Experience with disabling the "Telematics control unit module"?

[everdrive]

I've read a bit online that the "Telematics control unit module" can be disabled by removing the associated fuse. I've got an AWD XL on order, and am planning to at least remove the fuse for the "Telematics control unit module," if not take things further and attempt to remove the entire module itself.

Does anyone have any experience this with? Do you get a new nag or error screen when the car starts up? Does this have any adverse effects except for the obvious -- that the Telematics and associated functions no longer work?

( fuse diagram available here for anyone who's interested: https://imgvehicle.com/ford/maverick/fuse-box)

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[Montana]

Since 11 is only used for Telematic, yank it and find out. I'd be shocked if there was not something annoying that follows as a sort of "pop up". But, if not then win win. Let us know. I'm interested.

 

[everdrive]

Since 11 is only used for Telematic, yank it and find out. I'd be shocked if there was not something annoying that follows as a sort of "pop up". But, if not then win win. Let us know. I'm interested.

You got it. I put my order in for a 2024 about a month ago, so it might be a long wait. I will definitely update this when I get it and can test it out.

 

[r100gs91]

WTF is Telematics

 

[uga]

https://www.heavy.ai/technical-glossary/vehicle-telematics#:~:text=Vehicle telematics combines GPS systems,with the vehicle's internal behavior.

Its the device that tells Ford everywhere you go, speed, acceleration, miles, braking, idling, etc. and can even monitor conversations inside the cab. Ford stores and sells this information.

All the great things that law enforcement or your insurance company can get a court order for in any legal action.

Ford Pass is a great convenience but comes at the cost of NO privacy.

 

[colinl]

WTF is Telematics

Remote data sharing through cellular modem and WiFi.

It is used for FordPass, dealer access to errors and maintenance info, and insurance data sharing. (state farm is one of several companies that pay for direct access.)

 

[rlhdweman]

I have had this fuse out for nearly a year, haven't noticed anything that doesn't work like it should.

 

[colinl]

I have had this fuse out for nearly a year, haven't noticed anything that doesn't work like it should.

by that, I presume you mean that driving the truck works normally in every way... but I assume your FordPass app does not work?

can you update your infotainment via wifi, or is your wifi also dead?

 

[rlhdweman]

by that, I presume you mean that driving the truck works normally in every way... but I assume your FordPass app does not work?

can you update your infotainment via wifi, or is your wifi also dead?

I haven't yet used or signed up for Fordpass & I wouldn't know how to use wifi or what I would use it for in a vehicle. I just listen to the radio. I have wifi at home & still have not found a use for it.

 

[everdrive]

by that, I presume you mean that driving the truck works normally in every way... but I assume your FordPass app does not work?

can you update your infotainment via wifi, or is your wifi also dead?

I'm not sure. How often does the software need to be updated?

 

[Gullzway]

I'm not sure. How often does the software need to be updated?

It doesn't "need" to be updated. I suppose if one is having issues, an update might fix it.

I disabled updates on mine day one. It has worked flawlessly for over a year and I don't want an update messing something up, like disabling my ability to screen mirror my phone to the display.

I do, however, use the Ford Pass app occasionally for remote start. Keyfob doesn't reach the parking lot at work. Also have the Perimeter Plus Alarm which gives me notification through the app if it has been set off, the main reason I installed it.

 

[Old Man]

I just put a big aluminum foil hat on top of my truck.

 

[A Sturdy Beast]

I've read a bit online that the "Telematics control unit module" can be disabled by removing the associated fuse. I've got an AWD XL on order, and am planning to at least remove the fuse for the "Telematics control unit module," if not take things further and attempt to remove the entire module itself.

Does anyone have any experience this with? Do you get a new nag or error screen when the car starts up? Does this have any adverse effects except for the obvious -- that the Telematics and associated functions no longer work?

( fuse diagram available here for anyone who's interested: https://imgvehicle.com/ford/maverick/fuse-box)

I have the modem, wi-fi, bluetooth, and updates all turned off in settings. I haven’t paired my phone to the Maverick. Not a single nag so far. Well done Ford, I am grateful that they allow customers to choose to keep their personal business, personal.

I know it would better to pull the telematic fuse (#11 in the passenger floor) and I’ll probably get around to that some time.

Be aware that no one, at least no one who is talking here on MTC, knows how much data might be stored on your Maverick and where. It might all get downloaded through the OBD port when your vehicle is serviced.

 

[bbhaag]

Remote data sharing through cellular modem and WiFi.

It is used for FordPass, dealer access to errors and maintenance info, and insurance data sharing. (state farm is one of several companies that pay for direct access.)

Insurance sharing is only if you opt in and only available in certain States. Most Ford vehicles do not have this option available to them yet.

State Farm will debut Drive Safe & Save Connected Car in Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon, for policies effective on or after Feb. 27, 2022, followed by a rollout across more states (excluding Calif., Mass. and R.I.).

https://media.ford.com/content/ford...m-up-to-introduce-usage-based-insurance-.html

 

[Skyline]

I have had this fuse out for nearly a year, haven't noticed anything that doesn't work like it should.

Mine has been out for five month, a month after I've got the Maverick. There's no nagging about enabling it, or the error that shows up with FORScan. The downside is that doing so does disable the FordPass connection and of course, starting the Maverick with the app and in vehicle WiFi. I installed the Ford Perimeter Plus Vehicle Security System, that included remote start via the FOB, the usual "Lock-Unlock-Lock" sequence...

While the FordPass had been disabled, I doubt that SIM card had been disabled. Ford still gets the "telemetry" of your driving and the vehicle operation data. How else would Ford know "how good driver I am and offer insurance for my Maverick? Not to mention that the dealer has no issue with looking up the milage, when the Maverick is serviced.

Well done Ford, I am grateful that they allow customers to choose to keep their personal business, personal.

That might be applicable for California residents, but not in other states. The FordPass app has the "opt-out" for California residents only...

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