Tesla Model S: General Precautions
The supplementary restraint system (SRS) includes air bags, pre-tensioners,
and other safety-related components. The SRS contains components which
could be potentially hazardous to the technician if not serviced and
handled correctly.
Warning: Always follow these precautions and the relevant
Service Manual procedures when servicing air bags and other SRS
components. Only trained professionals should service the SRS.
Warning: An undeployed air bag module or pre-tensioner
contains sodium azide, which is poisonous and extremely flammable.
Contact with water, acid or heavy metals might produce harmful or
explosive compounds. Do not dismantle, incinerate or bring into
contact with electricity, before the unit has been deployed.
Warning: In the event of an air bag or seat belt tensioner
deployment, certain air bag and seat belt components must be
replaced, and other components must be inspected for damage. Refer
to body repair tech note BR-14-20-001 for a specific list of items
that must be inspected and replaced.
Warning: Do not expose an air bag module or seat belt pre-tensioner
to heat exceeding 85ºC.
These precautions are not restricted to operations performed when
servicing the SRS; the same care must be exercised when working on other
systems and components located near the SRS components:
- Steering system: Driver's air bag, clockspring.
- Dash: Passenger's air bag, knee air bags.
- Interior trim: Passive Safety Restraint Control
Module (PSRCM), Body Control Module (BCM), front seat belt pre-tensioners,
curtain air bags.
- Electrical system: Pyrotechnic fuse, SRS
harnesses, link leads, connectors.
Making the system safe
Before working on, or in the vicinity of, SRS components, perform
the following procedures to disable the system:
- Use Toolbox to check for any stored fault codes.
- Perform the vehicle electrical isolation procedure (refer to
procedure).
- Wait 1 minute for the energy reserve capacitors to
discharge.
Installation
Carefully inspect SRS components before installation. Do not install
a component if it shows evidence of being dropped or improperly
handled, such as dents, cracks or deformation.
Warning:
- Never install used SRS components from another
vehicle or attempt to repair an SRS component. Use only new,
genuine Tesla replacement parts.
- Never use SRS components that lack clear
identification labels.
- Never use a PSRCM that has been dropped.
- Never apply electrical power to an SRS component
unless instructed to do so as part of an approved test
procedure.
- Always use new fasteners when replacing SRS
components. Ensure that the fasteners are tightened to the
specified torque.
- Ensure SRS components are not contaminated with
oil, grease, detergent or water.
- Ensure the Passive Safety Restraint Control Module
(PSRCM) is installed correctly. There must not be any gap
between the PSRCM and its mounting bracket. An incorrectly
mounted PSRCM might cause the system to malfunction.
- Do not supply power to the PSRCM until all other
SRS components are connected.
Note: After seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, the
affected seat belts will be locked and can not be used as
conventional seat belts. They must be replaced.
SRS component testing precautions
The air bags and other SRS components are triggered using relatively
low operating currents. To prevent accidental deployment, always
adhere to the following precautions:
Warning: Do not use a multi meter or other general
purpose test equipment on SRS components. Only use the
recommended diagnostic equipment to diagnose system faults.
Warning: Do not use electrical test equipment on any
SRS harness unless all SRS components are disconnected.
Handling and storage
Warning:
- The PSRCM, pre-tensioners, and air bags must be
stored in a secure steel cabinet at room temperature. The
storage area must comply with all legal requirements. It must be
away from flammable items and have suitable fire extinguishers
or other fire extinguishing equipment. Ensure that heat, fire,
water and corrosive substances cannot contaminate the stored
components.
- Keep new SRS components in the original packaging
until they are ready to be installed.
- Never wrap your arms around an air bag module. If
an air bag module has to be carried, hold it by the cover, with
the cover face up and the base away from your body.
- When handling seat belt pre-tensioners with
retracting spool assemblies, never point the end of the piston
tube towards your body or at other people. Hold with the piston
pointing towards the ground. Do not grip by the retractor reel
or seat belt. Hold the outer casing only.
- Always keep components cool, dry and free from
contamination.
- Never transport air bag modules or seat belt pre-tensioners
in the cabin of a vehicle.
- Never attach anything to an air bag cover or any
trim component covering an air bag module. Do not allow anything
to rest on top of an air bag module.
- Do not apply grease or cleaning solvents to seat
belt pre-tensioner units. Component failure could result.
- Never drop an air bag or SRS component. The PSRCM
is a particularly shock sensitive device and must be handled
with extreme care.
Warning: Store the air bag module with the deployment
side facing up. This will prevent it from being propelled if
accidentally deployed, which might cause injury.
Warning: Improper handling or storage can internally
damage air bag modules and pre-tensioners, making them
inoperative. If you suspect a module has been damaged, install a
new component and refer to the Deployment/Disposal Procedures
for disposal of the damaged module.
SRS Harnesses and Connectors
Note: SRS wiring can be identified by a special
yellow outer sleeve protecting the wires (black with yellow
stripe protective coverings are sometimes used).
Warning: Never attempt to modify, splice or repair SRS
wiring.
Warning: Never install electronic equipment (such as a
mobile telephone, two-way radio or in-car entertainment system)
in such a way that it could generate electrical interference in
the SRS harnesses. Seek specialist advice when installing such
equipment. Warning: Always ensure that SRS wiring is routed
correctly. Be careful to avoid trapping or pinching the cables.
Do not leave the connectors hanging loose or allow SRS
components to hang from their harnesses. Look for possible
points of chafing.
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Caution: Always follow the procedure for fitting and checking
the SAS as instructed in the air bag and SRS repairs section. Comply
with all safety and installation procedures to ensure the sys
The air conditioning system contains fluids and components which could
be potentially hazardous to the technician or the environment if not
serviced and handled correctly. The following guidelin
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Tools required:
12V power supply
Laptop with Toolbox 2.0 or higher
USB-CAN dongle
CHAdeMO CAN programming connector
CAN Setup
Connect the USB-CAN dongle to a laptop that is equipped with
Toolbox 2.0 or higher.
Connect the CHAdeMO CAN programming connector to the
Special tools required for this procedure:
Supplier
Part Number
Description
Tesla
1021241-00-B
Subframe
Fixture, Rear, MDLS