Gearbox Fluid - Front Drive Unit (Drain and Refill)
Correction code 39300202 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 proper PPE is worn when performing the below procedure.
- 2024-04-05: Updated gearbox fluid information with link.
- 2024-02-06: Updated gearbox fluid to KAF1.
- 2023-08-04: Updated procedure to latest GSD validation of July 3rd, 2023.
- 2023-07-20: Reorganized the procedure.
Drain
-
Prepare the vehicle for lifting, but
do not yet raise the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
NoteMake sure to set the air suspension to "Jack Mode".
- Open the LH front door and lower the window.
- Disconnect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
- Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height.
- Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace)
- Remove the front skid plate. See Skidplate - Front (Remove and Replace).
- Position an oil drain container under the front drive unit oil pump area.
-
Disconnect the front drive unit oil
pump connector.
-
Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the
front drive unit oil pump to the drive unit, and then remove the oil pump from the front
drive unit.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 4 in extension
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- External Torx Plus EP10
NotePry the pump away from the front drive unit with a pry tool or flat blade screwdriver on both tabs. Take care not to damage the front drive unit casting. Allow the oil to drain from the front drive unit. -
Position a foldable funnel under the
front drive unit oil filter.
-
Remove the oil filter from the front
drive unit.
-
Remove the fill plug from the front
drive unit.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 8 mm hex
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Refill
-
Inspect seals and O-rings.
NoteMake sure that the O-ring is on the fill plug, the 3 O-rings are on the oil pump, and no O-rings are stuck in the front drive unit assembly.NoteIf an O-ring is damaged on the oil pump, install a new O-ring.NoteIf the O-ring is damaged on the fill plug, install a new fill plug or O-ring.NoteIf the oil filter was removed, check that the seal is on the oil filter and not on the front drive unit assembly.
-
Install a new front drive unit oil
filter, torque to 3 Nm + 135 degrees.
NoteLubricate the oil seal prior to installation.
- Remove the foldable funnel from the subframe.
-
Position the oil pump into the front
drive unit.
NoteUse residual oil in the oil pump cavity to lubricate the oil seals of the oil pump before installation.
-
Install the bolts (x2) that attach the
oil pump to the front drive unit.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 4 in extension
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- External Torx Plus EP10
- Torque wrench with angle measurement
-
Set up the fill kit with new gearbox
fluid.
NoteRefer to Fluids to determine which gearbox fluid is applicable.NoteSet fluid level to 2.0 L in the measuring container. The front drive unit will only take 1.8 L.
-
Install the fluid transfer pump to the
front drive unit.
NoteTrim both input and output hoses to 26" (66 cm). Insert output hose into fill hole until it is fully seated, then pull back 5 mm.
-
Set up the fill process.
NotePut the fluid container with new gearbox fluid in the drain basket, fully submerge the input hose, and then prime pump with new gearbox fluid.
-
Connect the 12V power supply tool to
the front drive unit oil pump.
-
Pump the new gearbox fluid into the
front drive unit.
NoteAssistant required. Pump 5 full strokes from the fluid container, then run the pump via the switch box for entire fill and keep the pump running until the drain plug installed. Do not run pump when dry. If the pump is running and the drain plug is not installed, fluid will drain from plug within 10 seconds. Pump in 1.8L of fluid. Leftover fluid should be less that 200 ml.
-
Install the front drive unit fill plug
into the front drive unit.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 8 mm hex
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- Ratchet/torque wrench
- ¼ in to 3/8 in adapter
-
Disconnect the 12V power supply tool
from the front drive unit oil pump.
-
Connect the front drive unit oil pump
connector.
-
Clean the affected area with brake
cleaner.
NoteWipe residual fluid off with a shop towel.
- Remove the oil drain container from under the vehicle.
- Install the front skid plate. See Skidplate - Front (Remove and Replace).
- Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace)
- Lower the vehicle until the tires are touching the floor.
- Connect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
- Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).