TCU not connected

[AZCWTypeR]

I updated my car GPS maps before removing the module. I'll reconnect it briefly before my free GPS updates expire, otherwise not needed.

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[Xmetal]

I updated my car GPS maps before removing the module. I'll reconnect it briefly before my free GPS updates expire, otherwise not needed.

How long do we get free map update?

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I read somewhere 2024 USA owners have 3 years of free updates. I'm not sure about other model years.

 

[jtlctr]

and it should start sending out TPS reports post haste.

Yeaaah, Peter, listen, we’re using cover sheets on all the TPS reports from now on. Did you get the memo? Greeaat.

 

[Day1971]

Good evening to all in USA just to let you all know you can’t disconnect the TCU in the UK as then the SOS system is inactive and warning messages are on the dash.
i checked mine and it is all plugged in but just isn’t connected
So I want mine working correctly to then get the App working

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Good evening to all in USA just to let you all know you can’t disconnect the TCU in the UK as then the SOS system is inactive and warning messages are on the dash.
i checked mine and it is all plugged in but just isn’t connected
So I want mine working correctly to then get the App working

OK, I've never been to Europe or UK or England. You're probably gonna have to spell it out for me.

What APP?
Is that some kind of radio storm siren or something?
Why does it need a TCU or an APP?
Can't the signal be broadcast over the normal AM and / or FM radio waves?

 

[Day1971]

Honda plus app for your phone!!!

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

Honda plus app for your phone!!!

Oh, OK.

How about the "SOS system", though?
I was asking about that. What is it? How does it work?

 

[Day1971]

SOS system is in the vehicle, a button in roof console that you can press if car breaks down. It takes you to the emergency services. It’s in all new cars in UK and Europe

 

[Cueyo]

SOS system is in the vehicle, a button in roof console that you can press if car breaks down. It takes you to the emergency services. It’s in all new cars in UK and Europe

Ahhh yeah, the US models don't have a physical button. It does ask me every once in a while when I start the car whether I'd like it to call emergency services in case of a crash - wonder if it's the same system.

 

[blueroadster]

Good evening to all in USA just to let you all know you can’t disconnect the TCU in the UK as then the SOS system is inactive and warning messages are on the dash.
i checked mine and it is all plugged in but just isn’t connected
So I want mine working correctly to then get the App working

Assuming the TCU is the same, I'd imagine there should be an easy way of tricking the SOS into thinking that it still has a connection to the TCU (even if disconnected). My guess would be that the SOS is likely just tapping into some of the wiring on the TCU and sending a signal where no signal = warning lights on the dashboard.

 

[marcusm86]

Good evening to all in USA just to let you all know you can’t disconnect the TCU in the UK as then the SOS system is inactive and warning messages are on the dash.
i checked mine and it is all plugged in but just isn’t connected
So I want mine working correctly to then get the App working

Have you tried factory resetting your head unit/infotainment center
go to Settings > System > Factory Data Reset and confirm
or if you have data sharing on?
General Settings > System > Data Sharing

 

[blueroadster]

Have you tried factory resetting your head unit/infotainment center
go to Settings > System > Factory Data Reset and confirm
or if you have data sharing on?
General Settings > System > Data Sharing

Performing a "Factory Data Reset" will not change the way the SOS system functionally operates and is looking for TCU network connectivity.

If you turn "Data Sharing" off (i.e., software configuration option on the infotainment unit in the car), the TCU still constantly beacons and communicates to the cloud by design using the cellular connection baked into the hardware of the TCU itself.

Use or non-use of the Honda app changes nothing on the TCU constantly beaconing and communicating with the cloud. The app is really a joke from a privacy standpoint as it simply allows the owner/user to pull a very minor subset of the data already communicated by the car to the cloud while offering limited remote connectivity (app to cloud to car) to do some things like remotely detect location, see oil life remaining, roll windows down, etc.

We are fortunate that the TCU on the FL5 is not embedded with other systems on the vehicle's CAN bus where removal of it would negatively interfere with those other systems.

I recently bought a 2026 Passport and 2026 Pilot where both of those vehicles have an SOS button and TCU. The TCU used on them is not as easily accessible as compared to the FL5 but I do plan to disconnect them at some point in the near future.

 

[marcusm86]

Performing a "Factory Data Reset" will not change the way the SOS system functionally operates and is looking for TCU network connectivity.

If you turn "Data Sharing" off (i.e., software configuration option on the infotainment unit in the car), the TCU still constantly beacons and communicates to the cloud by design using the cellular connection baked into the hardware of the TCU itself.

Use or non-use of the Honda app changes nothing on the TCU constantly beaconing and communicating with the cloud. The app is really a joke from a privacy standpoint as it simply allows the owner/user to pull a very minor subset of the data already communicated by the car to the cloud while offering limited remote connectivity (app to cloud to car) to do some things like remotely detect location, see oil life remaining, roll windows down, etc.

We are fortunate that the TCU on the FL5 is not embedded with other systems on the vehicle's CAN bus where removal of it would negatively interfere with those other systems.

I recently bought a 2026 Passport and 2026 Pilot where both of those vehicles have an SOS button and TCU. The TCU used on them is not as easily accessible as compared to the FL5 but I do plan to disconnect them at some point in the near future.

OP wants to use this feature. I was wondering if they have tried to reset the headunit to see if that helps reset the connection.

 

[blueroadster]

OP wants to use this feature. I was wondering if they have tried to reset the headunit to see if that helps reset the connection.

Thanks and valid point...I misinterpreted the intent of the post from the OP.

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