Question for those who called Mazda to deactivate TCU

Grave461

2024 CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Hi all,

Brand new 2024 CX-5 owner here. After reading the Connected Services T&C, I'm considering calling Mazda and having the TCU deactivated. Assuming I have an SD card for the navigation system, will disabling the TCU prevent me from using it?
 
Was it automatically activated or did you have to do/sign something?
Doubt it would stop Nav from working.
 
From what I read on the T&C, the TCU is activated prior to delivery at the dealership. But even if you use, and then unsubscribe and uninstall the MyMazda app, the vehicle will still continue transmitting the default data to Mazda unless you call the 1-800 number for customer service and specifically request it be deactivated to prevent data collection.

I didn't see anywhere in the T&C about it affecting the navigation system, but I did read that the TCU uses GPS to provide vehicle location data. I didn't see anything using Google, either.
 
No. You will lose the ability to use the MyMazda app to remotely do anything with your CX5, locate it, start it, etc.

OK, thanks for the info. I'm not too concerned with the MyMazda app, since it seems I can get most of the same vehicular data it provides from the infotainment system. Remote start is no big deal for me, either.

I just wanted to confirm if I buy and SD card, will the navigation and GPS system still function, even with the TCU disabled.
 
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confirmed.

So the gps cannot be disabled. Its separate.
The tcu uses a built in 4G modem with esim to send/receive data and thats the system what Mazda shuts down remotely.
You can always call them again to re-enable later if you reconsider. Nav is not affected as Mazda is still not using Internet data based navigation like other companies.

One thing to notice is anytime you go for service there would be a mark your vin - cs04 connected system disabled msg or something like that. Thats normal but it gets printed on any service receipts. Its mainly for the dealers to know but it sticks with your car vin.
 
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OK, thanks for the info. I'm not too concerned with the MyMazda app, since it seems I can get most of the same vehicular data it provides from the infotainment system. Remote start is no big deal for me, either.

I just wanted to confirm if I buy and SD card, will the navigation and GPS system still function, even with the TCU disabled.
why not just use Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for navigation instead of buying Mazda nav?
 
One thing to notice is anytime you go for service there would be a mark your vin - cs04 connected system disabled msg or something like that. Thats normal but it gets printed on any service receipts. Its mainly for the dealers to know but it sticks with your car vin.

Good to hear, thank you.

So basically, Mazda is letting you know that they're tracking the fact they can't track you... gotcha, lol!

why not just use Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for navigation instead of buying Mazda nav?

I want to use Android/Apple as a backup, but use the vehicle's built-in nav system as the primary. Mainly for convenience. It's a hassle to use the wired connection, especially if I forget to connect my phone before I start driving. If it were wireless, that'd be a different story.

And who said I'm buying the Mazda nav card? ;)
 
Good to hear, thank you.

So basically, Mazda is letting you know that they're tracking the fact they can't track you... gotcha, lol!



I want to use Android/Apple as a backup, but use the vehicle's built-in nav system as the primary. Mainly for convenience. It's a hassle to use the wired connection, especially if I forget to connect my phone before I start driving. If it were wireless, that'd be a different story.

And who said I'm buying the Mazda nav card? ;)
We bought a Motorola MA1 wireless Android Auto adapter. It works very well.
 
I want to use Android/Apple as a backup, but use the vehicle's built-in nav system as the primary. Mainly for convenience. It's a hassle to use the wired connection, especially if I forget to connect my phone before I start driving. If it were wireless, that'd be a different story.
I find it easier to pull up Maps on my phone, bring up my destination, and hit Start, than to search for it in the car menu. I'm not bothered much by the cable. I keep one in the center console with the connector just poking out and ready to grab.
There are areas that do not have cell service and phone navigation won't work. I like having the built in nav as a backup.
You're supposed to download the map to your phone for offline access. Then, it doesn't need cell data while you travel.
 
So I called Mazda CEC earlier this week and requested the disable. I was assigned a case number, and the person I spoke with said they sent the signal to my TCU. They also told me to unsubscribe from MyMazda app and uninstall from my phone.

When I got in my CX-5, the signal strength indicator was X'd out. I'm assuming this means the signal disable to my vehicle was successful?

20240626_072748.webp
 
One thing to notice is anytime you go for service there would be a mark your vin - cs04 connected system disabled msg or something like that. Thats normal but it gets printed on any service receipts. Its mainly for the dealers to know but it sticks with your car vin.
I called Mazda and had them turn off my TCU as soon as I got my brand-new 2024 CX-5 home. Two weeks later I got a phone call from my dealer, informing me there was a recall on my vehicle. I asked for the reason. They said my Mazda Connected Services were not working. I laughed and told them that I had the TCU turned off and that’s the way I wanted it. They seemed to have trouble wrapping their minds around that. I suspect this is likely to come up every time the vehicle goes in for service. Be prepared to remind the service adviser ahead of time that you know the TCU is off and want it to remain off.
 
So I called Mazda CEC earlier this week and requested the disable. I was assigned a case number, and the person I spoke with said they sent the signal to my TCU. They also told me to unsubscribe from MyMazda app and uninstall from my phone.

When I got in my CX-5, the signal strength indicator was X'd out. I'm assuming this means the signal disable to my vehicle was successful?

View attachment 329438
I’m not sure that’s the case. Is your cell phone linked to the infotainment system - either with a hard connection or via Bluetooth? I’m pretty sure that’s the phone’s battery indicator and charging status. After I had Mazda turn off my TCU, a little symbol appeared next to these signals, indicating that an attempted firmware update was unsuccessful. The system checks for updates at regular intervals if you have it set that way.
 
There are areas that do not have cell service and phone navigation won't work. I like having the built in nav as a backup.
100% ... anyone thats ever driven thru mountains comes to realize you need an actual GPS. No cell service for hours thru many mountain routes.
 
i called 800 to deactivate tcu but does the unit deactivate to run at all like kill LTE modem signal or just disconnect to send signal to mazda but the cell tower can still reach out the car? sorry not tech geek. don't know how it exactly works but goal is to completing turning off the location tracking and all data collections
 
So I'm new to this...sonis this tracking data thing on even if you didn't sign up for Mazda Connect?
When I was waiting for the finance guy during my purchase, my salesman came and talked to me about Mazda connect but his energy was a little off on how he seemed a little too helpful in showing me how to download it. I said I got. Then I started reading the terms and Conditions during the download and saw that shares your information. I declined at the end and discontinued the install. This was one of the few times I actually read the "terms and conditions". He came back a few minutes later and asked if ibwas all set, it politely told him I declined it because it shares / sells my information.

Apparently that alone doesn't prevent Mazda from tracking / sharing, really selling your information.
Didn't GM just get caught with this and they claimed they will stop doing it?
 
So I'm new to this...sonis this tracking data thing on even if you didn't sign up for Mazda Connect?
When I was waiting for the finance guy during my purchase, my salesman came and talked to me about Mazda connect but his energy was a little off on how he seemed a little too helpful in showing me how to download it. I said I got. Then I started reading the terms and Conditions during the download and saw that shares your information. I declined at the end and discontinued the install. This was one of the few times I actually read the "terms and conditions". He came back a few minutes later and asked if ibwas all set, it politely told him I declined it because it shares / sells my information.

Apparently that alone doesn't prevent Mazda from tracking / sharing, really selling your information.
Didn't GM just get caught with this and they claimed they will stop doing it?
You need to call customer service and have them actively turn off the TCU. Expect to have to call a few times. Also, ask them to send you an email confirmation that the TCU has been turned off. At least Mazda gives you the option. But some people you talk to may be clueless on the subject.
 
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