DCM / Telematics Module Bypass

[josiahg52]

I removed the fuse to the DCM. It's in the fuse block under the glove box. Center row of fuses, the last one in the line, closest to the motor. Easily done. I don't care about what it provides, but, I do care about who gets that information. Big brother knows to much already. After removal, I can't detect any difference in operation. If anybody else has done this and found a problem, please let me know. Wondering what the dealer will think at the next service.

Hmm. Thanks for posting this. A couple questions, because there seems to be a lot of conflicting information floating around regarding the DCM on the 6th-gen 4Runner.

When you say you "can't detect any difference in operation," what specifically have you tested? Some of the things I've seen reported or discussed include:

- Loss of microphone functionality (Bluetooth calls, voice commands, Siri/Google Assistant)
- Loss of a speaker channel (I've seen references to the front-right speaker on some Toyota platforms, but haven't necessarily found a confirmed 6th-gen 4Runner report)
- Loss of key-fob remote start
- Loss of app-based remote start and connected services, SOS functionality and telematics alerts
- Cellular/GPS status indicators in the infotainment system
- DTCs or faults that may only show up during dealer service
- Any affect on proximity unlock

The reason I'm asking is that the manufacturer of the DCM bypass harnesses specifically states that the DCM fuse must remain installed because it's needed for hands-free microphone functionality. That would seem to suggest that simply pulling the fuse could affect the microphone.

Have you had a chance to test any of the following?

-Bluetooth phone calls (can the other person hear you?)
- Voice commands / Siri / Google Assistant
- Key-fob remote start
- Balance/fader settings to verify every speaker is working
- Any warning messages or changes to the connectivity icon on the infotainment screen
- Whether the Toyota app still communicates with the vehicle at all, if you have an account and registered the vehicle.

I'm not particularly concerned about losing connected services, SOS, or app functionality. My main interest is understanding whether pulling the DCM fuse has any unintended side effects on vehicle functions that aren't obviously related to telematics.

So far your report is the first one I've seen from a 6th-gen owner who has simply pulled the fuse and reported no obvious changes, which makes it especially interesting given all the assumptions that seem to have carried over from other Toyota platforms.

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