Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

How to stop Uconnect from sharing Driving Data

1 reading
8K views 34 replies 17 participants last post by  DianaLynn  
#1 ·
A separate thread went off topic but started on this same question-- the radio as an "inexpensive iPhone"-- but what I want to know if how to make some sort of a privacy selection on what Uconnect collects and what they do with it. I may come to believe it cannot be stopped but this bit about sharing the data with the insurance co. (or anybody else) is outrageous, so at least we have to try. Furthermore, can it be hacked so the car can be stolen?

Disclosure-- I confess I don't really know if the Uconnect on this Jeep can do this data sharing. But what I read about the technology I really dislike.

My Jeep is 2020 JL, and when the car is started the touch screen lights up with Uconnect message (annoying in itself).

Anyone have experience with this issue? Or know what to do about it? Or not worry about it?

-Carl
 
#2 ·
I can't answer that question other than to say "don't worry about it"? It is exceedingly difficult any more to stay completely "off the grid".

But I wonder why many people have such a problem sharing driving data with insurance companies? If you drive like an idiot, you should suffer higher rates. I generally drive conservatively and defensively, so I enjoy a discount on mine. But then I made the conscious choice to share that data with them.

And where I am or where I'm going is completely useless data to anyone other than my wife, if even her... So I figure I'm doing my part to dilute the mounds of data being collected with my meaningless stuff...
 
#8 · (Edited)
But then I made the conscious choice to share that data with them.
That's the difference, You made the choice to share your info, it wasn't collected information that you didn't consent to, it's the collected information that the manufacturer takes then sells to a third party, then its sold another time to insurance companies or who ever, that's what I think most folks have problems with. JMO
 
#4 ·
no since the data is sent over cellular connection owned by dealer and collects one hell of a lot more then gps data

only 3 ways to disable it
least reliable cut or disconnect the cellular antenna connection from spyware device you call a radio
open radio and remove cellular component as explained/linked on your previous thread
remove the spyware device misnamed a radio and never put it back in your vehicle

nothing else will prevent stellantis from collecting your data and selling it for profit no matter what someone else claims

or just imagine you don't care about privacy and move along with the other ignorant sheeple that gave up on trying to maintain any privacy because it is jut too hard
 
#5 ·
This 2020 JL Jeep is not equipped with GPS. But "Uconnect" features on the touch screen at start-up and I don't see any setting that lets me have some sort of selection. Someone mentioned "opting out" at FCA-- how does one do that?

I didn't mean to start a privacy war or constitution debate, but this stuff happening without the owner's knowledge and permission really sucks. (if indeed my Jeep is really collecting such data, which I really do not know.)

-Carl
 
#6 ·
you cannot truly opt out of stellantis data collection, no matter how many times you wish you could and re-ask the question, either accept it for what it is or take concrete action to stop it at your end as they programed no such effective option into the system for any plug in device to utilize as it is a big cash cow for the auto makers

but perhaps if you ask enough times some one will tell you what you want to hear even it it is not true
 
#7 ·
To CarlfMiller, I don't know if you were maybe referring to me in your original post here, but I too was, and am, disturbed and outraged by the idea of Stellantis collecting data remotely from our Jeeps via the UConnect system, and I did start a thread earlier this year or late last year regarding the same matter.

I had looked into this topic even before receiving my Jeep, and had found a great online video that described exactly how, in a clear step-by-step manner, to eliminate their ability to collect that data, by removing the 'modem' from the UConnect head unit, while leaving every other of the head unit's functions unaffected.

Interestingly, and suspiciously, that video (which was on YouTube) is no longer visible. And with the incomplete information available to me now regarding that modem, I am reluctant to start diving into the unit, hoping that I do it correctly. But the very thought of my own vehicle spying on me is so repugnant that I may just end up trying it anyway.
 
#10 · (Edited)
We recently purchased one of the left over last call Chargers, complete with UConnect. I found the phone number and as the registered owner, my wife had to make the request to cancel using the term 'privacy concerns'. They say it is now inactive, but how do you know for sure?

I drive a GM product (and my JK) and GM is moving away from smartdrive too, a very similar program due to customer outrage.
 
#13 ·
I had similar concerns about my 2018 MP and found info about the antenna connectors on the unit. You can simply disconnect the GPS antenna and privacy restored. I did lose some functionality with some of the bells and whistles, but truthfully I do not remember what they were. For the 2018 Compass 8.4 Uconnect here is the antenna connector colors:
1 AM / FM (CREAM WHITE)
2 SDAR satellite radio (CURRY MUSTARD COLOR)
3 GPS, (never seen this used even in trucks that came from factory with) RA3 or RA4 (HEATHER VIOLET)
4 GSM cellular for the embedded sierra wireless air card (CLARET VIOLET)

Comments on #3 not mine, neither are the color names - this info was from a Ram forum. IDK if the JL uses the same color scheme as the 2018 MP and my JK no longer has Uconnect, hope this helps. YMMV
 
#15 ·
No that does not prevent them collecting data just some location data
but your privacy was NOT restored as long as the private cell service is still connected in your "radio=spyware" that spyware is on a continuous data stream from your vehicle computers and stores and sends data back to dealer whenever they ask it to, no need for GPS antenna for that

read more it is a billion dollar data industry


"Stellantis is launching a new business unit dedicated to turning all that vehicle data into marketable products — and revenue.
The business unit called Mobilisights, which was announced Thursday at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, is a key piece of the global automaker’s bid to generate 20 billion euro in annual revenue from software-related services by the end of the decade."


Right now, some of the biggest car companies are tracking millions of drivers’ data, sneakily selling it to third-party brokers, and leaving their customers to suffer the consequences.
 
#21 ·
I was looking at my Jeep app and it has recorded every single second I have been driving in the Jeep and no phone service is needed as many trips were well out of cell phone coverage. I can see it being a bad thing. it shows hard turns, brakes and accelerations..the hard turns were out of my driveway to the road and a parking lot to the road which was were my accelerations were ie pulling out from a stop onto a 45mph road. I do not recall any hard braking so not sure what constitutes hard braking.
Image

Image
 
owns 2024 jeep wrangler rubicon
#25 ·
Image
 
owns 2004 Jeep TJ Rubicon
#26 ·
I was going to buy a new Jeep, but didn't want all the electronics or data collection. I also wanted key start, not a push button start when I found out a replacement push start button would cost $1000+ on my Ram. Instead of new, I found a near perfect 2016 JK with no modifications, never used off road and had an excellent service record. It drives great and have had no issues.
 
#28 ·
Wonder if a buyer consents to this tracking and data collection as part of the super fine print in the purchase agreement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HardSell
#30 ·
it says you can limit or object to certain uses and disclosures

so they note that you can object, but they can still profit form selling it while noting your meaningless objection
they are making billions and don't really give a damn if you object but as marketing they give you a meaningless opportunity to voice your objection while they continue to market the information for profit

wake up you are being had if you let them access the info, they will organize it and sell it and you have lost all control as soon as your spyware radio sent the info to them -- stop it at the source or accept that it is now theirs and they will use if as best profits them
 
#32 ·
#33 · (Edited)
I believe that it has been pretty well documented and demonstrated that just removing the antenna does not disable the remote data gathering by Stellantis --- the entire modem board has to be removed.

There was a GREAT video on YouTube showing exactly how to do this, step by step, but it has since been removed (what a surprise). I can find no links or references to it anywhere, no matter how I try to search for it.

EDIT: Digger, I just looked at the link that you provided above, and no offense, but the information and instructions that the guy provides are FAR too sketchy and vague for me to want to ever try doing what he did based on his instructions alone. He uses a lot of arcane jargon that means nothing to me. I would need a video, or a detailed step-by-step process, with photos, indicating exactly what needs to be done.