Apps like Spotify in my Volvo are convinced I am in New Jersey while I'm on the opposite coast. On one hand I like that inaccurate data is being peddled to advertisers but at the same time I would actually prefer regionally relevant ads if I have to listen to them anyway.
Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
91–100 of 605 posts
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#92> Even after the modem is removed, if you connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth then the car will use your phone as an internet connection and send all the same telemetry data back to Toyota. However, if you use a wired USB connection then it does not do that (see the discussion here and elsewhere), so I exclusively use CarPlay via USB. The problem with this is that both carplay and android auto capture their o…
And once you've gotten rid of Google and Apple, your telecom company tracks you, your CC payments help track you and even cameras in public do. It's hard to not want to throw your hands in the air screaming "whatever" when almost everything you use in public is somehow used to track you either as you move around, or in the future.
Exactly, and more and more places are removing cash as a payment option :(
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#93Earlier quoted context omitted.
Kias have a “Massachusetts mode” flag hidden behind a service menu (that needs a dealer code) that disables telematics at the owner’s request. However, the service menu pin also has timeout protection that will inject a waiting period between retries so there is no guessing. I don’t think there’s convincing my dealer to get into the service menu and disabling it. I would presume that other manufacturers might have th…
Give one of the mechanics $500 and I bet they’ll accidentally drop the password on the floor of the car as they get out after moving it inside to change the oil.
Or someone get access to 5.5 cyber or mythos and brute force their way in
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#94Earlier quoted context omitted.
What about if it's just paired as an audio device rather than through an app?
Don't get CarPlay/Android Auto that way though, so no navigation/maps for example.
Sure -- I'm not asking a general question, but thinking about my wife's phone, which is paired as an audio device. It sounds like we're probably in good shape.
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#95Also worth noting that as recently as 2024, the S and SV models for Nissan did not have telematics whatsoever. This may still be true for the 2025 / 2026 models, I just haven't checked.
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#96> Even after the modem is removed, if you connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth then the car will use your phone as an internet connection and send all the same telemetry data back to Toyota What is the basis for this claim? I've never heard of this capability.
It's from the linked rav4world post
There's no basis mentioned there either. It's just stated as a matter of fact without explanation.
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#97Has anyone experienced a case where they needed an over-the-air safety update/recall performed, but weren't able to because they removed the cellular modem?
I'd like to think failure to apply an OTA safety update would trigger a mail-out notification requesting you bring the vehicle into the dealer. But that's probably optimistic...
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#98> Even after the modem is removed, if you connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth then the car will use your phone as an internet connection and send all the same telemetry data back to Toyota. However, if you use a wired USB connection then it does not do that (see the discussion here and elsewhere), so I exclusively use CarPlay via USB. The problem with this is that both carplay and android auto capture their o…
You need GrapheneOS to sever the link to Google. You can also deny specify apps and services Internet access.
Is android auto still available with Graphene? AA is genuinely one of the few life-changing features introduced in the last decade that I'd prefer not to go without.
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#99Just a note about Toyota specifically - There are many blog posts and articles out there alleging that Toyota shares your data with insurance companies. As I own two Toyota's I have read through these carefully and consistently the theme is that the owner was opted into this program without knowing it (likely by the sales person clicking through setup steps to enable every feature). If you are not opted in, I have se…
I've bought multiple Toyotas from the same dealer, and each time the sales person has been overly aggressive about setting up the app and connecting to the car. The first time I let them do it to a point as I had not seen what it did, but had to prevent them from syncing contacts. After that, I had to be very stern about not needing help to set up an app I was never going to use. I don't know if they are used to neophytes being unable to handle this and think they are doing a service or if it's a push to get people to connect/sync as much as possible.
Re: Removing the modem and GPS from my 2024 RAV4 hybrid
#100I get this desire and commend the author, but I just want self driving cars and so I think we are just stuck with this.
Why is a self-driving car so important to you? Is it really worth giving up your privacy, and advocating that others should give up theirs, just for some shortcoming in your own capabilities?