Shark fin antenna part #

[Tomster]

Greg: I had a feeling someone in the know would say that. Grrr...

Like most I would imagine, I am weary of attempting to minimize my data footprint.

But, from the companies' point of view, I get it. They are probably entitled to data that could affect them legally and if you've lost millions or even billions in high jury awards, you might want to do the same thing.

I'll be the lab rat.... The way I see it is that you disconnect the antennas to the TCU or remove the sim card. The description says the sim card is not serviceable, so if the TCU is a sealed unit, then it will have to be done through the antenna inputs. Based upon the info from the chairman, that document says that the primary means of communication for the TCU is through the GPS/satellite antenna (which explains why the job 2 antennas were updated. I have job 1 antennas on my GT350s, and have never had a satellite or GPS reception issue. But then the document goes on to say that the TCU also uses cellular antennas. So it seems that you have multiple redundancies for data connectivity. You'd have to disconnect all antenna input to the TCU to keep from receiving data. As stated, I'm sure that this will trigger all kinds of alerts and codes. I'm not a Forscan expert, but some here are. I hope they look into this and can narrow the parameters down for manipulation.

The TCU is nothing but a cell phone. How would you be able to disconnect the device from the network? I would look into removing the SIM. I will have to find out how non-serviceable the TCU really is.

From the document:
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot (if equipped) The TCU provides the vehicle Wi-Fi access point. The TCU communicates to the cellular network by two means. The primary connection is through the cable to the cellular antenna incorporated into the GPS/Satellite antenna. The secondary means is through the cable to the TCU antenna.

TCU Antenna The TCU antenna is used to boost reception for incoming and outgoing cellular network data. It is a compact, cellular phone type, planar inverted-F antenna.

Cellular Antennas Two cellular antennas are used. The LH and RH antennas are positioned between the respective quarter panel and the rear bumper cover. They receive the radio waves containing cellular data. The signals are sent through the cellular antenna coaxial cables to a splitter (or combiner) and then to the TCU.

TCU The TCU is a radio transceiver which connects the vehicle to a cellular network. It is connected to the CAN for exchanging data and commands with other modules. It contains a non-serviceable SIM card. The TCU is assigned to the VIN of the vehicle and will not work in another vehicle. The TCU requires PMI when it is replaced.

Item 5: TCU antenna
Item 6: TCU
Item 8: Cellular antenna splitter
Item 9: Cellular antenna

View attachment 499549

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[The Chairman]

Still haven't used my points.

I used my GT500 points by accident: I ordered a set of F&R brake pads for my GT350. When I tried to pay for them, the checkout lady said I didn’t owe anything. They took the $$ from my points!
Received an email a bit later informing me they took 37,519 points. So it’s $ for $.
Presume you can buy anything you want with the points (oil, filters, brake pads, etc.)

 

[kilobravo]

Tom: I hope you have success with the SIM card but my gut tells me, that would be too easy and Ford would be on top of it.

I'm going to wager that there's no way to stop it and we might as well learn to live with it.

 

[Tomster]

Tom: I hope you have success with the SIM card but my gut tells me, that would be too easy and Ford would be on top of it.

I'm going to wager that there's no way to stop it and we might as well learn to live with it.

There are three ways to do it. SIM, antennas, and via software manipulation. I'd be surprised if you couldn't do it in Forscan. Its just going to come down to the technical expertise.

 

[kilobravo]

I hope you're correct and it's doable, Tom and meanwhile, I'm standing by to stand by.

 

[Caballus]

There are three ways to do it. SIM, antennas, and via software manipulation. I'd be surprised if you couldn't do it in Forscan. Its just going to come down to the technical expertise.

I tried with a mild degree of determination to get a find-replace SIM solution.

Reason: was trying to figure out how to activate the hotspot overseas.

Although the same system is available for Fords in Europe, the system in our cars are set up for AT&T and no one can figure out how to unlock it (AT&T, Ford, etc) from here.

Ultimately determined that it's part of the unit and cannot be removed.

Also decided that I don't want to use Ford Pass anyway. So, it's a blessing.

 

[Tomster]

I spoke with my tech at the dealership. He says he knows how to deactivate it. I'll talk to him about it and see what he says

 

[kilobravo]

Excellent news, Tom!

 

[SEERED]

This page(s) is very informative and answers a question I been pondering since March. Why was the salesman SOOO adamant about setting up the system "for me"? He kept hounding me to get it online because of all the BLAHBLAHBLAH...NO. Glad I did not because I had a stinking feeling and perhaps I was right to reject his weird persistence.

On the other side of this, I am opposite of Tom and think the shark fin adds a certain reptilian flair, especially with my black on lime combo.

Its a snake, baby! Yeah! <Insert Austin Powers voice>

 

[Tomster]

This page(s) is very informative and answers a question I been pondering since March. Why was the salesman SOOO adamant about setting up the system "for me"? He kept hounding me to get it online because of all the BLAHBLAHBLAH...NO. Glad I did not because I had a stinking feeling and perhaps I was right to reject his weird persistence.

On the other side of this, I am opposite of Tom and think the shark fin adds a certain reptilian flair, especially with my black on lime combo.

Its a snake, baby! Yeah! <Insert Austin Powers voice>

No its a street legal race car that doesn't need an umbilical cord connected to mother ford telling all about my driving habits, places I go, and speeds I drive.

I would think that your salesman was just an enthusiastic tech guy. He is required to do all of those things for you.

It is my opinion that this car is not an suv. I dont need or want a wifi Hotspot, nor do I want any of my car monitored or recorded. Like I have said in many other posts, I am a grumpy old guy who believes the younger generation is all too eager to like, share, and give away their privacy.

Its that simple. I don't think its a conspiracy, but with your misinformed consent and allowing it to happen, its a sneaky invasion of your privacy.

Oh, and its not a snake. Its a Ford. That shelby name was purchased for gobs of money. And FWIW, I've never seen a snake with a shark fin on its back.

 

[SEERED]

Oh, and its not a snake. Its a Ford. That shelby name was purchased for gobs of money. And FWIW, I've never seen a snake with a shark fin on its back.

Tom, you forgot the sidewinder.

 

[Tomster]

Tom, you forgot the sidewinder.

Hmm. Ill have a look.

Edit to add:
They are horns, not fins, lol

 

[machsmith]

absolutely hate those shark fins..
would have to yank it off, for sure.

 

[kilobravo]

First, I can't believe that disabling the modem is so easy! Definitely gonna go out after sunup, uncover the girl, and yank that little 5A fella.

If it works as advertised and, doesn't affect BT or GPS, it will be quite the coup. Data foot prints can follow you for life. Less is more never made more sense.

 

[kilobravo]

Well, a couple hours later, it wasn't.

Uncovered her, popped the fuse cover and I was surprised to see that there wasn't even a fuse in my #5, it was MT.

Checked the PDF and it says, "not used." so either the modem is somewhere else or we'll have to wait and see what Tom's savvy tech tells him.

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