2019 Tesla Model 3 Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 does not take traditional engine oil because it is a fully electric vehicle, but its electric drive units do require a specialized synthetic lubricating fluid, taking approximately 2.3 quarts (2.2 liters) for the rear motor and 1.3 quarts (1.2 liters) for the front motor on All-Wheel Drive models.

As an ASE-certified master technician, I often get questions from EV owners about traditional maintenance. While you won't be doing a 5,000-mile 5W-30 engine oil change on your Model 3, the gears and bearings inside the drive units (electric motors) rely on fluid for cooling and lubrication. Over time, this fluid can shear and accumulate metallic wear particles.

Here is the essential information you need if you are servicing the drive unit fluid on a 2019 Tesla Model 3.

Quick answer

• Capacity (Rear Drive Unit): ~2.3 quarts (2.2 L)
• Capacity (Front Drive Unit - AWD only): ~1.3 quarts (1.2 L)
• Recommended Fluid: Tesla Dexron VI equivalent (Pentosin ATF 9 or Tesla specific drive unit fluid). Always verify the exact fluid part number with your local Tesla service center based on your VIN.
• Oil Spec: Low-viscosity synthetic ATF
• Drive Unit Oil Filter OEM: Tesla P/N 1095038-00-A (Note: Not all drive units have an externally serviceable filter; verify your specific motor revision).
• Aftermarket Cross-References: Because this is a highly specialized EV application, standard aftermarket filters from Fram, Wix, or Mobil 1 are not available. Always use the OEM Tesla filter.

Capacity by engine option

Because the Model 3 doesn't have an internal combustion engine, your "engine options" are actually your motor configurations. The capacities below reflect the drive unit fluid needed for a drain-and-fill.

Oil change interval

• Normal Duty: Tesla technically considers the drive unit fluid to be "lifetime" fill and does not list a routine replacement interval in the standard owner's manual.
• Severe Duty / Enthusiast Recommendation: For longevity, especially if the vehicle is driven aggressively, subjected to extreme temperatures, or tracked, many EV specialists recommend changing the drive unit fluid and filter (if equipped) every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The initial break-in period often generates a significant amount of metallic dust that is caught by the magnet and filter.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Specification: 24 lb-ft (32 Nm) for both the drain and fill plugs (uses an 8mm hex).
• Crush Washer Note: The Tesla drive unit plugs typically use a captive O-ring rather than a traditional crush washer. Inspect the O-ring for flattening or tearing. If it is damaged, you must replace the entire plug assembly (Tesla P/N 1111032-00-A), as the O-ring is usually not sold separately.

How to change the oil

Changing the drive unit fluid shares similarities with servicing a traditional manual transmission or differential.

1. Lift the vehicle safely: You must use proper Tesla jack pad adapters to avoid damaging the high-voltage battery. Keep the car level.
2. Remove the aero shields: Take off the front and/or rear composite underbody panels to access the drive units.
3. Locate the plugs: Identify the fill plug (upper) and drain plug (lower) on the side of the drive unit casing.
4. Remove the fill plug FIRST: Never drain a gearbox without confirming you can refill it.
5. Drain the fluid: Remove the drain plug and let the old fluid empty into a catch pan.
6. Clean the magnet / Replace the filter: Wipe the metallic sludge off the drain plug magnet. If your drive unit has the external cylindrical oil filter, use a strap wrench to remove it and install the new OEM filter.
7. Reinstall drain plug: Torque the bottom plug to 24 lb-ft (32 Nm).
8. Refill the fluid: Using a fluid pump, pump the specified ATF into the fill hole until a steady trickle of fluid begins to weep out of the hole.
9. Reinstall fill plug: Torque the top plug to 24 lb-ft (32 Nm) and reinstall the aero shields.

Common issues / tips

• Jack Pad Adapters: The number one mistake DIYers make on the Model 3 is lifting it without the proper pucks. Lifting directly on the battery casing can cause catastrophic, unrepairable damage.
• Fluid Confusion: Do not mistake the high-voltage battery coolant loops for drive unit fluid loops. They are completely separate systems.
• Strong Odor: Used drive unit fluid often smells heavily of burnt gear oil or ATF. This is normal, but make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area.
• Warranty Considerations: Because Tesla does not mandate this service, doing it yourself could lead to warranty disputes if the drive unit fails and Tesla blames improper fluid or levels. If you are under warranty, consult your dealer before proceeding.

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