Tesla Drive Unit Service

It may surprise you to find out that Teslas need oil changes too, but not in the traditional sense! In this Ryco Technical video, we show you how to perform a Tesla Drive Unit Service with our direct replacement Ryco oil filter!

[MarkElliott-swuy]

Thanks for the video. A few points that same to mind. I'd make sure I can remove the fill bolt before draining the system. I'd also prime the filter with some oil and turn it horizontal to drain out any excess (back into bottle) before installing. I'd get one of those oil pumps that look like a big syringe. To the question about engaging the pump, I wonder if putting the car in drive and running (slowly at first) with the wheels still off the ground would take care of that? Should be very little stress on the system that way and the oil should begin flowing.

[MountainManGuy]

How much oil is required? I appreciate the video but you glossed right over that very important part. Do you just fill until it starts coming out the fill port?

[Petlaw]

Thanks. Great to see some actual info.

[pongosp]

What is the drain and refill mileage interval requirement every how many thousand miles ??

[iloveukraine]

Very useful video I wanted to clarify which car in this video is Tesla Model 3 rear-wheel drive or Tesla Model 3 all-wheel drive?
Please indicate what volume of oil should be poured into a rear-wheel drive car and also into a car with a dual engine

[JohnathansWorld]

After reviewing the Tesla service manual for this fluid change, I noticed the service manual says to use a XP-10 jump pack, does the navigating to a supercharger feature still activate the pump?

[johnbutler]

It is recommended to remove the fill plug first then drain the oil.

[steptveita]

hi. when you change the filter and oil as you do..do you use any diagnostic tool to complete? Or is that just how you do it? same job behind as front? Etc. Stefan

[SerapioArias]

This is the first time I’m seeing an oil change on a telsa lol

[DefiantAML]

Every 100.000 miles in case you are wondering. My model 3 has about 9k miles on it right now. Ill be fine for a while I think!

[marcpelegrin]

Will this void warranty? I have heard cases in my country where Tesla has voided the warranty on cars which have been manipulated aka not having an original tesla filter.

[Moodletree]

Do you only replace the rubber gasket when it leaks on the oil pump that you unplugged before filter ?

[Norbino]

Hello, my Tesla Model S 85 from 2014 started making a humming sound at speeds above 50 km/h. Hear it in the front left, I thought it was the front left bearing, I replaced it, but the hum persists. Could it be engine failure? Thanks Norm.

[mschumacher]

wrong fluid!

Tesla officially specifies Pentosin ATF 9 as the gearbox fluid for the Model 3 drive units in many documented cases, particularly for newer models like the Model 3. This is a synthetic automatic transmission fluid (ATF) designed for high-performance applications, providing excellent lubrication and thermal stability. It’s used in both the front and rear drive units of the Model 3, including Performance and non-Performance variants. The fluid is intended to be long-lasting, and Tesla has moved away from regular service intervals for it, treating it as a “lifetime” fluid unless a specific issue arises (e.g., a service alert or leak).

In contrast, ZF Lifeguard Fluid 9 is tailored for ZF’s 9-speed automatic transmissions (like the 9HP series), which are found in some traditional internal combustion engine vehicles from manufacturers like BMW, Jaguar, or Honda. The Tesla Model 3, however, uses a single-speed reduction gearbox driven by electric motors, not a ZF multi-speed transmission. While ZF Lifeguard Fluid 9 and Pentosin ATF 9 may share some similar properties (both are high-quality synthetic ATFs), they are not interchangeable without confirmation from Tesla, as the Model 3’s gearbox has unique requirements tied to its electric drivetrain, including motor cooling and specific viscosity needs.

Historically, Tesla used Dexron VI ATF (another synthetic ATF) in older models like the Model S and some early Model 3 drive units, but for the Model 3, especially post-2017 builds, Pentosin ATF 9 has become the standard, as noted in service manuals and teardown analyses (e.g., by Munro & Associates). The exact specification can vary slightly by production year or drive unit revision (e.g., older Raven units vs. newer hairpin motor designs), but Pentosin ATF 9 is consistently cited for current Model 3s.

[robn.]

At what mileage do I need to service the drive unit?

[SpottedSharks]

The Model 3 owner's manual does not include any oil changes in its maintenance service intervals.

[treborg]

Have you ever done a drive unit fluid change on a Model X? I've been told by a service center that the rear unit fluid cannot be changed without removing the whole rear drive unit.

[PearlsOfWisdom]

Front motor needs to be lowered to remove the oil pump on a Y

[myreviews]

Hi, I have a 2023 Model 3 Performance US version. They say I can use Dexron 6 ATF for Drive unit fluid. Can I use Redline D6 ATF since it satisfies Dexron 6?

[gerbertmorataya]

I’m trying to get Tesla to change fluids on both drives on 2022 model s . 30 k miles and I bought it used and I think this ex owner used to really push the pedal to the metal…
You think it needs it??