Replacing NissanConnectEV with OVMS in a Gen1 Leaf

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I don't have any data/measurements, but the modem seems to acquire signal much faster via the internal (Leaf) antenna. Not only that, I get a solid "live" lock (on the OVMS) screen...which I typically only get at home via WiFi. I guess that's not surprising given the Leaf antenna is engineered for good reception vs the external antenna they sell with the OVMS unit.
 
For those wondering about OVMS for Gen2 Leafs, I offer this posting from Dala (from an OVMS forum I follow):

There are two ways to get OVMS working on the 2018+ Leaf.
  1. Is to extend the EV-CAN wiring to reach the OBD2 port. This can be done with two wires, ran from the LH-side footwell, up to the OBD2 port. This will make the OBD2 port work like on the old LEAF. Oh, and a section of CAR-CAN is also needed to really get everything. After this starting of remote heating should also work.
  2. We need to step up as OVMS devs, and implement all the data monitoring via polling the canbus available on the OBD2 port.
What we need is a couple of "guinea pigs" to give it a try (with the latest OVMS firmware) and report back here...
 
Everything outlined in the first post of this thread...plus Dala's mods to the CAN wiring.
I've recently installed in my 2019, hardwired into both Ev can and car can.

remote ac , lock unlock, HV temp not working.

Almost everything else does though.

TCU disconnected didn't have any difference on remote ac.
 
Since this thread has become active, it seems a good place to ask: I am waiting for an OVMS unit that I will put in my 2015 Leaf S.

Am I correct to infer that the S has no TCU to unplug?
 
I've recently installed in my 2019, hardwired into both Ev can and car can.

remote ac , lock unlock, HV temp not working.

Almost everything else does though.

TCU disconnected didn't have any difference on remote ac.
So basically can't turn on climate control? Well, not being familiar with all the options, how about a list of what is working?
 
I've recently installed in my 2019, hardwired into both Ev can and car can.

remote ac , lock unlock, HV temp not working.

Almost everything else does though.

TCU disconnected didn't have any difference on remote ac.
This is fantastic news for Gen2 owners! Do you have any pics/info about your CAN bus wiring mods?
I'm thinking the "remote AC" function not working may be for the same reason it doesn't on some of the Gen1 Leafs (car has to be plugged in and/or charging...or else you need to do the TCU connector mod).
 
Correct. However, I'm not sure what kind of functionality you will get with OVMS, so it would be helpful to post back here when you get it working.
Apparently mine does have a TCU, because when I try to turn on AC, the logs say:

...
I (2645914) v-nissanleaf: CommandClimateControl
I (2645914) v-nissanleaf: RemoteCommandHandler
I (2645914) v-nissanleaf: Sending Wakeup Frame
I (2645914) ovms-server-v2: Send MP-0 c26,0
I (2646014) v-nissanleaf: RemoteCommandTimer 24
I (2646014) v-nissanleaf: OLD TCU on EV Bus
I (2646014) v-nissanleaf: Sending Wakeup Frame
I (2646014) v-nissanleaf: Enable Climate Control
I (2646114) v-nissanleaf: RemoteCommandTimer 23
I (2646114) v-nissanleaf: OLD TCU on EV Bus
I (2646114) v-nissanleaf: Sending Wakeup Frame
I (2646114) v-nissanleaf: Enable Climate Control
I (2646214) v-nissanleaf: RemoteCommandTimer 22
I (2646214) v-nissanleaf: OLD TCU on EV Bus
I (2646214) v-nissanleaf: Sending Wakeup Frame
I (2646214) v-nissanleaf: Enable Climate Control
I (2646314) v-nissanleaf: RemoteCommandTimer 21

...

repeating with RemoteCommandTimer decreasing.

Is that inference correct?
 
Apparently mine does have a TCU, because when I try to turn on AC, the logs say:

repeating with RemoteCommandTimer decreasing.

Is that inference correct?
I don't know because I don't know where/how you are getting those messages; I have never seen these.
The easiest way to see if you have a TCU is to physically check for one (under the dash behind the glovebox). Just because messages are sent doesn't mean it's present...and if you really did have one I suspect you would want to disconnect it (if no other reason than to conserve 12v power when the car is off).
 
Not sure. I never knew that was the case for my 2015, on which the OVMS wifi is working well.

But you are referring to the gen2, correct?
Yes. Gen 2. I am assuming the connection is for OTA updates ala Tesla but I am relatively certain no updates have happened? I tried connecting my phone to it to see if I could use it as a booster to the home network to no available.
 
I recently installed OVMS in my 2014 Leaf. As said at the beginning of this thread on the 2014 you can just completely unplug the TCU and there is no loss of functionality (the microphone does not pass through the TCU as it does in other years).
I mounted the OVMS in the spot where the TCU used to be, and ziptied/sticky taped the GPS antenna on top of the defroster duct right up against the underside of the dash (well behind the airbag), and just mounted the cell antenna to the side of the OVMS housing since it's such an awkward shape and is hard to find a good location for.

I wish the OBD-II to DB9 cable was a bit longer. I had to unclip the OBD-II port from the panel and pull it over towards the passenger side just to get the cable to reach to where the TCU used to live, and even then it's at a bit of a weird angle and I tied it off for support to keep it from getting damaged. It seems weird the antenna cables are so very long yet the OBD-II cable doesn't reach what I thought was the most obvious place to install the unit.

I drove around with the OVMS just plugged in and the antennas sitting in the cupholders for 2 weeks just to be sure I was happy with how it all worked before "installing" it.

It's finally getting down to about -20C here so we got it installed just in time to really benefit from the remote control of the heater.

I do have a couple questions I'm curious if anybody else ran into:
  1. I thought when turning on the climate control it would use the previous settings, but mine comes on in Auto mode which although that works well enough, is not how I have it set
  2. After installing OVMS the key detection range for my fobs is significantly worse. I now have to twist my body so the pocket with the key is right up against the car for the unlock button on the door to work. I never paid any attention to how I stood before the OVMS install and both keys have gotten this insensitive at exactly the same time so I feel like it's likely related to installing OVMS, although I will try changing the key fob batteries just to rule that out.
  3. Is there a commonly available Y cable which would let me retain the OBD-II port? As it is now I have the connector tucked way up inside the dash just so the cable would reach, it would be a real pain to plug something else into the (occupied) port.
 
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