2012 Tacoma computer recorder?

Hi all, Great site plum full of helpful info. We got a brand new(3miles) stripped down 2012 4x4 V6 last week. Since then we had U-Haul save us some money by putting on the hitch package with tow ball for a lowly $274. Beat the heck out of the $895 the dealer quoted for the exact same. Anyway, I was reading the owners manual and Toyota is now putting a computerized recorder in vehicles now or maybe they have been for a while to monitor and record drivers? So I was wondering if there is a way to turn this fascist device off? Its very much intrusive to have a corporation down loading a customers driving habits when they go in for a oil change or check up. I'm sure our government appreciates this practice as well. Toyota states they can turn your recorder over to law enforcement if they request it. Anyone else care about losing their privacy after shelling out $25k or am I just an old fuddy duddy not in with the times ? Thanks

 

Welcome to the 21st century.

Insurance companies love this kind of shit.
Drivers who are not at-fault think they love it... until the recorder shows that they hesitated braking and the insurance company now finds them 50% at fault for hitting the moron who made a left turn in front of them.

Just be happy it's not like OnStar with GPS capabilities (as well as remote engine shutdown)... Toyota doesn't know WHERE you've been, just how you were doing it.

 

Where did you read this in the owners manual?
What page, exactly?

Are you sure you're not talking about OBD-II?

 

Toyota, and most manufacturers, have been putting "black box" type devices in vehicles for many years.

OnStar is only a part of the GM system, and it does add location (and can monitor cabin conversations), but vehicles without OnStar still have the data recorders.

Basically, the recorders take a "snapshot" that includes speed, engine RPM, throttle percent, other engine parameters, and brake/ABS status.
How long is this snapshot? No clue. When the systems first made light, they claimed they only recorded 30 seconds prior to an airbag deployment... but that implies that they are recording 24-7 and storing at least 30 seconds worth of information.
With memory being cheap now, such system could store several days' worth of data....

But without location, it would be of little use to police except in determining the cause of an accident.

 

there's 2 different recorders in your truck and they can be erased by you anytime you would like,but the dealers use this info for warranty work on major components most of the time. but they can see you erased also and you have to play dumb like you dont know sh-t.i'll tell you how when i get my friend to tell me again.we did it once before

 

Sub'd. If there's a part number and diagram that would totally help too!

 

isn't it mandatory starting 2012?

 

+1


Well at least for the first part. That second one sounds painful?




Whats with all the paranoia around here? I do not under stand why some people are afraid of technology? I guess if you are growing pot or cooking crack?

 

Yes there is a data record in your truck but it is not downloaded every time you come in for service. In fact the dealers do not even have the technology to read all the info only a small portion that will aid diagnosis on things. If you want to wipe it out pull the battery I have not tested that on the 2012 but it works for the 2010 model line. There has been his technology to some extent for a while.

 

I understand some folks dont care about losing their privacy or dont have the desire or energy to uphold the few remaining freedoms left in this increasingly fascist nation, but a few of us still do care about what this country once stood for. This infringement really annoys me to no end. I've been a driver for over 22 years now and I have no tickets, never been in an accident, nor had to ever make an insurance claim. I can see Toyota etc. putting a recorder device in vehicles that are rentals, leases or even those who are on a payment plan with finances for 5 years that Toyota would be getting the vehicle back potentially, but for those of us who actually pay fully upfront and own our vehicles free & clear this is absolutely absurd. Its as though we dont even own our vehicles. Our vehicle is now a tool to tattle or reveal our driving habits and potentially be used against us. Very intrusive! So is there a way to remove or disable this recorder? If not, how can I clear it out regularily? Is disconnecting the battery the only way to clear? Otherwise I suppose I'm left with no option other than not using my 2 year Toyota care for the free oil changes, which is no problem as I prefer to change my own oil and do general maintenance myself. I just have to hope that classic Toyota reliabilty comes through and I dont ever need to take it to the dealer during the 3/36k warranty. Thanks for any help in this matter

 

x2

Many (if not, maybe all) vehicles have some sort of "black box" like device. Not just Toyotas.

 

No offense but are you a communist or something I've never seen someone shit themselves over something like this before. From what I understand the only way for others to pull data off this is if they have your consent or a warrant. So unless like others say you're growing pot or cooking crack what's the big deal? It doesn't have cameras or anything and it can't show hesitation so everyone chill the f out.

 

I basically agree with the op regarding the invasion of privacy (esp. in a vehicle you own), and it is clear that the info can only benefit the insurance companies or law enforcement, never the working stiff who owns the vehicle.

BUT... If you got in a wreck caused by somebody who was driving irresponsibly wouldn't you want their car recording it? In this way it could actually benefit good drivers.

Also, there was a recent incident where the lt. governor in MA crashed a state issued vehicle and the black box info became public, it basically painted a picture of him drinking and driving 110mph at 3am or something crazy along those lines. Always happy to see a crooked state employee get their just desserts

 

Communist? How does that make sense? Lol

 

It's been discussed before and I have yet to see where anyone has postively identified the device, or given a way to defeat it. If it just records a few seconds or minutes, then manually clearing it is of no use.

I'm one of those that do not believe anyone has the right to invade my privacy. The warrant system is no protection at all. It's the fox gaurding the hen house. If the technology is in place it will be abused.