Disabling vehicle telematics - need advice

D

dinosaur

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Oct 8, 2012
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My mom is looking into buying a Cherokee, the problem is that telematics are not optional. She's the type who likes privacy, so I'm trying to figure out how easy it would be to get rid of the Uconnect and bluetooth. I've read that old fashioned navigation systems don't have two-way communication, so would it be as easy as taking it to an aftermarket dealer and getting a different type of navigation system installed? Are the event data recorders in these newer cars integrated with the telematics system, and do they therefore have remote communication ability?

Education/advice is much appreciated, thanks!
 
Just Empty Every Pocket

Cherokees were discontinued in 2001 and naturally have no nag system.;)

I'd suggest concentrating energy on a Jeep specific forum.
 
davesxj said:
Just Empty Every Pocket

Cherokees were discontinued in 2001 and naturally have no nag system.;)

I'd suggest concentrating energy on a Jeep specific forum.
Click to expand...

That was a mean response, don't you think? Why would you assume that I was talking about the discontinued one instead of the one that had the word Grand in front of it? (and anyway, the new Cherokee, not Grand Cherokee will actually be available for sale this year) The car isn't bought yet, so my question is more general. I would like to understand these systems and maybe posting the inf about looking into a car is beside the point. It is about educating myself about what is in our new cars and what we can do about it. It is very appropriate to the freedom living subforum IMO.

It is actually hard to find any good information about it. Event data recorders are apparently near impossible to remove without disabling the vehicle. The event data recorders themselves can't be remotely accessed, but are they being integrated with the telematics systems? I found the location for the telematics system in an Audi and it was under the floor of the dirvers side seat and pretty much requires tearing apart the car. Maybe none of that matters and simply replacing the Navigation system or snipping a wire is enough, but I don't know.

It is just me who is interested in the answers to these questions? I guess I have davesxj vote on it already, but if someone else can confirm that this topic is not interesting or appropriate for this foum I will gladly erase the thread and go elsewhere.
 
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My intent was to give you my advice on Jeep ownership. I didn't intend to be mean. I reckon my response could appear that way to non Jeep/Cherokee owners.

I knew what you meant by 'Cherokee'; however, I was being serious about older Jeeps. If you want the vehicle for utility purposes, older Cherokees have bullet proof I6's, a great auto trans and of course 4x4. They also don't contain built in/integrated black boxes or nav/com. Both of which you could install aftermarket if desired. That way you have a choice in the service provider.

I still stand by my comment about Jeep forums. Owning a jeep myself, I have never had an issue that Jeep specific forums haven't helped solved. Those members will be familiar with the wiring harness setup that involves dash or event recorders. It may be as simple as a relay that can be jumped. I imagine answering this question would aid in your decision to purchase the new vehicle.

I don't vote for deleting the thread. I would hope that you would report your findings. Privacy is a pillar of liberty. I believe many will share my sentiment about older vehicles. I also support finding ways to circumvent the negative consequences of technology. Please carry on.

Eta: event recorder may be under federal control which would IMO suggest it is quite uniform between vehicle makes.
 
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I have no idea, but I'm curious to get opinions from the motorheads lurking about.
 
Best advice would be in your specific car's forum. Every location is different on every brand. (toyota, ford, etc.)

I pray there is a simple relay or fuse someone can pop out but I honestly am only a tinkerer. A lot of the relays serve more than one function and I wouldn't want to give advice where someone unplugs something that disconnects their odometer, or whatever, along with what they want to disconnect.

To be honest, I read Dave's post of empty your pockets as 'lose your smart phones.' Lol. Truth.

Someone might recommend reading your fuse box labels and getting a printout from a company like 'safeauto' from 'alldata' on your fusebox and relay responses. Gonna need to know a little bit about electrical diagrams to be able to tell what exactly is going on or what you can or can't unplug. Probably be easier asking an auto related forum. Most people aren't assholes.

FWIW, I still want to get the damn seatbelts to quit dinging. Though I really never got motivated enough to check into it.
 
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tod evans said:
Is there a reason to purchase a newer model?

I'm quite fond of vehicles with carburetors and points...
Click to expand...
The new cherokees look pretty sleek inside and out, if nothing else.
 
For years I looked for a way to disable the Onstar garbage in my GMC. Alas everything I found pointed to a different make and model. :( I fully intend to give the clunker away along with my cell phone in a SHTF scenario. Good luck on your search! Some day some entreprenuer will start selling privacy as a feature.
 
If you don't own it already... opt for a 1998 Grand Cherokee Limited. Find one w/ 120k miles under $4500. Stick new rancho 9000's on it and redo the brakes all around.

Plenty of class. Plenty of get it done. None of this new car mumbo jumbo.


If she needs it like that retrofit some newer seats into it. The 1998 LTD did come factory leather though.


imho
 
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kcchiefs6465 said:
Best advice would be in your specific car's forum. Every location is different on every brand. (toyota, ford, etc.)

I pray there is a simple relay or fuse someone can pop out but I honestly am only a tinkerer. A lot of the relays serve more than one function and I wouldn't want to give advice where someone unplugs something that disconnects their odometer, or whatever, along with what they want to disconnect.

Someone might recommend reading your fuse box labels and getting a printout from a company like 'safeauto' from 'alldata' on your fusebox and relay responses. Gonna need to know a little bit about electrical diagrams to be able to tell what exactly is going on or what you can or can't unplug. Probably be easier asking an auto related forum. Most people aren't assholes.
Click to expand...

The Nav. systems and "black box" event data records have been around for a while, but telematics integration is new. It effectively turns the navigation system into something as evil as onstar. I'm amazed at the lack of information out there, but then again, it is new. It is apparently illegal for dealers to disable the event data recorders and the dealer won't sell without Uconnect.

To be honest, I read Dave's post of empty your pockets as 'lose your smart phones.' Lol. Truth.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I overreacted. I know I need to dump the cell phone, but I'd like to think that the car would function for my mom in a SHTF scenario.
 
jmdrake said:
For years I looked for a way to disable the Onstar garbage in my GMC. Alas everything I found pointed to a different make and model. :( I fully intend to give the clunker away along with my cell phone in a SHTF scenario. Good luck on your search! Some day some entreprenuer will start selling privacy as a feature.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Apparently you can buy GPS blocker that plugs into your lighter for about $200, but that wouldn't work with Onstar or Ford sync or Chrysler Uconnect. I could be wrong, but am still trying to learn.
 
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presence said:
If you don't own it already... opt for a 1998 Grand Cherokee Limited. Find one w/ 120k miles under $4500. Stick new rancho 9000's on it and redo the brakes all around.

Plenty of class. Plenty of get it done. None of this new car mumbo jumbo.


If she needs it like that retrofit some newer seats into it. The 1998 LTD did come factory leather though.


imho
Click to expand...

Finding a good used one and putting some money into it might be the best option. 1998, thank you.
 
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tod evans said:
Is there a reason to purchase a newer model?

I'm quite fond of vehicles with carburetors and points...
Click to expand...

She is willing to give up comfort for privacy, I just hate to see her have to do it. Reliability is also a factor. I'm a woman and don't have a garage full of tools, but am reluctantly becoming more handy with automobiles.
 
Someone needs to come out with a kit for vehicles that removes the damn computer from the system.
Like @tod evans said "vehicles with carburetors and points", and I would add Distributor and Condenser (points in distributor). Screw the computer and anti-lock brakes.
 
I'm torn. I'm also a woman, and I'm tired of driving old cars. I can work on them somewhat, but getting under them isn't as easy as it used to be. In short, I'm getting old. I'd really like to have the reliability of a newer car, but the global tracking bull puts me off of them. Sigh.
 
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