Jump to content

Unknown device connected to my OBD2 port

BigBruce

By BigBruce
in Ask A GM Technician

 Share

Recommended Posts

JimCost2014 Senior Enthusiast

JimCost2014

Posted
Posted
17 minutes ago, BigBruce said:

It could be this.  I think it is some sort of communications module because it has an IMEI number printed on it.

Look up that number online and see what pops up.

  • Replies 44
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

lonestardiver
lonestardiver

An imei number is for a cellular device.

tbarn
tbarn

Pull it out and throw it in the trash.

tbarn
tbarn

I think the dealer is lying or it is a dealer trade and they did not know. It sure ain't factory. OP, what dealer is listed on the window sticker? Is it where you bought it?

Posted Images

BigBruce Enthusiast

BigBruce

Posted
  • Author
Posted
52 minutes ago, ericarenee said:

Do you have a finance company, maybe a small one linked to in house dealership financing. Some of the second chance and low qualified finance companies have contracts with Stealer ships to put tracking devices that connect similar to what your describing on new Even new vehicles . it used to be only used ones. If your dealer is trying to play dumb and not requesting you to bring it in immediately  i would be thinking its kind of device.. Just do not be one day late on a payment if it is..  

 

Just a guess i know someone who works at a second chance finance dept thru a new car dealer.  

 

 

I paid cash for the truck, so I'm not sure why they would install such a device.  I will take it to the dealer so they can see it directly.

lonestardiver Enthusiast

lonestardiver

Posted
Posted
I paid cash for the truck, so I'm not sure why they would install such a device.  I will take it to the dealer so they can see it directly.

If you bought it new directly from the dealer and they do not know what it is then there would be some serious ‘splaining to do by the dealer and General Manager.
Jsdirt Senior Enthusiast

Jsdirt

Posted
Posted

This is extremely interesting. I would want to know why there's a device designed to broadcast my truck's vital information to a cellular / internet network ...

 

Is this the way new vehicles are going? We know it's the way government is going ... ?

JimCost2014 Senior Enthusiast

JimCost2014

Posted
Posted
20 minutes ago, lonestardiver said:

The truck likely has onstar and they/GM get all their data through that.

Nothing to do with On Star in the OBD port. Usually anything plugged into it interferes with communication between the truck and "big brother". 

JimCost2014 Senior Enthusiast

JimCost2014

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, BigBruce said:

I agree, but was wondering if any other device used IMEI numbers also.  

Are there a lot of thefts in your area? If so the lot is trying to track down their trucks after they are stolen.

 

Would check with the dealer to see how it is installed, saw some horrifying videos of cars with their dash ripped apart as they try to hide the device and the battery back up when putting them in. 

BigBruce Enthusiast

BigBruce

Posted
  • Author
Posted
7 hours ago, tbarn said:

Pull it out and throw it in the trash.

Not till I figure out what it does.  I disconnected it and On Star still worked.  I need to make sure it is not part of a safety mechanism.  THis truck has so many bells and whistles on it, I have not discovered them all.  I wouldn't be surprised if this thing makes coffee.

BigBruce Enthusiast

BigBruce

Posted
  • Author
Posted
7 hours ago, cstmg8 said:

Can you post pics of the device and install?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 

I will do that today.

BigBadSierra Senior Enthusiast

BigBadSierra

Posted
Posted

I'm betting it's a wireless programming interface they use in the factory on the assembly line and someone forgot to pull it.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • 81mmcat
      Higher oil pressure after DFM shut off

      By 81mmcat · Posted

      Can anyone explain why the oil pressure runs higher after the DFM is shut off?  just installed the Pulsar Lt.
    • fm2176
      New to Me 2010 SLE (Quirks, Issues)

      By fm2176 · Posted

      Thanks!  I figured as such; GM and other manufacturers have used standard parts and harnesses across trim levels and such for decades.  I pulled the blank accessory cover off of my commuter van (a 2016 or so Chevy 15-passenger) years ago and found the plug for a USB outlet.  It wasn't connected to anything, though (I tried swapping in an outlet from another van).  I was a GM Tech years ago (late-90s) and was pretty familiar with my 2006.  I might be wrong, but I view newer vehicles (pretty much anything made in the past 20 years) as being a lot more plug and play.  Meaning, more unused wires and plugs unless you have the Mack Daddy of vehicles.    
    • Coastie05
      It's Been a Long Time...

      By Coastie05 · Posted

      Welcome back!
    • davester
      New to Me 2010 SLE (Quirks, Issues)

      By davester · Posted

      not all plugs will be used.  gm uses more generic harnesses that support most/all options, and if your truck doesn't have a specfiic option, the plug won't be used (commonly will have a dummy insert in the plug , or it'll be taped up, but some may just be left as is).  But it's sldo possible some p.o. has installed the wrong/cheaper parts that aren't correct for your vehicle...
    • fm2176
      New to Me 2010 SLE (Quirks, Issues)

      By fm2176 · Posted

      First off, I'm not trying to just get easy advice/fixes for the issues I've noticed so far.  I'll be combing through the site via searches and such, and if past experiences are any indication, should find what I need.  For the sake of conversation, though, I figured I'd post the handful of things I've noticed in the 12 hours since buying my 2010 SLE CCSB.     Indicator lights: Airbag and TPMS.  The tire pressures aren't reading for any of the wheels, so I'm pretty certain the sensors were either removed, are damaged, or are otherwise inoperable.  I used to mount and balance tires 25 years ago but am pretty much ignorant when it comes to TPMS.  My 2006 didn't have the sensors and this might be the fourth vehicle I've owned that does.     Radio: Rear speakers aren't working.  I removed the driver's side rear door panel and checked the speaker and wiring.  I also removed the sill and b-pillar covers to check the wiring.  A few minutes of Google Fu showed that this is potentially a head unit issue.    Switches: Power mirrors don't turn left/right.  I ordered replacement driver's door switches that should arrive tomorrow.  The windows and locks work but it was only about $20 for all of them.  The driver's side rear window switch lets the window down but won't put it back up.  I think the passenger rear doesn't work at all.  In the coming days/weeks, I'll break out my multimeter to check all of that.   Unknown wiring harness: There's a box attached to the front driver's side of the engine compartment, right where the second battery shelf is located.  There are three plugs, one of which looks like it fits a standard headlight-style bulb (9007 or similar).  It doesn't look like it's plugged into anything.  I'll do some digging and if I don't see anything elsewhere on the site, post some pictures here.   Unknown plugs on brake booster: There are at least two female plugs on the brake booster that aren't being used.  I think it might be a replacement/aftermarket, so maybe those are used for a different application, as there don't seem to be any unplugged harnesses and no indicator lights are on.   Little squeaks when turning: Sounds almost like a bushing around the bed of the truck.  I'll have to pay close attention as I get more familiar with the truck.   Clunk on acceleration: possibly the infamous drivetrain clunk.  My 2006 had it and I'm just not familiar enough with this truck yet to fully grasp what it is.   Anyway, my apologies for the vague and all over the place post.  This truck is new to me, and it's been four years since I drove my 2006.  With 200k miles, I know I'll need to learn this truck quickly to avoid having any major issues, despite being confident it's got much more life to it.  My 2006 had nearly 320k on it when I parked it (nearly 300k of which I put on the truck), and it was still drivable then, though I suspected the head gasket might have blown.  I'd hoped to have that truck back by now, but it's gone forever, as I detailed in my reintroduction thread.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...