Roadster data/GPS module, need help

I've determined that my car is missing the module which gives the VDS its GPS and data-stream (w/ Tesla). I have an antenna but the module itself is missing. Wondering if anyone knows anything about these modules, any idea if ots a garmin unit or some other oem manufacturer and if so what the part number may be? If you can see yours and find the part numbers off the sides it would be super helpful! The module is mounted next to the wiper fluid reservoir up front (you would need to remove the black plastic shroud, which has 7 bolts or clips holding it down, to visualize it)

It seems like this module is necessary to get gps tracking for ovms and an accurate clock in the vds. I want to have those 2 features!

Thanks in advance!

MLAUTO said:

Not sure what "module" you mean. The front VDS antenna is bolted on the bottom middle of the crash structure. The nav GPS antenna is on top by the left headlight. I would assume you are referring to the front vds antenna with the 4 pin black connector.

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Its not the antenna but the actual GPS receiver which is mounted up front, the antenna that is also mounted up front under the headlight connects to this receiver and this receiver connects to the VMS in the car to give the VMS date/time and location information; its needed for geo-tagged charging profiles and for the OVMS to work for tracking the car.

Thanks for the information guys! Yeah, that Garmin unit is the one I need, I'm pretty sure by looking at it and comparing to the available oem garmin gps receivers that it is the Garmin 18x, seen here Garmin 18x LVC GPS Navigator Unit:Amazon:GPS & Navigation

I'm going to order it and give it a shot, if it works we will all have a cheap alternative to buying the this part from Tesla (its $400) and we will know it'll be available as well!

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MLAUTO said:

The antenna by the headlight is connected to the radio nav unit not the VDS. Here is a pic of the vds antenna with the black connector. I previously gave you a list of the connectors and what they connect to. I assume that you have an extra one. If it is not the black 4 pin one, what does it look like?View attachment 60862View attachment 60863

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I wonder if that one is the Tesla data connection unit? The Tesla service guys confirmed with me the VDS GPS receiver is the Garmin unit (they don't know model #, but know its Garmin).

MLAUTO said:

Here is a pic of the Garmin unit.View attachment 60883

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Awesome! That's the exact unit I thought it was the GPS18x LVC (which means it was sold as OEM without any harness on the wiring), 5m (which means it came with a 5m cable I believe) This is exactly what i ordered!

Thanks man, you are awesome!

Sweet man, you are awesome! Does anyone know what that connector is called? Molex 6-pin? I don't know my connectors very well, I may have to just buy 2 6-pin connectors and swap both sides otherwise, which isn't bad...

So I bought a set of 6-pin Molex connectors at Fry's (male/female) and it looks like the dimensions are basically the same, the pins are the same diameter as well, the only missing functional component is the little part that juts out for the clip to hold on to, I'm thinking I can just make it work and leave the proper Tesla connector on the vehicle, which is good for future owners who may want to just buy the module from Tesla if it ever becomes necessary again.

BTW, the side of the connector on the Tesla says Tyco, so maybe Tyco sells their own automotive grade connectors, I notice there is a small gasket on it to keep it sealed.

Thanks for all the help guys, the Garmin arrives tomorrow so I can connect the Molex, plug it in and test it out! Will report back!

Do we have a database somewhere to log availability of parts (besides from Tesla) and Off-the-shelf component options? May be a good idea to start one, if there isn't one already I'll start a Google-Drives spreadsheet we can all spread around! (Edit, I made one: Tesla Roadster parts list - Google Sheets)

It works! Everything is perfect, compass, altimeter, clock and OVMS tracking! Only nuance is connect the yellow wore to where the thick black wire is on the images below. I heat shrunk it and the connector holds tightly even without the proper clip point.

Thanks guys!