Karr security butchered the fuse box. Can I remove it?

[xk42]

Unfortunately dealer installed this on all their cars. They said the security is active and Im going to get 3 years of theft insurance. Is there really any point? I mean I have car insurance for that.

I asked if this is an immobiliser or gps tracking, they said no. But after googling, it seems to say I have to make sure I reconnect the white wire or else it will not start. I suspect this is the wires that I circled in orange?

I also circled a wire with white, it doesn't seem to be connected to the karr black box but at the same time it doesn't look like it should be there? Im looking at other pics of fusebox here and I don't see others have it.

Presumably I can remove all the splicing circled in brown, green and the blue box then just trash it? I won't be bricking the car or tripping some kind of alarm right?

They even drilled this stupid button directly into the plastic

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[BeardedMarine]

Damn, what a mess. It looks like most up top are t-taps. Shouldn't be an issue removing them or the ones in the bottom circle. The rest I'd remove the splice and reconnect the factory wired back together.

 

[oysterville]

Dealer is making bank likely on padding sales to include this "free" service. I would not be pleased and would likely contact Ford corporate over this.

 

[xk42]

Dealer is making bank likely on padding sales to include this "free" service. I would not be pleased and would likely contact Ford corporate over this.

Went to other dealership and they also had it. Don't think there is much corporate will do. To me it's still insane that this is allowed. There are plenty of post saying there is a parasitic draw on this.

 

[oysterville]

Their website is kind of lacking. I wonder if this is more of an asset recovery service for lenders. Regardless, it's not original equipment.

 

[PNWMaverick]

They absolutely wrecked your truck! The ONLY way to fix this is a new wiring harness. Ford will not cover it under warranty as it is dealer damage. I would give them one shot to replace the wiring harness and if they don't bring Hell to Ford.

Oh!! They also voided your factory warranty!

Edit:

That is an absolutely garbage wiring job and installation as well. It was not done by anyone with any experience or training. An absolute hack job.

Edit Edit:

They also butchered your dash so I would make them replace that panel.

There is a good chance you will have to get an attorney. Now, that isn't something you want to hint at as it will require them to completely stone wall you for legal protection. Just keep that in your mind. The other two options are that you take it to another dealer and pay out of pocket which, based off my last experience with squirrels, will be about $3,000. The other is trying to have your insurance cover it.

 

[ABTremor]

Did you finance the purchase through the dealer?

If you didn't finance the truck, I suggest taking it back to them to remove the unwanted "alarm". You could ask them to replace the now modified section of the factory harness, but... be prepared for a lengthy discussion with them about that aspect, you may have to get Ford corporate involved with it.

A lot of dealerships will install these "alarm" systems in financed vehicles. The unit provides the ability to track and immobilize the vehicle in the event that repossession is necessary.

But I will agree that the installation is quite sloppy. It may affect your ability to receive warranty service for any electrical issues in the future if it can be proven that the vehicles factory wiring has been damaged or comprised by the T-taps and splices. -- IMHO it's no coincidence that they offered 3 years of "coverage" which just happens to be the same as your factory warranty, and in my experience it will take AT LEAST that long for electrical gremlins to show up

 

[Skisail]

What does the purchase agreement that you signed say about this?

 

[xk42]

Did you finance the purchase through the dealer?

If you didn't finance the truck, I suggest taking it back to them to remove the unwanted "alarm". You could ask them to replace the now modified section of the factory harness, but... be prepared for a lengthy discussion with them about that aspect, you may have to get Ford corporate involved with it.

A lot of dealerships will install these "alarm" systems in financed vehicles. The unit provides the ability to track and immobilize the vehicle in the event that repossession is necessary.

But I will agree that the installation is quite sloppy. It may affect your ability to receive warranty service for any electrical issues in the future if it can be proven that the vehicles factory wiring has been damaged or comprised by the T-taps and splices. -- IMHO it's no coincidence that they offered 3 years of "coverage" which just happens to be the same as your factory warranty, and in my experience it will take AT LEAST that long for electrical gremlins to show up

What does the purchase agreement that you signed say about this?

Unfortunately I signed and accepted the karr security system. My trade in was too good and more than I paid for. Plus it needed lots of work and I also had squirrel damages hence why I wanted to get rid of it.

IMO it's fairly common in my area. The other dealer also had this and I also got that on my trade in.

I didn't finance it since trade in covered most of it.

Really worried about the gremlins though. Since my hybrid is clicking a lot after locking or unlocking the vehicle. But I heard it's normal but I can't tell since I don't have anything to compare it with.

Im thinking I shouldn't remove the karr system so if it does break then they can't say I broke it.

I might still file a complaint with the corporate.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Unfortunately I signed and accepted the karr security system. My trade in was too good and more than I paid for. Plus it needed lots of work and I also had squirrel damages hence why I wanted to get rid of it.

IMO it's fairly common in my area. The other dealer also had this and I also got that on my trade in.

I didn't finance it since trade in covered most of it.

Really worried about the gremlins though. Since my hybrid is clicking a lot after locking or unlocking the vehicle. But I heard it's normal but I can't tell since I don't have anything to compare it with.

Im thinking I shouldn't remove the karr system so if it does break then they can't say I broke it.

I might still file a complaint with the corporate.

Unfortunately,
The fact that you signed and accepted the Karr security system.
Limits your options ALOT.
Most likely to the point of being moot.

 

[ABTremor]

Unfortunately I signed and accepted the karr security system. My trade in was too good and more than I paid for. Plus it needed lots of work and I also had squirrel damages hence why I wanted to get rid of it.

IMO it's fairly common in my area. The other dealer also had this and I also got that on my trade in.

I didn't finance it since trade in covered most of it.

Really worried about the gremlins though. Since my hybrid is clicking a lot after locking or unlocking the vehicle. But I heard it's normal but I can't tell since I don't have anything to compare it with.

Im thinking I shouldn't remove the karr system so if it does break then they can't say I broke it.

I might still file a complaint with the corporate.

Since you signed the agreement and accepted (and probably paid for either directly or via dealer fees) the Karr system there's not much to be done about it at this point. You're probably better off leaving it as is for now, and if you develop any electrical issues the blame won't be pointed at you.

The system can be removed easily enough at a later point in time if you want.

All the clicking you hear when approaching your truck is normal, especially in the Hybrid. There's a lot of relays that start energizing their respective circuits when the key fob is in range to prepare the vehicle for operation. Even my ecoboost does it.


BTW-
Take an old plastic prescription bottle drill some @ 1/16th holes in the sides, then stuff it with a piece of sponge that's been treated with peppermint extract and secure it to something in the engine compartment with a zip tie. Retreat the sponge every few months and you'll have no more rodent damage

 

[oysterville]

The other two options are that you take it to another dealer and pay out of pocket which, based off my last experience with squirrels, will be about $3,000.

No offense, but anyone who would take their vehicle to squirrels for repairs is nuts.

 

[James K]

Unfortunately dealer installed this on all their cars. They said the security is active and Im going to get 3 years of theft insurance. Is there really any point? I mean I have car insurance for that.

I asked if this is an immobiliser or gps tracking, they said no. But after googling, it seems to say I have to make sure I reconnect the white wire or else it will not start. I suspect this is the wires that I circled in orange?

I also circled a wire with white, it doesn't seem to be connected to the karr black box but at the same time it doesn't look like it should be there? Im looking at other pics of fusebox here and I don't see others have it.

Presumably I can remove all the splicing circled in brown, green and the blue box then just trash it? I won't be bricking the car or tripping some kind of alarm right?

They even drilled this stupid button directly into the plastic

That wonderful salt air in your area could make this gadget a real headache in 5-19 years. Most likely a gps as if it's an immobilizer as an immobilizer smells like potential litigation.

 

[dochawk]

I'm retired, but as an attorney, the notion that some idiot dealer systemattilaly installed undisclosed trackers is making me drool . . .

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I'm retired, but as an attorney, the notion that some idiot dealer systemattilaly installed undisclosed trackers is making me drool . . .

But then the dealer does disclose it.
The buyer signed agreeing to the terms.
For all practical purposes the truck is still owned by the dealership or the dealerships own commercial financing company.
till the paperwork is agreed to, signed and paid off. At any point the customer can refuse and say I don't agree to this. Get up and walk away. Some do walk away, a lot don't. They've already put their time in looking for what they want they don't want to lose it.

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