2026-10-30

A/C Compressor (Model Y L) (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 18200600402 FRT 1.38 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and its associated 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 you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

Warning
This procedure is a DRAFT. Although it has been validated, Warnings and Cautions might be missing. Follow safety requirements and use extreme caution when working on or near High Voltage systems and components.
  • 2026-10-30: Released new procedure.
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.

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.
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.
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. Set up the A/C machine.
    Note
    Touch time only. Connect to power. Turn power switch on.
  2. Raise and support vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2-Post Lift.
  3. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  4. Enable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  5. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  6. On the touchscreen, touch the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then touch Thermal > Refrigerant System > Start Refrigerant Fill/Drain > Run, and allow the routine to complete.
    Note
    Thermal Fill Drain routine has a 5 hour time limit. If the run time exceeds 5 hours, the routine must be performed again.
  7. Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See HEPA Filter Assembly (Remove and Replace).
  8. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  9. Recover the A/C refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Restore).
  10. Disconnect the LV battery. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect) (Modify).
  11. Perform Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure.
  12. Remove the LV battery. See LV Battery (Remove and Install).
  13. Release the connector locking tab, and then disconnect the HVIL connector near the LH front strut tower.
    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.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  14. Release the connector locking tab, then disconnect the A/C logic electrical connector from the A/C compressor.
    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.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  15. 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.
  16. Inspect and put on HV insulating gloves and leather over gloves.
  17. Remove the bolt that attaches the A/C compressor HV harness bracket to the A/C compressor.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  18. Disconnect the HV harness electrical connector from the A/C compressor.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Small flat head screwdriver
  19. Release the tab that attaches the HV harness to the A/C compressor, and set it aside.
  20. Remove leather over gloves and HV insulating gloves.
  21. Remove the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the A/C compressor, and then set the ground strap aside.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T25 socket
  22. Use a clip pry tool to release the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  23. Use a clip pry tool to release the clips (x4) that attach the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  24. Remove the nut that attaches the low pressure fitting to the compressor, then move the line aside for clearance.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  25. Remove the nut that attaches the high pressure fitting to the compressor, then move the line aside for clearance.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  26. Seal the low pressure and high pressure opening ports on the A/C compressor with masking tape to prevent debris from entering and oil leakage.
  27. With an assistant, remove the bolts (x2) that attach the A/C compressor assembly to the strut tower brace, and then carefully maneuver the assembly towards the front of the vehicle, under the strut tower support brace.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
  28. Remove the bolts (x3) that attach the A/C compressor bracket to the A/C compressor.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
  29. Release the buttons that attach the NVH acoustic cover to the compressor, and then remove the cover from the compressor.
    Note
    The acoustic cover can be reused if not damaged.
  30. Install the A/C flush adapters onto the supermanifold to compressor A/C line assembly.
    Note
    2x nuts, 13mm, 22 Nm. Install flush adapters onto suction and discharge lines on the compressor side. Leave seal washers on A/C manifold line. Use 13mm nuts from compressor to secure flush adapters.
  31. Connect A/C machine hoses to A/C flush adapters.
  32. 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.
    Note
    A minimum of 3200 g of refrigerant is needed in the tank to run the system flush procedure. System flush procedure runs for approximately 90 minutes.
  33. Disconnect the A/C machine hoses from the A/C flush adapters.
  34. Remove the nuts (x2) that secure the A/C flush adapters and remove the adapters.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 3 in extension
    • 13 mm socket
    • Cordless 3/8in Dr Impact
  35. Remove the underhood storage unit reinforcement beam from the vehicle. See Beam - Reinforcement - Frunk (Remove and Replace).
    Note
    No need to remove the cooling fan isolation brackets.
  36. Remove the desiccant filter. See Desiccant (V2) (Remove and Replace).

Install

  1. Install the desiccant filter. See Desiccant (V2) (Remove and Replace).
  2. Install the underhood storage unit reinforcement beam. See Beam - Reinforcement - Frunk (Remove and Replace).
  3. Confirm part numbers of new and old compressors to update the configuration in later steps.
    Note
    Refer to article https://toolbox.teslamotors.com/articles/5696900 for compressor configuration.
  4. Install the NVH acoustic cover to the compressor.
    Note
    Acoustic cover can be reused if not damaged.
  5. Install the buttons (x8) that secure the acoustic cover to the compressor.
  6. Install the bolts (x3) that attach the A/C compressor bracket to the A/C compressor.
    9 Nm (6.6 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
  7. With an assistant supporting the A/C compressor assembly under the strut tower brace, hand-start the bolts (x2) that attach the A/C compressor assembly to the brace, and then torque the bolts.
    31 Nm (22.9 lbs-ft)
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
  8. Remove the bolts and covers from the low pressure and high pressure opening ports on the new compressor.
    Note
    2x plugs, 2xbolts, 13mm
  9. Replace the O-rings on the high pressure and low pressure supermanifold to A/C compressor hose fittings.
    Note
    O-ring for high pressure line: 1111738-00-A WASHER, 1/2,STL ZN, SEAL.
    Note
    O-ring for low pressure line: 1111740-00-A WASHER, 3/4,STL ZN, SEAL.
    Note
    Lubricate O-rings with ND-11 oil prior to installation.
  10. 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)
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  11. 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)
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  12. Install the clips (x4) that secure the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
    \
  13. Install the clip that secure the radiator inlet hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  14. Position the ground strap on the A/C compressor, and then install the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the A/C compressor.
    6 Nm (4.4 lbs-ft)
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T25 socket
  15. Inspect and put on HV insulating gloves and leather over gloves.
    Note
    Use HV cut resistant insulated gloves or HV insulating gloves and leather over gloves. HV Insulating gloves must be worn any time a Hioki Tester or Hi-Pot Tester is used. Refer to service document TN-15-92-003 R5 for PPE requirements depending on vehicle configuration.
  16. Install the tab that attaches the HV harness to the A/C compressor.
  17. Connect the HV harness electrical connector to the A/C compressor.
  18. Install the bolt that attach the A/C compressor HV harness bracket to the A/C compressor.
    22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  19. Remove leather over gloves and HV insulating gloves.
  20. Install the clip securing harness to HV harness bracket.
  21. Connect the A/C compressor logic connector and engage the locking tab.
  22. Connect the HVIL connector and engage the locking tab.
  23. Reconnect A/C machine hoses to vehicle
  24. Perform the vacuum leak test and recharge the refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Restore).
  25. Install the LV battery. See LV Battery (Remove and Install).
  26. Connect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect) (Modify).
  27. Connect a low-voltage battery maintainer. See LV Maintainer (Connect and Disconnect) (Maintenance).
  28. Connect a laptop with Toolbox to the vehicle. See Toolbox (Connect and Disconnect).
  29. On the vehicle touchscreen, touch Thermal > Refrigerant System > Stop Refrigerant Fill/Drain > Run, and allow the routine to complete.
  30. 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
    Note
    In case the routine did not complete successfully, refer to Toolbox article 5696900 for compressor configuration.
    Note
    Check the Gateway configuration for compressorType and make sure it shows as intended.
  31. Reinstall the software. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  32. Remove the LV maintainer. See LV Maintainer (Connect and Disconnect) (Maintenance).
  33. Run ODIN routine: PROC_VCFRONT_X_RESET-COMPRESSOR-P-METRICvia Service Mode:Thermal ➜ Refrigerant System ➜ Reset Compressor P-Metricvia Toolbox:(link)
  34. Run ODIN routine: TEST-SELF_VCFRONT_X_HEAT-PUMP-COMMISSIONINGvia Service Mode:Thermal ➜ Refrigerant System ➜ Commission Heat Pumpvia Service Mode Plus:Drive Inverter ➜ Front Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Heatpump commissioningvia Toolbox:(link)
  35. Run ODIN routine: TEST-SELF_VCFRONT_X_THERMAL-PERFORMANCEvia Service Mode:Thermal ➜ Actions ➜ Test Thermal Performancevia Service Mode Plus:
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Front Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Left Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Right Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Unit ➜ Front Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Unit ➜ Rear Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    via Toolbox:(link)
  36. Remove the laptop from the vehicle.
  37. Exit Service Mode Plus. See Service Mode Plus.
  38. Install the HEPA filter assembly. See HEPA Filter Assembly (Remove and Replace).
  39. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  40. Raise the LH front window and close the LH front door.