I will be changing the drive unit oil in my 2018 Telsa Model 3, Dual Motor which has about 70,000 miles on the odometer. This is not a discussion on should you, will you, can you, or why to perform this maintenance.
Rather, the question is: Where can you buy the Tesla suggested ATF fluid KAF1, or is there an equivalent alternative from a private brand?
I can find Pentosin ATF-9 on rockauto, but thought I would quickly search for the KAF1. I am unable to find any such product.
From Tesla Service Manual:
To reduce gearbox fluid variances and improve drive unit efficiency, service centers are to transition to KAF1 gearbox fluid for all vehicle drive units. When refilling or topping up drive unit gearboxes, first deplete supplies of the specified SK 212-B, ATF-9, and EDF2 gearbox fluids, and only then substitute with KAF1. KAF1 gearbox fluid is fully backwards compatible with the SK 212-B, ATF-9, and EDF2 gearbox fluids, and incidental mixing of the specified fluid with KAF1 is permitted. Eventually, service centers will only stock KAF1 fluid.
CAUTION
SK 212-B gearbox fluid is reddish, ATF-9 and EDF2 fluids are dark purple, and KAF1 fluid is amber colored. If you are unable to determine what fluid is in the drive unit, refill or top up with only KAF1. Do not mix SK 212, ATF-9, or EDF2 gearbox fluids with eachother.
Rather, the question is: Where can you buy the Tesla suggested ATF fluid KAF1, or is there an equivalent alternative from a private brand?
I can find Pentosin ATF-9 on rockauto, but thought I would quickly search for the KAF1. I am unable to find any such product.
From Tesla Service Manual:
To reduce gearbox fluid variances and improve drive unit efficiency, service centers are to transition to KAF1 gearbox fluid for all vehicle drive units. When refilling or topping up drive unit gearboxes, first deplete supplies of the specified SK 212-B, ATF-9, and EDF2 gearbox fluids, and only then substitute with KAF1. KAF1 gearbox fluid is fully backwards compatible with the SK 212-B, ATF-9, and EDF2 gearbox fluids, and incidental mixing of the specified fluid with KAF1 is permitted. Eventually, service centers will only stock KAF1 fluid.
CAUTION
SK 212-B gearbox fluid is reddish, ATF-9 and EDF2 fluids are dark purple, and KAF1 fluid is amber colored. If you are unable to determine what fluid is in the drive unit, refill or top up with only KAF1. Do not mix SK 212, ATF-9, or EDF2 gearbox fluids with eachother.
- For all 3DU drive units up to and including Model Year 2023 use ATF-9 (part number 1135241-00-A) or EDF2 (part number 1616951-00-A) or ultimately, KAF1 (part number 1646886-02-A or 1646886-04-A)
- For all 3DU drive units Model Year 2024 and later use KAF1 (part number 1646886-02-A or 1646886-04-A)
- For all 4DU drive units use KAF1 (part number 1646886-02-A or 1646886-04-A)
