Mystery Switch on 2015

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by mikeangelo95, Jun 16, 2021.

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  1. mikeangelo95

    mikeangelo95 New Member

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    I recently got a 2015 Prius and have realized that I have no idea what this switch under the outlet in the auxiliary box does. My first thought was that it was a power switch for the outlet but that doesn’t seem to be the case. I can’t pinpoint anything that is affected when the switch is turned on.

    It also doesn’t seem to exist in the manual, which leads me to believe it may have been an after market mod. Either way, does anybody have any answers/ideas to what it might do?
     

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    #1 mikeangelo95, Jun 16, 2021
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    You might be on to the power switch but perhaps not what you thought. It might be a power switch to make the power outlet “hot” when the car is off.

    Another is a speed sensor kill switch so that you can operate the navigation while moving.

    Less likely - it might be an aftermarket heated seat switch.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jun 16, 2021
  3. mikeangelo95

    mikeangelo95 New Member

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    I thought of that, but it doesn’t seem to do anything when the car is shut off either! Also, the indicator light does not turn on when the car is off.

    My model doesn’t have navigation, but the phone options does get blocked when in drive, so I might try to see if it blocks the sensor for that.

    I haven’t left it long enough to know if it were an aftermarket seat warmer haha. That seems like it would be an odd thing for it to be, but I will try!
     
    #3 mikeangelo95, Jun 16, 2021
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  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Turbo-encabulator?
     
    #4 ChapmanF, Jun 16, 2021
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  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Passenger ejector seat:whistle:?
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Jun 16, 2021
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  6. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    The switch style, being different than any of the other factory switches, supports that belief.
     
    #6 fuzzy1, Jun 16, 2021
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     
    #7 Grit, Jun 16, 2021
  8. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    That whole cover pops out, you can remove and trace the wiring to whatever it goes to.
    See if anything in in the glove box, like a charger? Or in the center arm rest.
    Perhaps the previous over took whatever it went too.
     
    #8 ASRDogman, Jun 17, 2021
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  9. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Wouldn't they have used a momentary for that?
     
    #9 ChapmanF, Jun 17, 2021
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Depends on materials available:rolleyes:.
     
    #10 Raytheeagle, Jun 17, 2021
  11. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    I used that exact switch and mounted it in the exact same spot:



    Since the "red" light is illuminated in one of your pictures, the switch is still connected and toggling power to something/somewhere. If you ever find a wire connector someplace else (e.g. USB) this is probably the switch that is toggling it.

    As ASRDogman said, that cover pops off pretty easily and you might then get some idea of where its going.

    Although the switch is rated 12V / DC. 20A, one failed for me with significantly less amperage than that.
     
    #11 Johnny Cakes, Jun 18, 2021
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  12. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    It might go to a relay, for something of higher amperage. Fog lights?
    Pulling the panel and tracing the wire would be the wise thing to do.

     
    #12 ASRDogman, Jun 18, 2021
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