Tesla, Inc.
Service Bulletin

Remove B-Pillar Applique Gore Patches

SB-20-12-002
March 17, 2020
Classification

Section/Group

Mobile Service

Repair Bulletin

12 - Exterior Fittings

Can Perform
(where permitted)

Country/Region

Version

Model Year

Model

2016 - 2019

Model S, Model X, All
Model 3

All

The model(s) and model year(s) listed are a general approximation of the affected VIN list. Refer to the VIN/Bulletin Tracker or Customer/Vehicle profile to determine
applicability of this bulletin for a particular vehicle.

Repair Bulletin: This repair bulletin provides instructions on addressing a noted condition or possible customer concern regarding
the operation of Tesla vehicles. These instructions should only be performed by trained professionals.

Condition
On some Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, condensation might build up inside of the B-pillar applique,
potentially obscuring the B-pillar camera. This condition might cause some Autopilot features to be temporarily
unavailable until the condensation goes away, such as Auto Lane Change, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Departure
Warning.

Correction
Inspect both B-pillar applique camera cavities for condensation. If condensation is present in either B-pillar applique,
remove and discard the gore patches from both B-pillar appliques to improve the airflow and reduce condensation.

Correction Description

Correction

Time

SB-20-12-002 Not Applicable

S012012002

0.00

B-Pillar Applique Gore Patches Not Installed

S022012002

0.05

Remove B-Pillar Applique Gore Patches To Reduce Condensation, Model 3

S032012002

0.20

Remove B-Pillar Applique Gore Patches To Reduce Condensation, Model X

S042012002

0.25

Remove B-Pillar Applique Gore Patches To Reduce Condensation, Model S

S052012002

0.45

Part Number

Description

1042627-00-A

Model S:
3M ACRYLIC FOAM TAPE RT8016, 250x15x1.6

Parts Required

Quantity
2

This part number was current at the time of publication. Use the revisions listed or later, unless otherwise
specified in the Parts Catalog.

Shop Supplies Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) wipes (Model S)

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Procedure
1. Log into Garage, enter the VIN, and then select it.
2. Check the date under Vitals > Basic > Vehicle > Birthday in Garage:


If the vehicle’s birthday is before March 31st, 2019, continue to the next step.



If the vehicle’s birthday is March 31st, 2019 or after, discontinue this procedure because the gore patches
were not installed on the B-pillar appliques.

3. Remove and retain the LH B-pillar applique (refer to Service Manual procedure 12200102).
NOTE: Do not discard the B-pillar applique. The applique will be reinstalled later in this procedure.
4. Place the B-pillar applique face down on a soft cloth and look for the gore patch (Figures 1, 2, and 3).
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the camera lens, do not remove the camera module from the B-pillar
applique.

Figure 1 – Model S

Figure 2 – Model X

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Figure 3 – Model 3
5. Carefully remove and discard the gore patch that covers the hole on the B-pillar applique using a pair of tweezers
or similar tool; start by scraping the edges of the gore patch (Figure 4), and then remove the gore patch from the
applique (Figure 5).
NOTE: Remove the residue left from the gore patch, if possible (Figure 6).
NOTE: Make sure that no gore patch debris obstruct the camera lense.

Figure 4 – Model S shown, Model X and Model 3
similar

Figure 5 – Model S shown, Model X and Model 3
similar

Figure 6 – Model S shown, Model X and Model 3 similar

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6. Model S only: Remove any remaining adhesive from the B-pillar and the B-pillar applique on highlighted areas in
Figures 7 and 8, and then clean the same areas with IPA wipes. Allow the area to dry before continuing.

Figure 7

Figure 8

7. Model S only: Apply 2 strips of the acrylic double-sided tape to the inner side of the B-pillar applique as shown in
Figure 9.

Figure 9
8. Repeat steps 3 – 7 for the RH side.
9. Model S only: Peel the backing from the double-sided tape.
10. Reinstall the LH and RH B-pillar appliques (refer to Service Manual procedure 12200102).
NOTE (Model 3 only): Skip the “redeploy the vehicle firmware” step during the installation of the B-pillar
applique.

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SB-20-12-002
For feedback on the accuracy of this document, email ServiceBulletinFeedback@tesla.com