What are these? Why are there 2?

[Oogabooga]

Working on replacing the little plastic gear after my telescoping stopped working on the steering wheel.
Noticed that there are two of these, with the one that’s actually plugged in literally just hanging there by a zip tie. It appears to be some sort of actuator when the car is turned on and off but can’t figure out what it actually is. Guessing the original one maybe stopped working and previous owner half assed it and just plugged a replacement in to get rid of a code/light.

 

[KLF]

That doesn't look factory to me...

 

[doru]

That looks like the automatic steering wheel memory/adjustment actuator.
You are right, someone was lazy enough to just plug the harness into the unit and leave the old unit in place. You can play with the joystick on the side of steering column and see what it does, or if this unit is actually working turning the gears. If it does, roll your sleeves and switch the units.

 

[GrouchyTech]

That’s the electronic steering lock actuator assembly. There should be just one. You have two. Lucky you!

The one that is plugged in is the one that is “operating.” But since it isn’t connected to the column I am assuming your steering column does not lock—

I am inclined to agree with you, this seems like a half-ass repair. Very half-ass.

 

[Oogabooga]

That’s the electronic steering lock actuator assembly. There should be just one. You have two. Lucky you!

The one that is plugged in is the one that is “operating.” But since it isn’t connected to the column I am assuming your steering column does not lock—

I am inclined to agree with you, this seems like a half-ass repair. Very half-ass.

Yup this was it, only found the printed part # on it after making this post. It looks like to replace it involves taking apart a lot more than I was planning to today. So I guess it’s going to have to go on the to-do list.

From what I understand the steering wheel lock is essentially an anti-theft device when the car is off? Although the steering wheel doesn’t seem to turn even when the car is off. And of course the one they added is literally just hanging there and not doing anything.