Loose Wire, Driver's side Footwell

[robertgoulet]

Just noticed a wire hanging in my driver's side footwell a couple weeks ago, I have since began thinking that I am one wrong move away from exiting my car and either ripping the wiring out (I have no clue what it is even for) or the wire tripping me and me faceplanting.

All that said, anyone know what this wire is for? Where/how do I go about hiding it? Zip tie? Twist tie?

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[SledDog30]

Have you traced it? It looks like exposed end goes into the ODBC plug. It could be some after market install. Trace the other end and see where it goes. That does not look like an OEM install. Did you purchase it used?

 

[robertgoulet]

Have you traced it? It looks like exposed end goes into the ODBC plug. It could be some after market install. Trace the other end and see where it goes. That does not look like an OEM install. Did you purchase it used?

Have not traced it as I just assumed it was OEM. I bought it used a few yrs ago with 6K miles on it so I am pretty sure it's not a car-bomb.

 

[SledDog30]

Could be a car bomb planted by someone you know that owns a jeep.

Just checked the plug on my 24 Wildtrak. No extra wires like what you have. I would trace it and see where it goes. Or take it to the dealer and let them trace it. If you are in warrant it should be no charge.

If not. You know how that will go.

 

[Brian_B]

Yeah that looks like it goes to a geotracker, security dongle, or up to a dash camera or something. A lot of things can pull power from the ODB port. It may have the other end retired in place. and was just tucked up in there somewhere.

 

[crenca]

I agree it's not OEM. I would figure it out, just to make sure it's not one of those devices that dealers install so they can sell your driving history and habits to insurance companies.

 

[RustysBronco]

Just noticed a wire hanging in my driver's side footwell a couple weeks ago, I have since began thinking that I am one wrong move away from exiting my car and either ripping the wiring out (I have no clue what it is even for) or the wire tripping me and me faceplanting.

All that said, anyone know what this wire is for? Where/how do I go about hiding it? Zip tie? Twist tie?

Its the lead to the device plugged into the OBD port. Usually when you have those its either from a dealer who's trying to track inventory, or a lender who is trying to track their collateral because they don't trust you. You can decide which it might be.

 

[NC_Oak]

that looks like a twisted pair cable. 100% not OEM if so. trace, confirm, yank

 

[jrollo7]

Have not traced it as I just assumed it was OEM. I bought it used a few yrs ago with 6K miles on it so I am pretty sure it's not a car-bomb.

The point is that it’s not OEM and you bought it used. If privately it’s your issue with either previous owner or tracing it yourself or pay someone to check it out. If purchased used from dealer ask them for help.

 

[robertgoulet]

Its the lead to the device plugged into the OBD port. Usually when you have those its either from a dealer who's trying to track inventory, or a lender who is trying to track their collateral because they don't trust you. You can decide which it might be.

I had good credit and it was from a large dealer, well known dealer, not a shady subprime dealer.

Any downside to just yanking it without even checking to see what it goes to?

 

[RustysBronco]

I had good credit and it was from a large dealer, well known dealer, not a shady subprime dealer.

Any downside to just yanking it without even checking to see what it goes to?

Inventory tracking related then. Yeah, you prob want to trace it back.

 

[Brian_B]

I had good credit and it was from a large dealer, well known dealer, not a shady subprime dealer.

Any downside to just yanking it without even checking to see what it goes to?

It might be wrapped around another wiring harness or something up there and you yank something important loose.

No harm in carefully attempting to remove it though, if that's what you meant. But I wouldn't just rear back and yank hard, which is pretty tempting, I admit.

 

[robertgoulet]

It might be wrapped around another wiring harness or something up there and you yank something important loose.

No harm in carefully attempting to remove it though, if that's what you meant. But I wouldn't just rear back and yank hard, which is pretty tempting, I admit.

Right, just a bit of hyperbole. Just wanted to make sure if I unplugged it I wouldn't somehow brick the car. If so, I will just wait until I take it in for my next service.

 

[NC_Oak]

you don't know til you see what it's connected to if anything.

Drop a multimeter on it and check each of the two conductors against ground. would me good info.

That isn't OEM so if it traces back to a fuse, show us where and we can make you feel better about removing. If it's spliced into another wire, do your best to see which. If they aren't terminated, then remove without hesitation.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

That doesn’t look like my OEM port. I think you have a port extension/adaptor stuck into your OEM port, and that part has the power wires attached going who knows where. See if the “port” itself will unclick or pull out to reveal the OEM one behind it.

Mine:

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