Tesla Model S: Recover Refrigerant and Verify Charge

Note: Before beginning this section, complete the "Set Up HVAC Machine" section.

1. Connect a laptop with Toolbox to the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear underhood apron (refer to procedure).
3. Remove the dust caps from the vehicle's high-side and low-side service ports.

   

4. Connect the high-side (red) hose and low-side (blue) hose from the HVAC machine to the vehicle's high-side and low-side service ports.
5. Verify that the oil recovery tank is empty.
6. In the Toolbox "Fluid Drain and Fill" panel, select the "Refrigerant Fill" box, then select "Start Fluid Drain/Fill" from the "Routine" dropdown menu. Press the Start button.
7. Follow the HVAC machine instructions for recovering refrigerant from the vehicle. Note: In order to fully purge refrigerant and remove air, moisture, and contaminants, it is important to apply the appropriate vacuum for 30-45 minutes.
8. Measure and record the quantity of refrigerant recovered from the system.
   • Model S: The amount of refrigerant recovered should be approximately 750-790 g.
9. Record the amount of oil removed from the system by checking the level in the lower clear tank; this is the amount of oil to add to the system during charge, assuming that no components are being replaced. Note: If the recovery procedure is being performed in order to replace a defective component, additional action must be taken:
   • If the A/C compressor is being replaced: The amount of oil in the new A/C compressor needs to equal the amount of oil from the defective one. To do this, use a digital scale to weigh both the old and new A/C compressors. Turn the new one upside down to drain a small amount of fluid, then re-weigh it. Repeat this process until the new A/C compressor weighs the same as the old one.
   • If parts other than the A/C compressor are being replaced:Drain all oil from defective components and note how much is removed. Add this amount to the amount recorded from earlier in this step; this is the correct amount of oil to add during system charge.

1. Calculate how much oil to add to the system; the amount removed from the system during recovery plus the amount removed from any defective component(s). Note: Refer to the end of the "Recover Refrigerant and Verify Charge" section for more information.
2. In the Toolbox "Fluid Drain and Fill" panel, select the "Refrigerant Fill" box, then select "Start Fluid Drain/Fill" from the "Routine" dropdown menu. Press the Start button.
3. Follow the HVAC machine instructions for pulling a vacuum and charging the vehicle:
   1. Pull a vacuum into the HVAC system.
   2. Set the refrigerant charge to the amount shown in the fluid capacities table.
   3. Verify that the upper clear bottle on the HVAC machine contains the same amount of POE spec ND-11 oil as noted in step 1 of this section.
   4. Initiate the recharge procedure on the HVAC machine.
4. In the Toolbox "Fluid Drain and Fill" panel, click the Stop button. Note: The HVAC and Chiller solenoids are now closed.
5. Reinstall the dust caps on the high and low side service ports. If either dust cap is missing, replace it to prevent future contamination. Note: The HVAC and Chiller solenoids are now closed.
6. Turn on the cabin A/C and verify operation.
7. Re-install the rear underhood apron.

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