Anyone know what this wire is for/supposed to connect to?

[JDMaverick]

You can always unplug it and see what, if anything stops working.

By the way, many dealers are adding extra tracking devices to all vehicles, they tell you it’s to recover it if stolen and the built in tracker is defeated. They charge you for it and they get a nice check from the company that makes the tracker. If you read the paperwork that comes with it the recovery service is a small part of it. They really want to track all your driving habits and locations and sell that data to whoever they want, which most likely includes insurance companies to assess your risk as a covered driver. On top of that the data they collect is not secure so anyone can hack it and get all your data as well.

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[Hipshot]

Many years ago, as I was getting started in life, I worked at a Toyota dealership where every vesical, new or used, was outfitted with an alarm. The wiring looked like this. Hooked to the interior lights. Cost the dealer $12.00 and added $99 to the sticker price. Took 10 minutes to install and was usually done by one of the lot guys.

 

[rlhdweman]

I'm guessing a vehicle tracker was connected to it if you financed, easier to repo if you don't pay, possible removed during a service visit.

 

[MetalsGeek]

I have a suspicion that the 12V power at the OBD-II port may not be switched like the lighter power point below the HVAC controls. If you wanted to install something like a dash cam or LoJac that needed uninterrupted power, this might be the place. Has anyone tested this?

 

[S Dundee]

Agree with the posts. Your dealer actually caused a warranty issue by tapping into your wiring for vehicle tracking. I have had connectors installed on motorcycles before, but just bolted to the battery (for charging or GPS or both). I've never seen a dealer tap into wiring before. How dumb can they be. They could have just connected onto the 12v battery lugs. They need to fix it. Make sure they do it in professional way.

 

[Steamey]

This fell down when i took my driver-side mat out to clean. The mat must have knocked this loose. Anyone know what it is and where it's supposed to plug into?

Hopefully its nothing to do with the driving

Hello All,

I found this on the other end of my cable that looked similar in my 23 Mav.
It was powered up continuously when I found it attached on the underside of the dash below my steering wheel with Velcro and the led lights were illuminated all the time until I unplugged it. The other photos show the complete OBD II port T-Dongle with a continuously powered Cellular Tracker complete with IMEI number and FCC ID.
This device when I open the small cover has a SIM card inside as well.

The last file is a users manual for this device that is listed as a "Vehicle Tracking Device".
I did not finance this Truck so I am surprised this device was on my Truck and active or continuously powered up.
I proved this by unplugging from my FOMOCO Stock OBD port and the led light went dark. I then plugged it back into my FOMOCO Stock OBD port and the Led illuminated.
I cut the tie wraps loose and had a bitch of a time getting the dongle out of the stock location and unplugged this dongle from my FOMOCO Stock OBD port and and reinstalled the FOMOCO Stock OBD II port in place.
I have not had any problems with my truck since this.
The left nut on the mounting area is very difficult to remove, but you can do a search on here and there is a documented how to remove the hood release handle and the trim to get to it, or just find this little device and unplug it.
I feel like this is just one of the many parasitic 12 Volt battery draining things that affect many Ford and other vehicles that could be avoided.

Comments and Questions are welcome.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Hello All,

I found this on the other end of my cable that looked similar in my 23 Mav.
It was powered up continuously when I found it attached on the underside of the dash below my steering wheel with Velcro and the led lights were illuminated all the time until I unplugged it. The other photos show the complete OBD II port T-Dongle with a continuously powered Cellular Tracker complete with IMEI number and FCC ID.
This device when I open the small cover has a SIM card inside as well.

The last file is a users manual for this device that is listed as a "Vehicle Tracking Device".
I did not finance this Truck so I am surprised this device was on my Truck and active or continuously powered up.
I proved this by unplugging from my FOMOCO Stock OBD port and the led light went dark. I then plugged it back into my FOMOCO Stock OBD port and the Led illuminated.
I cut the tie wraps loose and had a bitch of a time getting the dongle out of the stock location and unplugged this dongle from my FOMOCO Stock OBD port and and reinstalled the FOMOCO Stock OBD II port in place.
I have not had any problems with my truck since this.
The left nut on the mounting area is very difficult to remove, but you can do a search on here and there is a documented how to remove the hood release handle and the trim to get to it, or just find this little device and unplug it.
I feel like this is just one of the many parasitic 12 Volt battery draining things that affect many Ford and other vehicles that could be avoided.

Comments and Questions are welcome.

Holy crap. Thanks for posting this.

Now I need to go look and see if that is on the other end of my wires. If I find a cellular tracker it’s getting smashed with a hammer and sent to Skynet heaven.

Edit: Wowwwwwwww.

It's a damn Lojack. One that wasn't promoted, or requested. I'll give it a while before I smash it, but it's harmless for now. https://www.spireon.com/wp-content/uploads/LoJack_ATS100_InstallGuide_OBDII_0521-1.pdf

If you pull off the driver side trim at the end of the dash, that's how I got to mine. It was just velcro'd up in the dash cavity, with the slack wires coiled around a metal brace. Not at all an OEM way to do things.

 

[Sage]

Just a guess but maybe for a trailer break controller connection for the 4K package.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Just a guess but maybe for a trailer break controller connection for the 4K package.

Nope, not at all.

 

[EONR24]

Holy crap. Thanks for posting this.

Now I need to go look and see if that is on the other end of my wires. If I find a cellular tracker it’s getting smashed with a hammer and sent to Skynet heaven.

Edit: Wowwwwwwww.

It's a damn Lojack. One that wasn't promoted, or requested. I'll give it a while before I smash it, but it's harmless for now. https://www.spireon.com/wp-content/uploads/LoJack_ATS100_InstallGuide_OBDII_0521-1.pdf

If you pull off the driver side trim at the end of the dash, that's how I got to mine. It was just velcro'd up in the dash cavity, with the slack wires coiled around a metal brace. Not at all an OEM way to do things.

I don't understand how this is legal to do on a vehicle especially if you buy it outright. Seems extremely illegal and scummy by the dealerships

 

[HeyBales]

I was given a wireless version of the locator service, probably required in the financing agreement, since the dealer matched my credit union for loan quote - I went with dealer as I already have Capital One CC.
3 yr service - includes towing to dealer, battery jump, fuel, ect, all the things the dealer gives for 1 yr, and I think the Ford warranty supplies for so long. Besides my own AAA service.

I guess I need to get my contact numbers laid out in order, use the service that seems biggest ripoff make some money back just in case.

I know the dealer extra protection wasn't good for hail damage - ugh.

I'm still going to look for wiring though - because actually truck was a dealer trade before I got it from local dealer. I could see the rural dealer wanting it.

 

[The Real Maverick]

I don't understand how this is legal to do on a vehicle especially if you buy it outright. Seems extremely illegal and scummy by the dealerships

Most / Many all? Dealers do this while the vehicle is in their possession. Then, they try to sell this as a security "feature" to the eventual buyer. But a buyer can refuse to pay, and have the device removed.

Just the power taps remain.

 

[EONR24]

Most / Many all? Dealers do this while the vehicle is in their possession. Then, they try to sell this as a security "feature" to the eventual buyer. But a buyer can refuse to pay, and have the device removed.

Just the power taps remain.

Pre installing a device to a customers vehicle order without their consent or installing a tracking device after the customer has already purchased the vehicle and takes it in for service is extremely disingenuous. It should be illegal and might already be.

I don't have one in my Maverick, I checked.. I have seen other ford owners F250 and F150 owners mentioning these devices were installed without their permission at the service department on vehicles they already purchased in FULL (no financing). That is absurd. No justification for doing this without the customers permission.

 

[First Sergeant]

Talked to neighbor about this as he has a newer Ford F250. We decided if we find one of these devices we are going to put it on another neighbors ski boat when he is not home. He is kind of a pain in the.... Track away Ford! Hahahaha.

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