2025-04-21

Clean Radiator

Correction code 18301100 1.20 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.

2023-11-02: Updated the AGS-related steps.

1135762-00-A Kit, Svc Plug, Cooling Hose, Model 3
1108272-00-B Cap, Logic Conn, Inv, 3DU
1133681-01-A Microfibre cloth (towel)
1080568-00-A Fluid Catcher

Table 1. Torque Specifications: Clean Radiator
Description	Torque Value	Recommended Tools	Reuse/Replace
Nut that attaches the 12V negative terminal to the vehicle	6 Nm (4.4 lbs-ft)	Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver Ratchet/torque wrench 10 mm deep socket 4 in extension	Reuse
Bolts that attach the lower LH and RH of the cooling fan module to the ankle catcher	10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)	8 mm socket Ratchet/torque wrench Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver 8 mm 12-point deep socket	Reuse
Bolts (x2) that attach the radiator to the condenser assembly	10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)	5.5 mm socket Ratchet/torque wrench 4 in extension	Reuse

Warning

Only technicians who have completed all required certification courses are permitted to perform this procedure. Tesla recommends third party service provider technicians undergo equivalent training before performing this procedure. For more information on Tesla Technician requirements, or descriptions of the subject matter for third parties, see NA HV Certification Requirements. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and insulating HV gloves with a minimum rating of class 0 (1000V) must be worn at all times a high voltage cable, busbar, or fitting is handled. Refer to Tech Note TN-15-92-003, High Voltage Awareness Care Points for additional safety information.

CAUTION

Model 3 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.

Procedure

Place the vehicle on the 2-post lift.
Open all doors and lower all windows.
Use the touchscreen to place the vehicle in Service Mode. See Service Mode.
Remove the 2nd row seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).
Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
Power off the vehicle from the touchscreen, remove the nut that attaches the 12V negative terminal to the vehicle, and then remove the 12V cap from the ancillary bay.
Note
Ensure the vehicle is in park, the climate control system is off, and the vehicle is not charging before disconnecting the 12V power.
TIp
Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver

Ratchet/torque wrench

10 mm deep socket

4 in extension
Disconnect the electrical harness from the high voltage controller connector, and then install the logic connector cap onto the high voltage controller connector to prevent mistaken reconnection and protect the connector.
Remove the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).
Install a towel to the front of subframe to protect the cooling fan in the later steps, then remove the bolts (x2) that attach the lower LH and RH of the cooling fan module to the ankle catcher, and then remove the cooling fan module from the vehicle.
Note
With assistance, lift up on the cooling fan module to ease the removal of the bolts.
TIp
Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

8 mm socket

Ratchet/torque wrench

Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver

8 mm 12-point deep socket
Figure 1. LH Side

Figure 2. RH Side
Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height and set the lift onto locks.
Position the fluid catcher underneath the front of the vehicle.
Disconnect the active grille shutter actuator connector.
Release the front end module harness fixing clip.
Release the upper clips (x6) that attach the active grille shutter to the top of the condenser fan module.

Figure 3. Other components hidden for clarity
Release the side clips that attach the active grille shutter to the condenser fan module.

Figure 4. Other components hidden for clarity
Release the lower clips that attach the active grille shutter to the bottom of the condenser fan module.

Note
Make sure that the active grille shutter assembly is pushed up and away from the cooling fan module.

Figure 5. View is from under vehicle; other components hidden for clarity
Lift the active grille shutter up and remove it from the condenser fan module.

CAUTION
While removing the active grille shutter, take care not to damage the radiator blades.
Release the spring clips (x2) to disconnect the radiator inlet and outlet coolant hoses from the radiator, and plug the ends of fittings as soon as possible to avoid coolant loss.

Note
Coolant loss greater than 1L requires vacuum fill.
Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the radiator to the condenser assembly.
Note
Some configurations may come no bolt.
TIp
Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

5.5 mm socket

Ratchet/torque wrench

4 in extension
Release side tabs (x2) that attach the radiator to the cooling fan, and then slide out and remove the radiator.
Use a shop-vac to clean the dirt on the radiator.

Note
If necessary, remove the large debris.
Use a blow gun to clean the dirt on the radiator again.

Note
Do not get too close to the radiator blades.

Note
Dust and debris may fly out during the process; make sure to wear proper PPE for protection, such as a mask, safety glasses, etc.
Position the radiator onto the condenser, and then slide it into the fan assembly and engage the side tabs (x2) to secure.
Install the bolts (x2) that attach the radiator to the condenser assembly.
10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
Note
Some configurations may come no bolt.
TIp
Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

5.5 mm socket

Ratchet/torque wrench

4 in extension
Remove the plugs on the ends of fittings, and then connect the radiator inlet and outlet coolant hoses to the radiator.

Note
Perform a push-pull-push test to make sure that the hoses are fully secured.
Position the active grille shutter assembly onto the condenser fan module, and then secure the lower clips that attach the active grille shutter to the bottom of the condenser fan module.

Figure 6. View is from under vehicle; other components hidden for clarity
Secure the side clips that attach the active grille shutter to the condenser fan module.

Figure 7. Other components hidden for clarity
Secure the upper clips (x6) that attach the active grille shutter to the top of the condenser fan module.

Figure 8. Other components hidden for clarity
Remove the fluid catcher from underneath the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height, and lower the lift onto locks.

CAUTION

Make sure there is an audible click of the locks on both sides before lowering, otherwise the vehicle may tilt to one side.

Make sure that the doors are clear of surrounding objects.
Install the bolts (x2) that attach the lower LH and RH of the cooling fan module to the ankle catcher, and then remove the towel from the front of the subframe.
10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
Note
Gently lift the condenser fan module to position it into place and install the bolts.
TIp
Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

8 mm socket

Ratchet/torque wrench

Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver

8 mm 12-point deep socket
Figure 9. LH Side

Figure 10. RH Side
Install the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).
Connect the active grille shutter actuator connector.
Fasten the front end module harness fixing clip.
Remove the logic cap, and then connect the high voltage controller logic connector.

Note
Align the connector, and then pull the handle to locking position to get the connector fully seated.
Install the 12V cap to the ancillary bay, and then install the nut that attaches the 12V negative terminal to the vehicle.
6 Nm (4.4 lbs-ft)
TIp
Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver

Ratchet/torque wrench

10 mm deep socket

4 in extension
Remove the superbottle cap, inspect the coolant level, and top off as necessary.

Note
Ensure that the fluid level is 5mm above the Max line.
Unlock the gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Coolant System > Coolant Purge, click "Run", and then allow the routine to complete.
Note
The routine will last for a while after the stop message displays. The coolant pumps are audible.

The test lasts for approximately 10 mins. Do not start another routine during this time.

Make sure that the vehicle is not in Drive. Putting the vehicle into Drive will stop this routine.

The speed in the test varies from 3500-6500 RPM (idle speed = ~1500 RPM) and the actuated valve varies between SERIES and PARALLEL.

The speed can be monitored in Garage under the PT Thermal tab. If the speed hovers at 7000 RPM, it indicates the pumps are air locked. Perform the vacuum fill again. Continue to add the coolant and purge until the coolant level reaches between the NOM and MAX Lines on the bottle.
On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Actions, then tap the START button next to "Test Thermal Performance", click "Run", and then allow the routine to complete.
On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Actions, then tap the START button next to "Test HVAC Performance", click "Run", and then allow the routine to complete.
Disable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
Inspect the coolant level, top off as necessary, and install the superbottle cap.

Note
Ensure that the fluid level is 5mm above the Max line.
Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
Install the 2nd row seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).
Raise all windows and close all doors.
Remove the vehicle from the lift.