Are you using a Verizon Hum in your Nissan or Ford vehicle? You might want to unplug it now. Emerging reports from automotive experts and real-world user experiences suggest a concerning issue: the Verizon Hum OBD2 device could be causing serious problems with your car’s Transmission Control Module (TCM). This article delves into this potential threat, outlining the symptoms, expert opinions, and what you should do to protect your vehicle.
The Warning Signs: TCM Problems and Verizon Hum
Several reports are surfacing indicating that using a Verizon Hum device, which plugs into your car’s OBD2 port for diagnostics and vehicle tracking, may lead to critical malfunctions. Users have reported a cascade of error messages appearing on their dashboards while the Hum device is installed. These errors often include:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warnings
- Traction Control system failures
- Pre-collision assist malfunctions
- Reduced engine performance alerts
One Ford F-150 owner recounted a troubling experience where a series of these “fatal errors” repeatedly occurred only when the Verizon Hum was plugged in. Each time the device was removed, the error codes mysteriously disappeared, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. This pattern strongly suggests a correlation between the Hum device and the onset of these serious vehicle issues.
Expert Insights: Transmission Specialists and Jasper’s Findings
The potential link between Verizon Hum and TCM problems isn’t just anecdotal. Leading transmission experts, including Gary Carter and Pat from Level 10, have been investigating a surge in TCM failures in Nissan and Ford vehicles. Their collaborative research points towards aftermarket OBD2 devices, particularly the Verizon Hum, as a significant contributing factor.
According to Gary Carter, a friend who owns a transmission shop noticed an unusual number of Nissan transmissions arriving with faulty TCMs. This observation was corroborated by Jasper Transmissions, a major transmission remanufacturer. Jasper, recognizing the severity of the issue, invested significantly in a static-safe bench area specifically for working on these sensitive transmissions. This investment highlights the extreme vulnerability of modern TCMs to electrical disturbances.
Alt text: Car OBD2 port, the connection point for Verizon Hum and other vehicle diagnostic devices, highlighting potential electrical sensitivity issues.
Jasper’s engineers discovered that TCMs are incredibly susceptible to voltage surges. They believe that aftermarket devices like Verizon Hum might be introducing voltage fluctuations or overloads through the OBD2 port, leading to TCM damage. To emphasize this sensitivity, technicians at Jasper are now required to wear grounding bracelets and work on grounded benches just to handle TCMs safely.
Pat from Level 10 also hired an engineer to investigate the increasing number of fried TCMs they were encountering. Their findings independently corroborated the link to Verizon Hum and similar OBD2 plugins.
User Experience: Confirmed Issues with Ford F-150
The firsthand experience of the Ford F-150 owner further strengthens the expert findings. After purchasing a Verizon Hum in 2019, the user initially experienced no issues. However, problems began to surface when transferring the Hum between vehicles. On multiple occasions, installing the Hum in their F-150 triggered a cascade of critical error messages within miles of driving. Crucially, removing the Hum device consistently resulted in the immediate disappearance of all error codes.
Alt text: Ford F-150 dashboard illuminated with numerous error lights, illustrating potential electronic system malfunctions possibly caused by OBD2 device interference.
This repeated pattern of error manifestation and resolution directly linked to the presence or absence of the Verizon Hum device strongly suggests a causal relationship. Extensive online research by the user further revealed similar reports from dealerships and other vehicle owners experiencing issues with various OBD2 plugins, reinforcing the idea that these devices can indeed interfere with sensitive vehicle systems.
Potential Causes: Voltage Surges and Data Interference
The underlying cause of these TCM failures appears to be related to the electrical characteristics of OBD2 plugins like Verizon Hum. These devices, while designed for diagnostics and data collection, can inadvertently disrupt the delicate electrical balance within a car’s computer network.
The primary concerns are:
- Voltage Surges: Aftermarket devices might introduce voltage spikes or fluctuations into the vehicle’s electrical system via the OBD2 port. TCMs, being highly sensitive electronic modules, are vulnerable to these surges, potentially leading to component damage or failure.
- Data Interference: OBD2 plugins constantly communicate with the vehicle’s computer network to collect data. This continuous data flow and the device’s data collection process can sometimes interfere with the normal data communication pathways required for critical systems like the TCM to operate correctly. This “data interruption” or “data delay” can confuse the vehicle’s computer systems, triggering error codes and malfunctions.
- Parasitic Drain and System Sensitivity: The original poster mentioned concerns about “parasitic drain” and the Engine Management System’s sensitivity to voltage and amperage fluctuations. While “parasitic drain” usually refers to battery drain when the car is off, the point about system sensitivity remains valid. Modern vehicle electronics are designed to operate within very specific electrical parameters. Any deviation, even minor, introduced by an external device, can potentially disrupt system stability.
Recommendations: What to Do If You Suspect a Problem
If you are using a Verizon Hum or any other OBD2 plugin in your Nissan or Ford vehicle, and you’ve experienced any of the error symptoms described, immediate action is recommended:
- Unplug the OBD2 Device: The first and most crucial step is to remove the Verizon Hum or any other aftermarket OBD2 device from your vehicle’s OBD2 port.
- Monitor for Error Codes: After removing the device, observe if the error messages on your dashboard disappear. As reported by users, error codes may clear shortly after disconnecting the problematic device.
- Contact Verizon: If you suspect the Verizon Hum has caused damage to your vehicle, contact Verizon to report the issue. Inquire about potential compensation or investigation into the matter.
- Consult a Mechanic: If error codes persist after removing the OBD2 device, or if you experience ongoing transmission problems, consult a qualified mechanic immediately. Explain the situation and mention the potential link to OBD2 devices and TCM issues. A diagnostic scan can help determine if there is any lasting damage.
Protect Your Vehicle: Consider Removing Your Verizon Hum
The evidence, while still emerging, strongly suggests a potential risk associated with using Verizon Hum and similar OBD2 devices in Nissan and Ford vehicles. To avoid potential TCM damage and costly repairs, consider removing these devices, especially if you have experienced any of the described symptoms. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to safeguard your vehicle’s long-term health and reliability.
