’94 4runner toggle switch by hood release

So I go taking apart my '94 4runner to replace my stereo and encounter a tiny toggle switch by the hood release. I follow the wires and it leads to a wire harness behind the stereo that's not connected to anything. Can anyone tell me what that little switch is intended for?

It was probably for a remote starter or an alarm system. The previous owner probably pulled it out and never bothered to remove everything. If there isn't any module plugged into the harness then check to make sure there are no bared or exposed contacts/wires that could cause a short circuit or other damage to your truck.

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sparky

thanks for the quick reply. i'm actually the original owner and don't remember anyone telling me about that switch. We had the factory alarm system in this thing but it wouldn't stop yappin one day so it has been disconnected. However, the "vibration" sensor box thing under the steering wheel seems like it's still getting power as the little red little still blinks.
On page 3 of the installdr tutorial for 4runners apparently shows the same switch in a slightly different position. Please check here on pg 3 steps 1 and 3.
https://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Toyota/PDF/869017.pdf

Anyways, can I just ax the wires and tape them up or something? It doesnt seem like the switch is doing anything. I'm still afraid it might still do something important though. Any more input would be greatly appreciated

a good place to start might be your local toyota dealership... i'd be willing to bet they could tell you in a second what it is for.

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It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

I don't remember Toyota having any factory alarm that sounds like this. I have a 93 MR2 and most of the factory alarms in these years operated 100% by the key only, no valet switches or impact sensors. Do you have remotes for this alarm system? as if you do, my bet is that the dealer had this installed by either a shop or themselves before you purchased the vehicle.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Yes, my alarm did have remotes. It's been a LONG time but I think i recall that they installed it themselves. I'm not even sure if the switch goes to the alarm though, I follow the wires to that extra wire harnesses behind the stereo that are not connected to anything. The switch is really bothering me, and I just want to cut it off but want to be sure it's not important first.

Thanks for all your help so far.

if it leads to a harness that is not connected to anything, what's the problem in just removing the switch?

you realize of course now that you dwell on it it's going to annoy the heck out of you....

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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979

If I was you I would just hack the switch off but make sure you can put it back in later and see what it affects. If nothing happens than your ok and if it does affect something you can jsut reatach it later. Just be sure to cut the wires one at a time not both together. BTW Kevin, I like that Tag you've got.

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double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer

I have never seen a factory Toyota alarm that uses a shock sensor before. If you are the original owner it may have been a dealer installed unit. Toyota may have had their own dealer add on alarm and removed the main unit. They may have tried to sell it to you as an option and removed it if you declined that option. I wouldn't worry about it. If the switch does nothing but annoy you, remove it.

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sparky

Well I didn't know that shock sensor was there until just recently...10 years after I bought it. And it was a coincidence that I saw it there.

I think I'll be removing that switch now. If anyone else knows what that switch or harness to nowhere was intended for, please let this curious george know.

Thanks for the replies and help!