2016 Tesla Model S Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Tesla Model S holds approximately 11.6 quarts (11.0 liters) of coolant to manage the temperature of its battery, motors, and electronics.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 11.6 qt (11.0 L)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Tesla G-48 Coolant (Blue, Ethylene Glycol-based HOAT)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (pre-mixed is recommended)

Capacity by a Trim Option

The complex thermal management system in the 2016 Model S is consistent across all trim levels, from the 60D to the P100D. All variants share the same fundamental cooling system architecture and capacity.

Flush Interval

Unlike internal combustion engines, the coolant in a Tesla does not get contaminated with combustion byproducts. However, the additives that prevent corrosion and inhibit electrical conductivity still break down over time. Adhering to a regular flush schedule is critical for battery pack and drive unit longevity.

• Normal Service: Tesla recommends replacing the battery coolant every 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: There is no official severe duty schedule, but for vehicles operated in extreme hot or cold climates, adhering strictly to the 4-year/50,000-mile interval is highly recommended.

How to Refill & Bleed

A coolant service on a Tesla Model S is not a typical DIY project. The system contains multiple cooling loops for the battery, motors, and cabin, with complex valving and pumps. Improper service can easily lead to air pockets, which can cause localized overheating and catastrophic failure of the high-voltage battery or drive units.

A dedicated service computer is required to perform this procedure.

1. Safety First: Ensure the vehicle's high-voltage system is properly disabled.
2. Drain the System: Open the necessary drain ports to empty the coolant.
3. Perform a Vacuum Fill: A professional-grade cooling system vacuum filler must be used. This tool pulls the entire system into a deep vacuum, removing all air before coolant is introduced. This is the only way to ensure no air is trapped in the battery's numerous small cooling passages.
4. Initiate Software Bleed Procedure: Once filled, the technician must use a diagnostic tool connected to the car to initiate the "Thermal System Air Purge" or "Coolant Bleed" sequence. This command systematically cycles all pumps and valves in a specific order to force any remaining micro-bubbles out of the system. This automated procedure can take 30 minutes or more to complete.

Warning: Attempting to "top-off" or refill a Model S cooling system without the proper vacuum-fill tools and software commands will likely result in incomplete filling and severe component damage.

Common Cooling System Issues

The first-generation Model S has several well-documented cooling system weak points that owners should be aware of.

• Battery Coolant Heater Failure: The electric heater that brings the battery to optimal temperature in cold climates is a very common failure point. Symptoms include significantly reduced regenerative braking, slower DC fast charging speeds, and error messages on the dash.
• Three-Way Valve Failure: The system uses electronically controlled three-way valves to direct coolant flow. These valves can fail internally, leading to improper temperature regulation for the battery, motor, or cabin, often triggering fault codes.
• Coolant Pump Issues: While less common than heaters or valves, the electric pumps that circulate coolant can fail, which will quickly lead to overheating warnings and put the car into a reduced power mode.
• Hose and Seal Leaks: As with any vehicle, rubber hoses and seals can degrade over time, leading to leaks. On a Tesla, a coolant leak can be a critical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent damage to the high-voltage electronics.

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