Callie17

I just purchased a 2017 RDX Technology package and love everything about it EXCEPT for the inability to disable the Accuralink sensors. I contacted Acuralink and asked if I could disable the sensors and they said that on some Acura cars that were possible but not mine. When I asked if they collected and stored my location and driving behavior data even if I never subscribed to AcuraLink they said that they did. I tried to find help at the dealership and asked them to disable the sensors and they said they could not. I'm a privacy enthusiast and am stifled that I purchased a car and cannot opt-out of the manufacturer tracking me. Has anyone had success finding the sensors? I'm not referring to the event data recorder that works during accidents. I'm more concerned with the unfettered access they have to my every move, maybe I've seen Minority Report one too many times? I've learned that they utilize devices that operate on 173 MHz and utilize GPRS (cellular), GPS L1, and L2 tracking. Has anyone had success in removing or disabling the sensors? I thought about trying to isolate the fuse they are on but don't know if that would be a complete solution since there are multiple sensors. Does anyone have any ideas?

csmeance

Disconnect the GPS antenna and call it a day. The antenna is used to optimize the climate control, and as well the navi system. Acuralink sends data through XM or your cellphone wifi if you hook up to the car via bluetooth if I remember correctly.

I'd be more concerned about voice mics for privacy... FBI/Police were able to recover voice data from a Chevy truck in 2018 to help solve a murder. A guy went to help his friend fix his broken car. Friend killed him and abandoned the truck. Cold case for about 2 years. Then police found out from FBI they can recover voice data from the truck. The friend used voice control to change a song on the radio after committing the murder and driving to abandon the truck. Were able to charge and convict him.

EasyLoveRDX

Any chance you know of some guides on how to do this? I'm interested in removing some unused technology from my 1st gen RDX, although its moreso for weight saving reasons. I'm looking to remove unused Acuralink hardware, and my bluetooth unit that I've never even setup.

Callie17

Hi, Sounds like a great idea! I've scoured the internet this weekend and it seems one of the GPS antennae is located behind the navigation screen but can't find much else, do you happen to have a resource that illustrates its location? Or how to access it?

Callie17

My RDX is a 2017 and thinking that the XM radiofrequency is 170 and the Accuralink utilizes 173 I figured that disconnecting the XM radio would knock the Accuralink out. When I googled parts for the XM radio I noted that the harness ran from the rear fin on the top of the vehicle, inside the car's roof, and then down to the kick wall located on the left side of the passenger's footwell. When I popped the footwell off I found a box with a few things plugged into it. Using the navigation system diagnostic mode (which I accessed by holding Menu, Nav, and Back at the same time for 5 seconds) and I was able to see that by unplugging everything going to that box, I'd disconnected "TCU, HFL, and all the Mic". I don't know if the box is located in the same place for your Acura or if it would give you enough extra space, the "XM Unit" black box was around 4x5x1 inches but it effectively knocked out the HFL- Hands Free Link capability, TCU- Telematics Control Unit, and microphones. I drove the vehicle and haven't noticed any other differences but will keep you posted.

Callie17

Meant to say the kick wall on the RIGHT side of the passenger footwell, sorry!!

privacyenthusiast

I’m in the process of doing this for my 2015 tlx. After you did this can you send a picture of the debug menu? It would be much appreciated. I also have a few more questions.

privacyenthusiast

found this helpful
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...08380-9340.pdf