How to remove the MCU from a Tesla Model S/X

[@derekhallett6946]

HOLY SH*T I wish I found this video sooner. You’ve just saved me a crap load of time since I’m upgrading my speakers and need access to the back of the MCU and amp. Well done sir.

[@ChamaeleonMustermann]

A little tip from a German mechanic. Please never put your knees on the seats. It will destroy your seat heating one day. Thanks for the nice Video.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

That's good advice!

[@khalvashi777]

Hello, after changing MCU is it necessary to programming? Or it’s needs change?

[@evs2k]

So happy to have found this channel. I am about to take delivery of a 2017 Model X (MCU1) and a wrecked 2018 Model S (MCU2). Plan is to transplant the MCU2 from the S to the X. Your video shows the mechanical side of a change over but I believe there is a software component too. Do you know of any guides to what is required and how it is done?

[@ioncismaru1448]

Hello! My GPS is stuck on a location. What else could I do besides restarting the steering wheel? Thank you very much!

[@sokhikian]

this is the best DIY video i have ever seen! thank you!

[@MitchellBarrock]

Great video. I also have a question about software needed to go from a MCU1 to an MCU2 unit. My gauge cluster bubbled out and I replaced the screen with a new unit but it wouldn't light up. Took it to dealer who said I need to replace the gauge screen, center screen with a new MCU 2, replace the radio and cameras all to the tune of $2800. What BS for a 6 yr old car. So I wanted to know if the radio is part of the center monitor assembly and if anything has to be done electronically to simply switch out an older MCu1 unit with a newer MCU2 unit. Also can the chip replacement as you described do the same thing as updating to the MCU2 unit?

[@CarlJMcEntire]

When upgrading to an MCU 2. Are there any additional cables that need to be ran? or it is all the same plug in's?

[@artyommatevosyan9251]

Hi, I'm trying to replace MCU1 to MCU2 myself, is it enough to just replace MCU, or there is a need to do programming to make MCU2 work the car's hardware/software?

[@cartiercartier2171]

Any updates?

[@JeevanKarloss]

I need to change only the SD card. Have you made any video on it?

[@reconforsales7708]

Hi can you do a detailed video like this to remove an MCU from a Tesla Model 3 please Thank You.

[@tristan.parrish]

If anyone is interested in adding an amplifier to their tesla to upgrade the sound system, you can tap into those wires on the gray/white harness connector that plugs into the mcu for the front and rear speakers. The black harness connector has the wires for the center speaker. (2016 Tesla. Might be different for newer/older models) The speaker wire colors vary depending on the year of the car.

[@mamu679]

I have a base sound system with MCU1, got already better front and rear speakers (not installed yet) and want to get them fired by a 4CH amplifier. Are you referring to the connectors at the middle (grey) and right (black) of the lower part at 12:53? Have you done this job already?

[@tristan.parrish]

⁠@@mamu679 I ended up getting the speaker wire through the wiring harnesses at the doors instead of the back of the mcu since I didn’t want to deal with removing the mcu from the dash. Is yours a 2016? I can send you the shop manual.

[@mamu679]

@@tristan.parrish I have a 2016 MX with AP1. Thanks for offering the repair manual, I’ve already downloaded it from scribd. Because of the MX’s FWDs I guess I’ll better get the signals from the MCU connector (I like DIY staff). Next thing I have to find out is how to grab the signal for the under seat style subwoofer. Do you have pictures from your mod?

[@tristan.parrish]

@@mamu679 Ohhh I see. I have a MS so I didn’t have to deal with FWDs and the base model doesn’t come with a sub so I didn’t have to deal with that either. Definitely would make more since to grab the signal from behind the mcu for you. Good luck to you sounds like a fun project!

[@delschier1419]

Tesla service just replaced my Tegra board. The charge was $310, parts & labor plus tax. Two of the service people said it has a new 64GB eMMC chip but another guy said it was the same old chip. They said it would have a 1 yr warranty and that was on their web page; I didn't confirm that.

[@reeldealev]

Nice job David and Tony! Although the EMMC repair has slowed down now, this is still applicable for Screen replacements! Don't forget we have new screens in stock!

[@morgangitari8806]

For the new screens, to replace an existing screen, do you have to do a tegra board swap from the old one?

[@newhomeownersideas4658]

Thank you for this great explanation, after this upgrade will upgrade the screen with youtube and Netflix?

[@danielr.7658]

Thanks for a great video. I was told my hazard switch is bad. Do you know if I'd have to pull the MCU out/forward to get to that switch or would there be any way to get to it from the side?

[@Rick9482]

I'm assuming that doing this is only advisable when out of warranty and Tesla has refused to fix it. I believe you should make this much clearer in your video. I thought the video was very well done and although I wouldn't want to undertake it, knowing how is always appreciated.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

It is unlikely that the chip wears out before the warranty is expired. You are right if your car is under warranty, Tesla should always be your first go to place.

[@Rick9482]

@@DavidDrivesElectric David Drives Electric .....or second for that matter. Nothing against your suggestion but if Tesla will fix it, that's where I would go first, warranty or no warranty. You have upfront costs in special tools, the actual disassembly where things often go wrong, having a somewhat disabled car while your chip is in the hands of USPS and others, no enforceable guarantee and reasssembly, where things often go wrong. So for me, it would be a last resort solution. All that said, I still like the video!

[@martinwinlow]

UK - Current quote from Tesla for MCU1 replacement (including 4G/LTE upgrade) with re-furbed one is £1400 (inc). 1 year warranty.

[@evfixme2816]

@@DavidDrivesElectric Actually.... We do see a good number if chips that wore out... Some of our customers had Tesla replace 1 or 2.

[@ericlyons1887]

@@Rick9482 Yes, all of those are risks. However, even if you have Tesla replace the MCU with a refurb, there is no guarantee that they replace the chip -- and so you will most definitely have the problem again; just a matter of time. Of course, once your chip fails and either strands you somewhere with the aircon running without being able to turn it off, or you are lucky enough to continue driving the car, taking it to Tesla -- and waiting as long as two weeks to get a refurb -- is your *only* choice.

[@nikobegakis4340]

If replacing screen and instrument cluster, do you have to disconnect battery under the hood or can you replace the screen and instrument cluster without touching 12v battery or fuses?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

You don't have to. I have done it so many times and never had any issues. You don't have to disconnect the battery, you can just pull the fuse that goes to the MCU. But again, I don't think it's necessary.

[@maxpinter8690]

My VCM was replaced by Tesla 3 years ago and now my touchscreen display is leaking sticky fluid. Can this be related?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

If fluid is coming out, you need to replace the screen. There is no way to fix that.

[@Raphael_Hofmann]

Thank you so much! I was really curious how to do it.

[@666miguel99]

I can use this to replace my emercency lights button that has stopped working. thanks.

[@danielr.7658]

I was told my hazard switch is bad too. Been searching everywhere as well till this video and your comment. Can I ask if you had to pull the MCU out to get to the back side of the switch and any screws to replace it or was there a different way? Thanks

[@666miguel99]

@@danielr.7658 I havnet' done it yet. but i doubt it, you can access from the side once you remove the that driver side pannel. that's what it looks like at least.

[@dannyrusso8279]

Fantastic tutorial and very well put together. Really shows each step clearly. Thanks! My dilemma is I had the MCU upgrade done and I found that the vent to the left of the center screen is stuck closed. No air at all coming out, and unable to move the lever. I have an appointment with Tesla, which is a distance from my home, and wondering if I should tackle this myself. Do you think there's a way to get at that vent without completely disassembling the dash?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

That is very easy to do. The steps to take out the vents is very similar to the MCU removal. In fact you have to take that vent out to get the MCU out. So if you just follow this video your should be set. I have taken the vents apart myself to clean them. They are very simple. You can probably get inexpensive used parts if something is broken in there.

[@dannyrusso8279]

@@DavidDrivesElectric OK, thanks David. I'll consider doing it, especially if Tesla wants to charge me for the repair. Since my warranty expired, I really will have to do most repairs myself in the future.

[@Superdupershaun]

Question you might know. I got the new MCU 2. I want to be able to use the game controller feature but don't have the upfront USB. Can I connect or add the USB so I can use the game controller?

[@143Garage]

Can we just disconnect the 12v battery?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

You can but you don't have to. I have taken out so many MCUs and never shut off the power before. It's fine

[@143Garage]

@@DavidDrivesElectric oh I meant while waiting for emmc repair. I don’t plan on driving it until I get the emmc back. Should I disconnect 12v battery while storing vehicle

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

@@143Garage oh yes! You definitely want to do that. Without the MCU in the car, the main battery will not 'turn on' and thus will not be able to support the small 12 Volt battery. The 12 Volt battery will die without the MCU. You can put the MCU back in without the eMMc chip. It will stay black but you can drive and charge the car.

[@delschier1419]

I paid Tesla service $175 to see if my EMMc chip was actually bad and they gave the car back with with corrupted files repaired and the MCU working like new but that only lasted about two months. A month ago the music stopped playing and I did the two button salute and it went black and stayed black. I scheduled service but that was a month out. They were supposed to call when they had the part, a replacement Tegra board. They don't want to talk on the phone but with great difficulty I got a service guy to call. A person from my local service assured me I could bring it in sooner and that he would call when the part came in. He never called! I texted them on the appointment date and said I was not bringing the car unless they had the part. The guy on the phone said they would fix it while I waited but when I got there they said they would let me know when it would be done and the guy didn't seem to know if they did or did not have the part. Now they say it will be there for a week and it is cued for service, whatever that means. The good news is now they want $310 labor & parts instead of $1146. The guy on the phone said it would get a new 64 GB chip, but they guy there said I would get exactly what I had so looks like $300 every 4 yrs. I don't know what I am getting except the service guy said I would have a 1 yr warranty on the repair; I doubt in writing.

[@theslacker29ify]

Mine goes in next Tuesday to get the daughterboard replaced for 408.40.... I might get the LTE upgrade while I'm there.. So much cheaper than a refurbished MCU!

[@delschier1419]

@@theslacker29ify Tesla service charged me $310 parts & labor plus tax, dunno why they are charging you $100 more.

[@theslacker29ify]

Del Schier I don't know either... They want to charge full price for the LTE upgrade, too. I don't understand that either. The MCU is already out, so they shouldn't charge the full amount for labor.

[@theslacker29ify]

Del Schier I found out they have $87.50 as a diagnostic charge... Which I believe is a half hour of "labor".. So, that could be why the price is around a $100 more...I looked at the invoice before I approved the service for my Tuesday appointment.. It says "MSC MCU TEGRA VCM REV-A-PROVISION (64GB) (2728212-S0-A)". Price $120 for part, $280 for labor.

[@zvan-george]

thank you David! this is a great job to share with us the step-by-step job to replace mcu. Please tell me if perfect same is on model x 2017 Regards Razvan George

[@NicolasWillot]

Hi David, thanks for this super clear tutorial. I was wondering if you knew what was the second connector behind the first cap you removed (the first one is from the antennas for the keyfob)? Thanks, Nico.

[@brianl2607]

amazing video, would you also provide a modified image on the new chip with root access?

[@evfixme2816]

You receive a backup copy of your chip to do as you please ;)

[@michasshow]

is it possible to replace a Mcu1 with an MCU2 by yourself?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

The car will not work if you just replace the hardware. Tesla has to transfer the software specific to your vehicle. It's not just a copy process. Some third party shops can do it as well.

[@dartcharger318]

This is one of the best tutorials I have ever seen. Thanks for putting it together!

[@RealJustinTyme]

David - thank you for doing this. The detail here gave me what I need to do this. It's not that bad, just one step at a time. Tony has my chip now. Plus I'm still under warranty - Tesla would replace with a rebuilt (a.k.a. unknown lifetime) if they were to replace. I'm not interested in the MCU upgrade so this is well worth the peace of mind to me.

[@Tom2312yueyei]

How did the chip replacement turn out? I plan on doing mine soon through these guys

[@AKA001]

Why would you go through the bother and risk if you’re car is still under warranty. I’d just drop it off get a loaner and pick it up in working condition.

[@ericlyons1887]

Awesome video. One question: You say "put the MCU back even if you're not going to drive the car". Do you mean, put the 2 ribbon cables and the other cable back, close it back up *without* the Tegra board, and hook it back up in the car? This ensures that the 12v battery stays topped up?

[@Tom2312yueyei]

Yeah I think that’s what he’s saying

[@franciscofredviana743]

I can't believe how easy that was. I would feel so confident on doing this /S

[@ryanpetree6475]

Is there a way to upgrade the RAM or CPU instead of having to "upgrade" the whole MCU to the 2nd gen?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

No, there is no option to do that.

[@sarfrazashraf5912]

Hi from DK. And Thank you for videoes👍 I have a 2014/12 P85+ my mcu1 Its ok. Iam afraid it will go out someday soon.. Do you recommend me to change it before it happens or when its crack etc? Kind Regards Sarfraz

[@mamu679]

Hi, is it still working?

[@ddeboy002]

I'm not motivated to remove it while it's still working, but I do want it upgraded but can't due to covid restrictions.

[@ecsyntric]

crazy good terrifying video! is it possible to diy replace with MCU2 ? if so where to buy MCU2?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

No, that will not work. You will need a certificate for your car on the new MCU.

[@chamondward853]

What do u mean certificate?

[@SZAx2]

Great step-by-step tutorial, thank you David!

[@bossone3801]

Great video, thank you!

[@eddyboh2723]

What year is your tesla?

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

2014

[@lawrencekendrick6440]

Thanks for the great video, i need to replace my navigation SD card. Do I need to remove the mcu or just expose the passenger side of it? Thanks again, this could save me $400!

[@ram-ck7ti]

The link you provide to evfixme.com does not work. Do you have an updated link. The yelp link works but is not the official website for Tony. Thanks.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

I just tested it, it works. Don't add a www. In front of it

[@ram-ck7ti]

@@DavidDrivesElectric Tried it in 3 browsers. Chrome & Safari take me to a 404 Web Site not found. page and Firefox takes me to a Tesla Motor Club thread on eMMC? is that right??

[@grzegorzwalnik634]

Saved me a lot of time. Thank you !

[@markedwards4879]

One warning with using the car with a broken/missing MCU. When mine failed in December 2019 the speed displayed on the other dashboard screen reverted to mph EVEN THOUGH it said kph. Others with failing MCU’s have seen the same effect. Be aware that your speed might be completely wrong and driving in a 60kph local zone at 60mph (100kph) will probably lose you your licence.

[@delschier1419]

All US Tesla X & S owners should file a complaint with the NHTSA about the eMMC failure.

[@Tom2312yueyei]

Only 11 have filed a complaint but TESLA is under investigation for this emmc failure

[@tbgoog]

Quite helpful and instructive - thanks for this video ! Viele Grüße aus der ziemlich angestaubten alten Heimat - wir waren auch mal 7 Jahre in Socal und vermissen es sehr :-) Stay healthy !

[@AKA001]

Tesla owners should put up a class action for a guaranteed failing item, which seriously compromises safety, not just an inconvenience like Tesla claims it is. There are times that I’ve been stuck on a steep parking ramp because I couldn’t lift the car because the screen failed.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

finally Tesla is recalling all old Model S because of this issue

[@bassometa]

Wow! Amazing Video! Will be a big help for me, pulling out my Tegra board. Thank you! :-)

[@nordemoniac]

On one side I can’t wait to purchase a Tesla, on the other hand I’m outraged that something this stupid isn’t covered for free the first 10 years, or even recalled and fixed. A friend had to replace his. Cost him $4000 and happened 5 days after warranty ran out..

[@JetFire9]

I personally think everything I buy should last forever and never break or become obsolete, but apparently what I think doesn't matter.

[@UTArch1]

Who is off camera making the comments about screw size, etc.

[@UTArch1]

I believe I recognize the voice of TonyT.

[@B1ZTeam]

Less talk video Correct kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqiVe4V6ltarm80