UConnect cell modem always on & transmitting location data & more

[amauri]

Shortly after I bought my new 18 Ram CTD I started receiving emails from FCA with status info about my truck.
Info like what my tire pressures were set to, when my next service would be due, the current mileage on the odo, etc...
Didn't think much of it at first, but then I noticed that AAA did not send me the usual form to fill out with how many miles I had driven this past year.
I called AAA and they told me they are able to retrieve that info from the vehicle because it is always connected and transmitting.

After searching for more info on the web I came across this page that explains what is going on:
http://sandsprite.com/blogs/index.php?uid=7&pid=462

Not too happy that FCA and others are now able to keep track of where I go, how fast I get there, and also able to make changes to my truck without me knowing about it.
I don't remember giving FCA my authorization to do this when I bought the truck.

This morning I spent about one hour pulling the 8.4 out of the dash, opened up its back cover, and removed the cell modem. Put it all back together and the results were exactly as expected.
Everything still works as before, except that the 4G WiFi Hotspot is no longer active as it was before.

SiriusXM still works and so does Android Auto (my unit is not Nav capable).

I do realize that Google is still tracking me, but at least I can turn my phone off if I want to.

 

[sag2]

Your truck tracking you should probably be the least of your worries in today's high tech world.

 

[NIsaacs]

OP, I wonder if that is related to the Ram Toolbox App? The dealer signed me up for it and pushed all the plus's but didn't give me the con's. I have not downloaded it yet, not sure what to think about it.

 

[Wiredawg]

I dont mind the tracking and data availability... I use the app myself to do remote stuff on my truck. Tracker is so accurate, I could see when Ram dealer actually moved my 2017 Ram 5500 from holding area into the shop. Also can see cool stuff like percentage oil use left. After OPM being hacked Twice. I have free Identity Theft service for life.

Cheers, Ron

 

[amauri]

OP, I wonder if that is related to the Ram Toolbox App? The dealer signed me up for it and pushed all the plus's but didn't give me the con's. I have not downloaded it yet, not sure what to think about it.

Don't know what the Toolbox App is about, never used it myself.

As far as all the cool features that come with the UConnect transmitting my truck's status all the time... no thanks. I can keep track of my tires, oil changes and routine maintenance needs myself.
And I don't like the idea that my insurance company is able to keep track of where I go, how long I stay there, and how long it takes me to get there.

And though sag2 is right about this being the least of my worries, there has to be a limit and we can't just let high tech take over.

 

[AH64ID]

You can turn the modem off in settings. I keep mine off.

I've never received any emails from FCA and when I take my truck in, rare, the mileage and such isn't up to date.

 

[amauri]

There are no options (that I can find) under "settings" that allows turning it off.

There is an option in the Apps menu to turn on/off the WiFi hot spot, but that just allows other devices within range to use your truck's Cell modem as a connection point (if you're paying for the service).

Nothing in my settings menu that turns off the 4G WiFi connection, and unless I'm in a no signal dead zone I am always connected with several signal bars showing.

 

[AH64ID]

I'll have to look, but I am pretty sure mine doesn't show signal bars with the hotspot off.... could be remembering it wrong thou.

 

[Tuesdak]

Your truck tracking you should probably be the least of your worries in today's high tech world.

Actually one needs to look at the OnStar history and specifically it being a "battery parasite" and dead battery after a few days. No reason FCA is going to learn from GM's mistakes. With the value of data we give away for free I am surprised the old analog OnStar systems were not upgraded to digital for FREE. Nothing drains a battery quicker than looking for a signal that isn't there anymore. In GM's case early OnStar systems were looking for an activation signal and killing batteries on dealer lots in just a few days.

I can see a system going nuts on a battery in some places without a cell signal - Many places outside the city in AZ do not have any signal. OnStar commercials are dishonest as after hitting an Elk some places you walk to get a signal. Campgrounds and/or places along state route 260 do not have a signal even with a higher powered car phone transmitter...

Your given away data, for example, is why Google is a $280 Billion company. They no longer even play lip service to "Don't be Evil." as it was removed from their code of conduct. You don't think you are interesting, but, many others do in the interest of parting you from your cash via ads or higher insurance rates "just because, excuse".

Point of fact we had a OnStar "hardware disable" done by the delivering dealer on our latest 2020 GM vehicle due to it likely being a battery parasite.

The question is will FCA do this like GM and OnStar allow to be done by the dealer now?

 

[lpennock]

I believe UConnect will go in to deep sleep after a day or so. When I had UConnect service the remote start and remote unlock never worked after about a day. It always worked fine if I was less than 24 hours after the last time I used it.

 

[Ozymandias]

Why bring up some decade old stories from the childhood of these systems, doesn't make sense at all.

By the way, is the warranty denied if this system is tampered with?

 

[monovasia]

Shortly after I bought my new 18 Ram CTD I started receiving emails from FCA with status info about my truck.
Info like what my tire pressures were set to, when my next service would be due, the current mileage on the odo, etc...
Didn't think much of it at first, but then I noticed that AAA did not send me the usual form to fill out with how many miles I had driven this past year.
I called AAA and they told me they are able to retrieve that info from the vehicle because it is always connected and transmitting.

After searching for more info on the web I came across this page that explains what is going on:
http://sandsprite.com/blogs/index.php?uid=7&pid=462

Not too happy that FCA and others are now able to keep track of where I go, how fast I get there, and also able to make changes to my truck without me knowing about it.
I don't remember giving FCA my authorization to do this when I bought the truck.

This morning I spent about one hour pulling the 8.4 out of the dash, opened up its back cover, and removed the cell modem. Put it all back together and the results were exactly as expected.
Everything still works as before, except that the 4G WiFi Hotspot is no longer active as it was before.

SiriusXM still works and so does Android Auto (my unit is not Nav capable).

I do realize that Google is still tracking me, but at least I can turn my phone off if I want to.

I agree with u.... I don’t carry my work I Phone out anymore... got a Patriot mobile flip phone anytime I am on a personal run... if the wife needs something she calls me there...no more ads telling me where I have been... anytime u can shut them down from tracking you u should...