Tesla Model 3: Cooling System - Procedure

Procedure

LH side shown, RH similar

1. Release the bungee straps and install the push clips that attach the lower rear edge of the LH and RH front wheel liners to the vehicle.
2. Install the front aero shield. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
3. Connect 12V power. See 12V Power (Disconnect and Connect).
4. Connect a laptop with Toolbox to the vehicle.
5. Type "thermal" into the search field.

Note: Make sure "Actions" is selected if not already.

6. Click the play button next to "PROC_VCFRONT_X_THERMAL-FILL-DRAIN", and then select Run
7. Remove the outer HVAC plenum duct. See Duct - HVAC Plenum - Outer (Remove and Replace).
8. Remove the cap from the superbottle reservoir.
9. Fill a container with at least 15 L of coolant, and then place the container into the front storage area.
10. Fully submerge the coolant refill hose into the coolant container.
11. Attach the vacuum refill tool to the superbottle.

Note: Use a cone shaped adapter to ensure vacuum will be pulled from the lower chamber.

12. Make sure the coolant refill valve and the air inlet valve are both closed.
13. Place the end of the overflow hose into an empty container.
14. Connect shop air supply to the vacuum refill tool and set the minimum pressure to 5.5 bar (80 PSI).
15. Open the air inlet valve for 10 seconds to allow the vacuum tool to evacuate the cooling system and create a vacuum.
16. Slowly open the coolant refill valve to allow coolant to be drawn into the coolant refill hose. Close the valve when the hose is full of coolant.

Note: This purges trapped air from the hose.

17. Monitor the gauge for 30 seconds to verify a vacuum is maintained in the cooling system.
18. Reopen the air inlet valve for 3 minutes to evacuate the cooling system, and then close the valve.
19. Slowly open the coolant refill valve to allow coolant to be drawn in the cooling system. When the gauge stops moving, close the coolant refill valve.

Note: Make sure the end of the coolant refill hose is fully submerged during the entire process.

20. Lift the coolant refill tool from the reservoir and hold above the coolant container to allow excess coolant to drain.
21. Disconnect the shop air supply from the coolant refill tool.
22. Remove both coolant containers from the front storage area.
23. Type "vcfront" into the search field.
24. Click the play button next to "TEST-RESET_VCFRONT", and then select Run.
25. Click the play button next to "TEST_VCFRONT_X_THERMAL-COOLANT-AIR-PURGE", and then select Run.

Note: Make sure that the drive rails are off. Turning on the drive rail will stop the routine.

Note: The test lasts approximately 10 minutes.

Note: Test will vary speeds from 3,500 to 6,500 RPM, viewable under the PT Thermal tab.

Note: If speeds hover at around 7,000 RPM, the pumps are air locked. Go to step 9 and perform the vacuum fill again.

26. Inspect coolant level and top off if necessary.

Install

1. Install the cap on the superbottle reservoir.
2. Install the outer HVAC plenum duct. See Duct - HVAC Plenum - Outer (Remove and Replace).
3. Install the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
4. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
5. Install the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace)

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