Battery cooling system service on the 2024 Model X Plaid involves draining and replacing the low-voltage coolant loop fluid (Tesla G-48 spec) and inspecting cooling lines, reservoir, and accessible fittings. This procedure does NOT touch the HV battery thermal loop, octovalve, heat pump, or superbottle internals — those require Tesla Toolbox and HV training.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant reservoir cap O-ring (if cap is removed/damaged) × 1 — manufacturer-specified seal
• Coolant hose clamps (replace if spring clamps are fatigued) × 2 — OEM spec spring clamp
• Underbody panel fasteners (single-use clips) × 6 — OEM plastic rivet/clip

Fluids

• Tesla Battery/Motor Coolant (G-48 spec, ethylene glycol) — 10 qt

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. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery, located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Remove frunk liner/cover to access.
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. Before lifting: enter Jack Mode via Controls > Service > Jack Mode on the touchscreen to disable air suspension self-leveling. Do this BEFORE disconnecting 12V.
7. Allow the vehicle to sit for at least 1 hour after driving so coolant is below 40°C / 100°F before opening the system.
8. Stage 10+ qt of fresh Tesla G-48-spec coolant and a clean drain pan.
9. Confirm scope: this procedure covers the accessible low-voltage cooling loop only. If the work order calls for HV battery thermal loop, octovalve, or superbottle service, STOP — that requires HV training and Tesla Toolbox.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise vehicle and remove underbody panels
   With Jack Mode engaged and 12V disconnected, raise the vehicle on a four-post lift or with manufacturer-specified jack pucks at the designated lift points. Remove the front underbody aero panel by extracting the plastic rivets and perimeter fasteners. Inspect each clip — replace any that are broken or distorted.
   ⚠Use only Tesla-designated lift points. Lifting on the battery pack or floor pan will damage the HV enclosure.
2. 2

   Locate and inspect the coolant reservoir
   In the front trunk area, locate the coolant expansion reservoir. Visually inspect for cracks, discoloration, sediment, or coolant staining around fittings. Photograph the current fluid level and color for reference. Do NOT remove the cap while the system is warm or pressurized.
   ⚠If the reservoir is connected to lines marked with HV/orange tags or routed to the battery thermal manifold, STOP. That portion of the loop is not serviceable without Tesla Toolbox.
3. 3

   Pressure-test the cooling system (optional but recommended)
   Using a cooling system pressure tester adapted to the reservoir cap fitting, pressurize to the manufacturer-specified value and hold for 5 minutes. Note any pressure drop and inspect lines, fittings, and the reservoir for leaks. Release pressure slowly before proceeding.
4. 4

   Drain the accessible cooling loop
   Position the drain pan beneath the lowest accessible drain point or the lowest hose junction in the front cooling loop. Loosen the hose clamp and carefully separate the line to drain. Capture all coolant — Tesla G-48 must be disposed of as automotive coolant waste. Do not allow coolant to contact painted aluminum body panels (will stain).
   ⚠Coolant is toxic to pets and wildlife. Contain spills immediately.
5. 5

   Inspect coolant lines and fittings
   With the loop drained, inspect every accessible coolant hose for swelling, cracking, chafing, or hardening. Inspect quick-connect fittings for residue or seepage. Replace any hose showing degradation with the manufacturer-specified hose. Do NOT disturb any line that disappears into the HV battery enclosure or connects to the octovalve/superbottle.
   ⚠️Lines entering the HV battery enclosure are part of the HV thermal loop. Do not disconnect — refer this portion of the service to a Tesla-certified technician.
6. 6

   Reconnect the drained line
   Reconnect the hose disconnected in Step 4. Seat the hose fully onto the barb and reposition the spring clamp to its original witness mark. If the clamp is fatigued, replace with an OEM-spec clamp. For threaded coolant fittings, torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Vacuum-fill the cooling system
   Attach a vacuum-fill tool (Airlift or equivalent) to the reservoir. Pull a vacuum to the tool's specified value and hold for 2 minutes to verify no leaks (vacuum holds steady). Then draw fresh Tesla G-48 coolant into the system from a clean container until the reservoir is filled to the COLD/MAX line. The vacuum-fill method prevents air pockets in the hard-to-bleed front loop.
   ⚠Do NOT mix coolant brands or types. Use only Tesla-spec G-48 coolant. Cross-contamination can clog the cooling system.
8. 8

   Install reservoir cap and verify level
   Inspect the reservoir cap O-ring; replace if cracked or compressed. Install the cap and rotate to the locked position. Confirm coolant level is at the COLD/MAX line.
9. 9

   Reinstall underbody aero panels
   Reinstall the front underbody aero panel with new clips where required. Ensure all perimeter fasteners are seated — a missing or loose aero panel causes wind noise and reduces range.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and reconnect 12V
    Lower the vehicle off the lift. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk, observing terminal cleanliness. Torque the negative terminal last.
    ⚠Reconnecting 12V will wake the vehicle and exit Jack Mode. Ensure no one is under the vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

    Ground Cable Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Confirm frunk liner is reinstalled with all clips seated.
2. Verify reservoir cap is fully locked and no tools remain in the frunk or under the vehicle.
3. Walk the perimeter and confirm aero panel fasteners are flush.
4. Wake the vehicle via the touchscreen; allow it to fully boot. Air suspension should self-level out of Jack Mode within 30 seconds of driving.

Verification

• Run the vehicle through a heat-soak cycle: idle on (vehicle awake) for 10 minutes, then a 10-minute drive. Return and inspect for leaks at every fitting touched.
• Recheck reservoir level after the heat-soak cycle and top off to COLD/MAX with Tesla G-48 if needed.
• Check the touchscreen for any thermal management or coolant-related alerts (Service tab, Vehicle Status). No yellow/red alerts should be present.
• Confirm cabin HVAC and battery preconditioning operate normally — abnormal pump noise or weak cabin heat indicates trapped air; re-bleed via vacuum-fill if needed.
• Log the service date and odometer. Tesla now recommends battery coolant inspection at 4 years / 50,000 mi — schedule the next inspection accordingly.
• Confirm falcon doors open and close normally and all door sensors report no faults — falcon door sensors are the most common Model X service item and are easily disturbed during front-end work.

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