07/11/2022
How to enable CCS1 adapter support on Model 3 and Y
If you don't know if you need to do this DIY retrofit, the following short video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqNumBLMI6A) shows you how to find out if the CCS adapter support feature is installed in your EV. If it’s “not installed”, then you need to do one of the following retrofits (A or B below in order to enable and use the Tesla CCS1 adapter.
A. If your EV is a North American (NA) Model 3 and made AFTER October 4, 2020 (built with black trim, heat pump and refreshed dash) or a NA Model Y, all you need to do is swap out the charge port controller (ECU) to the full-featured Gen4 ECU which is Tesla part number 1537264-00-B. The steps are -
1. Purchase 1537264-00-B from a Tesla Service Center for $140 + sales tax.
2. You will need a software update or software reinstall before the new ECU can work. The easiest way is to wait for the normal software update notice, install the new ECU (see the following video on how to swap out @7:27) and then do the software update. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH22SfePBho
B. If your EV is a NA Model 3 and made BEFORE October 5, 2020 (built with chrome trim), all you need to do is swap out the charge port controller (ECU) to the Gen4 ECU which is Tesla part number 1537264-00-B and add a third party wire harness called "A Bundle of Wires with a Board" in line with the Gen4 ECU. Here's a good overall video that's about 15 minutes long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH22SfePBho Note, the Gen3 to Gen4 transition year mentioned in the video is incorrect, it should be 2020, not 2021. If you don't have 15 minutes then the below information is all you need to know. The steps are -
1. Purchase 1537264-00-B from a Tesla Service Center for $140 + sales tax.
2. Purchase "A Bundle of Wires with a Board" for $55 either here https://www.2muchsun.com/product-page/cable-adapter-for-gen4-ecu-and-enabling-ccs-on-tesla-model-3-and-y or on Ebay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/265560903265?) or you can build your own with instructions in the following post.https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/retrofit-ccs-compatibility-onto-earlier-na-model-3-diy-approach.251046/ -625069
3. You will need a software update or software reinstall before the new ECU can work. The easiest way is to wait for the normal software update notice, install the new ECU (see the following video on how to swap out @7:27), add the wire harness in line with the 24-pin connector of the ECU and then do the software update. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH22SfePBho
NOTES:
1. If you don't want to wait for the next software update, you can do a software reinstall which involves putting the car in service mode to do a software reinstall (google how to do this, there are many videos on this). The latest version of the non FSD software does not have the geofence requirement so you can put it in service mode at any time.
2. About the install, it's not mandatory to disconnect the 12V and HV battery as the video suggested. The service manuals for both Model Y and Model 3 don't require any power disconnection and repair time to remove and replace the ECU is listed at 0.15 or 9 minutes. However, they do recommend reinstalling the software as soon as possible to prevent excess drain on the battery. People have also reported online that power disconnect is not necessary.
3. Once you make your EV support the CCS1 adapter, you need to buy the actual CCS1 adapter in order to charge your car. Currently, the Tesla CCS1 adapter can only be bought at their store but you will need to have the CCS adapter support in the car first in order to buy it. This is why the DIY retrofit needs to be done first if you don't want to wait for Tesla to release their retrofit kit
4. For support and questions, check out our new Community Forum. https://www.2muchsun.com/forum/ccs1-adapter-support
Q: Are these safe retrofits?
A: Yes. It uses a Tesla Gen4 ECU and there has been over 400 of the wire harnesses sold and installed without any confirmed problems or charging limitations due to the retrofit.
The added wire harness retrofit is a change out of the Tesla Gen3 ECU with a Tesla Gen4 ECU plus adding this third party wire harness (A Bundle of Wires with a Board). The Gen4 ECU supports CCS1 plus it has support for some features in the newer Gen4 charge port that are not in the older Model 3s with the Gen 3 charge port. Namely, they are the port heater, an internal cover, different thermistor type and a proximity resistor. So instead of changing out your current charge port to a Gen4 version, "A Bundle of Wires with a Board" allows you to use your existing charge port by providing the necessary signals to the new ECU via remapping wires and adding 4 resistors. None of the high voltage or high current circuits are touched. It's all low voltage logic level signals tuned with passive components to be similar or equivalent to the expected signals.
Q: Does this void my warranty?
A: The broad answer is no. However, if you have a failure in the charge port, Tesla could claim it is not covered because of the added board and wires with the Gen4 charge port ECU.
This is no different than adding a third-party automatic trunk or frunk opener except this modification is fully and easily reversible without leaving any signs that it was ever done.
Q: Should I wait until Tesla has an official retrofit?
A: Yes, if, for your upcoming long trips, you only plan to go to places near Superchargers.
No, if you want to explore beyond Superchargers and have more options. In addition, the Gen4 ECU is really supply constrained and Tesla can further limit its distribution to upgrades due to production priorities. We have already seen inconsistent availability so it's better to "get it while you can" and beat the rush.
Q: Will I have buyer's remorse if I buy this solution?
A: No. Most of the cost is for the Gen4 ECU ($140). You will need some variation of this board anyways even if Tesla releases their retrofit. Telsa can then issue a new software that replaces "A Bundle of Wires" or they may require a new updated charge port which will be more expensive than bundle of wires or updated software.
"A Bundle of Wires" is really a small price to pay to get CCS1 sooner. We believe you will be completely satisfied because it works so well. We know because we have it on our older Teslas for months now.
Q: It says it is a DIY solution. What does this mean?
A: You will need to install this yourself as this not a Tesla product and we are not in the installation business. It is as easy as changing out a battery or tire, but a lot less work.
For the Model 3 for example, you will need a 10 mm socket wrench and a screw driver or trim fastener removal tool. Remove 2 fasteners on the trunk trim, pry open the carpeting behind the charge port while disconnecting the trunk light, unscrew 1 bolt holding old ECU, install new ECU along with "A Bundle of Wires with a Board", reassemble in reverse, and reload software. It should take less than 1 hour including the 20-30 minute software reload.
If you want to know more details on this modification, you just need to read the first post in this TMC topic
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/retrofit-ccs-compatibility-onto-earlier-na-model-3-diy-approach.251046/ -625069
Merch: https://sibs-shop.com/All about the Tesla CCS Adapter: https://youtu.be/LCGHZKG5nK8 Original Thread from the Tesla Forums (FalconFour): https://teslam...
