Stanton
Well-known member
Nissan recently notified owners of Gen1 (2011-2017) Nissan Leafs that support for CarWings/NissanConnect effectively ends when AT&T turns off their 3G network (used by the 2G/3G TCU) in early 2022.
The good news is there is an alternative: replace the existing TCU (Telecommunications Unit) with an OVMS (Open Vehicles Monitoring System) module. For <$200 (depending on options) and a few hours of your time (no "special" tools required), you can actually improve on the functionality of Nissan's service by following these steps:
Note: you can purchase a SIM card when you get the 4G modem.
The good news is there is an alternative: replace the existing TCU (Telecommunications Unit) with an OVMS (Open Vehicles Monitoring System) module. For <$200 (depending on options) and a few hours of your time (no "special" tools required), you can actually improve on the functionality of Nissan's service by following these steps:
- purchase OVMS hardware at https://www.openvehicles.com/buy (don't forget the data cable and antenna). Note: I bought the "WiFi only" version and then later added the 4G modem (daughter card).
- remove/disconnect current TCU (plenty of threads on this)
- install the OVMS hardware at https://docs.openvehicles.com/en/latest/userguide/installation.html (you can create an OVMS account ahead of time)
- install the OVMS app (iOS or Android)
Note: you can purchase a SIM card when you get the 4G modem.