Back to 2024 Tesla Model X

2024 TESLA MODEL X

Plaid Tri Motor AWDAWDAUTOMATICev
8 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs93Labor371Torque3269Fluid8DTC557Battery0Maintenance0Recalls8
ev-cooling

EV Coolant Lines

for 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid Tri Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
12

Replacement of EV coolant lines on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. This procedure covers accessible low-voltage coolant lines only — any line connected directly to the HV battery pack, drive units, or octovalve/superbottle assembly is out of scope and requires Tesla-certified HV service.

Warnings

⚠️If any coolant line you need to service is attached to the HV battery, octovalve, superbottle, heat pump, or a drive unit, STOP. This procedure does not cover HV-adjacent thermal loop work — that requires Tesla Toolbox and HV-certified service.
⚠️Never cut, pierce, or pull any orange cable. Orange = high voltage = lethal.
Falcon doors: keep the rear falcon doors closed and powered down during this job. Their hinges and sensors are easily damaged by lift arms or service activity in the rocker area.
Air suspension is standard. Before lifting, set the vehicle to Jack Mode in the touchscreen to prevent the suspension from self-leveling against the lift.
Aluminum body and substructure — do not strike with a steel hammer or pry against painted body surfaces.
ℹ️Tesla now recommends battery coolant inspection at 4 years / 50,000 miles. Document this service date for the owner.

Tools required

Metric socket set (8-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Quick-disconnect coolant fitting release tool setEssential
Hose clamp pliersEssential
Coolant catch pan (min 12 qt capacity)Essential
Tesla-compatible coolant fill/vacuum tool (e.g. Airlift or equivalent)Essential
Plastic trim removal toolsEssential
Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for Model X curb weight (~5,400 lb)Essential
Shop towels and absorbent pads
Insulated gloves (1000V rated)

Parts

  • Replacement coolant line(s) — manufacturer-specified for Model X Plaid × 1 — OEM Tesla coolant hose, model/year specific — verify by VIN
  • Hose clamps (if reusable type not used) × 4 — OEM-spec spring or worm clamps as originally fitted
  • O-rings / seals for quick-disconnect fittings × 1 — OEM coolant fitting seal kit

Fluids

  • Tesla Battery/Motor Coolant (G-48) — 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 under the forward access panel (similar position to Model S). Follow Tesla's documented frunk-access disconnect sequence.
  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. Enable Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V, so the air suspension does not fight the lift. If 12V is already disconnected, re-power briefly to set Jack Mode, then disconnect.
  7. Allow the coolant system to cool fully — minimum 1 hour after any drive — before opening any fitting. Tesla coolant loops can hold residual pressure when warm.
  8. Identify the specific coolant line(s) being replaced and confirm they are NOT part of the HV battery loop, octovalve, superbottle, or drive unit cooling circuit. If in doubt, stop.
  9. Raise the vehicle on a lift using Tesla-approved lift pad locations only. Falcon door hinges are vulnerable — keep lift arms clear of the rocker rear sections.
  10. Remove the relevant underbody aero panel(s) to access the targeted coolant line.

Procedure

  1. 1
    Verify coolant line is in-scope
    Trace the coolant line to both endpoints. Confirm both ends terminate at non-HV components (e.g. radiator, expansion reservoir, low-voltage coolant pump, accessible coolant manifold). If either end disappears into the HV battery, octovalve, superbottle, heat pump, or a drive unit casing, abort this procedure.
    ⚠️Battery thermal loop work is HV-adjacent and out of scope for this guide.
  2. 2
    Relieve coolant system pressure
    Locate the coolant expansion reservoir. With the system fully cooled, slowly loosen the cap to vent any residual pressure, then re-seat loosely. Do not remove the cap on a warm system.
  3. 3
    Position drain pan and drain affected loop
    Place a clean catch pan beneath the lowest point of the targeted coolant loop. Drain only the coolant required to safely service the line — typically isolating the section by clamping flexible hose sections with appropriate hose clamp pliers (never on rigid plastic lines).
    Tesla coolant (G-48) is glycol-based — collect and dispose of properly. Do not mix with other coolant types.
  4. 4
    Photograph routing and clip positions
    Before disconnecting anything, take detailed photos of the line routing, clip positions, and any heat-shield interfaces. Tesla coolant lines often share routing channels with low-voltage harnesses — incorrect re-routing causes chafing failures.
  5. 5
    Release coolant line quick-disconnect fittings
    Using the appropriate quick-disconnect release tool, depress the locking collar and separate the fitting. Catch residual coolant in the pan. Inspect the O-ring on the male side — replace if deformed, nicked, or swollen.
    Do not pry quick-disconnects with metal tools — the plastic collars crack easily and the entire mating component may then need replacement.
    Torque spec
    Coolant Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Loosen hose clamps (if applicable)
    For sections retained by hose clamps, slide clamps back along the hose using hose clamp pliers, then work the hose off the barb with a gentle twisting motion. Do not slice the hose off if the mating fitting is plastic — you risk damaging the barb.
    Torque spec
    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove coolant line retaining brackets
    Remove any bracket bolts and P-clip fasteners securing the coolant line to the chassis or subframe. Note the exact bolt locations and lengths — Tesla mixes bolt lengths in adjacent holes.
    Torque spec
    Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Remove sensor(s) from old line if integrated
    If the coolant line carries an integrated temperature sensor or similar, carefully unclip the connector and remove the sensor for transfer to the new line. Inspect the connector and pigtail for coolant intrusion or corrosion.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Remove old coolant line
    Withdraw the old line along its original routing path. Cap or plug both ends of any remaining open fittings to prevent debris ingress while the line is out.
  10. 10
    Install new coolant line
    Route the new line exactly as the original — same heat-shield clearances, same harness separation, same clip orientations. Pre-lubricate quick-disconnect O-rings with fresh G-48 coolant before mating. Seat each fitting until the locking collar audibly clicks, then tug-test to confirm engagement.
    A quick-disconnect that is not fully clicked will hold pressure cold and leak when warm — always tug-test.
    Torque spec
    Coolant Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reinstall brackets, clamps, and sensors
    Reinstall P-clips and bracket fasteners. Reinstall hose clamps and any sensor transferred from the old line. Verify the new line is not contacting any harness or heat source.
    Torque spec
    Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reinstall covers and underbody panels
    Reinstall any inner covers, splash shields, and underbody aero panels. Verify all mounting tabs are seated before torquing fasteners — these panels affect aerodynamic efficiency and range.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk; reinstall the frunk access panel.
  2. Refill the coolant system with Tesla Battery/Motor Coolant (G-48). Use a vacuum-fill tool — gravity filling will trap air in this system and cause pump cavitation or thermal faults.
  3. Pull a vacuum on the system to manufacturer-specified level, hold to verify no leaks, then draw in fresh coolant.
  4. Top off the expansion reservoir to the cold-fill mark.
  5. Lower vehicle from lift; exit Jack Mode.
  6. Power the vehicle back on and allow the thermal management system to run a self-check. Monitor for any coolant-related alerts on the touchscreen.
  7. Bring the system to operating temperature, then re-check the reservoir level cold the following day and top off if needed.

Verification

  • No coolant-related alerts or service messages on the touchscreen after a full power cycle and a short test drive.
  • Visually inspect every disturbed fitting and clamp for weeping after the vehicle has reached operating temperature and cooled again — coolant leaks frequently only show after one heat cycle.
  • Verify coolant level remains at the cold-fill mark 24 hours after service — a drop indicates trapped air still purging or a slow leak.
  • Confirm thermal management behavior is normal: cabin HVAC, battery preconditioning (if used), and Supercharger preconditioning should all operate without faults.
  • Document service date and mileage. Tesla's current guidance is battery coolant inspection at 4 years / 50,000 miles — note this in the owner's records.
  • For un-listed fasteners encountered during this job: Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →