2025-06-10

Heat Exchanger - Front Drive Unit (Remove and Install)

Correction code 39308512 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 to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. To provide feedback on FRT values, email ServiceManualFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

  • 2025-06-06: Updated procedure without compressor removal.
  • 2025-01-28: Revised procedure and added references.

Removal

  1. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  2. Remove the HEPA filter. See Filter - HEPA (Remove and Replace).
  3. Disconnect 12V power. See Disconnect 12V Power.
  4. Clamp the coolant hose.
  5. Move coolant hose to create additional clearance.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use a clip pry tool to remove the clip holding the coolant hose, then lower the hose to allow for additional clearance.
  6. Remove the upper bolt that attaches the heat exchanger to the FDU.
  7. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  8. Remove the bolts that attach the front bash plate extrusion.
  9. Remove and discard the bolts (x2) that attach the front of the HV battery.
  10. Remove and discard the front HV battery bolts (x4).
  11. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the skid plate to the front subframe.
  12. Position an oil drain container under the oil pump area.
  13. Disconnect the front drive unit oil pump connector.
  14. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the oil pump to the FDU.
  15. Remove the oil pump from the FDU.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Pry the pump away from the FDU with a pry tool or flat blade screwdriver. Make sure that the FDU casting is not damaged. Allow the oil to drain from the FDU.
  16. Position a foldable funnel under the FDU.
  17. Remove the oil filter from the FDU.
  18. Remove foldable funnel
  19. Remove the oil drain container from under the vehicle.
  20. Position coolant drain container under the LH front corner of the vehicle to catch vehicle coolant
  21. Release the FDU outlet hose from the heat exchanger and plug the heat exchanger.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x spring clip. Allow excess coolant to fully drain.
  22. Release the upper coolant hose from the heat exchanger and plug the heat exchanger.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x spring clip. Allow excess coolant to fully drain.
  23. Remove the fir tree clip from the heat exchanger and move hose aside
  24. Remove the lower bolt that attaches the heat exchanger to the FDU.
  25. Remove the heat exchanger from the FDU assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Some oil will spill out of the FDU after removal

Installation

  1. Inspect seals of the new heat exchanger
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Replace any damaged seals. Lubricate with drive unit oil before installation
  2. Position the heat exchanger onto the FDU assembly.
  3. Install the lower fastener securing the heat exchanger to the FDU.
    5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft) + 30deg
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, EP10, 5 Nm + 30 degrees
  4. Install the clip securing the upper coolant hose to the heat exchanger
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x fir tree clip
  5. Install the upper coolant hose onto the heat exchanger .
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x spring clip. Perform a push-pull-push test.
  6. Install the FDU outlet hose onto the heat exchanger.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x spring clip. Perform a push-pull-push test.
  7. Install the clip that attaches the oil pump harness pigtail to the heat exchanger.
  8. Remove the coolant drain container from under the LH front of the vehicle.
  9. Position an oil drain container under the oil pump area.
  10. Remove the fill plug from the FDU.
  11. Inspect seals and o-rings
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect O-rings on removed parts, 3 O-rings on pump, one O-ring on fill plug. if missing O-ring on pump, ensure it is not left in housing. If damaged O-ring on plug, replace plug. Replace all O-rings on oil pump if damaged. Check seal on oil filter; if missing, check if still on housing and remove before installing.
  12. Install the new oil filter.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Spin clockwise, 3 Nm and 135 degrees. Lubricate seal prior to installation.
  13. Install the oil pump into the FDU
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use residual oil in the oil pump cavity to lubricate the seals of the oil pump before installation, Align bolt holes with housing
  14. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the oil pump to the FDU.
    5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft) + 20 deg
  15. Set up fill kit.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Set fluid level to 2000 ml in measuring container
  16. Install fluid transfer pump
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Trim both input and output hoses to 26". Insert output hose into the fill hole until fully seated, then pull back 5 mm.
  17. Set up the fill process.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Place measured fluid container in drain basket, fully submerge input hose, prime pump with ATF fluid.
  18. Connect the 12V power supply tool connector to the oil pump.
  19. Pump ATF fluid into the front drive unit
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Assistant required. Pump 5 full strokes from the fluid container, then run the pump via the switch box for entire fill and keep running until drain plug installed. Do not run pump when dry. If pump is not running and drain plug not installed, fluid will drain from the plug within 10 seconds.
  20. Install the fill plug into the FDU.
    15 Nm (11.1 lbs-ft)
  21. Disconnect the 12V power supply tool from oil pump
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x electrical connector
  22. Connect the front drive unit oil pump connector
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x electrical connector
  23. Clean area with brake cleaner and wipe residual fluid off with a towel.
  24. Remove the oil drain container from under the vehicle.
  25. Install the skid plate between the battery pack and subframe.
  26. Install the bolts (x2) to attach the skid plate to the subframe.
    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
  27. Install new patch bolts (x4) at the front of the HV battery with battery powered drill
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    4x patch bolts, 30 Nm. Install new patch bolts, Do not over tighten bolts. Torque at a later step.
  28. Torque the front bolts of the HV battery to 30 Nm.
  29. Install new 21mm bolts (x2) at the front of HV battery with battery powered drill.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not over tighten the bolts. Torque at a later step.
  30. Torque the bolts (x2) that attach the front of HV battery to the vehicle to 115 Nm.
  31. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the front bash plate extrusion.
    16 Nm (11.8 lbs-ft)
  32. Install the front aero shield. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  33. Install the upper fastener that attaches the heat exchanger to the FDU.
    5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft) + 30 deg
  34. Install the clip to hold the coolant hose in place.
  35. Remove the coolant hose clamp.
  36. Reconnect 12V power. See Disconnect 12V Power.
  37. Perform a coolant air purge. See Cooling System - Partial Refill and Bleed.
  38. Install the HEPA filter. See Filter - HEPA (Remove and Replace).
  39. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).