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Mystery switch box and wires for what? Pics included.

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Kattywampus, Aug 3, 2020.

  1. Aug 3, 2020 at 7:59 PM
    #1
    Kattywampus

    Kattywampus [OP] New Member

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    Rob
    Denver
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    2018 white TRD Off Road Premium
    Hello 4Runner and wiring pros! New guy from Denver Colorado.

    I just bought a used 2018 TRD Off Road Premium.

    It has a strange switch box attached to the lower left panel below the steering wheel column.

    What is it? The 4Runner doesn't have any aftermarket lights. From what I was told an older woman who lived on a dirt road owned it and traded it in because it was getting difficult to get in and out. So I find it hard to believe a light bar was attached to this rig.

    So what the hell is this thing? Is it OEM (doubtful) and can I remove it? Is it just stuck on with double-sided sticky tape? As far as I know it's not being used for anything. But it looks like the wires attach to a larger wiring harness.

    It's ugly, it's not being used, it's not OEM, I want to remove this eye sore.

    Appreciate the help! Pics includedimage1.jpg image0.jpg ...
     
  2. Aug 3, 2020 at 10:32 PM
    #2
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    Anthony
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner off-road premium, 2022 Tacoma
    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    Not OEM. Probably a gate or fence controller. But idk, someone else will chime in with a correct answer.
     
    A&P likes this.
  3. Aug 3, 2020 at 11:04 PM
    #3
    Kattywampus

    Kattywampus [OP] New Member

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    Rob
    Denver
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    I figured it out. It's a dealer aftermarket installed Karr Alarm System (ripoff/scam). They eventually go bad in a couple of years and then your car won't start. Unfortunately, the power wire is cut during the installation and now I need/want a professional to remove the alarm module and its wiring harness and splice the power wire back together securely. I want it professionally done (don't trust my soldering abilities). The "button/switch box" was held in place by two molded plastic friction pins. You just have to pry it straight out to remove the box. Now I've got two tiny holes in my plastic cover. I'll forget about them, if the alarm system is successfully removed and the tech can repair the damage to my OEM wires.

    Best YouTube video I found removing the Karr alarm system: https://youtu.be/K--4L6DMjRY

    So! Mystery solved.
     
  4. Aug 3, 2020 at 11:19 PM
    #4
    4Runner22

    4Runner22 New Member

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    Yes that is an aftermarket alarm system that is basically a POS. The dealership I work for installs them on all their cars. They get you to purchase the alarm at a rip off price of $500. If you purchase the alarm they install a chip in that little square thing your referring too. If you don't purchase the alarm your pretty much stuck looking at that worthless black square box underneath your dash. If you want it removed by the dealerships it will cost you and its not cheap.
    I did not purchase my 4Runner at the dealership I work at because of that stupid alarm. Instead I went to another dealership that does not install any crap in there new cars.
     
  5. Aug 4, 2020 at 6:43 AM
    #5
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

    Joined:
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    What a shitty way of doing business.If you work there, can you say "guys, this one is mine, don't do it" ?
    The dealer that I work with right now, all the sales reps have been told if they are caught selling anything that the customer doesn't want or need, they are fired on the spot. Go figure.
     
    A&P likes this.
  6. Aug 4, 2020 at 7:39 AM
    #6
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

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    Ralph
    Bisbee AZ
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    2020 Black 4Runner Venture 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser
    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    WOW! What a unique idea. May I ask where you work or at least what city?
     
  7. Aug 4, 2020 at 8:57 AM
    #7
    4Runner22

    4Runner22 New Member

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    Unfortunately I’ve tried to tell our general manager that this is not a good idea. He basically ignored me.
    Yes when I picked out my 4Runner I told them to please don’t install that alarm. They told me No it’s part of PDI and they must install it. So I told them ok fine I’ll just by my 4Runner elsewhere.
    Oh I don’t work there anymore.
     
    A&P likes this.
  8. Aug 4, 2020 at 9:18 AM
    #8
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

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    i'm pretty sure if enough people complain about this, Toyota would take notice. Or if enough people stop buying that crap, it would cost them more.
     
    A&P likes this.
  9. Aug 4, 2020 at 9:22 AM
    #9
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

    Joined:
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    Snowland
    Vehicle:
    ‘22 Tesla Model Y
    The dealer that I am working with to get the new 4R. I don't work there.
    Heffner Toyota in Kitchener, Ontario.
    Super supportive and absolutely zero pressure on all fronts. May be Covid new age, dunno, but for sure I'm buying another car there again, guaranteed. Also, best trade $, too.
    I see a lot of dealers, I change my cars ever 1.5-2 years max, this one by far made me realize how bad the other ones are; semi legal scammers.
    Didn't mean to hijack the thread.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2020
    A&P likes this.
  10. Aug 4, 2020 at 9:44 AM
    #10
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

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    2020 Black 4Runner Venture 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser
    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    Thanks.
     

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