Upgrading your Tesla's Media Control Unit (MCU) from an older MCU1 to the more powerful MCU2 can significantly enhance your vehicle's infotainment experience. This upgrade brings a faster, more responsive touchscreen, improved Browse, advanced gaming capabilities, and access to a wider range of streaming services.
Understanding the Tesla MCU Upgrade
Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand what the MCU upgrade entails.
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| How To Get Tesla Mcu2 Upgrade |
What is MCU1 vs. MCU2?
MCU1 (Media Control Unit 1): Found in older Model S and Model X vehicles, typically produced before March 2018. It uses an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an 8GB eMMC (though many have been replaced with 64GB eMMC due to a recall). The browser is based on Tesla's QtCarBrowser, and it primarily offered 3G connectivity (which has largely been phased out).
MCU2 (Media Control Unit 2): Introduced in March 2018, this upgrade features an Intel Atom E8000 series CPU with a 64GB eMMC. It boasts a significantly faster, more responsive touchscreen, a Chromium-based browser, 5GHz Wi-Fi capability, and enhanced Bluetooth. MCU2 enables features like video streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Twitch), Caraoke, TRAX, and improved visualizations for Full Self-Driving (FSD).
The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Tesla MCU2 Upgrade
Ready to supercharge your Tesla's infotainment? Here's how to go about it:
Step 1: Are You Eligible for the MCU2 Upgrade?
First things first, let's confirm if your Tesla is eligible for this fantastic upgrade! The MCU2 upgrade is primarily for Model S and Model X vehicles produced before March 2018 that are equipped with MCU1.
Sub-heading: How to Identify Your MCU Version
Not sure if you have MCU1 or MCU2? Here's how to check:
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Access your Tesla's touchscreen.
Go to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information.
Look for the "Infotainment Processor" or similar entry.
If it says "NVIDIA Tegra", you have MCU0 or MCU1.
If it says "Intel Atom", you have MCU2.
Another quick way to tell: if your car has Netflix or other video streaming apps enabled, it's likely MCU2. MCU1 vehicles typically cannot display side cameras on the screen, whereas MCU2 can.
Step 2: Understanding the Benefits and What You Might Lose
The MCU2 upgrade is a game-changer, but it's important to be aware of all aspects.
Sub-heading: The Amazing Benefits of MCU2
Blazing Fast Performance: Experience a much more responsive and smoother touchscreen and instrument cluster. Web pages load faster, and 3D rendering is significantly improved.
Enhanced Entertainment: Get access to video streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Twitch) through Tesla Theater, graphics-intensive Tesla Arcade games like Beach Buggy Racing 2 and Cuphead (with gamepad compatibility), and features like Caraoke and TRAX.
Improved Connectivity: Enjoy support for 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and an LTE capable modem for faster cellular data.
Advanced Driver Assistance Visualizations: For vehicles with the Full Self-Driving Computer, you'll get enhanced Driving Visualization.
Better Security: If your vehicle has the Full Self-Driving Computer, recording is enabled from the front, rear, and side cameras for Sentry Mode and DashCam, which also includes the DashCam viewer.
Sub-heading: What You Might Lose or Need to Re-configure
While the benefits are substantial, there are a few considerations:
Loss of AM/FM/Sirius XM Radio: The standard MCU2 upgrade is not compatible with the original radio tuner. Tesla offers an additional Radio Upgrade (for an extra cost, typically around $500) if you wish to retain FM and Sirius XM radio. AM radio is generally not retainable.
Re-pairing Devices: You will need to re-pair your phone, re-enter Wi-Fi passwords, and re-configure any other Bluetooth connections and preferences. Don't forget your garage door opener settings!
Premium Connectivity: Some features enabled by the Infotainment Upgrade (like video streaming over cellular) require a Premium Connectivity subscription.
Step 3: Cost and Scheduling Your Upgrade
The MCU2 upgrade is a paid service offered by Tesla.
Sub-heading: How Much Does the MCU2 Upgrade Cost?
The cost of the MCU2 upgrade can vary depending on your vehicle's Autopilot computer version:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Approximately $2,000 for vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.0 or 2.5.
Approximately $1,500 for all other vehicles (pre-HW2.0).
These prices typically include installation, but applicable taxes will apply. Tesla has historically offered price reductions, so it's always good to check the latest pricing on their official website or through the app.
Sub-heading: How to Schedule Your Appointment
The MCU2 upgrade is a hardware installation and requires a visit to a Tesla Service Center. You cannot perform this upgrade yourself.
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Tap 'Service'.
Tap 'Request Service'.
Select a support topic and describe your concern. You'll typically find an option for "Infotainment Upgrade" or "MCU Upgrade."
Follow the on-screen prompts to provide additional information, such as your preferred date and time for the service appointment.
Be prepared for the car to be at the service center for several hours, potentially a full day. While some estimates are 2-3 hours for installation, the firmware and software updates after installation can take additional hours.
Step 4: Preparing for Your Service Appointment
To ensure a smooth upgrade process, a little preparation goes a long way.
Backup Important Settings: While not all settings are migrated, it's wise to take note of your garage door opener settings, seat profiles, mirror settings, and any custom vehicle preferences that you might want to easily re-enter after the upgrade.
Remove Personal Items: Clear out any personal belongings from your car's interior, especially from the console area near the screen.
Charge Your Vehicle: Ensure your Tesla has a sufficient charge before dropping it off for service.
Plan for Transportation: As the upgrade can take several hours, arrange for alternative transportation or be prepared to wait at the service center if they have a lounge available. Loaner vehicles are not always guaranteed.
Step 5: Post-Upgrade Experience
Once your Tesla has received its MCU2 upgrade, you'll notice an immediate difference!
Enjoy the Speed: The touchscreen will feel snappier and more responsive, making navigation, media control, and app usage a joy.
Explore New Features: Dive into the Tesla Arcade games, stream your favorite shows on Netflix or YouTube, and enjoy Caraoke!
Reconnect and Reconfigure: Take some time to re-pair your phone, set up your Wi-Fi, and customize your vehicle settings to your liking.
The MCU2 upgrade truly breathes new life into older Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles, bringing them up to modern infotainment standards and enhancing the overall ownership experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to check if my Tesla has MCU1 or MCU2?
You can check your MCU version by going to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information on your Tesla's touchscreen. Look for the "Infotainment Processor" type: "NVIDIA Tegra" indicates MCU1 (or MCU0), while "Intel Atom" indicates MCU2.
How to know if I'm eligible for the Tesla MCU2 upgrade?
The MCU2 upgrade is generally available for Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured before March 2018.
How to schedule an MCU2 upgrade appointment with Tesla?
You can schedule an MCU2 upgrade appointment directly through the Tesla mobile app by navigating to the "Service" section and requesting the "Infotainment Upgrade."
How much does the Tesla MCU2 upgrade cost?
The cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD, depending on your vehicle's Autopilot computer version. This usually includes installation.
How long does the Tesla MCU2 upgrade take?
The installation process can take several hours, often a full day, as it involves both hardware replacement and extensive software/firmware updates.
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
How will the MCU2 upgrade affect my radio?
The standard MCU2 upgrade removes AM/FM/Sirius XM radio functionality. You can opt for an additional "Radio Upgrade" at an extra cost to retain FM and Sirius XM.
How do I re-pair my phone after the MCU2 upgrade?
After the upgrade, you will need to re-pair your phone via Bluetooth and re-enter any Wi-Fi passwords and other personalized settings.
How does the MCU2 upgrade improve gaming?
The MCU2's more powerful Intel Atom processor enables graphics-intensive Tesla Arcade games like Beach Buggy Racing 2 and Cuphead, with support for game controllers.
How does MCU2 enhance security features?
For vehicles with the Full Self-Driving Computer, the MCU2 upgrade enables DashCam and Sentry Mode recording from the front, rear, and side cameras, along with a DashCam viewer.
How does the MCU2 upgrade impact Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities?
While the MCU itself is for infotainment, the MCU2 provides enhanced Driving Visualizations for owners with the Full Self-Driving Computer, offering a richer display of the car's surroundings.
Find out more about the MCU1 to MCU2 upgrade with FSD in this detailed video:
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