AC system recharge on the 2024 Tesla Roadster Tri Motor. This procedure covers evacuation and recharge through the service ports only — internal AC component service is out of scope due to limited public service data on this platform.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Service port cap O-rings (if caps are removed and seals are damaged) × 1 — manufacturer-specified O-ring kit for AC service ports

Fluids

• Refrigerant — type and charge weight per under-hood AC label (do NOT guess; verify label)
• PAG oil — type and quantity per under-hood AC label / Tesla Service Manual (only if system was opened or low)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 per Tesla Service Manual for this Roadster (location varies — see architecture notes; do not improvise if unclear).
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 and read the under-hood AC service label to confirm refrigerant type and total system charge weight. Do not proceed without this data.
7. Confirm ambient temperature is within the recharge equipment's operating range (typically 65–95°F) for accurate charge measurement.
8. Inspect AC service ports (high and low side) for damage or contamination before connecting couplers.

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify and access service ports
   Locate the high-side and low-side AC service ports per the AC label. On this Roadster platform, port locations may differ from other Tesla vehicles. Remove the service port dust caps and inspect the Schrader valves for debris or damage.
2. 2

   Connect recovery/recharge machine
   With the machine OFF and valves closed, connect the high-side and low-side couplers to the corresponding service ports. Ensure couplers fully seat and lock. Verify no hissing or leakage at the connection.
   ⚠Never connect a low-side coupler to a high-side port or vice versa — equipment damage and injury can result.
3. 3

   Recover existing refrigerant
   Run the recovery cycle on the machine to remove any remaining refrigerant from the system. Record the recovered amount — this helps diagnose leaks if the recovered weight is significantly less than the spec.
4. 4

   Evacuate the system
   Pull a vacuum on the system to at least 29 inHg (or per recharge machine's standard cycle) and hold for a minimum of 30 minutes. This step is necessary to remove moisture and confirm the system holds vacuum (no large leaks).
   ℹ️Note: 0.5 hr labor time assumes a healthy system. If vacuum will not hold, leak diagnosis is a separate procedure.
5. 5

   Vacuum hold/leak check
   Close machine valves and isolate the system. Observe vacuum gauge for 5–10 minutes. Pressure must remain stable. If vacuum decays, do not recharge — leak-test the system before proceeding.
6. 6

   Add PAG oil (only if required)
   If the system was previously opened, leaking, or the recovered oil amount indicates a deficit, inject the manufacturer-specified PAG oil type and quantity per the Tesla Service Manual. Do NOT add oil arbitrarily during a routine recharge.
   ⚠Using the wrong PAG oil viscosity or refrigerant-incompatible oil will damage the compressor.
7. 7

   Charge the system to specification
   Program the recharge machine with the exact refrigerant charge weight from the under-hood AC label. Run the charge cycle. Allow the machine to fully transfer the programmed amount before disconnecting.
   ⚠️Overcharging will create dangerously high head pressures and can damage the electric compressor.
8. 8

   Disconnect couplers
   Close machine valves, disconnect couplers from the service ports, and reinstall the service port dust caps hand-tight. The dust caps are the secondary seal — do not omit them.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall service port dust caps.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
3. Close hood/frunk and remove any tools or hoses from the engine bay area.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and run the climate system at maximum cooling, lowest temperature setting, with recirculation ON.
• After 5–10 minutes of operation, verify center vent outlet temperature is within the manufacturer-specified range (typically 38–48°F at moderate ambient temperatures).
• Listen for abnormal compressor cycling, hissing, or gurgling — these may indicate undercharge or air in the system.
• Recheck for leaks at the service ports with an electronic leak detector after the system has run.
• Confirm no AC-related fault messages appear on the center display.
• Note: AC recharge is not on a fixed Tesla service interval, but a system needing a recharge usually indicates a leak. Schedule a follow-up leak inspection if charge loss recurs within 12 months.

More procedures for this vehicle