• RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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    6 hours ago

    It’s not even part of the stereo or radio on some cars, many will have a Telematics Control Unit that’s a separate box with those GPS and cellular data antenna connectors on it. It’s the owner’s choice to decide if they want to leave those antennas in place or upgrade to antenna terminators to permanently block cellular data.

    • ShredderFeeder@shredderfood.net
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      6 hours ago

      My son has a 2023 GR Supra (BMW Z4 ish) The TCU antennas are also purposed to receive the transmissions from the keyfobs and such, so they’ve made it so that disconnecting the TCM fucks up the doors (and a number of other systems)

      I know in other toyotas parts of the stereo / audio break when you disconnect the TCM.

      Manufacturers need them to stay in place, because they make money selling your data…

      https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/driving-data-insurers-privacy/

      • RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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        6 hours ago

        Important to know that terminating the antennas is not the same thing as disconnecting the TCU. It’s just a “no signal” condition for the still-working TCU.