How to disconnect the tracking telemetry on the 5th gen 4Runner

Would give this a shot if it wasn't 90$!

https://www.autoharnesshouse.com/store/AHH-DCM77

 

This may be a little off-topic, but my brother-in-law and I were having a discussion that might fight in here. When I was visiting him, I mentioned that my 4Runner's OEM navigation system would often update real time for current traffic conditions. I've had this happen numerous times, where halfway through a journey, it will say there is traffic ahead and suggest and switch to an alternate route. It made us both curious, since as far as I'm aware, the navigation system does not receive cellular data. We wondered if it was satellite, but that seems crazy to think that something as mundane and common would be sent with satellite data.

I probably sound like a total noob for asking this, but how does the truck get constant updates on traffic conditions, without being a cellular device (or is it?)?

 

Guys, as a reminder, there is a permanent fix to it:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/my-dcm-disconnection-odyssey.25104/page-9

Step-by-step guide, which I will be doing myself soon. Already got the by-pass connectors.

 

I consider this one of the most important mods I dig to my 4Runner. No issues whatsoever.

 

Mines still in the envelope on my desk. I need to get around to it but don't want to get annoyed when I open the dash again only to find out it's not compatible with my Accessorides remote start...

 

I completely forgot I had remote start, never use it. Assuming I’m doing it correctly, lock, hold lock, it’s not working.

 

Oh you have done it already?

 

Yes. The guide that madmax put together was very helpful.

 

Traffic and weather radar information is received via HD FM radio signal (reception of data over public airwaves, no transmission). At least that’s how it works on my 2021.

But it might be different on later 4runners since Toyota put navigation behind a subscription paywall. I could imagine they got rid of HD radio functionality to push more owners to pay fees to use the equipment they already bought with their cars.

 

I remember being amazed at FM radio stations including text like song title combined with the family 07 Corolla’s headunit supporting viewing said text.

Now it’s weather and traffic! What a time to be alive.

Or even images, the bane of Mazda infotainment systems not too long ago.

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/0...attle-bricks-some-mazda-infotainment-systems/

 

Wow, haha, an incorrectly formatted radio broadcast bricking a radio…who would have thunk it. Hmm, I guess one way data via radio isn’t necessarily risk-free.

With that concern aside, I remember having the same thoughts as you. I was kind of blown away by the fact I could have a current weather radar image on my stock head unit. Wild! It’s not animated…but still!

But why let the public have access to public data over public airwaves when you can figure out schemes to lock them out of it and sell it to them instead? I’m not bitter lol.

 

Another amazing aspect is that once new traffic data is obtained the GPS will recalculate the guidance to specify a new fastest route. Uh maze zing.

And for you youngsters out there who might be more jaded, remember that we old guys were born before cordless phones, microwave ovens, vhs, cd’s, dvd’s, LCDs, LEDs, personal computers, fax machines, internet, email, cell phones, smart phones, blah blah blah.