Automakers Sharing Data with Insurance Companies

For those of you whose 4Runners are still transmitting data to the mothership . . .

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a60175396/connected-cars-driver-data-tracking-insurance/

 

How to disable this system?

 

My DCM Disconnection Odyssey is the name of the thread started by Captain Spaulding. Just press the SOS button in your 4Runner and tell the person on the other end of the line that you want the SIM Card disabled. There is an eSIM in the vehicle transmitting data to Toyota. Lots of data.

 

Wrap your entire 4Runner in tinfoil. Easy Peasy.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/my-dcm-disconnection-odyssey.25104/

 

Nah. Disable the DCM. Done.

 

1. SOS button, have VIN handy, navigate phone menu to get to someone and opt-out of connected services/disable cellular radio/Data Connection Module.

2. Pull Mayday (name may have changed at some point) fuse but you lose the in-car microphone if you like taking calls.

I’d recommend do the former before considering the latter but if you just don’t care, the latter is quick and dirty.

 

How much time does #1 normally take?

 

I did it in 15-20 minutes but YMMV.

 

One thing I haven't gotten clarity on is removing the DCM and bypassing the microphone from the two major threads.

I removed the VW CarNet out of my GTI and bypassed the loss of microphone by using cooper wire and the microphone works and absolutely no DCM type of tracking.

Calling and disabling isn't trustworthy because they can easily change their legal wording and allow themselves to bypass your "choice" to have the eSIM disabled.

Best thing is to either pull the fuse or take out the entire DCM box entirely... but we need to bypass the connections for microphone.

 

If option 1 what driver functionality is lost?

 

Everything cellular radio-related so off the top of my head…

- Anything phone app/subscription related
- Since the SOS button calls a phone menu and not 911 first I assume that too
- Traffic, weather data will be received via HD Radio only
- Headunit firmware updates
- Those maintenance reminders that use data from your car directly (ex. mileage)
- Wi-Fi hotspot

but I can’t say if that’s exhaustive, definitely not likely to be a dealbreaker for most folks.