Dreaded coolant leak from debris

[quikshifter]

Well it finally happened to me. Hit some debris at night on the highway. Didn’t even see what I hit.

25 miles from home. About 10 miles from home car went to turtle mode but drove fine. Made it home and the coolant hose is punctured. Hopefully it’s just the hose and not the nipple so the whole battery doesn’t need a replacement. No rich rebuilds in Houston!

19 standard plus with 29k miles.

first appointment oct 12 but will tow it to the SC tomorrow morning.

 

[Sophias_dad]

No need for Rich Rebuilds or the electrified garage. The repair is well spelled out on youtube, and you could do it yourself or fly a friendly repairman down to Houston for way less than even your insurance deductible, most likely.

 

[quikshifter]

True. Wonder if it’s worth even taking it to the SC. I’ll call one shop in Houston tomorrow morning

 

[Sophias_dad]

True. Wonder if it’s worth even taking it to the SC. I’ll call one shop in Houston tomorrow morning

TBH, that doesn't look like the broken-nipple problem that Rich Rebuilds did the cheap repair on. Its probably going to need to go to the SC if for no other reason than to get the hoses and underbody covers.

 

[android04]

Once you get it repaired, I recommend getting this to help protect you in the future MPP Model Y/3 "Smash Me" Front Skid Plate - Mountain Pass Performance

 

[Sophias_dad]

Once you get it repaired, I recommend getting this to help protect you in the future MPP Model Y/3 "Smash Me" Front Skid Plate - Mountain Pass Performance

That looks great!

 

[quikshifter]

That looks great!

Yeah I will try to get that. Tesla roadside will probably charge me for the tow right?

 

[Sophias_dad]

Yeah I will try to get that. Tesla roadside will probably charge me for the tow right?

I'd expect so, it would be nice of them if they didn't, but its not really Tesla's fault your car can't get there on its own.

 

[quikshifter]

$850 repair. Not bad

 

[SaintMickey®]

Sorry for the newb question but from what I read this liquid Glycol coolant never needs to be maintained...ever.

Thanks for the confirmation...

 

[quikshifter]

Sorry for the newb question but from what I read this liquid Glycol coolant never needs to be maintained...ever.

Thanks for the confirmation...

It does if it all leaks out!!

 

[Sophias_dad]

Sorry for the newb question but from what I read this liquid Glycol coolant never needs to be maintained...ever.

Thanks for the confirmation...

That's my understanding...

Welcome to the New World!

 

[SaintMickey®]

That's my understanding...

Welcome to the New World!

I know right...still have a MB a220, BMW X3 and a Fiat Spider....so I'm still in "maintenance hell". . .

 

[SaintMickey®]

It does if it all leaks out!!

Yeah I meant other than that...LOL

 

[Kimmi]

I know right...still have a MB a220, BMW X3 and a Fiat Spider....so I'm still in "maintenance hell". . .

Fix It Again Tony!

 

[SaintMickey®]

Fix It Again Tony!

No reason to be ill informed UH...it's not 1979. Car and Driver among others gave it 9/10

Add to that a 50,000 mile warranty and I opted for an Extended 10/100,000 for $1400 just in case. Although new to Tesla I already know it isn't as fun as this go-cart.

Tony ain't touching this car...

 

[Kimmi]

Sorry, old dinosaur here. PTSD over 60s/70s Fiats.

 

[MP3Mike]

$850 repair. Not bad

What ended up needing to be repaired/replaced? (Was the nipple on the battery broken?)

 

[AlanSubie4Life]

What ended up needing to be repaired/replaced? (Was the nipple on the battery broken?)

$850 repair. Not bad

Yeah, if you could provide the breakdown of the costs that would be interesting! Seems expensive for a hose and some coolant, but maybe they are replacing some other fittings, aero shield, etc. as well.

My understanding is that the aluminum plates replacing the fabric ones may prevent some damage, but is unlikely to completely eliminate nipple failures - they can be caused by a large object getting kicked up into the wheel well (the nipple is located somewhat behind the fender liner).

 

[android04]

Yeah, if you could provide the breakdown of the costs that would be interesting! Seems expensive for a hose and some coolant, but maybe they are replacing some other fittings, aero shield, etc. as well.

My understanding is that the aluminum plates replacing the fabric ones may prevent some damage, but is unlikely to completely eliminate nipple failures - they can be caused by a large object getting kicked up into the wheel well (the nipple is located somewhat behind the fender liner).

The reinforced fabric aero shield costs about $250 from Tesla, so that would be a large part of the cost. Which is why the aluminum aero shield makes sense for just a little more.

And you are correct that the aluminum shield doesn't cover all the possible parts that can be broken. I have read a few accounts of people running over road kill and it being flung right behind the front tire, which is another spot with the coolant tubes.