2026-04-07

A/C Compressor (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 1820020102 FRT 1.08 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above 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.

  • 2026-04-07: Modified step to configure the compressor Type.
  • 2026-04-01: Added special tool numbers for tools used in this procedure.
  • 2026-02-05: Updated procedure to flush A/C system and install compressor without oil weighing/adjustment.
  • 2025-10-10: Added steps to weigh old compressor and match oil quantity in new compressor.
Special tools required for this procedure:
  • 1600279-00-A A/C OIL FLUSH ADAPTER SET, MODEL Y or 1600279-N0-BHEAT PUMP VEHICLE A/C FLUSHING FOR UNKNOWN OIL CONDITIONS
  • 1711245-00-A Snap On Ecotechnics Dual Gas AC Machine, includes Flush Adapter Kit R134A & R1234YF or
  • 1120026-01-A A/C SERVICE MACHINE, WAECO, ASC5500 RPA
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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 correction within the same 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 A/C 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 Refrigerant Fill Drain > Run, and allow the routine to complete.
  4. Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See HEPA And Carbon Filters (Remove and Replace).
  5. Disconnect the LV battery. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect) (Modify).
  6. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  7. Recover the A/C refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Restore).
  8. Remove the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).
  9. Perform Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure.
  10. Remove the LV battery. See LV Battery (Remove and Install).
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Release the tab that attaches the HV harness to the A/C compressor, and set it aside.
  17. 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
  18. Use a clip pry tool to release the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  19. Use a clip pry tool to release the clips (x4) that attach the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  20. Remove the A/C machine lines from the vehicle.
  21. Press the Shrader valves (x2) to release any vacuum from the A/C system.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. Release the buttons that attach the NVH acoustic cover to the compressor, and then remove the cover from the compressor.
  28. Remove the desiccant. See Desiccant (Remove and Replace).
  29. Install the new desiccant cap and snap ring into the accumulator.
  30. Install A/C flush adapters onto the A/C manifold to compressor line.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use the 13 mm nuts from the compressor to attach the 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.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    System flush procedure runs for approximately 90 minutes.
  33. Note the part numbers and serial numbers of the old and new A/C compressors.

Install

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
The new A/C compressor is pre-filled with oil. DO NOT add any additional oil to the new A/C compressor.
  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 on the new compressor.
  5. Once flushing is complete, remove the A/C flush adapters.
  6. Replace the O-rings on the high pressure and low pressure supermanifold to A/C compressor hose fittings.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    O-ring for high pressure line: 1111738-00-A WASHER, 1/2,STL ZN, SEAL.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    O-ring for low pressure line: 1111740-00-A WASHER, 3/4,STL ZN, SEAL.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Lubricate O-rings with ND-11 oil prior to installation.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Install a new desiccant. See Desiccant (Remove and Replace).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Reuse the accumulator cap and the snap ring used during flushing.
  10. Perform the vacuum leak test and recharge the refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge) (Restore).
  11. Install the clips (x4) that attach the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  12. Install the clip that attaches the coolant hose to the A/C compressor bracket.
  13. 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
  14. Install the tab that attaches the HV harness to the A/C compressor.
  15. Connect the HV harness electrical connector to the A/C compressor.
  16. 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
  17. Install the retaining clip that attaches the A/C compressor logic harness to the A/C compressor HV harness bracket.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. Install the LV battery. See LV Battery (Remove and Install).
  21. Connect the first responder loop, but leave the LV battery disconnected.
  22. Connect a low-voltage battery maintainer. See LV Maintainer (Connect and Disconnect) (Maintenance).
  23. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  24. 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
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    In case the routine did not complete successfully, refer to Toolbox article 5696900 for compressor configuration.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Check the Gateway configuration for compressorType and make sure it shows as intended.
  25. Reinstall the software. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  26. On the touchscreen, perform the following steps:
    1. Touch Thermal > Refrigerant > Reset Compressor P-Metric, click Run to start the routine.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      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.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      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.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Make sure the routine is passed, then touch Close to close it.
  27. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  28. Disconnect low-voltage battery maintainer and connect LV battery. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect) (Modify).
  29. Install the HEPA filter assembly. See HEPA And Carbon Filters (Remove and Replace).
  30. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).