A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge)
Correction code -
Non-Heat Pump: 182001021.62
Heat Pump:
18200122
1.50
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 LaborTimeFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when
performing the below procedure.
- 2024-06-12: Added caution for Schrader valves.
- 2023-04-04: Updated A/C oil type to be used with reference to Fluids and Capacities for A/C oil specifications.
- 2023-06-19: Recharge (Heat Pump Model 3): Moved STOP THERMAL FILL DRAIN (previous step 13) and HEAT PUMP COMMISSIONING (previous step 14) before commanding ON the vehicle A/C (previous step 4).
- 2023-08-23: Added a reminding of wearing PPEs.
- 1501412-00-A (NA/APAC): OIL INJECTOR, R1234YF
- 1120026-0x-A AC Service Machine
Recovery (Heat Pump Model 3)
- Perform a calibration check of the A/C machine. Refer to the A/C machine operator’s manual for instructions on how to perform a calibration check of the A/C machine. If the machine fails the calibration check, do not use the machine until a service representative has calibrated the A/C machine.
- Inspect the entire length of the hoses and fittings for degradation, cracks, or damage. Make sure that the condition of the hoses and fittings is such that they will not leak when in service.
- Inspect the A/C machine’s power supply cord and plug that they are not damaged and the insulation has not been compromised in any way.
- Make sure to use the appropriate type of A/C oil. See Fluids and Capacities for A/C oil specifications.
- Open the LH front door and fully lower the front windows.
- On the vehicle touchscreen, turn the AC and blower motor off.
- Open the hood.
- Enable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
-
Access the thermal system service
touchscreen menu.
- On the touchscreen, touch the "Start" button next to "Start Thermal Fill Drain (Refrigerant Only)", and then touch Run Task. Close the pop-up window once the routine has passed.
- Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
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Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
WarningR134a and r1234yf refrigerants are dangerous liquids and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. When recycling or recharging the air conditioning system, you must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face shields, heat-resistant gloves, rubber boots, aprons or waterproof overalls.
- Remove the caps from the A/C high pressure and low pressure ports.
-
Connect the red high pressure hose to the vehicle's high pressure port, and the blue low pressure hose to the vehicle's low pressure port.
NoteThe high pressure and low pressure ports are of different sizes, and match the hose couplers accordingly.
- Take note of the current oil level in the A/C machine oil tank, or understand how to use the A/C machine UI to note the amount of oil recovered after recovery is complete.
- Again, make sure the "Refrigerant" indicator on the touchscreen is green and "Ready for Recharge/Reclaim".
- Follow the A/C machine instructions for recovering refrigerant from the vehicle.
- Measure the quantity of refrigerant recovered from the system. It should be approximately 1000 - 1040 g. Record the quantity recovered in the notes section of the Repair Order.
Vacuum Leak Test and Oil Injection (Heat Pump Model 3)
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On the vehicle touchscreen, verify that the system is in Recharge/Reclaim mode. If the vehicle is not in Recharge/Reclaim mode, activate Recharge/Reclaim mode and verify that the green status indicator is present.
NoteThe status indicator will be red if the mode is inactive.
- On the A/C machine, enter 1.02 kg (1020 g) of "Refrigerant Charge", and then select GO.
- Perform steps 1-3 as instructed by the A/C machine. After completing step 3, touch Next to begin the vacuum leak test.
- The A/C machine will pull vacuum for 5 minutes, perform a vacuum decay test for another 5 minutes, and then perform a pressure test.
-
Measure the quantity of oil recovered from the vehicle's A/C system by comparing the level change in the oil recovery tank. Refer to the table below to determine the quantity of oil to add to the A/C system during recharge, assuming that no components are being replaced.
Amount of Drained Oil from A/C Machine in grams or ml Amount of Oil to Add to A/C System During Recharge in grams or ml 10 10 20 20 30 30 40 42 50 55 60 67 70 80 80 92 90 105 100 117 110 130 120 142 130 155 140 167 150 180 -
In addition to the previous step, add an additional amount of oil if the component being serviced is listed in the following table:
Serviced Component Additional Amount of Oil to Add in grams or ml HVAC Module Assembly 40 Liquid-cooled Condenser 20 Battery Chiller 20 Supermanifold to Compressor A/C Line 10 Refrigerant Valves (EXV's, Shut Off Valves, Check Valves) Visually estimate and replenish the amount of oil lost, if spillage of less than ~5 ml is observed during component removal Supermanifold to HVAC A/C Line - Inject oil into the vehicle:
Recovery (Original Model 3)
- Perform a calibration check of the A/C machine. Refer to the A/C machine operator’s manual for instructions on how to perform a calibration check of the A/C machine. If the machine fails the calibration check, do not use the machine until a service representative has calibrated the A/C machine.
- Inspect the entire length of the hoses and fittings for degradation, cracks, or damage. Make sure that the condition of the hoses and fittings is such that they will not leak when in service.
- Inspect the A/C machine’s power supply cord and plug that they are not damaged and the insulation has not been compromised in any way.
- Make sure to use the appropriate type of A/C oil. See Fluids and Capacities for A/C oil specifications.
- Power on the A/C machine.
- Press the MENU button on the keypad.
- Press the UP or DOWN arrow key to scroll to "HOSE FLUSH".
- Press START/YES or OK.
- Connect the red and blue hoses to the machine's respective storage port connections.
- Open the coupler valves.
- Press START/YES or OK to begin the hose flush process. If the procedure has started correctly, a three minute countdown begins. The machine automatically starts and finishes the recovery from the hoses after the flush procedure is completed. When the entire procedure has been completed, the screen displays "FLUSH COMPLETE CONNECT SERVICE HOSES TO VEHICLE, START TO CONTINUE".
- Close the coupler valves and press START/YES or OK.
- Press STOP/NO or OK to exit the hose flush menu.
- Connect the appropriate refrigerant oil bottle.
- Turn off the vehicle's climate control.
- Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
- Remove the caps from the A/C high pressure and low pressure ports.
-
Connect the red high pressure hose to the vehicle's high pressure port, and the blue low pressure hose to the vehicle's low pressure port.
NoteThe high pressure and low pressure ports are of different sizes, and match the hose couplers accordingly.
- Verify that the oil recovery tank is empty, or mark the existing level with tape as a starting point for later comparison.
-
Follow the A/C machine instructions for recovering refrigerant from the vehicle.
NoteIn order to fully purge refrigerant and remove air, moisture, and contaminants, it is important to apply the appropriate vacuum for 30-45 minutes.
-
Perform service procedures that can be concurrent with refrigerant recovery.
CAUTIONWait until recovery has finished before performing steps that open the A/C system to ambient air.
- Measure the quantity of refrigerant recovered from the system. It should be approximately 640 - 680 g. Record the quantity recovered in the notes section of the Repair Order.
- Measure the quantity of oil recovered from the vehicle's A/C system by comparing the level change in the oil recovery tank. The difference is the quantity of oil to add to the A/C system during recharge, assuming that no components are being replaced.
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If the recovery procedure is being performed in order to replace a defective A/C compressor, set the weight of the new compressor, to that of the old compressor.
NoteThe new A/C compressor is shipped pre-filled with the total amount of oil used in the A/C system. Oil might need to be removed so that the quantity of oil in the new A/C compressor equals the amount of oil in the old one. Use a digital scale to weigh both the old and new compressors. Turn the new compressor upside down to drain a small amount of oil into a clean, dry collection container, and then re-weigh the new A/C compressor. Repeat this process until the new A/C compressor weighs the same as the old one. If necessary, the collected oil can be reused later for A/C system recharge.
- If the recovery procedure is being performed in order to replace a defective A/C components other than the compressor, drain all oil from the defective components and measure the quantity of oil recovered.
- Add the quantity of oil recovered in step 23 to the quantity of oil recovered from defective components other than the A/C compressor in step 25, and record this value in the notes section of the Repair Order. This value is the quantity of oil to add during A/C system recharge.
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Consider your next step:
- If servicing an A/C
system component, disconnect the red and blue hoses from the high and
low pressure ports, carefully depress the Schrader valves (x2) to
release the vacuum from the A/C lines, and then perform the service
procedures that required refrigerant recovery.CAUTIONMake sure to depress both Schrader valves. Failure to do so may result in injury.
- If recharging the vehicle's A/C system, see Recharge (Original Model 3).
- If servicing an A/C
system component, disconnect the red and blue hoses from the high and
low pressure ports, carefully depress the Schrader valves (x2) to
release the vacuum from the A/C lines, and then perform the service
procedures that required refrigerant recovery.
Recharge (Heat Pump Model 3)
-
Touch Next to recharge A/C refrigerant.
CAUTIONFor Robinair machines, DO NOT accept the step to clear out residual oil. Press ESC to decline.
- When refrigerant is recharged, touch Next to start the "End of Charge" process.
- When prompted, close the high and low valves on the machine, and then tap NEXT.
- On the touchscreen, touch the "Start" button next to "Stop Thermal Fill Drain", and then touch Run Task. Close the pop-up window once the routine has passed.
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On the touchscreen, touch the "Start" button next to "Run Heat Pump Commissioning", and then close the pop-up window once the routine has passed.
NoteThe status for the routine will change from "INACTIVE" to "RUNNING" once started.
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On the vehicle touchscreen, set the A/C system to the following, and then tap NEXT on the A/C machine.
- A/C power: On
- Temp: LO
- Airflow Controllers: On
- Fresh Air Mode: On
- Blower Speed: 3
- On the A/C machine, verify the discharge pressure does not exceed 26 bar and suction pressure is not below 1.15 bar, and then tap NEXT.
- Turn the vehicle A/C off and allow the pressures to stabilize, as indicated on the A/C machine.
- Close and remove the high pressure hose from the vehicle, and then tap NEXT.
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On the vehicle touchscreen, set the A/C system to the following.
- A/C power: On
- Temp: LO
- Airflow Controllers: On
- Fresh Air Mode: On
- Blower Speed: 3
- Allow the A/C system pressures to stabilize, and then close and remove the low pressure hose.
- Follow the instructions on the A/C machine to clear the A/C hoses.
- Install the caps on the A/C high pressure and low pressure ports.
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Access the thermal system service touchscreen menu: Touch the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI) > Diagnostics > Thermal.
NoteOn vehicles with older firmware, touch Quick Controls > Service Mode > Diagnostics > Thermal.
-
Scroll up on the touchscreen, touch the "Start" button next to "Test Thermal Performance", and then close the pop-up window once the routine has passed.
NoteThe status for the routine will change from "INACTIVE" to "RUNNING" once started.
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Scroll up on the touchscreen, touch the "Start" button next to "Test HVAC Performance", and then close the pop-up window once the routine has passed.
NoteThe status for the routine will change from "INACTIVE" to "RUNNING" once started.
- If previously removed, install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
- Disable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
Recharge (Original Model 3)
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Consider your first step:
- If you have installed A/C system components, perform steps that close the A/C system from ambient air, and then reconnect the red and blue hoses to the high and low pressure ports.
- Otherwise, go to step 2.
-
Follow the A/C machine instructions to pull a vacuum into the vehicle's A/C system.
NoteIn order to fully purge refrigerant and remove air, moisture, and contaminants, it is important to apply the appropriate vacuum for 30-45 minutes.
- Set the refrigerant charge to 660 g.
- Fill the oil supply bottle with the quantity of the appropriate type of A/C oil as determined in Recovery (Original Model 3). See Fluids and Capacities for A/C oil specifications.
- If necessary, select the "UV Dye" option to inject leak detection dye during recharge (Robinair AC1234-7 A/C machines).
- Initiate the recharge procedure through the high pressure hose.
- Perform service procedures that can be concurrent with refrigerant recharge.
- Disconnect the red and blue hoses from the high and low pressure ports and return them to the A/C machine.
- Install the caps on the A/C high pressure and low pressure ports.
- Perform any pending service procedures.
- Turn on the cabin A/C and verify operation.
- Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).