Remember when the Biden Thing decreed that beginning with the 2026 model year, all new vehicles must be equipped with a so-called “kill switch” that would allow the government to disable the vehicle remotely? It was pitched – as such things are always pitched – as a saaaaaaaaaaaaafety measure. “Dangerous drunks” would not be able to drive and dangerous high-speed chases would end because they’d never begin. The cop could just throw the switch – meaning, transmit a signal – commanding the car to turn itself off.
Of course, that also meant the government could turn off a vehicle equipped with this “switch” at any time. As for example during the next “pandemic” or perhaps the first “climate lockdown.”
It is important to understand a few things. First, that it is not a switch. If only it were. Switches are easily by passed. Think of the switch that turns the lights on – and off – in the room you’re in. Here a switch is a helpful thing because you probably want to be able turn off the lights when they’re not needed. But what if you did not want them off? What if you wanted it so that they could not be turned off? Easy. Just remove the switch and wire the light directly to the current so it’s always on.
Can you do the same with a “kill switch” equipped vehicle? Unfortunately, no. Chiefly because it’s not a switch, at least not in the sense usually conveyed by that word. Indeed, it is precisely the absence of a switch that presents the great difficulty. An example of a switch that can be defeated is the one all new riding mowers have that will shut off the engine if the operator gets off the mower (and also if he shifts his weight, which almost everyone finds incredibly annoying). A related switch will turn off the mower’s blades if the operator reverses the mower.
These switches are simple circuit interrupters. The one that shuts off the engine if you step off the mower is usually under the seat and works via weight (yours). When you sit down, the circuit is complete and the engine runs. More finely, its electrical system works; spark is delivered to the engine, which ignites the fuel and causes the engine to run. When you get off the mower – or. your weight shifts a bit – the circuit is broken and the engine cuts off.
To remedy this issue all you have to do is defeat the circuit interruptor, which is typically a matter of making sure the contacts don’t separate irrespective of whether you’re sitting on the seat and no matter how much your weight shifts.
Vehicles don’t have that kind of switch. If they did it would be a trivial thing to defeat them. It isn’t because what you’re dealing with is a virtual leash rather than a switch. The leash is invisible, which is why most people do not see it and thus most people aren’t aware of it. Most people are also unaware that their vehicle is already tethered – even though it’s not 2026 yet.
The Biden Thing’s decree about “kill switches” can be seen for what it is in much the same way as the Patriot Act in that both were planned well in advance and only announced once they were what the French style a fait accompli. As in something already done. Many vehicles made made since around 2015 and every vehicle made during the past five years already has multiple “kill switches” built into it.
The engine and transmission are controlled by the vehicle’s software and that software is regularly updated by the vehicle’s manufacturer, ostensibly for the sake of assuring the vehicle’s operating systems are all operating efficiently as well as currently (i.e., they have the very latest software to run their systems).
This updating happens at a distance. Put another way, it can (and does) happen while your vehicle is parked in your driveway. Or while you’re driving it. Anytime.
And it just happens. You have no way to prevent it from happening short of disabling the vehicle’s ability to receive these updates – which is the mechanism by which they can disable the vehicle. All new cars have built-in (and 5G) WiFi and while you can (in some cases) turn off the hotspot, you cannot turn off the connectedness. Not without physically removing the antennas and figuring out a way to assure that the computer that controls the engine and transmission and most of the rest of the vehicles’ systems is disconnected from everything that is external to the vehicle.
The problem is these systems were designed specifically to be connected in order for them to work.
It is a situation analogous to avoiding being tracked by your smartphone. The only way to avoid this is by not using the phone or by by removing its battery and so its power source, at which point you can’t use it except as a paperweight.
But that doesn’t mean you have to carry a smartphone around with you. Many of us managed to function without one until as recently as ten or so years go. Almost none of us had one twenty or so years ago. Just the same, most of us had no problem living a modern life without driving a connected car. That was most of us until about ten years ago.
It could be most of us again.
It just means doing without a connected car – and that’s as easily done as not buying one. Or selling the one you have, if you do – and buying one that isn’t connected. This does not mean Going Cuba and driving an ancient car that often doesn’t run well and has to be nursed all the time to keep it running. It just means getting a modern car made before (roughly) 2015. It will still have computer-controlled fuel injection and other desirable amenities most people like such as AC, power windows and so on –Â but it cannot be externally controlled because it is not connected.
That will mean doing without a WiFi hotspot and streaming videos on the touchscreen. But it will also mean no kill switches – plural – that are already embedded in everything that’s new.
. . .
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[…] https://www.ericpetersautos.com/2025/09/07/how-to-turn-off-the-kill-switch/ […]
Eric,
The kill switch isn’t from the Biden Thing; he may have pushed it, but it wasn’t he who instituted it. No, it was Congress who slipped the kill switch provision into the so-called “Infrastructure Bill” of a year or so ago; thanks to Congress, all cars, per Federal law, must be equipped with the “kill switch” starting with the 2026 model year.
Are you claiming a newer vehicle will not operate without constant internet connection?
What sorta idiot would even consider paying for such nonsense?
How does such a car work in an area with zero connectivity. . .magic?
Of course, just because you’re paranoid doesnt mean “theyre” not out to getcha
Your advice is good but probably a bit late for many of your readers. I think a lot of people have purchased ar least one new card in the last 10 years.
These vehicles are nothing more than computers on wheels. At what point will Big Brother government make it illegal to fix pre-connected vehicles? Say by refusing to manufacture and/or sell parts so that we plebs can fix, repair, and keep running non-connected vehicles? I surmise there will be a way to get around said, potential laws. Just as prohibition did noting to stop the sale of alcohol, people will figure out an ingenious way to give the Feds the big middle finger, and the sooner the better.
“It just means getting a modern car made before (roughly) 2015.”
From Grok:
“When OnStar debuted in 1996 on select 1997 Cadillac models, it was a pioneering in-vehicle telematics system that combined GPS, cellular communication, and onboard diagnostics to provide safety, security, and convenience features. Here’s how it worked:
1. Hardware and Connectivity: OnStar relied on a built-in module in the vehicle, which included a cellular modem, GPS receiver, and a microphone/speaker system. The module connected to GM’s central OnStar call centers via analog cellular networks (initially, transitioning to digital later).
2. Key Features:
Emergency Services: Pressing the red emergency button connected the driver to an OnStar advisor who could assess the situation using vehicle data (e.g., location via GPS) and dispatch emergency services if needed. Automatic crash detection could also trigger a call if airbags deployed.
Stolen Vehicle Tracking: If a vehicle was reported stolen, OnStar advisors could use GPS to track it and assist law enforcement.
Roadside Assistance: Drivers could press a blue button to request help for issues like flat tires or fuel shortages, with advisors coordinating support.”
Mercedes had is equivalent:
“Mercedes-Benz first offered an equivalent telematics system to OnStar with TeleAid, introduced in 1999 in the United States. TeleAid provided similar safety and convenience features, including emergency assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, roadside assistance, and remote diagnostics, using a combination of GPS and cellular technology to connect drivers to a call center.Like OnStar, TeleAid allowed drivers to contact advisors for help in emergencies, get directions, or request services via buttons in the vehicle. It was standard on many Mercedes-Benz models and required a subscription after an initial trial period. In 2009, Mercedes-Benz replaced TeleAid with mbrace, which added smartphone integration (e.g., remote lock/unlock via iPhone or BlackBerry apps) and enhanced features like concierge services, further aligning it with OnStar’s capabilities.”
It would appear the higher class vehicles are more vulnerable to being remotely “killed”.
Speaking of being “remotely killed” the most famous example of this occurred already in 2013 when Michael Hastings was driving his 2013 Mercedes C250 coupe.
Michael Hastings’ Last Ride
Corbett made an entire video about it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUYMPZ4nEOY
Any device that has software will also be hacked. The cat-and-mouse of it all. There’s white hats and black hats always trying to one up each other. So the more tight the grip of surveillance the more that slips through their fingers. Every line of code written is a new opportunity for a bug to expoit.
The buy here/pay here subprime car dealers have used similar systems for some years to disable remotely vehicles for which loan payments are overdue. Imagine how the government could use such systems to enforce claims of alleged unpaid taxes, student loans, child support, parking tickets, and the like. In the future, if our shiny new device on wheels fails to start in the morning, before calling AAA we may get in the habit of calling a toll-free number to check whether we are behind on some bill payment.
“Imagine how the government could use such systems to enforce claims of alleged unpaid taxes, student loans, child support, parking tickets, and the like.”
They won’t even need that.
Once the central bank programmable digital currencies, or CBDCs, are in place – as is happening in the EU this year already – a government ‘AI’ – now there’s an oxymoron! – will deduce the ‘amount owed’ automatically from your account balance. Your input will not be required and your objections will go nowhere.
The kill switches just go that extra bit further, where even if you had somehow managed to barter your way out of your 15-minute city, you’ll have to walk because your money will be ‘deactivated’ and therefore useless for any mass transport, and so will your driving device.
But then again, facial recognition over CCTV cameras will make sure walking’s out, too.
And you will own nothing and be happy. Or else.
It amazes me how corporations can take a helpful idea and use it against people.
Used to be that kill switches were there to serve the owner, now they’re used against us.
I have one in one of my Trans Ams that I installed as a young man to prevent theft.
Now that same idea is used to out the governmental boot on our collective neck.
Reminds me of the fact that only 50 years or so after we were able to fly, we used that same ability to drop bombs on Japan.
Why can’t we use our considerable talents for good? I can only echo George Carlin with “This is the best we can do, folks” and “Garbage in, garbage out”.
Now, where’s that asteroid?
“It amazes me how corporations can take a helpful idea and use it against people.”
Corporations and government together.
It used to be called ‘fascism’.
On iPhones, and I suspect some Androids, even this is not enough. Modern iPhones with Bluetooth LE (low energy) become air tags when shut off. Through the Bluetooth, the otherwise turned off iPhone will connect to other iPhones and remain part of the network. They can go a year without a recharge.
See Rob Braxman’s channel. He had an episode on this.
“The only way to avoid this is by not using the phone or by by removing its battery and so its power source, at which point you can’t use it except as a paperweight”
A Faraday shield bag can be used to make a cell phone incommunicado…
The only way to be absolutely certain is leave it at home in a metal bucket.
If the bucket is filled with water, then you can be doubly sure! 🙂
Or, if you require a higher degree of certainty, nuke it from orbit.
I make everyone who comes over for cards on Saturday leave daysailfawn in dey bucket by the door. Its adorable how some of them still believe their phones don’t listen to them.
Until you take it out of the bag and uploads what it was prevoiusly unable to.
But yes. Use the Faraday bag when not in use to minimize collection.
Yes, devices will do a bulk dump of backlogged data next time they see a gateway. That’s hard to prevent, even disabling built-in cell data modems. Next open or public WiFi the device sees it’ll upload.
But one benefit to keeping your phone in a bag is it can’t collect GPS data so even when it does it’s dump it will have a discontinuous record of your movements.
Internet isn’t necessary. Apple, Google, and Amazon have their own mesh networks. Only proximity to another Apple/Google/Amazon device required, depending on the mesh network you are part of.
they use multiple frequencies. My experience during that one day I think 2 years ago when they tested the emergency alert system- I had the phone in a faraday bag to see if I could stop it but it still got the signal. It blocks the cell traffic, but apparently not all wifi or bluetooth…or something. It should not have gotten through but did
Phone:
It can be locked in a proven attenuation faraday bag. Theres absolutely NO WAY it can connect unless its at the cell site.
But shes mostly a lost Bambi in headlights without her phone pistol aint she guys. . .
You can remove her common sense but not a phones battery.
Eric: It just means getting a modern car made before (roughly) 2015.
Works for me 🙂
I never wanted any of that crap anyhow.
Back in 2016 Fiat-Chrysler used Sprint’s 3G network for their connected car. T-Mobile merged with Sprint, the deal completed in 2020. In 2022 TMO shut down Sprint’s 3G network due to incompatibility and to make room (both in the radio spectrum and on the towers) for 5G radios. Before that happened I had long ended the subscription (1st year free) to U-Connect because I just didn’t see the value. But it still had a few bars of signal. Then one day, it didn’t.
Technology marches onward. Hardware is frozen in time. Now I’m sure with the current state of the Nation, whatever regime in charge when 6G is rolled out might strong-arm carriers into keeping some spectrum available for the old tech, maybe even buying up some airtime or company shares.
Because to defeat Chinese communist style fascism we have to adopt American fascist style communism. That’s just (political) science.
5G utilizes “unlicensed spectrum” for communication when available. This means that, in a dense urban area, any 5G-capable vehicle can take advantage of WiFi frequencies to communicate with micro cell base stations located nearby, usually mounted on telephone poles or taller buildings.
Moving forward, I doubt that bandwidth will be ignored in any newer standards. 3G had lots of nice clean frequencies below 1 GHz which needed to be repurposed. More of those won’t become available in the US unless terrestrial broadcast and radio go away, which I don’t see happening even if network broadcasting collapses.
How To Turn Off the Zionist “Kill Switch”
‘As Big Ben struck 1 p.m., hundreds of protesters who had gathered outside Parliament took out pens and wrote “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” on pieces of cardboard and paper, before sitting silently on the ground.
‘The police began arresting demonstrators one by one, asking them if they would cooperate before carrying them away if they refused to walk, as supporters applauded and shouted “shame on you” at officers. The arrests continued into the evening.
‘Among the protesters was Diane Afhim, a 69-year-old teacher, who said she was “happy to be arrested. I feel that justice is not working if people are being arrested for holding a sign,” she said. “This is not my Britain.”’ — NYT
https://archive.ph/XEVRN#selection-789.0-803.121
And this is not my America. Yesterday, for a grant that I’m managing, I reviewed the documentation of 25 on-call engineering firms, prequalified by Arizona DOT. Every one of them had to sign a certification that they are not boycotting Israel. It’s on page 3 of this company’s document:
https://azdot.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-011.01-300-SOQ-Win-Proposals.pdf
Although the requirement was enacted several years ago, this is the first time it’s arisen on a project I’m working on. Pledging not to boycott a foreign country that’s engaged in genocide? Our country has been hijacked. And it makes my blood boil.
This blows my mind, Jim H. It makes my blood boil, too. Total thought police shit, and, as much of what I see regarding Israel, it’s absolutely diabolical:
“1. “Boycott” means engaging in a refusal to deal, terminating business activities or performing other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with entities doing business in Israel or in territories controlled by Israel, if those actions are taken either: (a) Based in part on the fact that the entity does business in Israel or in territories controlled by Israel. (b) In a manner that discriminates on the basis of nationality, national origin or religion and that is not based on a valid business reason.”
Tuckers recent guest laid out exactly how the former US state dept is TOTALLY controlled by that psychopathic entity disguised as jew.
Every press release is pre approved by Tel Aviv.
For we are many and they are few. . .
Fuck em
I’d also add that you want to avoid any vehicle from GM that came with On-Star. You may not be a “subscriber” now but, as with everything else you may be forced into compliance.
On-Star: The Original Kill Switch…don’t accept cheap imitations…
My experience with On-Star was accidently mashing the button every time I adjusted the rear view mirror.
Amazon/Alexa support in the vehcile is also a bad sign.
Amazon devices have the capability of communicating with each other in order to contact the mothership, even if you do not specifically allow the device to communicate on your home WiFi or Ethernet LAN connection.