GENERAL INFORMATION

Electrical Precautions

General

The following guidelines are intended to make sure that the safety of the operator while preventing damage to the electrical and electronic components fitted to the vehicle.

Where necessary, specific precautions are detailed in the individual procedures of this manual and in the relevant sections of the Connector Library.

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Warning
The electrical circuits in the Tesla Roadster work on several different voltages. In addition to 12V circuits, the battery can produce up to a, potentially lethal, 420V, with a high current flow. It is imperative that all the instructions regarding electrical safety are followed, whether in this Manual, the Owner's Handbook or on labels attached to components on the vehicle. Always observe and obey the instructions - they are there for your safety.
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Take special care with high voltage wiring (identified by the orange outer sleeving), the connectors and the components connected to the wiring.
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Never cut, or open an orange high voltage power cable or high voltage component unless the APS has been disabled via the touchscreen.
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Never assume the Roadster is shut off because it is silent. Always disable the APS via the touchscreen.
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After disabling the vehicle, power is maintained for 30 seconds in the SRS system and 1 minute in the high voltage electrical system. If the disabling procedure cannot be performed, proceed with caution as there is no assurance that the high voltage electrical system and/or SRS are disabled.
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Never cut into the sealed battery enclosure due to the high voltage and electrocution risks.

Prior to commencing any test procedure on the vehicle make sure that the relevant test equipment is working correctly and any harness or connectors are in good condition. It is particularly important to check the condition of the cable and plugs of mains operated equipment.

The battery stores all the energy for the motor and electrical systems of the Tesla Roadster. As a stand alone system, the battery can sense and respond to a variety of conditions that could potentially damage the system or pose a safety risk. Its primary safety response in these circumstances is to disconnect the battery (e.g. the high voltage) from the rest of the vehicle. Also, when the battery is not in a vehicle, such as during transport or manufacturing, the pack has no high voltage connections that can be accessed without removing the enclosure cover. The battery monitors what is connected to it externally. It will not "turn-on" unless it senses the signatures of the appropriate high voltage systems, i.e. PEM and HVAC, signifying that they are both connected.

Inside the sealed battery enclosure are two normally-open contactors in series with the positive and negative output from the pack. These contactors will close, providing high voltage to the rest of the vehicle, only if a number of conditions are met. It is important to note that these contactors will not close unless energized by the Battery Safety Monitor (BSM); thus, in the event of a system failure, the contactors will default to an open state and withdraw the high voltage supply from the vehicle.

The BSM is a watchdog system that constantly monitors the battery for fault conditions, and in the event of a fault, opens both of the contactors mentioned above. In the event that the contactors are opened by the BSM, the contactor will not close until the BSM first receives a valid "wake-up" call from the Vehicle Management System (VMS) computer telling it that the system is ready for a connection to the high voltage battery. This will keep the contactor open (i.e. high voltage "off") during shipping, assembly and installation into the vehicle.

The contactors will open for any of these reasons:

  • Over/Under Voltage
  • Over/Under Current
  • Over/Under Temperature Limit
  • Battery Ground Fault
  • Designated g-limit reached in any direction
  • Airbags in the car deploy
  • Orientation of the car is beyond a prescribed critical angle (such as rolled on its side or top)
  • Immersion sensors detect any moisture in the pack
  • BSM detects the absence of any load, i.e., the Power Electronics Module (PEM) and/or the HVAC module (if this occurs, a battery bus discharge procedure will be initiated, which is intended to make sure that there is no high voltage on the battery connectors when it is not in the vehicle and fully connected)

The Auxiliary Power Supply (APS) is housed within the battery enclosure and provides power to the majority of the Tesla Roadster 12 V circuits.

Turning off the starter key will isolate most electrical systems, including all 400V supply. As an additional safety feature, all 400V system connector pins will be open circuit once disconnected.

With the starter key OFF, the battery will still provide power to some 12V systems. To fully isolate all electrical systems remove the service plug from the battery. Incorrect removal of the service plug may cause damage to the APS internal fuse. In the event of APS failure the battery must be removed from the car and disassembled to repair. To avoid this costly and time consuming failure, these steps must be adhered to when removing the service plug:

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The HVAC 400V controller contains circuits that store high voltage for several seconds after disconnection. A warning LED on the side of the casing will extinguish when the circuits have discharged.
  1. Inhibit the APS via the touch screen.
  2. Pull service plug deliberately in one smooth pull from service disconnect receptacle.
  3. Wait at least 60 seconds before re-installing the service plug, failure to do so will damage the APS internal fuse.

The highway is a particularly hostile environment for electrical components and connectors:

  • Always make sure that electrically related items are dry and oil free before disconnecting and connecting test equipment.
  • Make sure that disconnected multi plugs and sensors are protected from being contaminated with oil, coolant or other solutions. Contamination could impair performance or result in catastrophic failure.
  • Never force connectors apart by using tools to pry apart or by pulling on the wiring harness.
  • Always make sure that locking tabs are disengaged before disconnection, and match orientation to enable correct reconnection.
  • Make sure that any protection (covers, insulation etc.) is replaced if disturbed. When replacing the component keep oily hands away from electrical connection areas and push connectors home until any locking tabs fully engage.

Switch off the start switch prior to making any connection or disconnection in the system as an electrical surge caused by disconnecting 'live' connections can damage electrical components.

Make sure that hands and work surfaces are clean and free of grease, fine chips or filings of metal or other material, etc. Grease collects dirt which can cause electrical tracking (short-circuits) or high resistance contacts.

When handling printed circuit boards, treat with care and hold by the edges only; note that some electronic components are susceptible to body static.

Connectors should never be subjected to forced removal or refit, especially inter-board connectors. Damaged contacts can cause short-circuit and open-circuit fault conditions.

Prior to commencing testing, and periodically during testing, touch a good ground, i.e. cigar lighter socket, to discharge body static as some electronic components are vulnerable to static electricity.

Some under hood and under body connectors may be protected against corrosion by the application of a special grease during vehicle production. Should connectors of this type be disturbed, repaired, or replaced, a grease of this type, available from all Tesla stores, should again be applied.

Do not apply grease to any connectors that do not have grease applied as standard.

Use of other greases must be avoided as they can migrate into relays, switches, etc. contaminating the contacts and leading to intermittent operation or failure.

Under normal conditions of use, the constituent battery cells are hermetically sealed. Contents of an open (broken) constituent battery cell can cause skin irritation and/or chemical burns.

If materials from a ruptured or otherwise damaged battery contact skin, flush immediately with water and wash affected area with soap and water. For eye contact, flush with significant amounts of water for 15 minutes and see physician at once. Avoid inhaling any vented gases. If a chemical burn occurs or if irritation persists, seek medical assistance.

Seek immediate medical assistance if an electrical shock or electrocution has occurred (or is suspected).

Do not store the battery in a manner that allows terminals to short circuit. Do not place near heating equipment, nor expose to direct sunlight for long periods. Elevated temperatures can result in reduced battery service life.

The desired longer-term storage temperature for Tesla custom batteries is between -20°C and 40°C (-4°F and 104°F). Similarly, these products should not be exposed to relative humidity greater than 80% for long periods of time.

The Tesla battery should only be stored in approved packaging or on non-conductive surfaces with removal of all nearby loose metal (and other conductive materials) so that accidental shorting can be avoided. Similarly, signs should be posted to alert passersby of the Shock, Fire, and potential High Voltage risks.

Batteries should be stored in Tesla Motors approved packaging, and must not be stacked more than two (2) packages high.

A Tesla battery should not be stored either at a full state of charge (SOC) or completely discharged since both conditions adversely impact battery life.

Tesla Motors recommends that a Tesla battery should not be stored untended longer than nine (9) months since battery service life likely will be adversely impacted. If longer storage is anticipated, please contact Tesla Motors for instructions.

The Tesla Motors' lithium ion batteries that form the battery do not contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or mercury.

The Tesla Motors' battery contains recyclable materials and Tesla Motors encourages recycling. For information on the recycling of a Tesla Motors battery, please call your nearest Tesla store for further information.

General Precautions

Dangerous substances

Modern vehicles contain many materials and liquids which if not handled with care can be hazardous to both personal health and the environment.

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Many liquids and substances used in motor vehicles are poisonous and should under no circumstances be consumed; they should be kept as far as possible from the skin.
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Always read the instructions printed on labels or stamped on components carefully and obey them implicitly. Such instructions are included for reasons of your health and personal safety. Never disregard them.

The following precautions should be observed at all times:

  • Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.
  • Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.
  • Do not put oily rags in pockets.
  • Avoid contaminating clothes (particularly those next to the skin) with oil.
  • Overalls must be cleaned regularly. Discard heavily soiled clothing and oil impregnated footwear.
  • First aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.
  • Apply barrier creams before each work period to help prevent lubricating oil from contaminating the skin.
  • Wash with soap and water to make sure that all oil is removed (proprietary skin cleansers and nail brushes will help).
  • Use moisturizers after cleaning; preparations containing lanolin help replace the skin natural oils which have been removed.
  • Do not use petrol/gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, oil, thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.
  • Where practicable, de-grease components prior to handling.
  • If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.
  • Wear eye protection (e.g. goggles or face shield) if there is a risk of eye contamination. Eye wash facilities should be provided in close vicinity to the work area.
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Note
If adequate personal protection equipment is not available, notify your workshop supervisor immediately.

Environmental Precautions

General

This section provides general information which can help to reduce the environmental impacts from the activities carried out in workshops.

Many of the activities that are carried out in workshops emit gases and fumes which contribute to global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and/or the formation of photochemical smog at ground level. By considering how the workshop activities are carried out, these gases and fumes can be minimized, thus reducing the impact on the environment.

Some of the cleaning agents used are solvent based and will evaporate to atmosphere if used carelessly, or if cans are left unsealed. All solvent containers should be firmly closed when not needed and solvent should be used sparingly. Suitable alternative materials may be available to replace some of the commonly used solvents. Similarly, many paints are solvent based and the spray should be minimized to reduce solvent emissions.

Discharge and replacement of these materials from air conditioning units should only be carried out using the correct equipment:

  • Keep lids on containers of solvents.
  • Only use the minimum quantity.
  • Consider alternative materials.
  • Minimize over-spray when painting.
  • Use the correct equipment for collecting refrigerants.
  • Don't burn rubbish on site.

Oil, petrol, solvent, acids, hydraulic oil, antifreeze and other such substances should never be poured down the drain and every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage reaching the drains.

Handling of such materials must take place well away from the drains and preferably in an area with a curb or wall around it, to prevent discharge into the drain. If a spillage occurs it should be soaked up immediately. Having a spill kit available will make this easier.

Always adhere to these disposal and spillage prevention instructions:

  • Never pour anything down a drain without first checking that it is environmentally safe to do so, and that it does not contravene any local regulations.
  • Store liquids in a walled area.
  • Make sure that taps on liquid containers are secure and cannot be accidentally turned on.
  • Protect bulk storage tanks from vandalism by locking the valves.
  • Transfer liquids from one container to another in an area away from open drains.
  • Make sure that lids are replaced securely on containers.
  • Have spill kits available near to points of storage and handling of liquids.

Special materials are available to absorb a number of different substances. They can be in granular form, ready to use and bought in convenient containers for storage. Disposal of used spill-absorbing material is dealt with in 'Waste Management' section.

Oils, fuels and solvents, etc. can contaminate any soil that they are allowed to contact. Such materials should never be disposed of by pouring onto soil and every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage reaching soil. Waste materials stored on open ground could also leak, or have polluting substances washed off them that would contaminate the land. Always store these materials in suitable robust containers.

Always adhere to these rules:

  • Don't pour or spill anything onto the soil or bare ground.
  • Don't store waste materials on bare ground, see 'Spillage prevention' list.

One of the major ways that pollution can be reduced is by the careful handling, storage and disposal of all waste materials that occur on sites. This means that it is necessary to not only know what the waste materials are, but also to have the necessary documentation and to know local regulations that apply.

They should be stored in such a way as to prevent the escape of the material to land, water or air.

They must also be segregated into different types of waste e.g. oil, metals, batteries, used vehicle components. This will prevent any reaction between different materials and assist in disposal.

Disposal of waste materials must only be to waste carriers who are authorised to carry those particular waste materials and have all the necessary documentation. The waste carrier is responsible for ensuring that the waste is taken to the correct disposal sites.

General Fitting Instructions

Component removal

Whenever possible, clean components and surrounding area before removal.

  • Blank off openings exposed by component removal.
  • Immediately seal fuel, oil or hydraulic lines when apertures are exposed; use plastic caps or plugs to prevent loss of fluid and ingress of dirt.
  • Close the open ends of oil ways exposed by component removal with tapered hardwood plugs or conspicuous plastic plugs.
  • Immediately after a component is removed, place it in a suitable container; use a separate container for each component and its associated parts.
  • Clean bench and provide marking materials, labels and containers before dismantling a component.

Observe scrupulous cleanliness when dismantling components, particularly when brake or Air Conditioning (A/C) system parts are being worked on. A particle of dirt or a cloth fragment could cause a serious malfunction if trapped in these systems.

  • Blow out all tapped holes, crevices, oil ways and fluid passages with an air line. Make sure that any O-rings used for sealing are replaced if disturbed during the process.
  • Use marking ink to identify mating parts and to make sure of correct reassembly. Do not use a center punch or scriber to mark parts, they could initiate cracks or distortion in marked components.
  • Wire together mating parts where necessary to prevent accidental interchange (e.g. roller bearing components).
  • Attach labels to all parts which are to be replaced, and to parts requiring further inspection before being passed for reassembly; place these parts in separate containers from those containing parts for rebuild.
  • Do not discard a part due for replacement until after comparing it with a new part, to make sure that its correct replacement has been obtained.

Always use the recommended cleaning agent or equivalent. Make sure that adequate ventilation is provided when volatile de greasing agents are being used. Do not use de greasing equipment for components containing items which could be damaged by the use of this process.

All components should be inspected for wear or damage before being reassembled.

  • Never inspect a component for wear or dimensional check unless it is absolutely clean; a slight smear of grease can conceal an incipient failure.
  • When a component is to be checked dimensionally against recommended values, use the appropriate measuring equipment (surface plates, micrometers, dial gauges etc.). Make sure that the measuring equipment is calibrated and in good serviceable condition.
  • Reject a component if its dimensions are outside the specified tolerances, or if it appears to be damaged.
  • A part may be refitted if its critical dimension is exactly to its tolerance limit and it appears to be in satisfactory condition.

Oil Seals

General

Always replace oil seals which have been removed from their working location (whether as an individual component or as part of an assembly). NEVER use a seal which has been improperly stored or handled, such as hung on a hook or nail.

  • Carefully examine every seal before fitting to make sure that it is clean and undamaged.
  • Make sure that the surface on which the new seal is to run is free of burrs or scratches. Replace the component if the original sealing surface cannot be completely restored.
  • Protect the seal from any surface which it has to pass when being fitted. Use a protective sleeve or tape to cover the relevant surface.
  • Lubricate the sealing lips with a recommended lubricant before use to prevent damage during initial use. On dual lipped seals, smear the area between the lips with grease.

Locking Devices

General

Always replace locking devices with ones of the same design.

Always inspect locking tabs and washers. Do not re-use if damaged.

To prevent rotational damage to components, use two wrenches when loosening and tightening unions.

Discard and replace Nyloc and torque nuts after removal.

Discard and replace encapsulated and patch bolts after removal.

Approved locking agents must be applied to some threads on reassembly where indicated in the procedure.

Leaving the first thread clean, a bead of Loctite® should be applied to the complete diameter of the bolts leading threads for the first 10mm.

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Please consult the Manufacturer Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before handling any chemical product.
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Please consult the Manufacture Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for general application and storage information.
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If original bolts are to be re-used, clean old compound off both male and female threads with a solvent cleaner and a wire brush before re-applying locking compound.
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Even if new bolts are being fitted, make sure that all internal and external thread surfaces are clean and dry before applying locking compound.

Flexible Pipes and Hoses

General

When removing and installing flexible hydraulic pipes and hoses, make sure that these practices are observed to make sure of component serviceability:

For information about assembling refrigerant pipes and hoses, refer to.

  • Absolute cleanliness must be observed with hydraulic components at all times.
  • Obtain appropriate plugs or caps before detaching hose end fittings, so that the ports can be immediately covered to prevent the ingress of dirt.
  • Fit a cap to seal a hydraulic union and a plug to its socket after removal to prevent ingress of dirt.
  • After any work on hydraulic systems, carefully inspect for leaks underneath the vehicle while a second operator applies maximum brake pressure to the brakes (servo pump running).

Airbag and Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) Precautions

General Precautions

The Airbag and SRS system contains components which could be potentially hazardous to the service engineer if not serviced and handled correctly. The following guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer to potential sources of danger, and to emphasize the importance of ensuring the integrity of airbag and SRS components fitted to the vehicle.

It should be noted that these precautions are not restricted to operations performed when servicing the airbag and SRS system, the same care must be exercised when working on ancillary systems and components located in the vicinity of the airbag and SRS components; these include, but are not limited to:

Before working on, or in the vicinity of airbag and SRS components, make sure that the system is rendered safe by performing these procedures:

The airbag and SRS system use energy reserve capacitors to keep the system active in the event of electrical supply failure under crash conditions. It is necessary to allow the capacitor sufficient time to discharge in order to avoid the risk of accidental deployment.

  • Before removing the key from the starter switch, check for any stored fault codes using the Tesla diagnostic tool.
  • Remove the key from the starter switch.
  • Wait 30 seconds for the Sensor Diagnostic Module (SDM) back-up power circuit to discharge.

In addition to the precautionary steps (above), the driver airbag module has an extra safety feature that should be activated. Always adhere to this procedure before working on the driver airbag:

Make sure that the key is out of the starter switch before reconnecting the harness plug, then check the airbag and SRS system is operating correctly by turning the starter switch to the ON position, the airbag tell tale should illuminate for a few seconds and then automatically go out.

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Note
The airbag system is now disabled.

In order to make sure of system integrity, it is essential that the airbag and SRS system is regularly checked and maintained so that it is ready for effective operation in the event of a collision. Carefully inspect airbag and SRS components before installation. Do not install a part that shows signs of being dropped or improperly handled, such as dents, cracks or deformation.

Make sure that these precautions are always adhered to:

  • Never install used SRS components from another vehicle or attempt to repair an airbag and SRS component.
  • Never use airbag and SRS parts without a clear identification label.
  • Never use an airbag or SRS SDM that has been dropped.
  • When repairing an airbag and SRS system only use genuine new parts.
  • Never apply electrical power to an airbag and SRS component unless instructed to do so as part of an approved test procedure.
  • Make sure that the bolts are tightened to the correct torque. Always use new fixings when replacing airbag and SRS components.
  • Make sure that the SDM is always installed correctly. There must not be any gap between the SDM and the bracket to which it is mounted. An incorrectly mounted SDM could cause the system to malfunction.
  • Do not supply power to the SDM before all airbag and SRS components are connected.
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Warning
The integrity of the SRS system is critical for safety reasons.
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CAUTION
Make sure that airbag and SRS components are not contaminated with oil, grease, detergent or water.
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CAUTION
Following seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, the seat belts will be locked and can NOT be used as conventional seat belts They must be replaced as soon as possible.

The airbag and SRS components are triggered using relatively low operating currents, always adhere to these precautions:

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Do not use a multi meter or other general purpose test equipment on airbag and SRS system components or accidental deployment may occur. Only use the recommended diagnostic equipment to diagnose system faults.
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Do not use electrical test equipment on the airbag and SRS harness while it is connected to any of the airbag and SRS system components. It may cause accidental deployment and personal injury.

Always comply with these handling precautions.

  • The SDM, pre-tensioners and airbags must be stored in a cabinet in a dry room at normal room temperatures not exceeding 85°C. Make sure that heating, fire, water and other chemical corrosive substances cannot contaminate the stored components.
  • For safety reasons, do not store inflammable goods close to the area where the airbag and SRS components are stored.
  • Keep new components in the original packaging, until just before fitting.
  • Store the airbag module or seat belt pre-tensioner in a designated storage area. The storage area must comply with all legal requirements. It must have suitable fire extinguishers or other fire extinguishing equipment.
  • Never drop an airbag and SRS component. The SDM is a particularly shock sensitive device and must be handled with extreme care.
  • Never wrap your arms around an airbag module. If an airbag module has to be carried, hold it by the cover, with the cover uppermost and the base away from your body.
  • When handling seat belt pre-tensioners with retracting spool assemblies (as used in the Tesla Roadster), never point the end of the piston tube towards your body or at other people. Hold with the piston pointing towards the ground. Do not grip by the retractor reel or seat belt. Hold the outer casing only.
  • Never transport airbag modules or seat belt pre-tensioners in the cabin of a vehicle.
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Warning
The airbag and SRS components are sensitive and potentially hazardous if not handled correctly; always comply with the following precautions.
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Never attach anything to an airbag cover or any trim component covering an airbag module. Do not allow anything to rest on top of an airbag module.
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Always keep components cool, dry and free from contamination.
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Store the airbag module with the deployment side uppermost. If it is stored deployment side down, accidental deployment will propel the airbag module with enough force to cause serious injury.
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Airbag modules and seat belt pre-tensioners are classified as explosive devices. For overnight and longer term storage, they must be stored in a secure steel cabinet which has been approved as suitable for the purpose and has been registered by the local authority.
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CAUTION
Do not apply grease or cleaning solvents to seat belt pre-tensioner units, component failure could result.
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CAUTION
Improper handling or storage can internally damage airbag modules and pre-tensioners, making them inoperative. If you suspect a module has been damaged, install a new component and refer to the Deployment/Disposal Procedures for disposal of the damaged module.
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Always make sure that airbag and SRS wiring is routed correctly. Be careful to avoid trapping or pinching the cables. Do not leave the connectors hanging loose or allow airbag and SRS components to hang from their harnesses. Look for possible points of chafing.
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CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions with regards to airbag and SRS system electrical wiring.
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Airbag and SRS system wiring can be identified by a special yellow outer sleeve protecting the wires (black with yellow stripe protective coverings are sometimes used).
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Always follow the 'Airbag and SRS Precautions' and the correct procedures for working on airbag and SRS components. Persons working on airbag and SRS systems must be fully trained and have been issued with copies of the Safety guidelines.
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It is imperative that before any work is undertaken on the airbag and SRS system the appropriate information is read thoroughly.
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The airbag module contains sodium azide which is poisonous and extremely flammable. Contact with water, acid or heavy metals may produce harmful or explosive compounds. Do not dismantle, incinerate or bring into contact with electricity, before the unit has been deployed.
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Always replace a seat belt assembly that has withstood the strain of a severe vehicle impact, or if the webbing shows signs of fraying.
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Warning
Always disconnect the battery service plug before carrying out any electric welding on a vehicle fitted with an SRS system.
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CAUTION
Do not expose an airbag module or seat belt pre-tensioner to heat exceeding 85°C.
  • Driver airbag and clockspring
  • Passenger airbag
  • Airbag and SRS Sensor and Diagnostic Module (SDM). Front seat belt pre-tensioners (on belt reels)
  • Airbag and SRS harnesses, link leads and connectors
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CAUTION
Always follow the procedure for fitting and checking the clockspring as instructed in the airbag and SRS repairs section. Comply with all safety and installation procedures to make sure that the system functions correctly.
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CAUTION
Observe these precautions.

Warning symbols are displayed at various positions in the vehicle. Airbag and SRS components have additional warning labels displayed on them to indicate that particular care is needed when handling them. These include airbag modules, SDM, seat belt pre-tensioners and the clockspring.

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It is imperative that before any work is undertaken on the airbag and SRS system the appropriate information is read thoroughly.

If a vehicle is to be scrapped and contains an undeployed airbag module or pre-tensioner, the module must be manually deployed.

Always observe these precautions:

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Only personnel who have undergone the appropriate training should undertake deployment of airbag and seat belt pre-tensioner modules.
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A recently deployed airbag or seat belt pre-tensioner is very hot, DO NOT return to a deployed module until at least 30 minutes have elapsed since deployment.
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Only use approved deployment equipment, and only deploy airbags and pre-tensioner components in a well-ventilated designated area. Make sure that components are not damaged or ruptured before deployment.
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Do not lean over airbag modules or seat belt pre-tensioner units when connecting deployment equipment.
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Contact with chemicals from deployed and damaged SRS components could present a health hazard. Wear protective clothing when handling and seal deployed units in a plastic bag. DO NOT eat, drink or smoke when handling SRS components.
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Deployment of airbag modules and seat belt pre-tensioners can cause injury to personnel in the close vicinity of the deploying unit. Make sure that all personnel are at least 15 meters away from the deployment zone. In case of injury seek urgent medical advice. Possible sources of injury include:.
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Make sure that the SRS component to be deployed is securely fastened to its mounting.
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Compliance with the following precautions must be ensured. Refer to SRS Component Replacement Policy.

If the airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners are deployed, these parts must be replaced:

  • Driver airbag module
  • Passenger airbag module
  • Fly leads (where applicable) connecting front airbag modules to SRS harness
  • Passenger seat belt pre-tensioner
  • Driver seat belt pre-tensioner
  • Clockspring
  • Airbag and SRS SDM

The performance of the propellants within airbags and pre-tensioners will deteriorate over a period of time. As a result, it is essential that the airbags and pre-tensioners are periodically replaced to maintain occupant safety. Airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and the clockspring should be replaced at 12 year intervals.

Air Conditioning System Precautions

General

The air conditioning system contains fluids and components which could be potentially hazardous to the service engineer or the environment if not serviced and handled correctly. The following guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer to potential sources of danger and emphasize the importance of ensuring the integrity of the air conditioning operating conditions and components fitted to the vehicle.

Where necessary, additional specific precautions are detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which should be referred to prior to commencing repair operations.

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system is HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon) R134a.

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Warning
Servicing must only be carried out by personnel familiar with both the vehicle system and the charging and testing equipment. All operations must be carried out in a well-ventilated area away from open flame and heat sources.
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Warning
R134a is a hazardous liquid and when handled incorrectly can cause serious injury. Suitable protective clothing, consisting of face protection, heat-proof gloves, rubber boots and apron or waterproof overalls, must be worn when carrying out operations on the air conditioning system.
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Warning
The Tesla Roadster HVAC system contains two circuits, separated by solenoid valves. Always follow the process for manual activation of the evaporator and heat exchanger solenoids to make sure that all refrigerant is removed and replaced from both circuits whilst evacuating or recharging of the system.

If an accident involving R134a should occur, conduct these remedial actions:

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Warning
Due to its low evaporating temperature, R134a must be handled with care. R134a splashed on any part of the body will cause immediate freezing of that area.
  • If liquid R134a enters the eye, do not rub it. Gently run large quantities of eye wash over affected eye to raise the temperature. If an eye wash is not available, cool, clean water may be used to flush the eye. After rinsing, cover the eye with a clean pad and seek immediate medical attention.
  • If liquid R134a is splashed onto the skin, run large quantities of water over the affected area to raise the temperature. Implement the same action if the skin comes in contact with discharging cylinders. Wrap the contaminated body parts in blankets (or similar materials) and seek immediate medical attention.
  • If the debilitating effects of inhalation of R134a vapor is suspected, seek fresh air. If the affected person is unconscious, move them away from the contaminated area to fresh air and apply artificial respiration and/or oxygen and seek immediate medical attention.

Observe these precautions when handling components used in the air conditioning system:

Always carry out this procedure before connecting any hose or pipe:

When a major repair has been completed, a leak test should be conducted; refer to the Air Conditioning section of this manual for the correct procedure.

The compressor contains a lubricant, which has greater electrical insulating properties than the A/C lubrication oil normally used for standard mechanical belt driven A/C pumps. It is important that the compressor is kept upright at all times to retain the lubricant in the compressor sump. .

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CAUTION
Use of the incorrect oil may affect the dielectric strength of the motor and potentially cause an internal short circuit as well potentially affecting the bearing life.
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CAUTION
Refrigerant oil easily absorbs water and must not be stored for long periods. Do not pour unused refrigerant oil back into the container.Compressor.

A new compressor is sealed. Make sure that no foreign material is allowed to enter the compressor.

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CAUTION
Do not remove the cap(s) until immediately prior to connecting the air conditioning pipes to the compressor. Foreign material entering the compressor is likely to cause significant damage requiring replacement.

If the air conditioning system is involved in accident damage and the system is punctured, the refrigerant will discharge rapidly. The rapid discharge of refrigerant will also result in the loss of most of the oil from the system. The compressor must be removed and all the remaining oil in the compressor drained and refilled as instructed in the air conditioning section of this manual.

  • Air conditioning units must not be lifted by their hoses, pipes or capillary lines.
  • Hoses and lines must not be subjected to any twist or stress; the efficiency of the system will be impaired by kinks or restrictions. Make sure that hoses are correctly positioned before tightening couplings, and make sure that all clips and supports are utilized.
  • Completed assemblies must be checked for refrigeration lines touching metal panels. Any direct contact of components and panels may transmit noise and so must be eliminated.
  • The appropriate torque wrench must be used when tightening refrigerant connections to the stipulated value. An additional wrench must be used to hold the union to prevent twisting of the pipe when tightening connections.
  • All protective plugs must remain in place to seal the component until immediately prior to connection.
  • Make sure that components are at room temperature before uncapping, to prevent condensation of moisture from the air that enters it.
  • Components must not remain uncapped for longer than 15 minutes. In the event of a delay, the caps must be fitted.
  • When disconnecting, immediately cap all air conditioning pipes to prevent ingress of dirt and moisture into the system.
  • The receiver/drier contains desiccant which absorbs moisture. It must be positively sealed at all times. A receiver/drier that has been left uncapped must not be used.
  • The receiver/drier should be the last component connected to the system to make sure of optimum dehydration and maximum moisture protection of the system.
  • If the A/C system has been damaged and the system internals exposed to atmosphere, the receiver/drier must be replaced immediately before evacuating and recharging the system.
  • Use alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth to clean dirty connections.
  • Make sure that all new parts fitted are suitable for use with R134a.

The HVAC and battery coolant circuits are sealed to prevent the discharge of the R134a refrigerant. The refrigerant must be recovered before any removal of system components using the recommended equipment.

Two ports are provided on the HVAC system and are accessible under the hood.

This port is fitted onto the pipe directing the high pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor to the condenser. It can be accessed from the RH side of the HVAC 400V controller. A Schraeder valve forms the port in the pipe allowing the connection of charging/discharging equipment for servicing purposes. The connection is a 16 mm quick coupler. The valve is fitted with a screw-on cap to prevent seepage of refrigerant through the valve and also to exclude dirt.

This pipe forms a spur in the pipes leading back from the evaporator. It can be accessed from the LH side of the HVAC 400V controller. A Schraeder valve forms a port at the top of the pipe which allows the connection of recovery/charging equipment for servicing purposes. The connection is a 13mm quick coupler. The valve is fitted with a screw-on cap to prevent seepage of refrigerant through the valve and also to exclude dirt.

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Warning
Make sure that all safety precautions have been taken and the HVAC and battery circuits have been placed in service mode (see below) prior to any attempts to evacuate the system.

The Tesla Roadster uses two separate circuits, one circuit for the evaporator situated in the HVAC assembly for the cabin environment, and an additional circuit for the battery heat exchanger.

Both of these circuits have solenoid valves controlled by the HVAC 12V controller module. During A/C evacuation and recharge it is important to open these solenoids manually (service mode) using the heater and air conditioning buttons on the HVAC control panel located on the center console.

HVAC service mode must be initiated before any and all evacuation and recharge procedures are carried out. Initiate the HVAC service mode using one of these procedures:

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Warning
The following process for manual activation of evaporator and heat exchanger solenoids must always be followed. This will make sure that all refrigerant is removed and replaced from both circuits during evacuating and recharge of the system.
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Warning
It is important that the starter key remains in the ACC position during evacuation or recharge, if it is turned or removed, service mode will be disabled thus closing the solenoids which means that there is a risk that the HVAC lines may not be fully evacuated or filled during recharge.
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Note
The HVAC system will stay in service mode for a maximum of 24 hours. Pressing the air recirculation button, operating the fan or turning the starter key to the OFF position will exit service mode.
  • Roadster 1.5
    1. Turn the starter key to ACC position.
    2. Simultaneously hold down both the heating and air conditioning buttons on the center console.
    3. When the LED in the recirculation button illuminates and then extinguishes (after approximately 5-10 seconds), release the buttons to enter the vehicle into Service mode. The lights in the heating, air conditioning, and recirculation buttons flash rapidly indicating it is in Service mode.
    4. Use the heater button to turn the battery solenoid on or off.
    5. Use the air conditioning button to turn the cabin solenoid on or off.
    6. Use the recirculation button to turn the coolant pump on or off.
    .
  • Roadster 2.x
    1. Turn the starter key to the OFF position.
    2. Simultaneously hold down both air conditioning and recirculation buttons.
    3. Turn the starter key to the ACC position while holding the buttons down. After 5-10 seconds, the heater light turns on.
    4. Release both the air conditioning and recirculation buttons. The heater light, air conditioning button light, and recirculation button light flash rapidly to indicate that the vehicle is in Service mode.
    5. Use the recirculation button to turn the battery solenoid on or off.
    6. Use the air conditioning button to turn the cabin solenoid on or off.
    7. Use the cabin fan dial to turn the coolant pump on or off.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the fan dial is set to off, then the pump is on. If the fan is set higher than off, then the pump is off.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    When in service mode, all normal HVAC system operation is disabled apart from operation of the battery coolant pump.
    .

When the air conditioning system is discharged/recharged, any existing refrigerant is recovered from the system and recycled. The system is then charged with the required weight of refrigerant and new oil equal in volume to the oil recovered.

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Warning
Refrigerant must always be recycled before re-use to make sure that the purity of the refrigerant is high enough for safe use in the air conditioning system.
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Warning
Recycling should always be carried out with the recommended equipment. Other equipment may not recycle refrigerant to the required level of purity.
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Warning
An R134a Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Recharging Station must not be used with any other type of refrigerant.
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CAUTION
The system must be evacuated immediately before recharging commences. Delay between evacuation and recharging is not permitted.