Name That Part!

[2000chewtoy]

I recently purchased a 2000 LC and it's all I had expected and more. However, there is this strange after-market part on it, and the dealership couldn't explain it. Now, a few theories have been thrown around as to what it is (and mostly how to use it, or get rid of it if it can't be used), but I'd like to see what you guys have to say.

Here's what you're seeing: the cameraphone and the back seat are reflected in the rearview mirror. The antennaed thing above the rearview mirror is the part in question.

Is it something I can use? Is it something I should get rid of? If I should remove it, what's the best way to go about it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ace10]

what type of cable runs into the box?

is the antenna "aerial" that runs off to the right, stuck to the windshield?

can you find the terminus of the cable?

is there ny chance that the vehicle was previously owned by a corporation, where they would have installed a tracking or monitoring device on board?

 

[alatlc]

Are there any toll roads in the area where you live or where you bought the LC? A friend in Atlanta has something that looks similar on his car. His is an electronic device that allows you to travel in the "fast" lane on toll roads. You don't have to stop, and your toll is automatically deducted from your account.

 

[2000chewtoy]

To answer the initial questions:

The antenna that runs off to the right is not stuck to the windshield, but stuck to the box, which is stuck to the windshield (epoxy?) and has a wire from the box to the roof or window casing -- not sure without looking at it.

The cable (wire) that runs into the box (and please bear with me here -- I'm not mechanical nor electrical) has one red and one black wire (I think) that end in a white plastic square piece that plugs in to the box (like a phone jack, but at a 1/4 scale, perhaps). The cable goes up and into the roof of the car.

What I know about this car: I am the 2nd owner and it just came off lease -- it was in impeccable condition with (what I considered to be) low mileage -- 58k. The only thing I noticed as a drawback (which I used in my negotiations) was that someone had smoked in it, a LOT. It originally was leased out of CT and ended up in VA, where I am now.

As far as the possibility of the part being for a toll road, the only toll road around here has white smart-tag boxes, which don't have antennas and aren't as "secured" to the vehicle. This thing is *stuck* and *stuck tight*.

I will snap a few more shots if y'all would like when I get back to the car this evening -- anything specific I can try to focus on to answer your questions?

Thanks again, and thanks especially to ace and ala!

 

[MoJ]

External cell phone antenna

 

[2000chewtoy]

External cell phone antenna

Definitely a theory I tossed around with friends -- thanks. If it is in fact an external cell antenna, is it something I can use with my current cell, or should I just get rid of it?

 

[Brentbba]

No lettering on the box? Turk is a large mfg of cell antenna's. That's my guess as well. Unless you have a hands free kit for your cellphone, I'd take it off. Should come off with a putty knife and may have to clean off any residule with some goo gone or similar product.

Good luck!

 

[ELLTEE]

That wire comes back out of the truck's roof somehwere -- find it!
I would suspect it comes down into the drivers door and into the car, perhaps going behind the dash. If you can find that other end of the wire, you might get another hint about the use (and potential future usefulness) of the thing.

Sounds a little like a snipe hunt, but you'll have to track it down to take it out anyhow.

LT

 

[ebod]

Possibly an antenna for an aftermarked satellite radio installation?