Gen 1 -> Gen 2 Upgrade instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Tesla Android Upgrade Kit (Gen 1 → Gen 2). In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of moving the electronics to the new enclosure and installing the Real Time Clock module.
Prerequisites
Before upgrading your device, you need to update your Tesla Android (1st generation) to the latest available software (2025.46.1).
Disassembly of Your Gen 1 Device
We’ve made small changes inside the device since it launched in 2023. The teardown process of the Gen 1 Tesla Android hasn’t changed, but there may be some visual differences depending on your order date and region.
Step 1
Unscrew the LTE and Wi-Fi antennas from the outer housing. You might need pliers since they should be secured tightly. You can discard the nuts and washers; you won’t need them anymore.
Step 2
Remove the single screw on top of the outer housing and set it aside — you’ll need it later.
Step 3
Slide off the outer housing and discard it.
Step 4
Unplug the LTE modem and remove the antenna cables from the old enclosure. If your device came with the optional CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter, unplug it and set it aside.
If the connection on the side of the modem was loose, you can gently tighten the metal tabs on the antenna cable with your fingers or pliers. Be careful — you can break the cable.
Step 5
Remove the Wi-Fi antenna connector from the main board and set it aside. Pull gently to avoid damaging the connector.
Step 6
Unscrew the main board from the top and set the four screws aside.
Step 7
Unfold the main board to the left and disconnect the ribbon cable.
Step 8
You should now be left with the following items:
- Main board with the Compute Module 4
- LTE modem
- Wi-Fi antenna cable
- Wi-Fi antenna
- 2× LTE antenna cables
- 2× LTE antennas
- CarPlay / Android Auto Adapter (optional)
Assembly of the New Enclosure
Your Upgrade Kit contains four main components:
- Outer housing
- Inner housing with the USB Adapter Board and the FPC cable
- Real Time Clock module (with pre-installed battery)
- Stacking header for the Real Time Clock module
Step 1
Insert the antenna cables into the inner enclosure. The Wi-Fi antenna cable should be located in the middle.
Step 2
Fold down your three antennas.
Step 3
Slide the antenna into the enclosure while unfolded.
Step 4
Fold the antenna and screw it in all the way.
Important: Wi-Fi and LTE antenna connectors are different. Check the connector before screwing it in to avoid damage.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all three antennas are connected.
Step 5
Route the Wi-Fi antenna cable to the top part of the enclosure.
Step 6
Route the cables for your LTE modem and insert the modem into the USB Adapter Board. Use the picture below for reference.
Step 7
Tighten the bends of the antenna cables so the enclosure can close without issues.
Step 8
If your device came with the CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter, insert it into the dedicated slot in the top section of the housing. It is a tight fit; optionally, you can tuck the Wi-Fi antenna cable underneath it.
Step 9
Connect the CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter to the USB Adapter Board.
Step 10
Bend the cable on the adapter tightly so the two parts of the housing can slide together without issues.
Step 11
Connect the FPC cable from the USB Adapter Board to the main board.
Step 12
Fold the main board into the housing and rest it on the RTC module holder.
Step 13
Gently connect the Wi-Fi antenna cable to the Compute Module 4; the connector will be difficult to access later.
Step 14
Align the main board with the four screw holes in the housing.
Step 15
Using a precision screwdriver (or the one provided with your Gen 1 device), screw in the main board. Be gentle when tightening the screws to avoid damaging the brass inserts.
Step 16
Insert the RTC module into the stacking header and connect it to the main board. The module will rest on the plastic holder.
Step 17
Slide the two parts of the housing together and screw in the last remaining screws to secure them in place.
Step 18
You've made it, kudos! Take your upgraded device to your car and power it up. If you run into any issues do not hesitate to reach out to us at support@teslaandroid.com or via Slack (invite - use the gen1-gen2-upgrade kit channel)
