The world of car diagnostics and connectivity has expanded rapidly, with devices like the Hum Obd2 promising to keep you connected to your vehicle’s health and performance. However, a serious issue has emerged regarding the Verizon Hum and its potential to cause significant damage to your car’s Transmission Control Module (TCM), particularly in Nissan and Ford vehicles. This is a critical warning for anyone using or considering using a Hum OBD2 device.
The Problem: Hum OBD2 and TCM Damage Explained
Experts in transmission repair have identified a worrying trend: the Verizon Hum OBD2 device appears to be linked to TCM failures. The TCM is a vital computer in your car that controls the transmission’s operation. It’s a sensitive electronic component, and it seems the Hum device, which plugs into your car’s OBD2 port, might be sending harmful electrical signals.
The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood yet, but the theory is that the Hum device could be causing voltage surges or electrical overloads. These electrical disturbances can be catastrophic for sensitive TCMs, leading to malfunctions and failures. Think of it like a power surge damaging a home computer – the delicate electronics within the TCM are vulnerable to such electrical anomalies.
Expert Findings and Warnings: Level 10 and Jasper Transmissions Sound the Alarm
This isn’t just anecdotal evidence. Renowned transmission specialists like Gary Carter and Pat from Level 10, along with Jasper Transmissions, a major transmission remanufacturer, have recognized this issue. Jasper even invested significantly in a static-controlled environment for TCM work, highlighting the extreme sensitivity of these modules to electrical discharges. They’ve hired engineers specifically to investigate and address the problems arising from these failures, including those potentially linked to aftermarket OBD2 devices like Hum. The fact that industry leaders are taking such serious steps underscores the gravity of this potential problem.
Real-World User Experience: Error Codes and Transmission Issues Linked to Hum
Beyond expert observations, real-world experiences are surfacing that corroborate these concerns. One user reported experiencing a cascade of critical error messages – ABS, Traction Control, Pre-Collision Assist, and reduced engine performance – in their Ford F-150 while using a Verizon Hum. Interestingly, these errors vanished completely after removing the Hum device. This pattern repeated itself, with errors returning immediately after plugging the Hum back in and disappearing again upon removal. This personal account strongly suggests a direct link between the Hum OBD2 device and vehicle system malfunctions.
Broader Concerns: OBD2 Plugins and Data Interference
This issue extends beyond just the Verizon Hum. The underlying problem seems to be related to how OBD2 plugins, in general, interact with a car’s computer systems. These devices, while designed to be helpful, can sometimes interfere with the delicate data flow within your vehicle’s network. They can act as “parasitic” devices, drawing power and potentially disrupting the voltage and data signals that sensitive modules like the TCM rely on. This disruption and potential data delay can wreak havoc on systems that depend on precise and consistent electrical signals and data communication.
Recommendation: Immediate Removal of Hum OBD2 Devices Advised
Given the expert warnings and user experiences, the recommendation is clear and urgent: if you are using a Verizon Hum OBD2 device, especially in a Nissan or Ford vehicle, remove it immediately. Contact Verizon to discuss the potential issues and any possible transmission problems you might encounter in the future. If you are experiencing unexplained error codes or transmission issues, consider having your vehicle professionally diagnosed, and be sure to mention if you have been using an OBD2 plugin device. Protect your car’s vital systems and heed this warning about the potential dangers of Hum OBD2.
