2025-03-12

AC COMPRESSOR (Remove and Install)

Correction code 1820020101 FRT 0.00 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 wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning

Only technicians who have been trained in High Voltage Awareness and have completed all required certification courses (if applicable) are permitted to perform this procedure. 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.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
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 activity to the Service Visit.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications: AC COMPRESSOR (Remove and Install)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Bolt that attaches the ground strap to the A/C compressor
7 Nm (5.2 lbs-ft)
  • Torx T25 socket
Reuse
Bolts (x2) that attach the A/C compressor assembly to the strut tower brace
31 Nm (22.9 lbs-ft)
  • 15 mm socket
Reuse
Bolts (x3) that attach the A/C compressor bracket to the A/C compressor
9 Nm (6.6 lbs-ft)
  • 10 mm socket
Reuse
Nut that attaches the supermanifold to low pressure fitting to the compressor
22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
Reuse
Nut that attaches the supermanifold to high pressure fitting to the compressor
22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
Reuse
Bolt that attaches the A/C compressor HV harness bracket to the A/C compressor
9 Nm (6.6 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket

Remove

  1. Set up the AC machine.
  2. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  3. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Refrigerant System > Start Thermal Fill Drain (Refrigerant only) > Run, and allow the routine to complete.
  4. Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See SERVICE KIT - HEPA AND CARBON FILTERS (Remove and Replace).
  5. Disconnect the LV battery. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  6. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  7. Perform Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure.
  8. Remove the LV battery. See 16V LI - ION BATTERY (Remove and Install).
  9. Release the connector locking tab, and then disconnect the HVIL connector near the LH front strut tower.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    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.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  10. Release the connector locking tab, then disconnect the A/C logic electrical connector from the A/C compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    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.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  14. Release the tab that attaches the HV harness to the A/C compressor, and set it aside.
  15. Remove the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the A/C compressor, and then set the ground strap aside.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T25 socket
  16. Use a clip pry tool to release the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  17. Use a clip pry tool to release the clips (x4) that attach the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  18. Recover the A/C refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Maintenance).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Make sure there is no pressure in the A/C system before performing the following steps. Failure to do so may result in damage to components and/or personal injury.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    HFO-R1234yf and R134a are considered hazardous and, if handled incorrectly, can cause serious injury. Suitable personal protective equipment, consisting of face and eye protection, safety glasses, face shield, heat-proof gloves, chemical resistant gloves, rubber boots and apron or waterproof overall must be worn when carrying out operations on the air conditioning system.
  19. Remove the nut that attaches the low pressure fitting to the compressor, then move the line aside for clearance.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  20. Remove the nut that attaches the high pressure fitting to the compressor, then move the line aside for clearance.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  21. Install plugs to the high pressure and low pressure opening ports of the compressor, and then hand-tighten the bolts.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the ports are fully covered.
  22. 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.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
  23. Remove the bolts (x3) that attach the A/C compressor bracket to the A/C compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
  24. Release the buttons that attach the NVH acoustic cover to the compressor, and then remove the cover from the compressor.

Install

  1. Install the NVH acoustic cover onto the compressor, and then install the buttons that attach the cover to the compressor.
  2. Position the A/C compressor bracket on the A/C compressor, and then install the bolts (x3) that attach the bracket to the compressor.
    9 Nm (6.6 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
  3. 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)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
  4. Remove the bolts and covers from the low pressure and high pressure opening ports.
  5. Replace the O-rings on the high pressure and low pressure supermanifold to A/C compressor hose fittings.
  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
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  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
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  8. Perform the vacuum leak test and oil injection, and A/C refrigerant recharge. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Maintenance).
  9. Install the clips (x4) that attach the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  10. Install the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  11. Position the ground strap on the A/C compressor, and then 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
  12. Install the tab that attaches the HV harness to the A/C compressor.
  13. Connect the HV harness electrical connector to the A/C compressor.
  14. 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
  15. Install the retaining clip that attaches the A/C compressor logic harness to the A/C compressor HV harness bracket.
  16. Connect the A/C compressor logic electrical connector to the A/C compressor, and then engage the locking tab.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Push the red locking tab into the connector to engage the locking mechanism. DO NOT push down or pull up on the red locking tab.
  17. Connect the HVIL connector near the LH front strut tower, and then engage the locking tab.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Push the red locking tab into the connector to engage the locking mechanism. DO NOT push down or pull up on the red locking tab.
  18. Install LV power. See 16V LI - ION BATTERY (Remove and Install).
  19. Install the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See 2ND ROW SEAT CUSHION (Remove and Replace).
  20. Connect the LV battery. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  21. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  22. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Sensors and Valves > Run Heat Pump Commissioning > Run, and close once the routine is passed.
  23. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  24. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  25. Install the HEPA filter assembly. See SERVICE KIT - HEPA AND CARBON FILTERS (Remove and Replace).