Model S Low Coolant! What type of coolant does an MS take?

[Pandalus]

I got the infamous Vehicle Coolant is Low error message (code THC_w0105). This code comes and goes - when I get in the car, the error message is there, but driving just down the street causes it to disappear. It seems to primarily appear when parked.

I opened up the frunk and had a look and it seems like the coolant level is at the MIN line. Perhaps there's an extremely slow leak.

I am nowhere near a service centre and it takes weeks to months to arrange a ranger visit. But here's the tricky part - in another thread I mentioned I'm about to move to a city that DOES have a service centre. So I can book an appointment when I get there. But in the meantime, is the car safe to drive at all?

I'd like to top it up but I can't find official guidance on what type of coolant to buy. I've seen people suggest G48 coolant: Would this stuff do? https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/VAU875390 (It's in stock locally)

 

[Alysashley79]

I got the infamous Vehicle Coolant is Low error message (code THC_w0105). This code comes and goes - when I get in the car, the error message is there, but driving just down the street causes it to disappear. It seems to primarily appear when parked.

I opened up the frunk and had a look and it seems like the coolant level is at the MIN line. Perhaps there's an extremely slow leak.

I am nowhere near a service centre and it takes weeks to months to arrange a ranger visit. But here's the tricky part - in another thread I mentioned I'm about to move to a city that DOES have a service centre. So I can book an appointment when I get there. But in the meantime, is the car safe to drive at all?

I'd like to top it up but I can't find official guidance on what type of coolant to buy. I've seen people suggest G48 coolant: Would this stuff do? https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/VAU875390 (It's in stock locally)

I don’t know the answer but why not call the parts center at your local service center. I’d probably also try to schedule a mobile tech in the mean time.

 

[jeremymc7]

There is an official Tesla G-48. Part: 1029320-00-A (808926)

Available from this guy or elsewhere:
Genuine Tesla G48 Coolant Antifreeze Fluid 1029320-00-A (808926) 1 U.S - $25 (12637 Wilfong Dr Midlothian, VA)

However the Zerex you linked will do in a pinch as will other G-48 have also been mentioned numerous times.

 

[ShawnA]

Hi Pandalus,

The coolant you suggest is correct.
See the attached pictures.
HOWEVER there is no "Normal" circumstance which
causes or shows a Coolant Low message.

The Tesla people I have encountered are very uncomfortable with
customers adding coolant.
If you contaminate the coolant battery system you are looking at a
repair bill beyond your worst nightmares and risk voiding the battery
warranty...
If you are comfortable with these risks - proceed with caution.

Be sure to schedule service at your new location as something is WRONG.

Shawn

 

[tpoltron]

I had a slow coolant leak for a year on our 2014 Model S. Had to top it up every 3 months or so with some G48 coolant from the local auto shop. After reading up on other posts here, I pulled the frunk liner and it looked wet below the 4 way valve that directs coolant. My local service center ran a pressure test, confirmed the leak and replaced the valve for around $300. Pretty common problem with a cheap easy fix as far as I can see.