Abstract: A method of controlling a telematics system based on the ignition state of an engine in a vehicle. The ignition state of the engine can alternate between an on state and an off state. The method includes monitoring, by a processor a voltage level on a diagnostics connector from the vehicle and monitoring, by the processor, an indicator of engine activity such as revolutions per minute, from the diagnostics connector of the vehicle. The method also includes determining, by the processor, a condition of the ignition state of the engine of the vehicle based on the voltage level and the indicator of engine activity and changing the operating mode of the telematics system based on the ignition state of the engine. The operating mode of the telematics system can alternate between a first mode and a second mode, in which power consumption is higher than in the first mode.