Tesla Model S: Heater - PTC (Remove and Replace)

Warning: Only technicians who have been trained in High Voltage Awareness are permitted to perform this procedure. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and insulating HV gloves with a minimum rating of class 00 (500V) must be worn any time a high voltage cable is handled. Refer to Tech Note TN-15-92-003, "High Voltage Awareness Care Points" for additional safety information.

Warning: If the 12V power supply is disconnected, do not attempt to open any doors with door glass in closed position. Failure to follow this instruction could result in door glass shatter.

Note: Before disconnecting the 12V power supply, ensure that the driver's door window is fully open. Failure to follow this instruction could result in vehicle lockout.

Removal

1. Perform the vehicle electrical isolation procedure (refer to procedure).
2. Remove the intake particulate filter (refer to procedure).
3. Remove the center console (refer to procedure).
4. If equipped, remove the passenger knee airbag (refer to procedure).
5. If equipped, remove the bolt that secures the passenger knee airbag bracket (torque 7 Nm).
6. If equipped, remove the airbag mounting bracket.

   

7. Remove the screws (x3) that secure the PTC heater to the HVAC casing (torque 1 Nm).
8. Remove the plastic rivets (x3) that secure the front RH shock tower cover to the body. Remove the cover.

   

9. Release the PTC heater harness from the HVAC retaining clip.
10. Working from above, disconnect the harness connector from the DCDC module. Note: Components have been removed in this graphic to aid clarity.

    

11. Attach a tether to the PTC heater harness.
12. With assistance, carefully release the PTC harness from the bulkhead and withdraw it into the footwell.
13. Disconnect the tether from the redundant harness connector and attach it to the new harness. Note: Do not withdraw the tether from bulkhead.
14. Carefully remove the PTC heater module from the HVAC casing.

    Caution: Take care not to damage component(s).

    

Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:

• Clean interior of HVAC casing prior to assembly.
• With assistance, carefully pull the harness through the bulkhead. Follow the route left by the tether and ensure that the surrounding components are not compromised. Use a cable tie and a clip harness to avoid rubbing.
• Disconnect the tether from the redundant harness connector and attach it to the new harness. Note: Do not withdraw the tether from bulkhead.
• Use Toolbox to update or redeploy the firmware:
  • If the vehicle is not running the latest firmware, run the "Vehicle Firmware Update" procedure.
  • If the vehicle is running the latest firmware, run the "Firmware Redeploy" procedure.

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