2026-01-28

Cover - Inverter - Drive Unit - Front (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 39201002 2.16 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 proper PPE is worn when performing the below procedure.

  • 2026-01-28: Updated intermediate shaft to steering gear torque value. Updated images. Added links to ODIN routines.
  • 2023-04-25: Updated "screw clip" to "brush clip".

Remove

  1. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  2. Lower LH front window
  3. Place the vehicle in Service Mode. See Service Mode (Enable and Disable)
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift
  5. Set steering wheel straight ahead. Install a bubble level on the yoke steering wheel, if equipped.
  6. Lock the steering wheel into center position.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Protect the seat from damage.
  7. Disable HV power. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure
  8. Release the compressor bracket from the multi-system beam. See Bracket - Compressor (Remove and Replace)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The compressor bracket does not need to be fully removed from the vehicle.
  9. Remove the ground strap from front drive unit
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E10
  10. Support the LH side of the FDU with a ratchet strap.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Route ratchet strap around the thermal beam. Be cautious of surrounding components. Do not route over air lines or harnesses. Adjust the vehicle as needed to secure the strap.
  11. Remove the bolts (x2) that secure the LH FDU mount.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use a pry bar between the steering rack and the drive unit to maneuver as needed for bolt removal.
  12. Remove the bolts (x2) that secure the clevis mount to the isolator mount.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
  13. Remove the bolt that secures the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  14. Slide the steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
  15. Place a coolant catcher below the LH front of the vehicle.
  16. Release the FDU inverter to oil cooler hose from the fluid coupling.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x spring clip, 1x fir tree clip, 2x plugs. Place absorbent material below the hose.
  17. Remove the bolts (x3) that secure the isolator mount to the FDU, and remove the isolator mount from the FDU.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
  18. Disconnect the RDU LV connector.
  19. Release the rear PT hose from the FDU inverter.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Place absorbent material below hose
  20. Release the bolt that secures the FDU HV harness
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx Plus EP10
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Bolt is accessed from the frunk area.
  21. Disconnect the FDU HV harness and release the FDU HV harness tab from the front inverter.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Release the red locking tab and carefully disengage the lever to remove the connector. Release the tab from the inverter.
  22. Move the FDU HV harness aside for clearance to avoid contact.
  23. Release the clips (x2), then remove the FDU inverter insulator cover.

Install

  1. Install the insulator cover onto the front inverter. Secure the clips (x2).
  2. Secure the FDU HV harness clip to the front inverter and connect the HV harness
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Secure the tab onto the front inverter and engage red locking tab on connector
  3. Install the bolt that secures the FDU HV harness.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
  4. Secure the rear PT hose to the FDU inverter
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Perform push-pull-push test. Remove any plugs from the hose.
  5. Secure the FDU logic connector.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Engage the locking tab.
  6. Secure the FDU inverter to the oil cooler hose from the fluid coupling.
  7. Remove the coolant catcher from under the vehicle.
  8. Slide the lower electric steering column onto the steering gear and install the bolt.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    27 Nm (19.9 lbs-ft)
  9. Install the bolts (x3) that secure the isolator mount.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    35 Nm (25.8 lbs-ft)
  10. Loosely install the bolts (x2) that secure the isolator mount to the clevis mount.
  11. Install the the bolts (x2) that secure the clevis mount to the body
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    65 Nm (47.9 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use a pry bar between the steering rack and drive unit to maneuver as needed for bolt installation.
  12. Torque the bolts that secure the clevis mount to isolator mount
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    62 Nm (45.7 lbs-ft)
  13. Install the FDU ground strap to FDU assembly, then torque the bolt.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E10
    6 Nm (4.4 lbs-ft)
  14. Install the compressor bracket onto the multi-system beam. See Bracket - Compressor (Remove and Replace)
  15. Lower the vehicle fully.
  16. Connect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not reinstall the rear underhood apron yet.
  17. Remove the bubble level from the yoke steering wheel, if equipped.
  18. Remove the steering wheel holder from the vehicle.
  19. Run TEST_VCFRONT_X_THERMAL-COOLANT-AIR-PURGE-STARTvia Toolbox: (link)
  20. Inspect coolant level and top off as necessary
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ensure that the fluid level is at the Max line.
  21. Install the coolant bottle cap.
  22. Install the underhood storage assembly. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Install)
  23. Close hood
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Press firmly in green highlighted areas. Damage may result from pressing elsewhere.
  24. Run ODIN routine PROC_ICE_X_EXIT-SERVICE-MODEvia Toolbox: (link)
  25. Remove the vehicle from the lift.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Lower lift arms fully and remove them from under vehicle, Remove air suspension from "Jack Mode"
  26. Raise all windows.
  27. Close all doors.