What is this??? Newbie's first post!

[Milhouse]

Hello all! Newbie here and proud new owner of a 2001 4Runner SR5 with 14000 miles. Been lurking around here for awhile and you guys definitely helped my decision in what kind of SUV I wanted. Definitely a first class forum! Anywho, three questions:

1. Above my mirror on the windshield is a small (1" x 1") black box with a wire in it that runs up into the molding and headliner, anyone know what this is?

2. There is a small LED light to the left of my steering wheel that I think may be an alarm. It does not ever flash when I unlock and lock the door with the key and I did not get a keyless entry keychain in the sale and was wondering if I got one would it activate the above mentioned alarm?

3. Are the used keyless entry chains on ebay as easy to reprogram as advertised?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks all

Milhouse

 

[peter78]

Welcome, 14,000 miles is great mileage & it is very hard to turn back the clock on the newer electronic odometer, meaning 14,000 miles is probably right. I can't give you answers on your 3 questions, but I can give you what is on my 2001 SR5.

First off: 1.) I have NO black box by the mirror or any wire that runs off the molding. It must be a extra that was for a Rador Detector or something like that.

2.) The only flshing light I have is the seat belt light. That small light might be some sort of a alarm, just like you said.

3.) My new 4Runner came with two Keyless remotes, and 3 keys. I wouldn't mind another keyless chain, if you can figured it out let me know. It is too bad you didn't get any remote as they were standard equipment on all 2001 Models, I am still using the orignial battery.

Sorry, I am not much help.....

:dunno:

 

[02sport]

not sure what the "black box" is.....but as for the LED next to the steering wheel, i think if its the factory led located in the little cutout, it should say "toyota security" below it........ could it possibly be an aftermarket alarm? (maybe related to the black box thingy)
the factory led will light up steady as its arming, and will start flashing once its armed

as far as programming the factory remotes for the 99-02's. its easy to do....check this thread

 

[Andrew]

Do you have an auto-dimming mirror? The black box might be part of that- could be for the compass or temperature gauge. Many 4Runners in the South and Southeast had auto-dimming mirrors installed at the port. It's also possible that your 4Runner had one of those mirrors and it was removed. Do you know in which state the 4Runner was originally sold?

Gulf States Toyota and Southeast States Toyota are independent distributors and they garner a significant amount of their profit by installing parts like that at the port. It is also possible that the previous owner just put a mirror in by him or herself.


It may also be part of the antenna for a built-in cell phone. Can you take a picture of it?

BTW Kudos on finding a 2001 with such low mileage! I'm trying to do the same myself right now...

Andrew

 

[Milhouse]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I appreciate it.

I do not have the dimming mirror on it now and with a clean Carfax I see no reason why it would be replaced. It was originally sold in NY. I will try to post a photo of the "mysterious black box" when I borrow a camera.

I definitely made a nice buy on this one! Black SR5 with tan leather, all the goodies. I also got an extended bumper to bumper 75K mile 5 year warranty for an extra $1200. The best part is, if I don't use the warranty at all I get the full $1200 back!

I think the tax refund will be going towards a new head unit and speakers. Anyone out there have a double DIN replacement head unit installed?