Recover, evacuate, and recharge the R-1234yf A/C system on a 2024 Model X Long Range. This Model X uses an integrated heat-pump refrigerant loop shared with the battery thermal system, so service must be limited to the A/C service ports only — do not open the octovalve/heat-pump loops.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High-side service port cap (OEM) × 1 — manufacturer-specified service port cap
• Low-side service port cap (OEM) × 1 — manufacturer-specified service port cap
• Service port valve core (only if leak found at port) × 2 — R-1234yf-compatible valve core

Fluids

• R-1234yf refrigerant (charge weight per under-hood label / Tesla service data)
• PAG oil (type and amount per Tesla service data — only if recovery machine reports oil loss)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal (frunk location, similar to Model S). This prevents the HVAC system or compressor from commanding on during service.
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. Confirm the vehicle uses R-1234yf by checking the under-hood refrigerant label. Note the specified charge weight from that label.
7. Allow the vehicle to sit with HVAC off for at least 10 minutes so refrigerant pressures equalize before connecting gauges.
8. Locate the A/C service ports in the frunk area (high-side and low-side are different sizes and not interchangeable).
9. Confirm your recovery/recharge machine is R-1234yf-specific — R-134a equipment is not compatible.

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify refrigerant
   Connect a refrigerant identifier to the low-side service port and verify the system contains pure R-1234yf. If contaminated or unknown, do not recover into your shop's clean tank — use a dedicated contaminated-refrigerant recovery vessel.
2. 2

   Connect recovery machine
   With the machine off, attach the high-side and low-side couplers to the corresponding Tesla service ports. Ensure couplers fully seat and lock. Open both manifold valves only after confirming connections.
   ⚠Do not connect to any non-service-port fitting on the heat-pump assembly. Only the labeled A/C service ports are safe to access.
3. 3

   Recover existing refrigerant
   Run the recovery cycle until the machine reaches and holds the SAE-specified vacuum threshold, confirming all refrigerant has been pulled. Record the recovered weight and any oil captured by the machine.
4. 4

   Inspect for obvious leaks (optional but recommended)
   If the system was low, inspect accessible A/C lines and the condenser area for oil residue. Do not disassemble heat-pump components. If a leak is found in the A/C-only portion of the system, stop and address the leak before recharging.
5. 5

   Evacuate the system
   Pull a deep vacuum through the recharge machine for a minimum of 30 minutes (longer if humidity is high or system was open). Target ≤ 500 microns. Then close valves and perform a vacuum decay/leak test for at least 5 minutes — vacuum must hold steady.
   ℹ️If vacuum will not hold, do not charge. Find and repair the leak first.
6. 6

   Add PAG oil if required
   If the recovery step indicated oil loss, inject the manufacturer-specified PAG oil type and quantity through the machine before charging. Do not overfill — excess oil reduces cooling capacity and can damage the compressor.
7. 7

   Charge to specification
   Program the recharge machine with the exact refrigerant charge weight listed on the under-hood label for this 2024 Model X. Charge by weight, not by pressure. Allow the machine to complete its full charge cycle and confirm the target weight was delivered.
   ⚠Charging by sight glass or pressure alone is unreliable on a heat-pump-equipped Tesla. Always charge by weight.
8. 8

   Disconnect couplers and inspect ports
   Close the manifold valves, then remove the high-side and low-side couplers. Inspect the service port valve cores for any sign of refrigerant weeping. Replace cores only if a leak is observed; otherwise leave them alone.
9. 9

   Install service port caps
   Install OEM service port caps with their internal seals — these caps are the secondary seal and must be present. Hand-tight only; do not use tools.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal in the frunk.
2. Close the frunk.
3. Allow the vehicle to wake and complete its initial system checks before starting the verification drive.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake, set climate to LO / max A/C, fan high, recirculation on, and let the system run for 5 minutes.
• Measure center-vent outlet temperature — expect cold output (typical target in the 4–10 °C / 40–50 °F range at idle in a moderate ambient). Performance varies with ambient temperature and humidity.
• Listen for compressor cycling abnormalities or hissing from the front HVAC area.
• Recheck high-side and low-side service ports with a leak detector after 10–15 minutes of operation.
• If equipped, review HVAC behavior in both Cool and Auto modes; the heat pump will share components, so unusual noises during mode transitions should be investigated with Tesla diagnostics.
• Note: A/C recharge is not on Tesla's published maintenance schedule — it is a repair, not an interval service. While the system is open for service, consider the cabin air filter (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years, or every 3 years on HEPA/bioweapon-defense-equipped Model X) if it is due.

More procedures for this vehicle