Tinfoil hat time - Microphone in an odd location (1 Viewer)

[ToyosandHam]

So I recently picked up a 2015 GX460. Used w/ low miles and ready to be GXORd. The first thing I did was order the CC and MTS hardware. For those that have gone thru it, the CC is a relatively easy install. MTS computer goes behind the glovebox so there's a little more dash disassembly involved. That's where things got interesting.

After dropping the lower (shin?) airbag and pulling the lower cover from underneath the glove box we found what looked like a factory wiring harness except it had what appeared to be a microphone connected to it. I apologize we did not grab pictures but the one attached is EXACTLY what it looked like minus the stand and it was properly wired into the exposed harness. It was attached to the cover plate underneath the glove box with some putty.

We installed the MTS computer and put everything back together and didn't think much of it. Afterwards I guess our heads cleared up a little and we started questioning it.

1) Has anyone seen this?
2) Can anyone think of a valid reason why it would be placed in such a suboptimal location?

I have not seen anything else that would make me question the vehicle. For now I'll leave it but if I go back in I may just pull it.

Thoughts?

 

[Bang Bang]

First, congrats on your purchase. Second, does it have anything aftermarket installed like the GROM VLine or other HU to upgrade the radio? That mic is the same one that I have with my VLine. But I surely didn't put it behind the glove box.......

 

[BigSwede]

Previous owner have an aftermarket stereo with bluetooth?

 

[ToyosandHam]

I think both of you are on the right direction but (a) I can't find any other evidence and (b) there is a grom VLINE2 but I installed it and didn't run a mic. So still curious. I don't think there's a big reveal here but I can't find anything factory or any excuse for factory so now I gotta chase it before cutting it just to know what's up.

 

[jdam]

Previous owner have an aftermarket stereo with bluetooth?

It looks very similar to a mic we installed on our Sequoia for an aftermarket head unit with Bluetooth.

 

[URJ150L]

Are you the third owner?

 

[ToyosandHam]

Can't remember if I'm third or second. Is there a reason for that specific question? It is used and I picked it up from a dealership in NC.

 

[HVLA]

An old 4runner I owned had that EXACT mic. It was for the aftermarket head unit with bluetooth.

 

[sedonut]

A previous owner could have put in an aftermarket head unit and replaced the factory unit when they sold it.

I don't think it is the CIA or the Russians. They both use smaller mic's.

 

[JeeEx]

My guess is that it is the glass breakage sensor (PT398-60111) that installs in that location.

 

[Acrad]

GBS is located right below the glove box on top of that plastic panel that easily drops down

In the foam in this picture

 

[ToyosandHam]

This seems the most legit answer. Thank you for providing the sleuthing work!

 

[r2m]

So I recently picked up a 2015 GX460. Used w/ low miles and ready to be GXORd. The first thing I did was order the CC and MTS hardware. For those that have gone thru it, the CC is a relatively easy install. MTS computer goes behind the glovebox so there's a little more dash disassembly involved. That's where things got interesting.

After dropping the lower (shin?) airbag and pulling the lower cover from underneath the glove box we found what looked like a factory wiring harness except it had what appeared to be a microphone connected to it. I apologize we did not grab pictures but the one attached is EXACTLY what it looked like minus the stand and it was properly wired into the exposed harness. It was attached to the cover plate underneath the glove box with some putty.

We installed the MTS computer and put everything back together and didn't think much of it. Afterwards I guess our heads cleared up a little and we started questioning it.

1) Has anyone seen this?
2) Can anyone think of a valid reason why it would be placed in such a suboptimal location?

I have not seen anything else that would make me question the vehicle. For now I'll leave it but if I go back in I may just pull it.

Thoughts?

View attachment 2888515

I wouldn't worry about it, it's probably Big Brother or the government just keeping tab's on you making sure you don't say anything revolutionary or anti this administration.