Telematics Control Unit (TCU)
Introduction
The Telematics Control Unit (TCU) provides connectivity to the Nissan Leaf. It is a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G modem, depending on the year and region, with additional functionality. The TCU provides internet connectivity to the AV Control Unit via USB, while also communicating with Nissan's servers in its own right to provide CarWings / Nissan Connect functionality such as remote climate control.
Location and access
The TCU is located on the right-hand side of the vehicle in all models.
Left-hand drive
The TCU is located behind the glove box. Access is achieved by removing the glove box.
Right-hand drive
The TCU is located above the pedals.
Variants
2G
Part numbers:
- 283B0 3NM0A
3G
4G
Part numbers:
- 28275 5SA0B
These are found on some 2nd-generation Nissan Leafs. It includes a Sierra Wireless AirPrime AR7554 modem module, a chip labelled R7F7010259 (possibly part of the Renesas RH850/F1L family) and a small PIC16LF1518 chip.
It does not contain a physical SIM slot.
-
External view -
Circuit board side A -
Circuit board side B
Connections
| Connector Number | Physical Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| M67 | TH40FB-NH (40-pin connector) | Power, Microphone, CANBUS (IT-CAN and M-CAN) |
| M173 | USCAR30-MD-M (USB) | USB connection to AV Control Unit |
| M174 | FAKRA CODE H 4003 (Pink) | GSM antenna |
| M175 | 3FA1ANCSJ-C02W0 (Blue) | GPS antenna |
5G
Open-source Telematics
Owners who cannot use Nissan Connect (e.g. because it is not offered in their country), or don't want to use it, have a couple of options.
OVMS is an open-source module that can provide all sorts of telematics functionality such as GPS positioning, remote climate control, remote lock/unlock, battery monitoring, etc. In Gen 1 Leafs it can be installed via a simple plug into the OBDII port. In Gen 2 Leafs, a custom adaptor cable can be made to tap into the power and CAN buses at the CAN Gateway.[1] It is also necessary to disable the TCU, either by disconnecting the CAN BUS wires on its connector, or by removing it completely and replacing it with a couple of bridging wires and a 5V regulator to keep the AV Control Unit powered, power the microphone and pass its signal through.
For 2G TCUs, it is possible to replace the SIM and configure the TCU to connect to a server of one's choosing.[2]