If you are driving an automobile made within the last several years, chances are it contains wireless technology that enables remote tracking and data collection that is ultimately accessible by government institutions, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations.
These systems are powered by telematics control modules that connect your vehicle to road infrastructure using 5G and 4G broadband, even if you choose not to purchase additional features. Most vehicles come standard with this vehicle-to-infrastructure technology and contain a TCM ID, SIM ID, and IMEI number that can be found in your dashboard settings. Some vehicles even include a prompt informing you that your location data will be shared with third parties. This means your vehicle may share real-time data with entities that have been granted access by the manufacturer.
How to Disable Remote Tracking and Data Collection
Your telematics control module is typically located somewhere within the passenger cabin. On some Toyota trucks, the telematics control module is located between the dashboard and the center console behind a trim panel. In some Nissans, the telematics control module is located behind the glove box.
This module contains numerous antenna outputs that typically run to a multifunction shark-fin antenna on the roof. Disabling the system can be as simple as disrupting the antenna’s connection to wireless networks while attempting to keep most basic vehicle features functional.
To disrupt the antenna connection, disconnect the FAKRA antenna connectors plugged into the telematics control module and replace them with RF dummy loads. On most systems, there are four RG-174 or RG-316 coaxial cable antennas used to transmit data from your vehicle to road infrastructure systems and manufacturers through an array of communication protocols.
An RF (radio frequency) dummy load is essentially a highly specialized resistor, or network of resistors, designed to safely absorb, dissipate, and convert electrical energy into heat instead of radiating it as radio waves. This places a small load on the RF circuit to mimic a connected antenna. The system will detect a load and may assume an antenna is connected, but no radio-frequency signals will be transmitted.
RF dummy loads with FAKRA connectors can be found on Amazon and are commonly used for testing radio-frequency equipment. Although the vehicle may not detect a disconnected antenna, many factory-installed features may no longer function. Depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, you may lose Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, remote access features, and other services that require an internet connection. Instructions for accessing the telematics control module can often be found online by searching forums specific to your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
But here is the bottom line: all of these creature comforts enable tracking and data collection of anyone who enters the vehicle. Personally identifiable information, breath-based alcohol monitoring systems, heart-rate monitoring, body-language analysis, and the sharing of driving habits with insurance companies are just a few examples of the types of data modern vehicles may collect and process. Therefore, in my opinion, sacrificing some of these conveniences may be worthwhile for those who prioritize privacy.
This is what is commonly referred to as vehicle-to-infrastructure technology. When combined with technologies such as vehicle immobilization systems and automated license plate reader networks, modern vehicles can enable unprecedented capabilities for government institutions, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations to track, trace, and identify individuals traveling on public roads.
What do I tell my mechanic?
This procedure can be done with a basic repair manual and a set of hand tools. However, if you are not mechanically inclined and are unable to perform this procedure yourself, it is best to contact a trusted mechanic. Keep in mind that if your mechanic works for a large corporate repair shop, they may be hesitant to disable any features perceived as safety systems because they could become liable.
When contacting your mechanic, say something like this:
“I have a (year, make, and model), and it has a telematics control module installed in the cabin from the factory. It has multiple coax cables connected to it. Would you be willing to disconnect those coax cables and connect RF dummy loads, and how much would it cost?”
A fair price for this type of procedure should not exceed 1.5 hours of shop labor if the dashboard does not need to be completely removed. In most applications, a skilled mechanic should be able to access the telematics control module by removing a few interior panels. However, some vehicles may require the complete dashboard, center console, or other interior components to be removed, which would make this a significantly more costly procedure.
Do not give your mechanic a hard time if things do not go as planned. Be fully prepared to pay the mechanic to reverse any work performed if you are not satisfied with the results. Ask your mechanic to test the vehicle’s basic functions before fully reassembling the vehicle, and report back to you with the results. This procedure is largely undocumented, and the residual effects on dashboard indicators, vehicle features, and overall vehicle operation may vary significantly. You may lose standard features such as keyless entry, emergency crash detection, and automatic emergency calling, and you should be fully willing to accept those risks.
Be aware that insurance companies may deny claims if vehicle safety features are tampered with. Tampering with vehicle safety systems may also void your factory warranty and may trigger fault codes or immobilizer issues. In my experience, RF dummy loads can be added to the system without triggering any fault codes, immobilizers, or other noticeable issues while fully disabling all remote connections but other applications may be different. Proceed with caution. Or better yet, buy a vehicle made between 1960 and 1990.
