My DCM disconnection odyssey.

Awww. When I started reading your post I thought we had a pyrotechnic alternative to getting rid of it. What a disappointment!

John

 

Sorry to disappoint. But in one of those TacomaWorld links I included in post 164 of this thread a guy outlines how he desoldered the SIM chip from his DCM with a heat gun to render the DCM inert. Does that count?

 

Yes, but only if the SIM chip then got the MAPP gas torch treatment as a follow-up.
John

 

Have you had a chance to install the Start-X module with the DCM bypass? I'm considering getting this as well. It seems like it would work, but I'm not sure if the Remote Start module is dependent on the DCM for some reason.

 

My DCM fuse has been out for over two years now with no issues. I do not need the mic.

Anyways I was watching the "Trial of Karen Read" on TV recently and they used the data from her Lexus SUV against her as evidence. It showed the vehicle had reversed for like 62 feet at 26 mph plus other stuff. The trial ended as a hung jury and a new trial begins next month.

My question:
Is my vehicle still collecting and storing info even with the fuse pulled? I know it's not transmitting anymore but what about storing within the DCM or another module?

 

Most modern vehicles have a "black box" or event data recorder that records data from the state of the vehicle for a certain time frame before, during and after a crash. I think they run through the airbag control module.

 

The DCM is still collecting and recording your vehicle information.
When you pull the fuse it only disconnects your microphone and keeps it from transmitting.
But it is still recording.

 

All modern cars have Event Data Recorder (EDR), disabling DCM system would not disable EDR.

 

Came here to confirm - harness installed, microphone works, no DCM light on the screen.

 

Toyota allegedly selling your DCM data to insurance without consent, according to a lawsuit:

 

Exactly what I've been talking about all along.

 

Seems all manufacturers are doing the same on selling data. My insurance company is able to pull for both vehicles and know how many miles I have driven…..
I just wonder how much more data they can really get, by asking, if not involved in an accident.

 

I’ve imagined this as a possibility, but for some reason I hoped toyota wouldn’t actually do this. It’s disappointing because selling this data to another company the customer is doing business with is literally interfering with the customer’s business affairs. Toyota needs to stay out of my business.

If anybody is going to be a white knight for insurance companies claiming they need our driving data to create rates, or to make sure people can’t lie to them, I would tell them to mind their own business as well. Insurance companies can take care of themselves, and have done just fine for a long time.

 

Guess I should find time to install the disconnect harness that's gathering dust in the garage.

 

I recently got JD survey for my 4Runner. I gave it good marks in all categories, except slamming them on infotaiment system by calling out data collection directly as the reason. I know Toyota is paying attention to these.

The cost of ownership consists of purchase, maintenance, and insurance. Toyota choosing to sell this data increases insurance costs, this makes it already expensive vehicle even more expensive. In terms of ownership costs, what they done is on par with shipping a car with a faulty transmission, easily couple thousand dollars over lifetime ownership.

 

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who did all the heavy lifting on this. I've been lurking for ages after my initial horror when my new truck sent me an email with all the places I drove recently... Went through the fuse pulling option but couldn't live without the mic.

Just ordered the Autoharness and hopefully will install soon!

Now if only killing the DCM didn't break the key fob remote start...

Thanks everyone

 

Any updates on if the Autoharness bypass will break Start-X/Accessorides remote start? I just installed Accessorides remote start on my car which plugs into the DCM. I'm curious if this bypass will keep the Remote Start intact.

 

I installed the harness as you suggested and the Start-X still worked but I got the microphone error message. So I removed the Start-X and the microphone error disappeared. The DCM icon was still on but I think that there is a battery that needs to run down. Do all of the remote starters plug into that box? I really enjoy my remote starter in the Houston summer!

 

I'm selling the Autoharness here: https://www.4runners.com/threads/fs-autoharness-dcm-bypass-kit.45523/

 

Jim_Bob, The dcm bypass/remote start microphone appears to only be an issue with start-x, microphone works properly with accessorides remote start.

Accessorides does plug into the dcm but does not exhibit an error message.

Referencing a 24’ model year if it is a variable as well by certain years.

 

To verify, you're using the Accessorides remote start combined with the Autoharness bypass and they work together without issue?
If so I may have to finally get around to installing my bypass harness.

 

AppFan, correct

 

This is a fantastic thread, THANK YOU to all members contributing. I've read through everything and have some clarifying questions if anyone is able to confirm:

I drive a 2023 TRD PRO and would like to completely remove the DCM.

I ordered the Toyota DCM Bypass - Adapter to bypass the DCM on a newer model Toyota vehicle. SKU: #AHH-DCM77 from AutoHarnessHouse.

Would it be possible to install the Accessorides 2020-2024 Remote Starter w/ Takeover - Plug and Play Kit for Push Start w/ Smart Phone App Control and maintain all functions of the Multi Terrain Monitor (MTM, 360 Cam) including reverse camera/4LOW features as well as mic and speaker function, as well as have all features of the Accessorides App functionable?

https://accessorides.com/collection...lay-kit-for-push-start?variant=40616729542702

Can the DCM be completely removed out of the vehicle going this route / would the remote start plug into the bypass adapter (or would it need to plug into the disconnected DCM)?

Also curious if anyone has had any success or issues with any other Remote Start options using the AHH DCM Bypass yet?

I see Start-X is off the table.

Thanks for your time, looking forward to contributing to great discussions and learning lots here.

 

I completely removed my DCM after I installed the bypass harness. I'm also uploading a few photos of what is inside the DCM as well. An important note is there is a 1630 mah or so rechargeable battery that probably supplies the unit for about 7 days in idle or 2-3 days in real world... depending on how much communication is going on. So if you pull the fuse for power or remove power only (and I didn't research this part) you may not be fully disconnected until the battery

The cellular module is a Denso AL-T52V1 Telematics Control Unit (TCU). The cellular module is Kyocera and soldered to the board. There is no removable SIM. I'm not sure if it's AT&T or Verizon (which my research indicates it depends on the region).

The main chip for CAN bus is manufactured by Renesas Electronics and type R7F7010233... and it has 4MB of NOR flash memory manufactured by Macronix.

 

IMEI is unique to your modem. While the risk is very low, it could be used to identify your vehicle and location. You want to blur that information.

For example, based on that IMEI I think you are in Newark, NJ.

 

Could you unplug the antenna (I have no idea where that plug is) and wrap the dcm unit in Faraday material?...

 

Yes, but it will still transmit when in close proximity to a tower. Further up towards the beginning in the discussion touches on this.

 

Yes. @Gray_ghost_2021 have a look at post 164 of this thread. And welcome to the forum.

@kitesurfer thanks for those photos. Very intrepid, dismantling the DCM like that. Some of our brethren over at Tacoma world have had success disassembling the DCM, desoldering the SIM, and then reassembling and reinstalling the DCM.

I’d prefer the AutoHarnessHouse option I think.

 

Thanks, I will blur it out later. I'm many states away from NJ.

 

A ton of testing from dedicated members has gone into this over the years and the results speak for themselves in regards to cutting loose from the mother ship.

K.I.S.S is the best attack and go with what works if the ultimate goals is to cut free entirely.