I'm working on my daughter's MY01 over the winter (I'm in Houston, she's in Minnesota) and I am repairing a broken cup holder in the center console. When I removed the console, I found a small electronic module a little smaller than a deck of cards but about the same shape. What is this? At first, I thought it might be something related to the remote entry, but I disconnected the 4-pin connector and it had no effect on the remote entry function.

It's clear/frosted plastic and has two "adjusting holes" one of which is labeled "sensitivity" and the other is labeled "factory adjustment only". Other than that, there is only the 4-pin connector that disappears under the console.

Is this factory or after-market?

Any ideas?

 

Off hand it sounds like it's an alarm control module. Just a guess as I have never had my console off. I do however have a 2000 Subaru with something like what you describe under the drivers side dash.It is the alarm moduel and has a sensitivity knob like the one you mentioned. I adjusted it to max sensitivity.Now if you fart loud beside the car the alarm will chirp. As I said ,i'm just wild guessing that's what yours is as well.No idea whether it is nor whether it is stock or not.

 

It would help if you could post a pic of the electronic module.
I to think its part of a alarm control module but not sure if it's for a stock or after market alarm.

ROD

 

It's the proximity sensor for the alarm. If someone reaches into the car it goes off.

 

Have you ever tested this thing? I'm wondering whether one would have to actually touch or shake the vehicle for it to initiate the alarm.

 

It uses radio waves. When you reach into its signal it changes the scatter pattern and trips. The adjustment knobs are the key to making it work right. Put the top down, arm the alarm, and reach into the cabin. It should go off. They usually work better top up though. Find a model number and Google the user manual for the sensor. It will tell you everything.

 

Thanks a bunch SgtB.I'll be looking into it.

 

 

is this a standard feature or one added aftermarket?

 

Sounds exactly like my Directed Electronics Proximity Sensor for an aftermarket alarm. Very nice feature for a convertible as when set correctly, it will when warn when someone is close enough to the car to cut your top