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Help: Unidentifiable Button Under Steering Wheel

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by WilliamBlake, Feb 24, 2021.

  1. WilliamBlake

    WilliamBlake New Member

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    I recently purchased a 2017 Prius Prime, my first hybrid, and I wandered upon this little button below the steering wheel and just above the OBD connector. I admit, I pressed the button several times because that is what buttons are for, to be pressed, but I can't figure out what it does or what its purpose is. Secretly, I was hoping something incredible would happen, but I was let down. I checked the manual and there is nothing about it. There is also a cable that runs from the back of it, so it is powered (I assume) and looks like it might be a light that doesn't work?? Any help is appreciated!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 WilliamBlake, Feb 24, 2021
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    I have no idea.

    I own two Priui neither of them has that button.
     
    #2 ForestBeekeeper, Feb 24, 2021
  3. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    My guess: vehicle tracker hiding in plain sight.
     
    #3 fotomoto, Feb 24, 2021
  4. RovinRon

    RovinRon Junior Member

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    That button on our 2017 raised and lowers the steering wheel. Try that and see if that is what it does!
     
    #4 RovinRon, Feb 24, 2021
  5. eatriceyo

    eatriceyo Member

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    it looks like one of those overpriced car alarms that dealerships install
     
    #5 eatriceyo, Feb 24, 2021
    xliderider and Diemaster like this.
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #6 JimboPalmer, Feb 24, 2021
  7. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    Totally different lever to raise and lower the steering wheel. I just checked my Advanced and it doesn't look anything like the OP's pictures.
    I can't see my OBD2 connector and looks like that whole area is a plastic cover for an air bag.
     
    #7 Washingtonian, Feb 24, 2021
  8. Diemaster

    Diemaster Active Member

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    I vote aftermarket dealer installed (probably Karr) alarm. Definitely NOT OEM as it's not on my 2017 prime advanced.
     
    #8 Diemaster, Feb 24, 2021
    pghyndman likes this.
  9. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    Ditto for aftermarket device. I've had three PPs in 3 years and none have the switch.
     
    #9 pghyndman, Feb 24, 2021
  10. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    A previous model year there was a button to push to reset the low tire pressure set point.
    Another one had a button to disable the smart key (or to put it in a low power mode)

    Mike
     
    #10 3PriusMike, Feb 24, 2021
  11. M One

    M One Member

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    Looks like aftermarket gadget. The installer who screwed it in didn't even align it properly


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #11 M One, Feb 24, 2021
  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Agree, it's a dealer or port installed Karr alarm that they try to sell to buyers.

    Yours is probably inactive. Agree as well that they did a shoddy job installing it.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #12 xliderider, Feb 24, 2021
  13. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Definitely not an OEM device. You can call the dealer or seller you bout the car from, but the chances are that unless itis privately sold from the previous owner, they will not have an answer. If you really want to know, I guess, you could open the panel and see where and what component the leads are connected to. But chances are that whatever the aftermarket device it might be, it is not functioning anymore.
     
    #13 Salamander_King, Feb 25, 2021
  14. WilliamBlake

    WilliamBlake New Member

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    Thank you everyone for your help and suggestive ideas about the button. I am going to call the dealership and find out. This was a lease turn in, so I it could have been installed for that driver. I'll post an answer when I find out.
     
    #14 WilliamBlake, Feb 25, 2021
    SeattleBebop1 likes this.
  15. glen whiteman

    glen whiteman New Member

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    I just purchased a used 2019 Prius XLE and it has the same button on left of steering down low you ever find out what it is thanks.
     
    #15 glen whiteman, Aug 19, 2024
  16. sylvaing

    sylvaing Senior Member

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    "WilliamBlake was last seen: Feb 25, 2021”

    I venture you won't hear from him (I think by default this forum doesn't send email regarding replies to your posts) but an image search of his second image brought me to the same conclusion as the others, it's an aftermarket alarm system.
     
    #16 sylvaing, Aug 20, 2024
  17. taildragger

    taildragger New Member

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    XLE
    I found a similar button on my '21 Prime, just posted a similar inquiry but have not had a reply yet. Will post if I find out.
     

    Attached Files:

    #17 taildragger, Aug 28, 2024
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