2026-07-15

Cooling System (Vacuum Refill)

Correction code 18300400 0.60 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 wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-07-15: Added missing ODIN routine for PROC_VCFRONT_X_START-THERMAL-FILL-DRAIN.
  • 2026-07-08: Revised procedure to better reflect most recent PDS procedure.
  • 2026-03-03: Added step to monitor vacuum pressure for leaks before opening the coolant refill valve.
  • 2024-11-26: Added images of vacuum refill tool setup and added warning on incorrect use of the refill tool.
  • 2023-08-08: Added thermal test routine .
Equipment:
  • 1050448-00-A Refiller, Cooling System
  • 1050448-01-A Refiller, Cooling System (EMEA)
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Images shown in the procedure(s) are not model specific.

Procedure

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including a full face mask when performing this procedure.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Incorrect use of the Vacuum Refill Tool can result in rupture of the cooling system and possible flooding of High Voltage components.
  1. Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    It is important that the drive rails remain off throughout this procedure. If the drive rails become active, such as from touching the brake pedal, an error is displayed in Toolbox. If this happens, you must disable the drive rails, and repeat the step where the error occurred.
  2. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  3. Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Replace).
  4. Remove the fresh intake duct. See Duct - Fresh Intake (Remove and Replace).
  5. Enable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  6. Unlock the vehicle Gateway. See Gateway (Unlock)
  7. Perform the following routine using Service Mode or Toolbox (see 0005 - Service Modes): PROC_VCFRONT_X_START-THERMAL-FILL-DRAINvia Service Mode:
    • Thermal ➜ Actions ➜ Start Thermal Fill/Drain
    • Thermal ➜ Coolant System ➜ Start Coolant Fill/Drain
    • Thermal ➜ Refrigerant System ➜ Start Refrigerant Fill/Drain
    via Service Mode Plus:
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Front Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Start Fluid Fill/Drain
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Start Fluid Fill/Drain
    • Drive Unit ➜ Front Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Start Coolant Fill/Drain
    • Drive Unit ➜ Rear Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Start Coolant Fill/Drain
    via Toolbox:(link)
  8. Remove the cap from the coolant bottle.
  9. Place an empty coolant container in the front underhood storage.
  10. Set a container having at least 15 L of coolant in the front underhood storage.
  11. Place the vacuum refill tool coolant refill hose inside the filled coolant container and make sure that the end of the hose is fully submerged in the coolant.
  12. Attach the vacuum refill cap to the coolant reservoir.
  13. Make sure that the coolant refill valve and air inlet valve on the vacuum refill tool are both closed.
  14. Install the vacuum refill hose into the refill cap on the coolant bottle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Perform a push-pull test to verify that the hose is fully installed.
  15. Place the end of the overflow hose of the vacuum refill tool into the empty container.
  16. Connect the supply air line to the vacuum refill tool and make sure the minimum pressure is 5.5 bar (80 psi).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If not already done, verify that the refill valve is set to off.
  17. Open the air inlet valve and allow the tool to evacuate the cooling system for 10 seconds, and then fully close the valve.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The vacuum should stabilize at approximately -70 to -60 cmHg (-27 to -24 inHg).
  18. Monitor the pressure gauge for 30 seconds and verify that no leaks are present.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    If the gauge moves towards positive pressure, a leak is present. Discontinue this procedure and troubleshoot the leak.
  19. Slowly open the coolant refill valve to draw coolant into the coolant refill hose. Close the valve when the hose is full of coolant.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the hose end of refill hose is fully submerged during entire process.
  20. Open the air inlet valve for 3 minutes to continue evacuating the cooling system, and then close the valve.
  21. Slowly open the coolant refill valve to draw coolant into the cooling system. When the gauge reaches zero, close the valve.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the end of the coolant refill hose is fully submerged during the entire process.
  22. Disconnect the supply air line from the tool.
  23. Remove the coolant refill hose from the coolant container.
  24. Remove the coolant overflow hose from the coolant container.
  25. Remove the vacuum refill hose from the refill cap on the coolant bottle.
  26. Remove the vacuum refill cap from the coolant reservoir.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Push down on the black ring to release the hose, and then pull the hose upward to remove it.
  27. Lift the coolant refill tool above the coolant container to allow excess coolant to drain from the hoses.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Reopen the valves to remove excess coolant if necessary.
  28. Remove both coolant containers from the vehicle.
  29. Perform the following routine using Service Mode or Toolbox (see 0005 - Service Modes): PROC_VCFRONT_X_STOP-THERMAL-FILL-DRAINvia Service Mode:
    • Thermal ➜ Actions ➜ Stop Thermal Fill/Drain
    • Thermal ➜ Coolant System ➜ Stop Coolant Fill/Drain
    • Thermal ➜ Refrigerant System ➜ Stop Refrigerant Fill/Drain
    via Service Mode Plus:
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Front Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Stop Fluid Fill/Drain
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Stop Fluid Fill/Drain
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Left Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Stop Fluid Fill/Drain
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Right Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Stop Fluid Fill/Drain
    • Drive Unit ➜ Front Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Stop Coolant Fill/Drain
    • Drive Unit ➜ Rear Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Stop Coolant Fill/Drain
    via Toolbox:(link)
  30. Perform the following routine using Service Mode or Toolbox (see 0005 - Service Modes): TEST_VCFRONT_X_THERMAL-COOLANT-AIR-PURGEvia Service Mode:
    • Thermal ➜ Actions ➜ Coolant Purge Stop or Coolant Purge Start
    • Thermal ➜ Coolant System ➜ Coolant Purge Start
    via Service Mode Plus:
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Front Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Coolant Air Purge
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Coolant Air Purge
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Left Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Coolant Air Purge
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Right Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Coolant Air Purge
    • Drive Unit ➜ Front Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Coolant Air Purge
    • Drive Unit ➜ Rear Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Coolant Air Purge
    via Toolbox:(link)
  31. Inspect the coolant level, top off as necessary, and then install the coolant bottle cap.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ensure that the coolant level is at the "Max" line.