how to disable the DCM/Telematics unit in the car

My two cents: I think it would be a bad idea, firstly because we need updates to the systems that are still a bit buggy. Secondly, if you pay good money for something, you should use it.

 

Does Toyota even deploy critical updates OTA? Is the DCM involved in that? As always if there is an update it can be done at the dealership via OBD2. Also the idea of silent OTA updates being applied is not a positive like you think it is. Changes can be made to my car by someone at Toyota without my knowledge or consent, and this is a good thing?

"Secondly, if you pay good money for something, you should use it."

And that's why in one of my earliest posts I mentioned, if you're not using any of the remote connect services (ie. you're not paying for any of them) then there's no need to have the DCM running.

Anyway, autoharness house has rigged up some dongles to plug into the harness going into the DCM meaning you retain microphone and the one speaker that the DCM intercepts stays on while the unit has been unplugged. Toyota DCM/Safety Connect Bypass Harness - Fits 2020+ Toyota Vehicles

 

I found autoharnesshouse through a GR86/BRZ forum last week. Many GR86/BRZ owners are into modifying their cars and far more are interested in keeping their driving data to themselves.

Emailed autoharnesshouse and got a prompt reply with the same link soft_r just posted. Arrives Thursday.

Next challenge will be getting to and pulling the DCM connectors to install the bypass harness. As long as the DCM is fully unplugged, might as well leave it in case there's some future use. Thank you to cool_prius for the diagrams showing the relative location and R&R instructions.

Does anyone have any actual experience they can share on getting to the DCM connectors *without* first removing the DCM?

 

I wouldn't mind disabling but I just don't have it in me to go thru all that's necessary

 

Do take pictures of the actual disassembly and post if you don't mind.