Fitting a Tesla transmission oil and filter kit

Febi illustrates the installation process for the transmission oil and filter service kit for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. This relates to febi part numbers 1001620 and 1001621.

Although there is no recommended service interval from Tesla, it is highly advisable to replace the transmission oil and filter at regular intervals on these vehicles to ensure reliable transfer of power from the electric motor to the wheels.

Transmission oil plays a major role in this process and is regarded as a critical transmission component, enabling it to operate smoothly and efficiently. This is made possible through the use of sophisticated ‘additive packs’ blended into the base oil. Over time the transmission fluid and additive packs deteriorate, causing these carefully engineered friction coefficients and the fluid’s viscosity to alter. If the oil is not serviced, this can lead to transmission bearing failure. Tesla recommends that the oil filter is replaced with a new one upon removal. Any oil filter with visible corrosion or leaks must be replaced.

Process for the rear drive unit

1. Raise the vehicle. Remove the rear undertray to gain access to the transmission. Locate and remove oil fill plug.

2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the oil pump.

3. Position an oil drain collector under the rear drive unit oil pump.

4. Use an oil filter socket to remove the oil filter from the rear drive unit.

5. Remove the two bolts that attach the oil pump to the rear drive unit using a EPL10 socket.

6. Carefully remove the oil pump from the rear drive unit using a flat blade screwdriver at two different locations and then allow the gearbox fluid to drain for at least ten minutes.

7. Replace all oil pump ‘O’ rings that are included in the kit. Apply new transmission oil to the oil pump ‘O’ rings and oil filter seal.

8. Refit the oil pump and tighten the two retaining bolts to 3 Nm + 20 degrees.

9. Install the new oil filter and tighten to 3 Nm + 135 degrees. Fill the transmission with fresh oil which has a recommended fill capacity of 2.1 litres.

10. It is recommended to prime the oil pump, and to do this it needs to be powered separately from the vehicle. Using a suitable breakout lead, apply a 12-volt power supply and earth to the pump.

11. The pump has three electrical connectors: positive, signal and earth (viewed from left to right).

12. Run the oil pump for the entire fill and then keep running the oil pump until the new fill plug is installed and tightened to 15 Nm. Remove breakout lead. Connect the oil pump electrical connector, and then engage the locking tab. Refit vehicle undertray.

Process for the front drive unit (Dual motor models only)

1. Raise vehicle. Remove the front undertray to gain access to the transmission. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.Remove the bolt that attaches the front drive unit to the front subframe to gain access to the oil pump.

2. Locate and remove oil fill plug.

3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the oil pump. Position an oil drain collector under the drive unit oil pump. Use an oil filter socket to remove the oil filter from the drive unit.

4. Remove the two bolts that attach the oil pump to the drive unit using a EPL10 socket.

5. Carefully remove the oil pump from the drive unit using a flat head screwdriver at two different locations and then allow the gearbox fluid to drain for at least ten minutes. Replace all oil pump ‘O’ rings that are included in the kit. Apply new transmission oil to the oil pump ‘O’ rings and oil filter seal.

6. Refit the oil pump and tighten the two retaining bolts to 3 Nm + 20 degrees.

7. Install the new oil filter and tighten to 3 Nm + 135 degrees. Raise the transmission and install the bolt that attaches the front drive unit to the front subframe, tightening to 80 Nm. Fill the transmission with fresh oil which has a recommended fill capacity of 1.3 litres.

8. It is recommended to prime the oil pump, and to do this it needs to be powered separately from the vehicle. Using a suitable breakout lead, apply a 12-volt power supply and earth to the pump.

9. The pump has three electrical connectors: positive, signal and earth (viewed from left to right).

10. Run the oil pump for the entire fill, then keep running the oil pump until the new fill plug is installed and tightened to 15 Nm. Connect the oil pump electrical connector and then engage the locking tab. Refit vehicle undertray. Lower the vehicle.