What happens when you pull the DCM fuse?

I'm just curious, as I'm considering a 4th gen, what happens when you pull the DCM fuse? It should be in the interior fuse block. Not a fan of telematics and don't use any of the services. I'd be using CarPlay for media so no concern on OEM Navigation/media services not working.

On a 2020-2023 Tacoma, pulling the DCM fuse kills the microphone (as the DCM manages whether it is connected to the Toyota SOS system or to the infotainment). Otherwise there were no ill effects. This negates Bluetooth phone (but not media) capability unless a few wires are jumped.

Some Toyota models also cut signal to the right front speaker when the DCM fuse is pulled, but that's not the case with the 2020-2023 Tacoma.

Another concern (that I've not seen in any Toyota with telematics) is whether there are any warnings/alerts/annoyances when the fuse is pulled. E.g., "maintenance required" indicator or constant popups suggesting "Internet not available, see your dealer".

Greatly appreciate any info, thanks!

 

be prepared for people asking where your tin foil hat is and why you are trying to hide from being tracked by the government or something.

I have a 4runner and pulled mine.

You’ll lose access to any vehicle updates in your app too.

 

Thanks, I expect it.... call me old fashioned but I don't like systems connected to the Internet that don't need to be. I gain no benefit from the internet connectivity and expose myself to data breaches, hacking, and poorly documented data sharing with third parties (like insurance companies).

For example, KIA's website exposed the location data of all cars, all you needed to know was the VIN (and there are license-plate -> VIN databases online). https://www.wired.com/story/kia-web-vulnerability-vehicle-hack-track/

Not concerned with the gubment tracking me. They're far too busy trying to explain to people that the Boeing-767-shaped UFOs in New Jersey are in fact Boeing 767s.

Updates can still be applied manually via USB.

 

Some mouth breather is going to come in here and say something like “why do you want to keep things private?! hope
You never had a social media account! Or ever used google! Have a cell phone?! TOO LATE! The public has a RIGHT to your privacy!!!1!”

 

You'll lose the microphone(s) and other features tied into the Telematics Transceiver.

 

It has its own battery in case thieves try the same thing. It would still get power from the ignition circuit it shares with other modules.

It looks like it would only disrupt features of the telematics system but it would just be an error in the SOS light.

If you want, you can contact Toyota using the SOS button, make sure to prove its not an emergency and ask the operator to opt out. It's fairly simple.

I believe the radio has a sticker on it saying this from delivery.

 

You can simply decline connected services in the app and Toyota will deactivate the DCM. In prior generations of DCM, reactivating the DCM required a dealer visit. I am not sure if that is still the case.

 

This is what I did with my Gen. 3, but not through the app.
When I picked up my rig from the dealer, I informed the manager that did not want the SOS, etc. service. He contacted Toyota using the SOS button, then told them the client is not interested in this service now or in the future.

Cheers

 

Thank you all. I'd really be curious what happens when you pull the DCM fuse. Will try it with a friend's Tundra but would love to see the actual Tacoma behavior.

As someone who works in software, I don't trust software-based solutions. I don't want the truck to communicate with the internet, ever. I don't want it to even have the ability to do so.

Another massive data leak yesterday for VW. https://yro.slashdot.org/story/24/1...-data-leak-exposed-800000-ev-owners-movements

 

Where is the DCM fuse located?

 

Cabin fuse panel passenger's side

 

PS
Panel needs to be removed to access the fuses/cover.


Disregard the arrow...(tiny LED for footwell illumination)

 

Good info - thank you! Someone pull it and report back on the impact on ancillary systems.