1. Install the desiccant bag in the accumulator.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.
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    Note
    Make sure the tab on the desiccant bag faces upward.
  2. Lubricate the new accumulator cap O-rings with the appropriate A/C oil. See Fluids and Capacities for A/C oil specifications. Then install the cap on the accumulator.
  3. Use the snap ring pliers to install the new accumulator cap snap ring.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Please ensure to wear the Face Shield throughout the entire process to prevent foreign objects from flying out.
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    Note
    Make sure the snap ring is fully seated in the groove on the inside of the accumulator bore.
  4. Hand-tighten the new dust cap to the accumulator.
    NaN Nm (NaN lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T30 bit
    • 3 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  5. Perform the vacuum leak test and refill A/C refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Maintenance).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inject the amount of oil that was lost to:
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    DO NOT forget to inject the amount of oil that was lost to removal of the old desiccant bag. Failure to do so might cause catastrophic damage to the thermal system.
  6. Connect LV power. See LV Battery - Li-lon (Disconnect and Connect) (Modify).
  7. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway Unlock.
  8. On the touchscreen, touch Thermal > Refrigerant System > Run Heat Pump Commissioning and select Run to start the routine.
  9. Touch Thermal > Actions > Test HVAC Performance and select Run to start the routine.
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    Note
    Make sure the routine is passed, then touch Close to close it.
  10. Touch Thermal > Actions > Test Thermal Performance and select Run to start the routine.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the routine is passed, then touch Close to close it.
  11. Exit Service Mode through UI. See Service Mode.
  12. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).