2025-08-18

Compressor (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 18203912 1.02 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 ServiceManualFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure. See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2025-07-18: Swapped steps for compressor config setting and firmware redeployment.
  • 2023-05-02: Added steps to remove/install NVH acoustic cover.
  • 2023-06-20: Added compressor weight including oil for Sanden type compressor.
  • 2024-01-30: Removed the A/C flush-related steps and updated the way of performing the routines from using Toolbox to using the touchscreen.
  • 2024-03-04: Updated the description of the oil amount calculation steps.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Refer to Toolbox Article #5696900 for additional information regarding compressor replacement in Giga Shanghai manufactured vehicles.
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.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Model Y 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. See Desiccant (Remove and Replace). If the desiccant bag requires replacement, refer to A/C Refrigerant (Unknown Oil Quantity or System Flush).
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: Compressor (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Nut that attaches the low pressure pipe to the A/C compressor
22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm deep socket
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse
Nut that attaches the high pressure pipe to the A/C compressor
22 Nm (16.2 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm deep socket
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse

Remove

  1. Remove the HEPA assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Install).
  2. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  3. Place the vehicle in Service Mode by using the touchscreen. See Service Mode.
  4. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  5. 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.
  6. Perform Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure.
  7. Recover the A/C refrigerant. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Recover the refrigerant while continuing this procedure.
  8. Remove the LV battery. See 12V/LV Battery (Remove and Replace).
  9. Remove the nut that attaches the low pressure fitting to the A/C compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  10. Remove the nut that attaches the high pressure fitting to the A/C compressor, and then set the hose assembly aside.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  11. Remove the compressor bracket. See Bracket - Compressor (Remove and Replace).
  12. Note the part numbers and serial numbers of the old and new A/C compressors.
  13. Use masking tape to protect the LP and HP opening ports on the compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the ports are fully covered.
  14. Use a flat scraper blade to remove the NVH acoustic cover from the compressor.
  15. Use a wire brush to remove as much NVH cover material from the compressor as possible.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Failure to remove material will result in an inaccurate weight measurement.
  16. Use a digital scale to weigh the removed compressor and record its weight. Check the dry weight on the label of the removed compressor, then subtract the dry weight from the total weight to calculate the remaining oil amount. Record the remaining oil amount.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not drain any oil from the removed compressor.
  17. Repeat steps 14 and 15 to remove the NVH acoustic cover from the new compressor.
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. See Desiccant (Remove and Replace). If the desiccant bag requires replacement, refer to A/C Refrigerant (Unknown Oil Quantity or System Flush).

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. Remove the transport plugs from the new compressor.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  2. Check the dry weight on the label of new compressor, then add it to the old compressor remaining oil amount calculated in step 16 to gain a target new compressor weight.
  3. Drain oil from the new compressor until the total weight match the target weight calculated in step 2.
  4. Install the NVH acoustic cover onto the new compressor.
  5. Install the compressor bracket. See Bracket - Compressor (Remove and Replace).
  6. Replace the o-rings on the high pressure and low pressure supermanifold to A/C compressor hose fittings.
    Figure 1. Low pressure fitting shown; high pressure fitting similar
  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
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  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
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  9. Connect the A/C machine red high pressure hose to the vehicle's high pressure port, and the blue low pressure hose to the vehicle's low pressure port.
  10. Perform A/C vacuum leak test and oil injection. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge).
  11. Install the low pressure A/C hose to supermanifold to HVAC A/C line assembly.
  12. Perform A/C recharge. See A/C Refrigerant (Recovery and Recharge).
  13. Install the LV battery. See 12V/LV Battery (Remove and Replace).
  14. Reconnect LV power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  15. If necessary, update the compressor configuration:
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Refer to the parts catalog to determine if a configuration update is necessary.
    1. If not already connected, connect a laptop with Toolbox 3 to the vehicle.
    2. Select Dashboards, and select Infotainment Dashboard.
    3. Select Vehicle Configuration.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Configuration values should load automatically. If not, select Read Config and Run to load.
    4. Scroll down to "compressorType" and confirm the correct compressorType is selected.
    5. Select Apply Changes and select Run to save updated configuration.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      The vehicle touchscreen will reboot. Toolbox connection will be lost. Select ‘X’ at top right of window to close once completed.
  16. Redeploy the firmware. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  17. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Refrigerant System > Reset Compressor P-Metric > Run, and close once the routine is passed.
  18. Tap Sensors and Valves > Run Heat Pump Commissioning > Run, and close once the routine is passed.
  19. Tap Actions > Test Thermal Performance > Run, and close once the routine is passed.
  20. Tap Actions > Test HVAC Performance > Run, and close once the routine is passed.
  21. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  22. Disconnect the laptop from the vehicle.
  23. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  24. Install the HEPA assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Install).
  25. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  26. Install the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).