Air Filter Cover - Torx Screw or Other?

[HeyEph]

Watching videos on how to replace the cabin air filter. Is the screw for the cover for the air filters a torx screw, or another type?

 

[AlexHung]

I believe (and please correct me) it’s a M8 or M6 bolt.

 

[HeyEph]

I believe (and please correct me) it’s a M8 or M6 bolt.

So, small adjustable wrench to remove it?

 

[AlexHung]

So, small adjustable wrench to remove it?

Sure but socket wrench will be easier and faster.

 

[dduffey]

It's a T20

 

[HeyEph]

It's a T20

Even in the MY? I know the M3 is, but one video suggested it's different in the MY.

 

[Parac]

May depend on when yours was manufactured. I've seen a couple posts saying the MY has the same torx screw as the M3, but I just did mine today and it is definitely a hex head bolt, though I'm not sure what size it was.

 

[dduffey]

Even in the MY? I know the M3 is, but one video suggested it's different in the MY.

I just did my (US) 2018 M3 and 2021 MY today... the T20 did work on the MY after using on the M3, and I didn't even think about it, but I didn't look closely to see if there was an actual difference. That said the T20 on the MY was much easier to use due to the redesign of the lid

 

[HeyEph]

In my 2020 LR MY, it was a regular hex bolt, but it was at the bottom. 20min job.

 

[Lord Voltemort]

May depend on when yours was manufactured. I've seen a couple posts saying the MY has the same torx screw as the M3, but I just did mine today and it is definitely a hex head bolt, though I'm not sure what size it was.

I had a single 6mm hex bolt - June 2020 MY build date.

 

[iamnid]

Good news if it's changed to a hex bolt. I changed the filter in our Model 3 a while back and it was a ridiculous pain in the butt, even with the free torx wrench that came with the replacement filters.

 

[a2t2]

2020 MYP was 6mm super simple takes a few min to change and clean out the condenser with the klima spray. no more sh1t smell

 

[jvmoore1]

i just ordered a couple of these for our 3 and Y. Hopefully it will make it easier in the future

Tesla Model 3/Y Cabin Air Filter Access Panel Screw Replacement | eBay

Instead of trying to use a screwdriver to unscrew the factory screw, which is located in a very awkward location that is hard to access, this thumb screw requires ZERO tools to remove. Just turn the thumb screw with your fingers to remove or install the air filter cover plate.

www.ebay.com

 

[dduffey]

2020 MYP was 6mm super simple takes a few min to change and clean out the condenser with the klima spray. no more sh1t smell

That's after they made the firmware update to try and dry the coils. So you'll probably get the smell again next summer like I do.

 

[SoundDaTrumpet]

Standard tools on 18xxx VIN Model Y. Standard size ratchet for hex cap screw. Tesla was out-of-stock of the regular coil cleaner, and used Simple Green coil cleaner. It has no feeding tube, but that didn’t stop progress. Fill with foam and shove the new filters in immediately. Stink is gone without the chemical smell from the standard coil cleaner. Model Y much simpler with no special tools & better access than a 100xxx VIN Model 3.