Found a strange device under the hood

[Kennyg]

I was poking around under the hood, just checking things out when I noticed something connected directly to the battery via an inline fuse. The wires went to a small flat rectangular device stuck to the inside of the fender with double-sided tape. The only identifying mark I could see was a wireless symbol. No other wires, just the battery positive and negative leads with the inline fuse.

I'm tempted to pull the fuse and see who calls me!

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[Archer]

post a pic if you get a chance. Curious


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[brumey]

Following because I would like to activate the wifi hotspot when the car is turned off.

 

[Kennyg]

post a pic if you get a chance. Curious


.

The board won't let me attach pics. Don't know why. They just get stuck "uploading".

 

[Kennyg]

Two pics:

 

[Ron-efnSwanson]

Hi!

That is an IKON tracking device I believe. Dealerships often install those as part of a "theft recovery service". I believe in most states they are required to disclose that they are installed at the time of delivery. I removed mine they day I bought my 4runner. I believe my vehicle is being tracked enough already. I do not know who IKON is selling your location data to along with being able to track your "stolen" vehicle. Hope this helps!

Here's a link...
https://ikontechnologies.com/

Patrick

 

[Kennyg]

Hi!

That is an IKON tracking device I believe. Dealerships often install those as part of a "theft recovery service". I believe in most states they are required to disclose that they are installed at the time of delivery. I removed mine they day I bought my 4runner. I believe my vehicle is being tracked enough already. I do not know who IKON is selling your location data to along with being able to track your "stolen" vehicle. Hope this helps!

Here's a link...
https://ikontechnologies.com/

Patrick

I was never told it was there. I guess I'll remove the fuse and see what happens.

 

[Kazz]

That's horrible that a dealership would add some non-Toyota part directly into the electrical system.

 

[BillyG4Runner6G]

Is it possible that the device is used as the location device for the owner using the Toyota app and not just for someone else?
I am going to look for one on my hybrid and see if disconnecting the fuse affects my app location capabilities.

 

[Kennyg]

I just noticed another fact possibly related to the IKON device under the hood. My key FOB has an IKON sticker on the back. and that sticker has an IMEI number on it. Hmmm.

 

[Kennyg]

So I pulled the fuse but the pilot led stayed on. It must have an internal battery. Then I removed the device from the vehicle and brought it in my house. The led is has started blinking an hour later. The vehicle still starts and the SiriusXM still works. The key fob still locks the doors and allows me auto entry when I grab the door handle, just like it used to. I don't really care about any other fancy features.

 

[Kennyg]

This is the unit a few minutes after I removed it.

 

[elecfuyu]

Is the car a lease or finance? some put that device so they can track and repo the car if payments are not paid.

 

[RogueWarrior65]

I'm starting to wonder if there are any tracking devices on my Trailhunter. The OBD plug is white so that's a possible sign that there's nothing on that assuming that all aftermarket pass-thrus are black. But there's also a green LED that's right next to that. Is that legit or not?

 

[Kennyg]

Is the car a lease or finance? some put that device so they can track and repo the car if payments are not paid.

We paid cash for it. No lease, no finance.

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