The degree of misinformation and unverified assumptions on this thread is little alarming. I have no doubt It is well-intentioned, but until the actual research is done we simply do not know.
There is no current evidence that suggests that retrofitting the car with MCU2 requires root access. It might, but it is not currently known.
I have been researching this for some time and there are certain knowns and a few unknowns. The MCU does not house the odometer, so that shouldn't be an issue, nor does it house any AP functionality. Upgrading the MCU will also require changing the drivers display screen, as the new MCU simply feeds the video directly to the screen as opposed to the previous ip configuration.
There is a known Tesla Technical Service Bulletin on changing the MCU that involves re-pinning some of the connectors. The bottom line is until we put functioning MCU's on a bench and test them we are not going to know for sure. I am strongly considering a group-buy where we each chip in around $200 to perform the actual research. IF this ends up being a harness adapter (as multiple sources have said) then it's not TOO difficult. IF it ends up we need root access, then that is a different thing and each owner would need to decide what works for them. Either way, at least we would have an answer.
There are some people on this forum whose opinions I greatly value, However they have told me each of the two possibilities and the bottom line is until we actually do it we just are not going to know for sure. There are certain things that you can install it in your car that a simple software update will force the car to identify the new hardware and simply make it function, Door handles, Automatic charge port door (once mounted), etc. We won't know if the MCU is one of those things until we try it.
If you are interested, PM me and I'l add you to the list. If we have enough interest I'll put something together.
ive also created a thread for the group buy project at
GROUP BUY - MCU-1 to MCU-2 Upgrade, Testing interest
