Found an extra wire connector after installing the brake controller.. what is it?

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Nov 7, 2021
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I followed this thread thread to install the Redarc brake controller today, but when I was wrapping up, I found an extra wire connector... when I looked at the photos taken during the installation, I can't tell whether it was connected or not. Anyone knows what it's and if it needs to be connected to somewhere? Thanks!

wire-2.jpg

wire-1.jpg
 
That isn't a Toyota factory harness. I'd trace the wires to see what it leads to.
 
That isn't a Toyota factory harness. I'd trace the wires to see what it leads to.
Agreed.

Toyota doesn't use in-line fuse holders like that.

OP, any aftermarket lights or add-ons? radar detector? previous brake controller?
 
Thank you all for the info! That made me relax a lot. This cable is tapped to the white and red wires of the OBD.
I bought this 2021 LX 570 brand new from the dealer three months ago, and I didn't install any aftermarket devices. The dealer had it equipped with an aftermarket theft deterrent device for marking up the price and I refused it and asked the dealer to remove it. Now I suspect it was used for the dealer-installed theft deterrent device.
 
Yup, dealer anti-theft. Bummer they tapped into the factory wiring. What type of connector was used? I hope not the clamp type.
 
Yes mine was plugged into the OBD2 port and had a fake OBD2 port in the bracket. Tried to charge me $1,800 for this feature which I refused. I requested that they remove it. They didn't charge me but also didn't remove it. When I got home I saw three under dash panel missing one fastener and angled. Opened it up and there it was zip tied to a air duct. It's in my desk with its battery unplugged. At least it did not involve splices.
 
It's clamp type. Is there anything I need to worry about?
Clamp type connectors cut the insulation and sometimes (often?) a few strands of wire, especially if the wrong size was used. They leave the wire exposed to air and humidity, which can lead to corrosion because they are not sealed. This is worse in trailer wiring. Further, the metal in the connector may or may not cause galvanic corrosion in the wires. It’s the cheap ones that do that. They have been the cause of MANY wiring headaches. If it was my LX, I would remove them and use some liquid electrical tape to reseal the wires where the insulation was cut. I’m probably overkill on that, but I do hate clamp type connectors. :censor:
 

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