Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Carrier - Front End (Heat Pump) - Remove and Replace: Remove
2018 Tesla Model 3 BaseSECTION Remove
- Open LH front door
- Open hoodNOTE: Press "Open" button on touchscreen to release latch, Lift lid manually
- Remove rear apronNOTE: 12x clips, Only store rear apron visible face upwards
- Remove cabin intake upper duct assemblyNOTE: 3x clips, Some configurations may come with 4x clips
- Remove closeout panel from frunk assemblyNOTE: 4x clips, 1x connector, Frunk safety switch, 3x guide tabs, Grab closeout panel from bottom then pull it upward to release clips, Disconnect switch
- Remove bolts securing frunk assemblyNOTE: 7x bolts, 10mm, 5 N.m, Lift up RBN covers to access upper fasteners, Newer vehicles may not be equipped with covers
- Remove frunk assembly from vehicleNOTE: 12x clips, Replace any clips if broken or missing, Number of clips may vary on older vehicles
- Remove fasteners holding upper portion of front fascia to vehicleNOTE: 6x bolts, 10mm, 4 N.m
- Remove push clips securing LH front wheel arch liner to fascia and move to the side for accessNOTE: 5x push clips, Turn the steering wheel to the RH for additional clearance between front wheel arch liner
- Loosen forward bolts securing LH corner of front fascia to fenderNOTE: 2x bolts, 10mm, 4 N.m
- Remove bolt securing LH corner of fascia to fenderNOTE: 1x bolt, 10mm, 3 N.m
- Remove push clips securing RH front wheel arch liner to fascia and move to the side for accessNOTE: 5x push clips, Turn the steering wheel to the LH for additional clearance between wheel arch liner
- Loosen forward bolts securing RH front corner of front fascia to fenderNOTE: 2x bolts, 10mm, 4 N.m
- Remove bolt securing RH front corner of front fascia to fenderNOTE: 1x bolt, 10mm, 3 N.m
- Disconnect 12V harness for front fasciaNOTE: 1x locking connector, Release the locking tab by sliding it away from the connector, Then depress the grey lock to release the connector
- Remove bolts securing valance to front aero shieldNOTE: 4x bolts, 10mm, 5 N.m
- Release both front corners then release front of front fascia by pulling upward and away from vehicle and place onto padded surfaceNOTE: 8x clips, Recommend assistance, Use caution not to damage headlamp or fender during removal
- Disconnect active grille shutter actuator connectorNOTE: 1x locking electrical connector, Do not push down on red tab, Pull red tab to disengage lock, Pull again to release connector
- Remove ambient temperature sensor cover from active grille shutter
- Disconnect ambient temperature sensor connectorNOTE: 1x connector
- Disconnect hood latch open switchNOTE: 1x connector, Do not push down on red tab, Pull red tab to disengage lock, Pull again to release connector
- Disconnect hood latch actuatorNOTE: 1x connector
- Remove hood latch actuator from front end carrierNOTE: 2x bolts, 10mm, 5 N.m
- Remove hood latch from front end carrierNOTE: 2x bolts, 10mm, 8 N.m, Mark latch location for alignment when installing
- Remove LH center fascia reinforcement from front end carrierNOTE: 1x tab, 2x datums, Release locking tab under fascia reinforcement, then pull straight up to release fascia reinforcement
- Remove RH center fascia reinforcement from front end carrierNOTE: 1x tab, 2x datums, Release locking tab under fascia reinforcement, then pull straight up to release fascia reinforcement
- Disconnect front acceleration sensorsNOTE: 1x connector, Do not push down on red tab, Pull red tab to disengage lock, Pull again to release connector, Disconnect LH, RH, and center front acceleration sensor
- Remove bolts securing front bumper beam with energy absorber to LH crush canNOTE: 2x bolts, 15mm, 75 N.m
- Remove bolts securing front bumper beam with energy absorber to RH crush canNOTE: 2x bolts, 15mm, 75 N.m
- Remove front bumper beam with energy absorberNOTE: Use a pry bar as needed to remove front bumper beam, Be cautious when prying not to damage body, Slightly tap with dead blow hammer to assist with removal as needed
- Disconnect LH FEM harness connectorNOTE: 1x locking connector, Disengage locking tab
- Disconnect RH FEM harness connectorNOTE: 1x locking connector, Disengage locking tab
- Remove radar assembly harness clip from FEM radar bracketNOTE: 1x clip
- Disconnect radar assembly connectorNOTE: 1x connector
- Remove the FEM radar bracket from front end carrierNOTE: 4x bolts, 10mm, 8 N.m
- Install bungee cords and support cooling fan module assemblyNOTE: 2x bungee cord
- Remove RH bolt securing cooling fan module assembly to front end carrierNOTE: 1x bolt, 8mm, 10 N.m, Recommend assistance to support the cooling fan module assembly
- Remove LH bolt securing cooling fan module assembly to front end carrierNOTE: 1x bolt, 8mm, 10 N.m, Recommend assistance to support the cooling fan module assembly
- Remove lower bolts securing front end carrier to vehicleNOTE: 4x bolts, 13mm, 16 N.m
- Remove ankle catcher from front end carrierNOTE: 2x datums, Slightly pull carrier outward to clear datum from ankle catcher
- Remove upper bolts securing front end carrier to vehicle and remove front end carrierNOTE: 2x bolts, 13mm, 16 N.m
- Remove FEM harness from front end carrierNOTE: 5x clips
8
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.