2026-04-08

A/C Compressor (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 18203912 1.62 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. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure proper PPE is worn when performing the below procedure.

  • 2026-04-08: Updated the step to configure the compressor type.
  • 2026-02-06: Added Note that correction code 18200102 must be added separately and updated procedure to flush A/C system and install compressor without oil weighing/adjustment.
  • 2025-08-18: Added to caution to check for debris when replacing compressor.
  • 2023-10-31: Reorganized the procedure.
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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 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.

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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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CAUTION
The desiccant bag in the receiver dryer must be checked when replacing the A/C compressor to determine if debris resulting from failure of the compressor has entered the system.
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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 correction within the same activity to the Service Visit.

Remove

  1. Recover the A/C refrigerant. See Recovery.
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    Note
    Recover the refrigerant while continuing this procedure.
  2. Perform Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure.
  3. Release the connector locking tab, then disconnect the A/C logic electrical connector from the A/C compressor.
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    Note
    DO NOT push down on the red locking tab. Pull the tab away from the connector until the connector is unlocked, and then continue pulling to release the connector.
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    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  4. Use a clip pry tool to release the retaining clip that attaches the A/C compressor logic harness to the A/C compressor HV harness bracket.
  5. Remove the bolt that attaches the A/C compressor HV harness bracket to the A/C compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  6. Disconnect the HV harness electrical connector from the A/C compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 45 degree tip, 6 in
  7. Remove the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the A/C compressor, and then move the ground strap aside.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T25 socket
    • 2 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  8. Use a clip pry tool to release the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  9. Remove the powertrain coolant pump from the A/C compressor bracket.
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    Note
    Slide the coolant pump assembly away from the A/C compressor bracket.
  10. Remove the A/C hoses from vehicle.
  11. Depress the Shrader valves to release the vacuum from the A/C system.
  12. Remove the nut that attaches the low pressure fitting to the A/C compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  13. Remove the nut that attaches the high pressure fitting to the A/C compressor, and then set the hose assembly aside.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  14. Remove the A/C compressor bracket. See Bracket - Compressor (Remove and Replace).
  15. Remove the desiccant. See Desiccant (Remove and Replace).
  16. Install the new accumulator cap and snap ring into the accumulator.
  17. Install the nuts that attach the A/C flush adapters to the A/C high pressure and low pressure ports.
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    Note
    The high pressure and low pressure ports are of different sizes, make sure to match the hose couplers accordingly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • 3 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  18. Connect the A/C machine hoses to the A/C flush adapters.
  19. On the A/C machine touchscreen, select Menu > FLUSHING KIT, and enter 25 mins vacuum time. Follow the machine guide to start the flush, and then allow the process to complete.
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    Note
    System flush procedure runs for approximately 90 minutes and performs multiple flush cycles.
  20. Take note of the part numbers on the old and new compressors.

Install

  1. Install a new desiccant. See Desiccant (Remove and Replace).
  2. Install the acoustic blanket onto the new A/C compressor.
  3. Install the A/C compressor bracket. See Bracket - Compressor (Remove and Replace).
  4. Install HV harness bracket to A/C compressor.
  5. Replace the O-rings on the high pressure and low pressure supermanifold to A/C compressor hose fittings.
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    Note
    O-ring for high pressure line: 1111738-00-A WASHER, 1/2,STL ZN, SEAL.
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    Note
    O-ring for low pressure line: 1111740-00-A WASHER, 3/4,STL ZN, SEAL.
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    Note
    Lubricate O-rings with ND-11 oil prior to installation.
  6. Position the supermanifold to A/C compressor high pressure fitting on the A/C compressor, and then install the nut that attaches the fitting to the A/C compressor.
    22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  7. Position the supermanifold to A/C compressor low pressure fitting on the A/C compressor, and then install the nut that attaches the fitting to the A/C compressor.
    22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  8. Reconnect the A/C machine hoses to the vehicle.
  9. Perform a vacuum test and recharge the refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge).
  10. After charging is complete, remove the A/C hoses from the vehicle, and then install the caps onto the A/C ports.
  11. Connect the HV harness electrical connector to the A/C compressor.
  12. Install the bolt that attaches the A/C compressor HV harness bracket to the A/C compressor.
    9 Nm (6.6 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  13. Install the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the A/C compressor.
    7 Nm (5.2 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T25 socket
    • 2 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  14. Install the powertrain coolant pump to the A/C compressor bracket.
  15. Fasten the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  16. Connect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  17. Connect a LV maintainer. See LV Maintainer (Connect and Disconnect).
  18. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  19. Set the compressor Type using the touchscreen:
    • For vehicles that run firmware version 2026.2.3 or later (NA/EMEA) or 2025.44.32 or later (APAC), touch Thermal > Actions > Configure Compressor, and then touch Run to start the routine.
    • For vehicles that run earlier firmware versions, touch Thermal > Actions > Thermal Configurations > compressorType, and then select and save the correct compressor type
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    Note
    In case the routine did not complete successfully, refer to Toolbox article 5696900 for compressor configuration.
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    Note
    Check the Gateway configuration for compressorType and make sure it shows as intended.
  20. Reinstall the firmware. See Firmware Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  21. On the touchscreen, perform the following steps:
    1. Touch Thermal > Refrigerant > Reset Compressor P-Metric, click Run to start the routine.
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      Note
      Make sure the routine is passed, then touch Close to close it.
    2. Touch Thermal > Refrigerant System > Run Heat Pump Commissioning and select Run to start the routine.
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      Note
      Make sure the routine is passed, then touch Close to close it.
    3. Touch Thermal > Actions > Test Thermal 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.
  22. Disconnect the LV maintainer. See LV Maintainer (Connect and Disconnect).
  23. Exit Service Mode.
  24. Install the wiper module. See Wiper Module (Remove and Replace).
  25. Install the cowl screen panel. See Panel - Cowl Screen (Remove and Replace).
  26. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  27. Connect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  28. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  29. Calibrate the rear doors.
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    Note
    If the "Calibration Needed" message appears on the vehicle touchscreen, press and hold Calibrate to calibrate the rear doors.