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What is this? Blue+black plastic thing under dash

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by impr3, Feb 21, 2021.

  1. impr3

    impr3 New Member

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    I recently discovered a component under the dash which was unplugged when I bought my 2016 Prius (second hand from Toyota dealer). Since the Prius has been working just fine and I don't know the identity of this component, I have been leaving it unplugged... Can anyone help me to identify it and decide whether to plug it in? Thanks!

    The picture below is taken looking up from the driver's foot well and is right next to the hood release.

    20210221_152352.jpg
     
    #1 impr3, Feb 21, 2021
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Is it plugged into the OBD2 diagnostic plug?

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Feb 22, 2021
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Do a Google image search for 'Karr alarm', some of the images look a lot like the module you have, especially the button with the raised dots on it.

    These Karr alarms were dealer or port installed optional equipment that were hawked to the buyer's at the time of sale as dealer installed options.

    They're supposedly a PITA to remove, and if they aren't active, you can just leave them be. If it really bothers you aesthetically, you could remove the module from the panel and tuck it behind the panel under the dash, but you'll still have a couple of holes in the panel.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 xliderider, Feb 22, 2021
    amos likes this.
  4. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Is that a button battery drawer in the front (blue flat bit?). Could it be a theft device which some car-yards install.
     
    #4 alanclarkeau, Feb 22, 2021
  5. impr3

    impr3 New Member

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    Not plugged into the OBD2, it's just in front of that.
     
    #5 impr3, Feb 23, 2021
  6. impr3

    impr3 New Member

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    I think you're right. I'm going to leave it unplugged and ignore it... Don't want to be setting off any alarms by accident :(.
     
    #6 impr3, Feb 23, 2021
  7. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    You could ask the dealer who sold it?
     
    #7 alanclarkeau, Feb 23, 2021
  8. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    It looks well used, with the scratches on it, whatever it is.
     
    #8 kithmo, Feb 24, 2021
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