What Is This Thing?

Truck was totally stock when I bought it six years ago. This indicator light appears like it could be factory equipment, maybe not though? There is a round button under the lights, pressing it doesn't appear to do anything. Wiring drops into kick panel which suggests it originates in the rear of the truck. Couldn't find anything in the owners manual about it.

Any of y'all know?

 

I'm a little confused. You bought this truck stock 6 years ago and are just now discovering this button? Or what...

Whatever it is, it isn't factory.

 

Looks like a battery powered light.

 

That’s for the dealership installed alarm. Cheap systems that they markup like crazy. They are usually installed on all the dealers new vehicles for tracking purposes and they might also sell you an alarm/gps tracking system. It’s installed wether you buy the package or not. You can take it off if you don’t use it. I would suggest you take it off once not used because they malfunction after a few years and you’ll have a no start condition.

 

Its for the aftermarket KARR alarm installed by the dealer more than likely.

I have one on my truck and have never had an issue with it (its activated)

 

Haha...reasonable question. The truck has a factory towing package on it. I always assumed the light/button was a part of the sway control system. Recently, I have been towing more frequently and larger trailers. As a result, I started caring what it was and investigating.

 

Yes that’s the main brand! I used to diagnose these pretty often at the dealer. Easy removal.

 

My guess is maybe a rigged up valet switch for an alarm. Follow it under the drivers side dash. Most aftermarket alarm modules are located there .

.....or a tanning light for the genitalia on those pantless driving days.

 

Thaaaaat explains the inexplicable bronze skin tone of my genitalia. The more you know...

 

It's the output module for the Toyota Mind Control Module (TMCM). What looks like LEDs are microwave emitters that project signals to your head/brain. Toyota uses it to make you THINK you are enjoying your truck more than you actually are. It also engenders loyalty to the almighty Mr. Toyoda so your next truck will be a Toyota as well.

 

FTFY

 

Ahhh. This makes tons of sense. Mine is apparently not activated. It's been six years without it, I'll probably just leave it be. Thanks bro!

 

Same. The first cpl years the horn would blare randomly, even when driving on the freeway. It stopped though and has been problem free the last few years. Bright blue flashing light when activated, hopefully serving as a decent theft deterrent.

 

Crazy, I’ve seen these in trades and I never knew what they were until now, didn’t even cross my mind to think it was an alarm system haha

 

My new Civic just went berserk due to this shitty dealer installed alarm. Was sitting in the car listening to the radio and it just went off. I couldn't turn it off. For about 10 minutes I looked like a total ass at the mall parking lot.

I didn't pay for the BS alarm but it was installed on every new vehicle that dealer sold. Had it towed to the dealer and they removed it.

The worst part is they have to cut your factory wiring harness to your ignition to install their shitty alarm. As well as tap into power with some shitty t taps.

 

I used to get starters and alarms every time I got a new (to me) car, but over the years, I found they eventually had problems years after install - mostly from problems caused by corrosion at the connection points. Now days, it's a little better as many are interface modules that use existing connection points to "tap" in to the ECM or BCM functions directly, so no splicing of wires. But by the time those came around, I've just gotten used to not having them at all.

Of course, if I lived in a problematic area, that may change my calculation.