Leaves in the front radiator

[jrmt23]

All the talk about the heat pumps and front grill freezing open had me curious and to go look at my front grill.

It looked fine but I did notice that there is some leaves stuck there and i tried to blow them out but they wouldn't budge. Is it even worth the effort to clean it out? My fan doesn't make any weird noises and my car supercharges and preconditions just fine.

 

[GreenHokie]

Probably not enough leaves back there do any real harm. However, personally, I would want to remove them just because I’m OCD.
Once you do get them out, you may want to consider getting/installing something like what I’ve shown below. This particular one is from RPM Tesla, but I’m sure you can find/purchase an identical one from other retailers. I don’t have a need for something like this, but I can see it being useful for some folks. Good luck!!

 

[jrmt23]

Probably not enough leaves back there do any real harm. However, personally, I would want to remove them just because I’m OCD.
Once you do get them out, you may want to consider getting/installing something like what I’ve shown below. This particular one is from RPM Tesla, but I’m sure you can find/purchase an identical one from other retailers. I don’t have a need for something like this, but I can see it being useful for some folks. Good luck!!

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Didnt know these things existed!

Yeah i didn't think it would be enough to cause any issues but I figured I'd ask around anyways

 

[JJW00]

It can definitely cause a problem I just learned. I’ve been having issues where my AC system would sometimes decide to do what I can only describe as forcing a reduction in performance. I took it into Tesla and they changed the cabin temperature sensor but it returned a few days later so I started investigating it on my own. It turns out a teeny tiny road pebble or bit of asphalt was stuck between the radiator and AC condenser near the top edge of the radiator and then over time all matter of leaf bits, hair, dust, hay etc had built up behind it. I think the computer is smart enough to reduce the AC performance if the condenser is overheating which was happening even in mild conditions (~90F) but there is no indication about what it’s doing other than the cabin fan slowing and the manual cabin fan controls being locked out.

 

[JJW00]

It can definitely cause a problem I just learned. I’ve been having issues where my AC system would sometimes decide to do what I can only describe as forcing a reduction in performance. I took it into Tesla and they changed the cabin temperature sensor but it returned a few days later so I started investigating it on my own. It turns out a teeny tiny road pebble or bit of asphalt was stuck between the radiator and AC condenser near the top edge of the radiator and then over time all matter of leaf bits, hair, dust, hay etc had built up behind it. I think the computer is smart enough to reduce the AC performance if the condenser is overheating which was happening even in mild conditions (~90F) but there is no indication about what it’s doing other than the cabin fan slowing and the manual cabin fan controls being locked out.

Oh BTW this is a mid 2019 Model 3 if anyone develops a similar issue. Tesla I imagine might have changed the design or spacing between the radiator and condenser.

 

[Hamtaro7]

Hey I was googling this issue and found this post. How did you manage to get the leafs out?

 

[jrmt23]

Hey I was googling this issue and found this post. How did you manage to get the leafs out?

they kind of disappeared on their own lol

 

[Hamtaro7]

they kind of disappeared on their own lol

Lol oh okay, I bought a pair of needle nose pliers but they didn’t really fit all the way back I’ll probably disregard hopefully it won’t cause any issues

 

[agmonaco]

What a poor design. Cleaning the radiator should be much more accessible and easier.

 

[israndy]

Much better way to do it:

It's more work, but it's how you get the radiator cleaned out