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Actually what I was wondering is what data they specifically get and just as importantly how they use it.
It is nice to have the added feature of an emergency call out in the event of an accident. 99.5 times out of a hundred you won’t need it but we sometimes out of cell service and I have seem many times where I could make a call using OnStar (last truck was GM) when I couldn’t get out with my cell no matter what I tried. I think that the ground plane of the truck roof makes a difference with the mounted antenna.
They could easily determine when when you are towing and how big a load that you are pulling.
I build cellular telematics / GPS / mobile data systems for a living, and I'll be disconnecting Ford's modem as soon as I reasonably can after my truck arrives. I'll be installing a new device of my own that can do similar things though - probably something like this. The difference is I'll control the device's OS, software, networking, and the data it collects.
Nobody knows how secure the network is behind that Ford modem, and any malicious actor with access to it could remotely do everything FORscan can do and more besides, while you're driving down the road.
I build cellular telematics / GPS / mobile data systems for a living, and I'll be disconnecting Ford's modem as soon as I reasonably can after my truck arrives. I'll be installing a new device of my own that can do similar things though - probably something like this. The difference is I'll control the device's OS, software, networking, and the data it collects.
Nobody knows how secure the network is behind that Ford modem, and any malicious actor with access to it could remotely do everything FORscan can do and more besides, while you're driving down the road.
Do the following instructions to disable the modem seem accurate?
I don't get any benefit from using Ford pass and don't like the idea of being so exposed to cyber attacks.
Originally Posted by AZFordLover
1) Flip down the rear seats
2) Fold down the the trim by removing the 2 plastic push "screws"
3) Locate & unplug the TCU (telematics control unit)
I build cellular telematics / GPS / mobile data systems for a living, and I'll be disconnecting Ford's modem as soon as I reasonably can after my truck arrives. I'll be installing a new device of my own that can do similar things though - probably something like this. The difference is I'll control the device's OS, software, networking, and the data it collects.
Nobody knows how secure the network is behind that Ford modem, and any malicious actor with access to it could remotely do everything FORscan can do and more besides, while you're driving down the road.
Imagine a ransomware attach that could disable every connected car a manufacturer has access to. (Not Ford, of course, haha?). Sounds like a horror movie, but isn't outside the realm of possibility.
That'll disable the modem for sure. I can't personally confirm whether that throws any codes or sets flags in other modules (build week on my F350 is 11/1 and I'm coming from a tech-challenged '11 Ranger) but from what other posts describe it sounds safe enough. Supposedly the modem's on a separate fuse too if you don't want to dig behind the rear seats, look for "modem" or "cell gateway" or "telematics" it's probably labeled something similar. Could alternately disconnect the antenna cables to make it think it's always out of signal, but cell modems are known to work sporadically without them (e.g. if you're right next to a tower) so that's not a 100% sure method.
Last edited by m3galinux; Oct 5, 2021 at 08:00 PM.
And yes my Nexcom MVS5603 up there is probably major overkill But it has a built-in serial OBD/CAN interface that just might be FORscan compatible, plus built-in Wi-fi and cell modules, and a PoE switch for the worlds most complicated dashcam ever. We actually use those boxes in city buses and first responder vehicles for the most part. (And i'm probably drifting way off topic at this point so I'll stop here )
I build cellular telematics / GPS / mobile data systems for a living, and I'll be disconnecting Ford's modem as soon as I reasonably can after my truck arrives. I'll be installing a new device of my own that can do similar things though - probably something like this. The difference is I'll control the device's OS, software, networking, and the data it collects.
Nobody knows how secure the network is behind that Ford modem, and any malicious actor with access to it could remotely do everything FORscan can do and more besides, while you're driving down the road.
Thats awesome. I’m torn between disconnecting the modem and having remote start. Winter is coming.
I read an article some months ago (sorry do not remember all the details) that discussed how Ford removed certain features from the F150 to save manufacturing costs because customers did not (or a very small percentage did) use those features. What I recall thinking at the time was the only way Ford could know was through telematics. As I recall, it had something to do with which doors the customer opened and how they opened the door over a series of model years. (SORRY, I wish I could remember all the specifics of what and where I read this)
My feeling is that since everything in the vehicle is connected to the computer that same computer is keeping a log of every action, the vehicle connected modem is surely sending it to Ford.
I especially think it is clever of Ford to offer data service to owners (for a monthly fee) to cover / subsidize the cost of that collection...
Disconnected my F350 modem. If Ford wants my data, they can pay me... Lost no functions that I care about and since I don't have a cell, there is no data about me going to anyone. Bad enough they have data from a specific timeframe stored in the truck's computers.
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But it has a built-in serial OBD/CAN interface that just might be FORscan compatible, plus built-in Wi-fi and cell modules, and a PoE switch for the worlds most complicated dashcam ever. We actually use those boxes in city buses and first responder vehicles for the most part. (And i'm probably drifting way off topic at this point so I'll stop here 
)
