Anyone know what this on/off switch is for?

[NJshadow93]

This has become an obsession.

I could not trace the wires from this switch without pulling a couple panels. Once I did, I found 2 small black boxes that clearly looked to have been shoehorned in behind this panel. One was completely nondescript and had just a few wires connected. The other was a bit more substantial and said "Guidepoint" among other things. Looks like Guidepoint is a Lo-Jack type product/service. This immediately made me believe I had solved another mystery - the unknown buttons/light on my left dash:

http://db.tt/xjSLHbAL

Turns out this guidepoint thing also has a cell radio and can be used to make emergency calls if you subscribe.

I then returned my attention to the switch. It looks like one of the wires leads to the guidepoint unit, while the other disappears near the OBD port. I see guidepoint has some sort of OBD integration, so I suspect this switch is related.

I also figured out that I do have an alarm. I am assuming its either factory or dealer installed as I do not see anything that appears aftermarket. I do have a hood pin switch along the drivers side edge, but I assume its part of the alarm.

Just to clarify, you have the same switch I found in mine that I pictured on the first page? I give you credit for investigating it this thoroughly, I have't even flipped it off yet!:boink:

 

[eds72]

Sure looks like it. Here‘s a pic.

http://db.tt/AzqOyrDa

 

[derekdevasia]

It turns the remote start system off

Can't tell where the wire is going, it leads to the bunch of color wires and is among the pack of them. Any ideas? I have an aftermarket alarm and remote start, and an aftermarket head unit. Other than that, I haven't touched it. Both alarm and head unit were installed for free professionally so I'm not sure what the guy did and I don't see how that switch, currently in the 'ON' position can be part of it. Any ideas?

Thanks.

My buddy actually installed my viper remote start and I have the same switch. Sometimes, installers especially if they know you, will choose not to run a hood pin from the alarm to the engine bay and just make a manual switch. This also means that this switch is basically your switch to turn the remote start on and off. So if in the off position, your alarm remote start will not be enabled and will not turn on if you press the button on the remote to activate it. Since its in the on position, you can activate the remote start and it will work. I'm almost 99 percent sure of this. My buddy actually did this in my car and told me that if i ever need to disable the remote start system in case i'm working on my car or changing my oil, just to flip this switch and it won't remote start. Hope that helps!

 

[Williev810]

My buddy actually installed my viper remote start and I have the same switch. Sometimes, installers especially if they know you, will choose not to run a hood pin from the alarm to the engine bay and just make a manual switch. This also means that this switch is basically your switch to turn the remote start on and off. So if in the off position, your alarm remote start will not be enabled and will not turn on if you press the button on the remote to activate it. Since its in the on position, you can activate the remote start and it will work. I'm almost 99 percent sure of this. My buddy actually did this in my car and told me that if i ever need to disable the remote start system in case i'm working on my car or changing my oil, just to flip this switch and it won't remote start. Hope that helps!

Derek nailed it, I have a viper alarm switch as well. It actually came on the unit like that, turns the alarm/remote start on and off that's all.

 

[eds72]

Interesting. I am leaning toward the explanation that the switch in the picture (the actual, physical switch) is somewhat common and used in a variety of applications. I say this because to my knowledge, I do not have any sort of aftermarket alarm or remote start (unless that is part of the Guidepoint system I mentioned earlier).

In any case, I was given nothing more than the factory keys/fobs when I purchased the vehicle so if there is a remote start capability, I have no idea how to operate it.

 

[NJshadow93]

Confirmed that it is for the remote starter yesterday. Switched it off and everything but the remote starter worked until I switched it back on. Thanks for the replies!

 

[shaxs]

One was completely nondescript and had just a few wires connected. .

This is probably the immobilzer which is required to make the remote starter work properly.

Does it look something like this: Amazon.com: Universal Immobilizer Bypass for Remote Start: Car Electronics ?