AC system recharge on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast. This involves recovering any remaining refrigerant, evacuating the system, and recharging with the manufacturer-specified refrigerant and PAG oil per the Cybertruck service label.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC service port valve core caps (replace if damaged) × 2 — OEM-spec R-1234yf service port caps

Fluids

• Refrigerant — type and charge weight per Cybertruck underhood AC label (do not assume R-1234yf or R-134a — verify from the vehicle's own AC label)
• PAG oil — viscosity and quantity per Cybertruck AC service label / Tesla Service Manual

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even though this is a non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Service Manual procedure (Cybertruck uses 48V LV — connectors and disconnect procedure differ from 12V Teslas).
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Locate the AC service label on the Cybertruck (typically under the frunk lid or on a refrigerant line) and record refrigerant type and exact charge weight in grams. Do NOT proceed without this data.
7. Open the frunk and identify the high-side and low-side AC service ports. Verify both ports' valve cores and seals are intact.
8. Set up the recovery/recharge machine on level ground with a calibrated scale; verify the machine has been recently oil-drained and reports an empty internal tank balance.
9. Ensure shop ventilation is adequate — refrigerant displaces oxygen.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify refrigerant type and specified charge
   Read the AC service label on the vehicle. Note refrigerant type (R-1234yf or other), full charge weight in grams, and PAG oil specification. All subsequent work must match this label, not assumptions from other Tesla models.
   ⚠Do not rely on Model 3/Y/S/X specs — Cybertruck AC system is unique and may differ in charge weight and oil viscosity.
2. 2

   Connect recovery machine to service ports
   With the vehicle off and HV de-energized, remove both service port caps. Connect the high-side and low-side hoses from a refrigerant-type-matched recovery/recharge machine to the corresponding Cybertruck service ports. Ensure quick-connect couplers seat fully and do not leak.
3. 3

   Recover existing refrigerant
   Run the machine's recovery cycle until system pressure drops to and holds below 0 psig (vacuum) per the machine's recovery completion criteria. Record recovered refrigerant weight and any oil recovered — this oil amount must be replaced during recharge.
   ℹ️If little or no refrigerant is recovered, the system has a leak. Performing a recharge without finding and repairing the leak is a temporary fix at best — perform a leak test before recharging.
4. 4

   Leak test (recommended)
   Pressurize the system with dry nitrogen to the value specified by the Tesla Service Manual (do not exceed it) and check all accessible joints with electronic leak detector or soapy solution. Pay particular attention to line fittings at the condenser, evaporator, and compressor area. Release nitrogen before evacuation.
   ⚠Do not pressurize above the manufacturer-specified test pressure — overpressure can damage the evaporator core or HV electric compressor seals.
5. 5

   Evacuate the system
   Pull a deep vacuum on the system. Target 500 microns or lower, then close valves and perform a standing vacuum decay test for at least 15 minutes (longer if ambient is humid). Vacuum must hold — any rise indicates moisture or a leak. Re-evacuate as needed until decay is acceptable.
   ⚠An incomplete evacuation leaves moisture in the system. Moisture combined with PAG oil and HV compressor windings can cause acid formation and compressor failure.
6. 6

   Add PAG oil if required
   If oil was lost during recovery or a component was opened, inject the same volume of the PAG oil viscosity specified on the AC label. Do not overfill — excess oil reduces cooling capacity and can damage the electric compressor.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Charge to specified weight
   Using the machine, charge the system by weight to the exact gram value listed on the Cybertruck AC service label. Charge through the high side with the vehicle off, or per the recharge machine's procedure. Do not charge by pressure alone — Cybertruck specification is by weight.
8. 8

   Disconnect service hoses
   Close machine valves, allow hoses to equalize per machine instructions, then disconnect couplers from the service ports. Inspect valve cores for leaks with electronic detector; reinstall service port caps finger-tight plus a small amount per OEM spec (caps are a secondary seal).
9. 9

   Reconnect 48V low-voltage battery
   Restore the 48V LV battery connection per Tesla Service Manual. Allow vehicle systems to wake and complete self-checks before testing AC operation.
10. 10

    System operational test
    Power on the vehicle. From the touchscreen, set climate to LO / max cool with fan on high and recirculation on. Allow 5–10 minutes of operation. Verify center-vent outlet temperature drops to expected range (typically into the 40s °F at moderate ambient). Listen for abnormal compressor noise — the HV electric compressor should run smoothly with no clicking or whining.

Reassembly

1. Confirm both AC service port caps are installed.
2. Confirm no tools or rags remain in the frunk.
3. Close the frunk and verify latch engagement.
4. Clean any fingerprints from the stainless exoskeleton with a microfiber cloth — avoid abrasive materials.

Verification

• Center-vent outlet temperature reaches the expected cold range under max-cool conditions at idle/stationary with doors closed.
• No fault codes related to HVAC, refrigerant pressure sensor, or compressor in the vehicle's service menu after a full drive cycle.
• Electronic leak detector shows no leak at either service port or any disturbed fitting.
• Final recorded charge weight matches the AC service label value within machine tolerance.
• Note: cabin air filter is a Tesla 2-year service item — if it has not been replaced recently, recommend replacing it while AC performance is being verified, as a clogged filter can mimic poor AC performance.

More procedures for this vehicle