Mystery switch box and wires for what? Pics included.

Hello 4Runner and wiring pros! New guy from Denver Colorado.

I just bought a used 2018 TRD Off Road Premium.

It has a strange switch box attached to the lower left panel below the steering wheel column.

What is it? The 4Runner doesn't have any aftermarket lights. From what I was told an older woman who lived on a dirt road owned it and traded it in because it was getting difficult to get in and out. So I find it hard to believe a light bar was attached to this rig.

So what the hell is this thing? Is it OEM (doubtful) and can I remove it? Is it just stuck on with double-sided sticky tape? As far as I know it's not being used for anything. But it looks like the wires attach to a larger wiring harness.

It's ugly, it's not being used, it's not OEM, I want to remove this eye sore.

Appreciate the help! Pics included ...
​

 

Not OEM. Probably a gate or fence controller. But idk, someone else will chime in with a correct answer.

 

I figured it out. It's a dealer aftermarket installed Karr Alarm System (ripoff/scam). They eventually go bad in a couple of years and then your car won't start. Unfortunately, the power wire is cut during the installation and now I need/want a professional to remove the alarm module and its wiring harness and splice the power wire back together securely. I want it professionally done (don't trust my soldering abilities). The "button/switch box" was held in place by two molded plastic friction pins. You just have to pry it straight out to remove the box. Now I've got two tiny holes in my plastic cover. I'll forget about them, if the alarm system is successfully removed and the tech can repair the damage to my OEM wires.

Best YouTube video I found removing the Karr alarm system: https://youtu.be/K--4L6DMjRY

So! Mystery solved.

 

Yes that is an aftermarket alarm system that is basically a POS. The dealership I work for installs them on all their cars. They get you to purchase the alarm at a rip off price of $500. If you purchase the alarm they install a chip in that little square thing your referring too. If you don't purchase the alarm your pretty much stuck looking at that worthless black square box underneath your dash. If you want it removed by the dealerships it will cost you and its not cheap.
I did not purchase my 4Runner at the dealership I work at because of that stupid alarm. Instead I went to another dealership that does not install any crap in there new cars.

 

What a shitty way of doing business.If you work there, can you say "guys, this one is mine, don't do it" ?
The dealer that I work with right now, all the sales reps have been told if they are caught selling anything that the customer doesn't want or need, they are fired on the spot. Go figure.

 

WOW! What a unique idea. May I ask where you work or at least what city?

 

Unfortunately I’ve tried to tell our general manager that this is not a good idea. He basically ignored me.
Yes when I picked out my 4Runner I told them to please don’t install that alarm. They told me No it’s part of PDI and they must install it. So I told them ok fine I’ll just by my 4Runner elsewhere.
Oh I don’t work there anymore.

 

i'm pretty sure if enough people complain about this, Toyota would take notice. Or if enough people stop buying that crap, it would cost them more.

 

The dealer that I am working with to get the new 4R. I don't work there.
Heffner Toyota in Kitchener, Ontario.
Super supportive and absolutely zero pressure on all fronts. May be Covid new age, dunno, but for sure I'm buying another car there again, guaranteed. Also, best trade $, too.
I see a lot of dealers, I change my cars ever 1.5-2 years max, this one by far made me realize how bad the other ones are; semi legal scammers.
Didn't mean to hijack the thread.

 

Thanks.