Software update to let Toyota communicate with truck?

Got a call yesterday from our local dealer (not where I bought the truck but they do service it). He asked if I would be willing to let them install an “update” that would let the truck communicate with Toyota, offered a $100 gift card. He didn’t seem to have much information. Has anyone else gotten this call?

 

Why would you even want that? I would think our phones are monitoring enough already.

 

It wasn’t my idea, I didn’t ask for it and I haven’t agreed to it. This post is simply asking if anyone else has gotten this call and if anyone knows more about it.

 

Quite a few mods you can do with $100... just saying..

 

Not I, but I don't give my phone number out. Least of all to dealers.

 

Oh yeah? What do you suggest? All I’ve done is weather tech mats and driver side grab handle.

 

I'd say no until the dealer could put in writing exactly what information will be communicated. I'd hate to go in for service and hear "We see that you tried Beast Mode once so we won't be fixing your problem under warranty."

 

It depends if its a gift card specifically to toyota or just a visa prepaid:

If toyota then use in parts:

• TRD Shift knob (~ $90 )
• 19' Pro Fog light bezels to use in Rigid fog light upgrade (~$70)
• Aluminum oil filter housing ($30)
• Oil filters ($7)

If a prepaid visa:

• Center console organizer: top and bottom (~$30)
• DIY pop and lock tailgate (~50)
• Truck bed lighting (~ $40)
• Interior LED lighting (~$20)
• and a million more other mods

 

What is pop and lock tailgate? Sounds fun!

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-pop-and-lock-for-a-fraction-of-the-cost.28693/

One of the best mods you can do for your truck. Especially if you have a hard cover for it.

 

We don't, Toyota does. Also, they wouldn't be asking if they had access to the info on our phones.

$100 doesn't even come close to covering the cost of the mods I'd want for giving them access and the ability to follow and monitor me every time I drive my truck.

 

I'm betting the gift card is some stupid upsell discount for dealer shop purchases.

I'm hoping you gave this idea a hard pass.

Next!

 

Yeah before you agree to it, I'd have in writing everything about the software. What it's getting used for, where, how, when, your privacy, Liability, who will it be shared with, etc etc. Then maybe negotiate a higher gift card

 

Haven’t received a call and have not heard of this before. I would be very interested to find out what would be communicated and the reason behind this request.

 

Exactly this. Also, the gift card better be at least a low integer with four zeros behind it. Otherwise, I’ll keep my privacy.

 

Go 4 it. Free money.

 

I sat in several new vehicles at the dealer on Monday and they all had this sticker on the map lights.

Here are two, one from a Tundra and a Supra. Funny that the Supra gets its own url.




I would urge anyone, if they haven't already, opt out of this data collection.

https://www.toyota.com/privacyvts/

 

I tweeted at Toyota, just asked what information they were interested in and what they might do with do with it. It’s been about 48 hours now, no response.

 

The only reason dealers are trying to get everyone signed up is Toytoa hold back awards if they aren’t 90% connected services with the vehicles they have reported delivered and sold

 

Is this a new policy? For clarification I bought the truck in Texas but I live in Colorado, the call came from my local Colorado dealer who preforms the 2 year service warranty.