Factory Tracking Devices in Mavericks

[ABTremor]

I was able to easily locate fuse 11/12 and remove it. The vehicle functions without issue since. Sarcasm aside, how is it known the tracking and data theft is defeated ?

It might be coincidence, but, since I deleted the app from my phone and disabled the TCU by removing the fuse I haven't gotten any more email service reminders from either the selling dealer or Ford. I was getting those emails seemingly constantly, so turning it off appears to have done something positive.

I suppose if you know someone working at the dealer you could ask them if they can access your vehicle’s mileage or status remotely now that the TCU is "off"

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[CB900F]

There is a great youtube on this disturbing subject.
Just search:
Stop ford from spying on you

Pulling the fuse does not fully disable it.

Be afraid. Be very afraid!

 

[CarbonGrayFX4]

Did you see that Ford just recently put in a patent application for the tech to be able to remotely repossess vehicles? Both via "annoying" the customer who fell behind on payments (have the radio scream at full volume a siren noise whenever powered on, disable all heat and cooling features, etc....), as well as having the vehicle literally self-drive itself to a slightly different location so a tow truck can get to it more easily for a tow.

That is actually hilarious. The only thing better would be a recorded message berating the customer for being a deadbeat on a time loop.

 

[whitef]

There is a great youtube on this disturbing subject.
Just search:
Stop ford from spying on you

Pulling the fuse does not fully disable it.

Be afraid. Be very afraid!

I can verify that pulling the fuse on a 2022 Maverick disables the cell modem and stops telematics.
This is based on 1) the dealer sees no updates in the system; 2) there are no updates at 'ford.com'; 3)There are no updates in the 'motorcraftservice.com' portal for my car.

Next time I'm in the dash, I'll remove the TCU. It's not at a very convenient place and the fuse it's powered off via the fuse so not a priority.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Does disconnecting the black box effect the co-pilot features?

Does not affect Copilot. Only the Telematics unit/modem.

 

[CB900F]

After researching the telematics, it occurred to me that with all of the incredibly complicated electronics, giving us a 3/36,000 mile warranty on those components is total BS.

Even the mechanice are completely lost. They just swap out parts, stabbing in the dark, and calling the Ford Help Desk.
My mechanic friend said that this new generation of vehicles are basically disposable.

Out of warranty, the owners will be completely effed.

Guys, I am really let down.
Since the Mavericks came out at $20k with 2.9% financing for five years, I have wanted one.

But what started as a revelation about the telematics, the rest of the technology made me give up. I cancelled my order.

Still, if the dealers ouder a ton of green hybrid AWDs, they will surely sell out.

Best of luck with your Mavs. I am jealous and disappointed. Love the truck, I just wish that Ford showed enough confidence in their product to stand behind it.

 

[First Sergeant]

Thanks Guys! Just wanted to know in case the "men in black" start looking for me! LOL!

Nothing to worry about from the men in black unless he pulls out his "pen" and puts on the sunglasses ad says "look at my new pen". You won't remember a thing!

 

[First Sergeant]

Welcome to the 21st Century World of Technology. I am sure most people on the forum with Mavericks would rather have the following:
1. AM radio only, 2. No power windows, door locks, seats, etc., 3. No power steering, 4. No backup camera, 5. No air conditioning, 5. No back seats and back doors, 6. No bedliners or tonneau covers, 7. No LED headlights, 8. No turbo, much less Hybrid engine, 9. No bluetooth, Apple Car Play, Android Car Play, 10. Lest I forget - no turn signal stalks and the list goes on and on. Go back to the 50-60's and for the most part, there you are.

Also, I have worked for companies who REQUIRED gps devices in their company vehicles so they could keep track of them. Based on the above, I guess they could not have anybody working for them with a company vehicle. No one hates big brother more than me, but, let's face it, we are at that point and the satellites above us know more about us than we know about ourselves. Sorry, I will take the technology.

Except for the bluetooth, my 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 440 had ALL the options you listed 1-10 (except bluetooth #9). The great part is back then no one spied on us. After retiring from the Army in 1993, I worked for the railroad as a locomotive engineer. Simple locomotives at first with no fancy computers, just the normal "black boxes" similar to what modern commercial aircraft had. But then GE and GM started going "computer/tracking and camera's. Crazy and they could sit in a comfortable office and call you on the radio to tell you, you were 4 mph over the limit, or quit picking your nose, whatever. You are correct about the employer. It is their equipment and their rules. I don't have a problem with that, but not going to happen on a vehicle that I OWN. I will disable, delete, destroy the crap that is looking at or tracking me. I paid for it and I do not have to agree to anything Ford shoves at me. This is still America. I like my Mav and all the features it has. Most , but not all of these features are available and will work and have worked on modern vehicles for a long time now without telemetry or GPS.

 

[HeyBales]

I was able to easily locate fuse 11/12 and remove it. The vehicle functions without issue since. Sarcasm aside, how is it known the tracking and data theft is defeated ?

Ever unplugged the power from your cable modem at home?
Every used the internet thru it after?
Because that

 

[CB900F]

Nothing to worry about from the men in black unless he pulls out his "pen" and puts on the sunglasses ad says "look at my new pen". You won't remember a thing!

That is good!

 

[Prickly Pear]

Long story sort of short - Ford pass (web and app) shows the wrong warranty start date for my truck, off almost 3 weeks. I have been hassling back and forth with the dealer to get it fixed. In the meantime I turned off the connectivity in the truck, but have not pulled the fuse. I can no longer see my warranty start date in either web or app, and app won't do anything but nag me to turn the connectivity back on. What is weird is I can still see tire pressure and fuel level. I am out of town right now but when I get back I will see if that is data from before I turned Ford off or if they are still pulling data from the truck. It is total crap if they are going to withhold information to extort me into turning it back on, while at the same time they are still getting telemetry.

 

[CB900F]

This isn't just Big Brother. Rather, this is Little Brother, a sneaky little gremlin tattletale who is hiding behind the bushes, spying on you.

Oh, but he will start the car for you!!!

Such a nice guy. Strike that, Little Brother is a scumbag who will sabotage you if you try to send him to his room.

It's just a shame.

Little Brother must die!

 

[Tbone289]

Sarcasm aside, how is it known the tracking and data theft is defeated ?

Ever unplugged the power from your cable modem at home?
Every used the internet thru it after?
Because that

It's really more like turning your cell phone off, since it powers down the cellular radio in the TCM. But yeah, the same concept applies. A device can't transmit information if it's not powered.

 

[MayhemMaverick]

Do you have a Honda CB900F ? That's carburated. Yeehaw !!

 

[CB900F]

Do you have a Honda CB900F ? That's carburated. Yeehaw !!

Yeah, I have had a bunch of Supersports in the 1981 era over the years
12k miles, mint!

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