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Changing fluid in the Gear box , part or Model S drive train.

Discussion in 'Model S: Driving Dynamics' started by nolngrgrsngslde, Jul 21, 2013.

  1. mrElbe

    mrElbe Active Member

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    As per manual:

    Transmission fluid
    Front drive unit part number 1035000-00-F and earlier: Mobil SHC 629

    Front drive unit part number 1035000-00-J and later: DEXRON VI (DEXRON 6) automatic transmission fluid

    Rear drive unit (small and large): DEXRON VI (DEXRON 6) automatic transmission fluid
     
    • Informative x 1
  2. ecarfan

    ecarfan Well-Known Member

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    @NOLA_Mike thanks for posting that, which appears to contradict the PDF posted by @captain_zap. Probably I am misinterpreting something.

    I note that the 1 year or 12.5K miles "Drive Unit(s) fluid service" change appears to be a one time change.

    I believe Tesla has stated that the new vehicle 4 year/50K mile warranty is in effect whether the owner brings their car in for an annual service or not. Which means that "fluid service" can be skipped and the warranty is still in effect, so it isn't critical.
     
  3. FlatSix911

    FlatSix911 Porsche 918 Hybrid

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    Thanks :cool:

    upload_2017-3-29_7-48-35.png
     
  4. u00mem9

    u00mem9 Member

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    Just wanted to vent at the know-nothing that posted "No! it doesn't have a conventional differential, it has a transaxle!"

    If you don't have any idea what these items are, and think you are contributing to the community by parroting some sales verbiage, please take a seat.


    Moving on...Has anyone performed this fluid chnage personally? As pointed out, they recently added it to the first service interval. I'm suddenly 'due' by the new schedule.
     
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  5. brianvicars

    brianvicars Member

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    I was told by Tesla service technician that there is no "fill line" marked on the case so don't overfill. Again, does anyone know the amount of fluid to be added after draining? Rumour is 1.4 quarts but I doubt that all transmissions would have the same volume of fluid.
     
  6. NOLA_Mike

    NOLA_Mike Grouchy

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    I assume that means they are now using either a "break in" fluid that needs to be replaced at Service 1 with the lifetime fluid or they just want to get the initial metal shavings out of the original oil after break in.

    Mike
     
  7. u00mem9

    u00mem9 Member

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    This. It's always best to remove the production contamination early, and every time Tesla or anyone else tells you it's a 'lifetime' lubricant, they are expressing a motivation that may conflict with your own, as the vehicle owner. This desire to claim Tesla service requirements were near zero compared to ICE mirrors a change that happened when luxury automakers started to cover maintenance for the first 2-3 years...suddenly the vehicles needed much less fluid change service. ;)
     
  8. mblakele

    mblakele beep! beep!

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    Couldn't "service" mean that they check and make adjustments as needed, not necessarily replacing?

    My 12k service predated the change. But the SC report was long on visual inspections and short on actions taken.
     
  9. FlatSix911

    FlatSix911 Porsche 918 Hybrid

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    upload_2017-3-29_20-55-35.png
     
    • Informative x 3
  10. jaguar36

    jaguar36 Active Member

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    The small DU has a fluid capacity almost twice that of the large DU? That seems... odd.
     
  11. mrElbe

    mrElbe Active Member

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    If the external casing is the same size for both units, then there would be lots of dead interior space to fill for the smaller motor.
     
  12. cheshire cat

    cheshire cat Member

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    thanks chasps;) just what I'd been making a noise (small one) about for quite some time :) always knew you colonials would come up with the goods:oops::D
     
  13. cheshire cat

    cheshire cat Member

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    P.S. not really the same but you have got me thinking:rolleyes: I wonder if the aircon gas R1234yf (Euro-rubbish?) can be replaced with good old R134A with matching lube -of course----or do they use the same stuff (type/grade)?
     
  14. cheshire cat

    cheshire cat Member

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    I guess as it won't ALL come out it would be measure and refill the same quantity then figure the % changed then form a judgement as to a repeat procedure "down the road"
     
  15. Pszemol

    Pszemol New Member

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    Anybody here knows what is "A/C desiccant bag" and how does it look like?
    Any other cars than Tesla also use thing like this?
     
  16. David.85D

    David.85D Active Member

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    All cars have a "drier" in the AC loop. Tesla does, too, but theirs can be opened and the desiccant bag replaced without replacing the housing. Exact same idea on my 2001 BMW and 2003 MINI. You have to recover/evacuate the refrigerant first, so not something many DIY will do.
     
  17. cheshire cat

    cheshire cat Member

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    just rolling back a bit did anyone get to the bottom of the strange differing gearcase capacities ?
     
  18. David.85D

    David.85D Active Member

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    The chart above in post 29 seems to spell it all out, and I'm guessing there was a little liter-quart confusion as well, but the chart shows both units, which should help.
     
  19. BigTonyTones

    BigTonyTones Member

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    I know im resurrecting and older thread but I was thinking of swapping out the Gear box fluid myself. It seems pretty simple. I do own the Tesla service manual for my refresh and I watched this great youtube video


    My question is regarding the size. I have a RWD Model 75. Would that be considered LARGE Rear Drive unit?

    I assumed the small rear drive unit would be for AWD vehicles.
     
  20. SSedan

    SSedan Active Member

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    A quart and a half of fluid with that much shear action seems like it should be changed every few years. Next time I talk to service I will ask if my P85 has ever had it changed and consider sampling the oil myself or have them take a sample when changing it.
     

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