Service flow & 7-year parts
WanderCar Family — Service Flow + DIY Warranty Policy
Complete service model: 2-year full warranty, 7-year spare parts, 10-year cellular support, Ambassador-first repair, user-DIY enabled. Automotive-grade implies Ambassador Tier-2 (automotive-repair-trained) stations.
---
Service categories
| Category | Cost | Handled by | Turnaround |
|---|
| **In-warranty repair** | $0 + shipping covered both ways | Ambassador depot | 5-7 days |
| **Out-of-warranty repair** | repair cost + $25 service + shipping | Ambassador | 5-7 days |
| **Module swap (cellular / GNSS / LoRa / radar / air-qual)** | module cost + shipping (DIY); or module + $25 service (send-back) | User or Ambassador | same-day / 5 days |
| **Cellular upgrade (BG95-M3 → FN990Axx 5G)** | $220 module + $25 service + shipping | Ambassador | 5 days |
| **GNSS upgrade (MAX-M10S → NEO-F10N dual-band)** | $25 module + $0 DIY (or +$25 send-back) | User or Ambassador | same-day / 5 days |
| **GNSS upgrade (Plus → Pro RTK w/ ZED-F9P)** | $120 module + $25 service + shipping | Ambassador | 5-7 days |
| **LoRa mesh-concentrator upgrade** | $45 daughterboard + $0 DIY | User | same-day |
| **Cabin mmWave radar add-on (Plus)** | $60 module + $0 DIY or +$25 send-back | User or Ambassador | same-day / 5 days |
| **Cabin BME688 air-quality add-on** | $15 sensor + $0 DIY | User | same-day |
| **Auto-Dash puck NVMe replacement** | $30-38 drive + $25 service | Ambassador | 5 days |
| **OBD-II connector replacement** | $15 + $25 service | Ambassador | 5 days |
| **OBD tether-extension cable replacement** | $12 (DIY) or $12 + $25 service | User or Ambassador | instant / 5 days |
| **Tether cable (Auto-OBD to Auto-Dash) replacement** | $8 cable (DIY) or +$25 service | User or Ambassador | instant / 5 days |
| **Case / chassis refresh (Standard → Pro CNC)** | $75 chassis swap + $25 service | Ambassador | 7 days |
| **Lux Artisan re-finish / custom commission** | $150-500 Artisan labor + materials | Ambassador Artisan | 2-4 weeks |
| **Ambassador signature refresh** | $25 service + $40 new glyph plate or $80 brass | Ambassador | 5 days |
| **RTC backup coin-cell replacement (at 7-year mark)** | $12 cell + $25 service (Ambassador) or $12 DIY | User or Ambassador | 30 min / 5 days |
| **Firmware reflash / recovery** | free (user) or $0 remote Ambassador assist | User | same-day |
| **Full factory reset** | $0 | User | 30 min |
| **End-of-life recycling** | $0 + $15 credit toward new WanderVerse product | WanderVerse | — |
| **Physical damage (user fault)** | repair cost + $40 service | Ambassador | 5-10 days |
| **Total loss (unrepairable)** | 45% of original purchase price as credit | — | — |
| **Vehicle compatibility / install help (remote)** | free in first 30 days; $25/session after | WanderVerse support | 30-60 min call |
---
DIY policy — what voids warranty and what doesn't
What you can DIY without voiding warranty
- Module swaps — cellular, GNSS, LoRa, radar, air-quality sensor, all via M.2 or SMT-socket
- OBD-extension cable replacement — plug-and-play
- Auto-Dash puck relocation / mount-style change — magnetic → A-pillar / vent-clip / windshield
- Charging dock / service USB-C cable replacement
- Firmware update via app or USB
- Factory reset + re-provisioning
- Calibration re-run
- Printing community-designed 3D covers from open STLs
- Enabling / disabling platform features (radios-off, safe-passage, covert mode, panic triggers)
- RTC backup coin-cell replacement (once every 7 years)
What voids warranty on a specific module only
- Physical damage to a specific module (drop, liquid beyond rating, extreme temperature, mechanical impact beyond spec)
- User-initiated rework outside the DIY scope above (soldering, BGA rework, chip replacement)
- Flashing non-WanderVerse-signed firmware that bypasses security features
What voids whole-device warranty (rare, only genuine negligence)
- Removal or defacement of the Ambassador signature (tampering-equivalent; provenance-critical)
- Use outside intended environment (underbody mount / exhaust-adjacent / engine-bay deployment — NOT the puck's design intent)
- Unauthorized commercial resale as "new"
---
Send-back service procedure
For the user
1. Open WanderCar app → Device → Service → Request Send-back 2. Select service type (repair / upgrade / module swap / cover refresh / etc.) 3. Review estimated cost breakdown 4. Choose Ambassador (or auto-assign) 5. Pay via integrated checkout (Stripe) 6. Print shipping label (prepaid for in-warranty; charged otherwise) 7. CRITICAL: retain signed Ambassador card — ship device only, keep the card as proof of original Ambassador provenance 8. Drop off at any carrier location 9. Track in app: "Received → Diagnosed → Ambassador-assigned → In work → Quality check → Shipped" 10. Return device typically 5-7 business days
For the Ambassador at depot
1. Receive package; scan tracking to update user's WanderOS service history 2. Open device (T10 Torx); inspect; photograph pre-service condition 3. Run diagnostic:
- Production test fixture (16 tests — same as EOL)
- CAN-bus emulator loopback
- Cellular test (verify registration across expected bands)
- GNSS RF chamber cold-start
4. Perform requested work (module swap, puck upgrade, cover refresh, etc.) 5. If Ambassador changed (different Ambassador doing repair vs original assembly): note in service log, offer to update signature card (user can request new Ambassador's signature or keep original) 6. Re-test on production test fixture (full 16-test pass) 7. Re-apply conformal coat if area was opened (HumiSeal 1B73 selective re-coat + UV cure) 8. If Lux tier: Ambassador Artisan hand-finishes new components as needed 9. Re-seal with torque-specified fasteners 10. Pack in replacement pulp tray + ship 11. Scan tracking update 12. Log service event to unit history (permanent record)
---
Ambassador rotation + provenance
Each unit has a permanent service history accessible via serial + QR code on Auto-OBD case back. The history shows:
- Original assembly: Ambassador name, date, build config, initial vehicle compatibility test
- All service events: date, Ambassador name, work performed, parts used, vehicles tested
- Firmware version history
- Module upgrades + when
Ambassador signature can rotate — if a different Ambassador services the device: 1. Keep original Ambassador's signature — the card/glyph plate stays (default) 2. Co-sign — Ambassador adds secondary glyph noting service work 3. New signature (user-requested) — replace with current Ambassador's signature
Default behavior preserves original Ambassador's provenance.
---
Lux Artisan custom commissions
Pro Lux Artisan tier allows per-order commission work:
- Choose specific Ambassador from Artisan roster (walnut inlay, leather tooling, hand-paint, custom engravings)
- Commission custom finishes beyond standard Lux (user-requested motifs, meaningful symbols, personal engraving)
- Provide personal materials (family walnut, heirloom brass, ancestor stones) to be incorporated (subject to Artisan review)
- Receive build updates + photographs during Artisan's work
- Pay premium (+$150-500 over standard Lux pricing depending on scope)
Timeline: 2-4 weeks typical; longer for complex commissions.
---
7-year parts guarantee
Per Standard 4 (No Planned Obsolescence), WanderVerse commits to producing + stocking spare parts for 7 years after a tier's EOL announcement.
Timeline for Basic (first tier to ship 2027-Q4)
- 2027-Q4 — first ship
- 2030-Q4 — typical hardware generation transition; Basic v2 may launch
- 2030-2037 — 7-year parts guarantee active — all Basic v1 components available
- 2037+ — community-supported (STL files remain open; schematic CC BY-NC-SA available; replacement parts may require Ambassador sourcing)
What this guarantees
- Cellular module replacements (BG95-M3 + FN990Axx)
- GNSS module replacements (MAX-M10S + NEO-F10N + ZED-F9P)
- LoRa module replacements (SX1262 + SX1302 concentrator)
- Camera replacements (IMX335 + OV2311 + IMX662 upgrade)
- Case / chassis replacements (PC/ABS + aluminum)
- RTC coin-cell replacements
- OBD-II connector replacements
- Tether cable replacements
- Firmware updates for security + compatibility (minimum)
- Ambassador-depot service availability
What it doesn't guarantee
- Feature parity with current tier (you can't v1.0 hardware-upgrade to v3.0 features if they require new mainboard architecture)
- Component costs may exceed original (supply chain inflation)
- Ambassador-depot may consolidate locations
- Cellular carrier sunset (LTE Cat-M1 + NB-IoT commitment extends to 2035+; not our control beyond that)
---
10-year cellular support
Committed by architecture, not just promise:
- Cat-M1 + NB-IoT are LPWAN standards committed through 2035+ by T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Google Fi, FirstNet, US Cellular
- LoRa is carrier-independent and immortal (not subject to carrier sunset decisions)
- 5G RedCap upgrade path (Quectel RG620Q) available 2029+ as plug-and-play M.2 module swap
- 3GPP NTN satellite (Skylo / Iridium Certus) available 2030+ as module add-on
- 2G / 3G already sunset (before our ship); no legacy dependency to worry about
Practical impact: buyers in 2027 have a device that stays online through 2035+ minimum. No forced e-waste cycle like Hum/Verizon's 2G→4G→Cat-M1 transitions.
---
Upgrade pathways
Within-tier upgrades (same device)
- Cellular BG95-M3 → Telit FN990Axx 5G ($220 + $25 DIY or send-back)
- GNSS MAX-M10S → NEO-F10N dual-band ($25 DIY)
- GNSS MAX-M10S → ZED-F9P RTK ($120 + $25 send-back)
- Cabin mmWave radar add-on (Plus) ($60 DIY)
- Cabin BME688 air-quality add-on ($15 DIY)
- LoRa concentrator upgrade (Pro) ($45 DIY)
- Roof-antenna bundle ($65 DIY)
- Low-light forward camera swap ($35 send-back recommended for alignment)
- Case/chassis refresh (Standard → Pro CNC) ($75 + $25 send-back)
Tier-upgrades (trade-in)
- Basic → Plus: trade-in Basic for 40% of original price; different chassis (adds Auto-Dash puck)
- Plus → Pro: trade-in Plus for 45% of original price; different mainboard architecture (adds ZED-F9P + Z-Wave/Matter + platform cabin-radar)
- Pro → Pro-Fleet: mainboard-rev send-back swap $150 + $25 service; keeps chassis + Auto-Dash + sensors; only swaps silicon-tier + primary cellular
- All trade-ins: device must be in working order (tested at intake); cosmetic damage accepted with reduced credit
Intergenerational upgrades (v1.0 → v2.0 when future tier launches)
- Same trade-in credits apply
- Ambassador signature card transferable (to your new device) or retained (collectible)
---
Vehicle-specific install support
WanderCar's install is more variable than other WanderVerse products. Support flow:
First-time install (free in first 30 days)
1. User installs puck + opens app 2. App runs "Vehicle Compatibility Check" — confirms OBD port found, CAN-FD detected, LIN present (if Pro), etc. 3. If install shows incompatibility / obstruction / signal issues:
- Live text-chat with Ambassador-trained support
- Video-call walk-through if needed (covers: tether-extension use, secure-gateway workarounds, mmWave radar placement, roof-antenna install)
- Additional hardware (tether, roof antenna) shipped at cost if needed
Vehicle-specific sub-SKUs (deferred post-launch)
- 2028+: consider vehicle-specific install kits for Top-15 vehicles (Camry, Civic, F-150, Silverado, RAM 1500, Tesla Model 3/Y, Rivian R1T, Ford Lightning, Honda Pilot, Toyota RAV4, etc.)
- Kit contents: pre-cut tether cable + dashboard mount template + vehicle-specific wiring guide
RV / semi-truck install
- 24V system validation at first install (LM5166 7.5-42V covers but we verify)
- J1939 CAN-bus compatibility check (Pro-only firmware module)
- Optional ruggedized mounting for heavy-duty vibration
---
End-of-life
- WanderVerse accepts any WanderCar for free recycling + $15 credit toward new WanderVerse product (any device)
- Aluminum + steel in chassis: 100% recyclable
- PCB to e-waste stream with WanderVerse-audited processors
- RTC coin cell: removed + recycled separately per local regs
- Cellular modem (BG95-M3 or FN990Axx): refurbishable or recycled
- Sensor modules: similarly refurbishable or donated for hardware research
---
Compared to competitors
| Commitment | WanderCar | Hum+ | Bouncie | Vyncs | OnStar | LoJack |
|---|
| 2-year full warranty | ✅ | 🟡 1 yr | 🟡 1 yr | 🟡 1 yr | 🟡 included | 🟡 limited |
| 7-year spare parts | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 10-year cellular support | ✅ (Cat-M1 + NB-IoT + LoRa) | ❌ (forced 2G→4G→Cat-M1) | ❌ (forced v1→v2) | ❌ | partial | N/A |
| User-DIY module swap | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Send-back service | ✅ all tiers | ❌ replace-only | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ dealer | ❌ |
| Module upgrade path (5G, RTK, radar, Z-Wave) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Open STL files | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Transparent repair pricing | ✅ (published matrix) | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 |
| Right-to-repair legal alignment | ✅ Minnesota + CA 2023 + EU | 🟡 contested | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 |
| No monthly subscription for core features | ✅ | ❌ $10/mo | ❌ $8/mo | ❌ $5-7/mo | ❌ $30-50/mo | ❌ $30/mo |
| Ambassador-signed provenance | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| End-of-life free recycling + credit | ✅ | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟡 |
The contract: we actually honor repair culture + 7-year parts + no-forced-e-waste + user-DIY + Ambassador-signed provenance. Not a tagline.
Open STL files
WanderCar — Open STL Files Registry
Published under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0 for standard-tier chassis accessories (fully open — remix, redistribute, share-alike). Pro CNC aluminum covers published under CC BY-NC 4.0 (personal print OK; no commercial reproduction). Lux Artisan items are NOT published — those are Ambassador-made per-order.
Minimal STL footprint compared to other WanderVerse products — WanderCar is primarily PCB + OBD-II connector + Auto-Dash aluminum chassis. Most replacement STLs cover mounting accessories + dust covers + community-customizable dash-puck alt mounts.
---
Files (to be added in Stage 8 production)
Auto-OBD chassis (Basic / all tiers — community print + alternate finishes)
auto-obd-case-standard.stl — PC/ABS polymer chassis reference geometry. CC BY-SA 4.0. Print in tough PLA / PETG / ABS; reference for alternate angles + custom colors.auto-obd-case-15deg-angled.stl — 15° angled entry body (default ship geometry). CC BY-SA 4.0.auto-obd-case-30deg-angled.stl — steeper angle variant for vehicles where default 15° doesn't clear. Community-contributed. CC BY-SA 4.0.auto-obd-case-straight.stl — straight-entry body (for vehicles with generous OBD clearance). CC BY-SA 4.0.auto-obd-case-tether-variant.stl — case shape with integrated tether-cable mount for obstructed OBD ports. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Auto-Dash chassis (Plus / Pro — community + Pro CNC reference)
auto-dash-polymer-back.stl — PC/ABS back cover for Auto-Dash puck. CC BY-SA 4.0.auto-dash-cnc-reference-aluminum.step + .stl — 6061-T6 aluminum front reference design. CC BY-NC 4.0 (personal CNC OK; no commercial reproduction).auto-dash-textured-grip.stl — tactile-grip alternative back cover. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Mounting accessories (all tiers — community + Ambassador maker ecosystem)
mount-magnetic-dash-standard.stl — 3M VHB + magnetic disc mount. CC BY-SA 4.0.mount-ac-vent-clip.stl — A/C vent clip for non-flat dashboards. CC BY-SA 4.0.mount-a-pillar-clip.stl — A-pillar mount for sloped dashboards. CC BY-SA 4.0.mount-windshield-suction.stl — windshield suction cup arm. CC BY-SA 4.0.mount-gps-roof-antenna-helper.stl — weatherproof through-bulkhead helper for roof-antenna install. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tether-cable accessories
tether-cable-clip-dashboard.stl — adhesive-backed clip for routing tether along dash edge. CC BY-SA 4.0.tether-cable-clip-a-pillar.stl — A-pillar-specific routing. CC BY-SA 4.0.tether-grommet-firewall.stl — grommet for through-firewall routing (for vehicles that require it). CC BY-SA 4.0.
Service + Ambassador tools
assembly-jig-obd-alignment.stl — Ambassador-station OBD-II connector alignment jig. CC BY-SA 4.0 for community reference.service-panel-template.stl — 3D-print template to practice T10 Torx alignment + case-opening. CC BY-SA 4.0.repair-tool-caddy.stl — organizer for tool pouch contents. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ambassador-signature accessories
ambassador-signature-card-holder.stl — in-box display for signature card. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Configurable / parametric templates
parametric-obd-case.scad — OpenSCAD parametric case — user can modify OBD angle, case height, cable exit position. CC BY-SA 4.0.parametric-auto-dash-back.scad — OpenSCAD parametric dash-puck back — user modifies thickness, mount-style cutout. CC BY-SA 4.0.
NOT published (Ambassador-made or competitive-protection)
- Lux walnut inlays — not published
- Lux brass bezels — not published
- Artisan per-order custom case finishes — not published
- Production injection-mold tooling — held by WanderVerse production
- Production CNC toolpaths for Pro aluminum — held by WanderVerse production (reference .step file published for personal CNC)
---
Print guidelines (Auto-OBD polymer chassis)
- Material: Tough PLA (structural) OR PETG (impact-resistant) OR ABS (heat-resistant; recommended for cabin summer temps)
- Layer height: 0.2 mm for rough fit; 0.1 mm for production-quality finish
- Wall thickness: 2.5-3 mm (automotive mechanical strength)
- Infill: 40-50% grid or gyroid
- Supports: light support on angled overhangs; tree supports on the 15° angled entry
- Print orientation: flat, OBD-connector facing up
- Print time: 5-8 hours on typical FDM (Bambu X1C, Prusa Mk3S+, Voron)
- Post-processing: sand-smooth + primer + automotive-grade paint (optional)
- Note: printed chassis will NOT match the UL 94 V-0 flame-resistant rating of the production injection-molded chassis. For personal-use community print; production / retail sale requires the official injection-molded chassis.
Print guidelines (mounting accessories)
- Material: PETG (flexible; UV-resistant) or TPU (flexible clips)
- Layer height: 0.15-0.2 mm
- Wall thickness: 2 perimeters at 0.4 mm nozzle = 0.8 mm wall
- Infill: 30% grid
- Supports: minimal; tree supports where needed
- Print orientation: flat, mounting surface down
- Print time: 1-3 hours
Print guidelines (Pro CNC aluminum reference)
Reference designs for users who want to mill their own aluminum covers:
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum billet (or 7075-T6 premium)
- CNC: 3-axis minimum; 5-axis recommended for undercut detail + chamfer
- Tool diameter: 1.5 mm end mill for main features, 0.5 mm for fine detail
- Finish: hand-finish + Type II Class 2 sulfuric anodize for decorative color
- Heat treatment: T6 (solution heat-treated + artificially aged) — ensure your aluminum supplier provides T6
- Personal-use only per CC BY-NC license
---
Customize in CAD
Standard accessories published as both STL (print-ready) AND STEP (editable solid model):
mount-*.step — editable in Fusion 360, SolidWorks, FreeCAD, OnShapeauto-obd-case-*.step — editableauto-dash-*.step — editable
Modify to taste: change angles, add venting, emboss your name, change case height, add custom internal clips.
---
Community remix hub
Submit remixes to the WanderVerse STL Gallery (wanderverse.com/stl-gallery). Popular community designs may be selected for:
- Featured placement on the gallery
- Inclusion in WanderStore-Automotive as community-designed purchasable items (Ambassador-printed on demand for buyers who want community designs but don't print themselves)
- WanderVerse Automotive Maker Award — annual community recognition
- Free unit for best-of-the-year designs
Rules for submission:
- Your own original work (or properly-licensed derivative)
- No infringement of WanderVerse trademarks or Lux-tier exclusives
- No production-infringing designs (e.g., can't publish a copy of our official injection-molded chassis without our explicit permission)
- Tested print + photo of result required
- Open license (CC BY-SA 4.0 or more permissive)
Especially welcome:
- Vehicle-specific mounting accessories (year-make-model specific dash mounts)
- Cable-management solutions for specific routing challenges
- Integration accessories for other WanderVerse products (e.g., WanderBand charging dock that attaches to WanderCar dashcam housing)
- Accessibility variants (one-handed mount-and-remove, color-coded buttons for color-blind users)
- HAVEN / safehouse deployment helpers
---
Schematic + PCB files (future)
Schematic PDFs published for educational purposes under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (view-only for community; no commercial PCB fork without partnership):
mainboard-schematic-v1.0.pdf (post-EVT — expected 2027-Q2 publication for Basic)auto-dash-schematic-v1.0.pdf (post-Plus-EVT — expected 2028-Q2)pro-mainboard-schematic-v1.0.pdf (post-Pro-EVT — expected 2028-Q3)
Full KiCad source NOT published at launch — competitive protection while product is new. Mirror of Framework's staged-openness approach: progressively more open as product matures and competitive moat from hardware becomes less threatened.
---
Future STL additions
Reserved slots for future community-contributed items:
- Per-Ambassador signature-card frames (Ambassador-hand-crafted originals)
- Per-vehicle-year installation jigs (community-contributed for top-30 vehicles)
- Safehouse + HAVEN deployment mounting brackets (car-to-wall / car-to-trailer / covert-deployment)
- Racing / track-day mounting (for drivers who want WanderCar for data-acquisition on non-public-road use)
- Off-road + overlanding mounting (roof-antenna + external-vibration-damping housings)
- Trans-flag / Pride-collection color schemes (seasonal; Ambassador collaborative)
- Commercial-fleet branding templates (for WanderCar-Pro-Fleet adopters who want custom branding on their puck)
---
Questions + community
- WanderVerse STL gallery: wanderverse.com/stl-gallery
- Community Discord: #wandercar-maker channel
- Issue tracking: GitHub wanderverse/wandercar-stl
- Vehicle-install tips forum: in-app + community wiki
---
Summary
- ~20 STLs published across Auto-OBD + Auto-Dash + mounting + accessories at launch
- Standard: full CC BY-SA 4.0 (open remix)
- Pro CNC aluminum reference: CC BY-NC 4.0 (personal print OK)
- Lux Artisan: not published (Ambassador-made)
- Parametric OpenSCAD templates for custom case / angle / mount
- Schematic access: staged publication post-launch
- Community contribution: celebrated + rewarded + incorporated into WanderStore-Automotive
The makers half of the WanderCar ecosystem lives here. Minimal STL footprint relative to other WanderVerse products — but each mount / alt-chassis / cable-management template is genuinely useful because automotive install varies so much by vehicle.