Just got my hybrid 2025 Niro today. Found a button under the fuse cover, and like any curious person, I pressed it. Now it’s glowing blue, and I can’t turn it off. Anyone know what this thing does?
Congrats, you just activated the ejector seat.
That might be a GPS tracker. Some dealerships or lenders install them, especially on financed or leased cars, to track where the car is. If payments aren’t made, they can use it to find and repossess the vehicle.
Might be worth asking the dealership if it can be removed. The car already has a built-in GPS, but that’s harder for them to access. Plus, it’s better for privacy—otherwise, someone at the dealership could see where you are anytime they want.
@Meryann
When my wife got her Kia, I told them I didn’t want that installed. When we went to pick up the car, I reached under there, ripped it out, and handed it to the salesman. He acted like he had no clue what it was.
@Meryann
That explains why some people complain about their 12V battery dying too fast.
@Meryann
You can just unplug it from the OBD port. Super easy.
rick said:
@Meryann
You can just unplug it from the OBD port. Super easy.
Sometimes they wire it behind the OBD port, so what you’re seeing might not be the factory port. If that’s the case, you’ll need to pull it out, unplug the tracker, and put the original port back.
I had a random button in my 2023 PHEV. Turns out it controlled the interior footwell lighting. Long press changed the colors.
fabricia said:
I had a random button in my 2023 PHEV. Turns out it controlled the interior footwell lighting. Long press changed the colors.
Yeah, I have that one too. It’s next to the steering wheel on the center console. But this button is under the fuse box cover, and when I pressed it, something turned on… just not sure what.
fabricia said:
I had a random button in my 2023 PHEV. Turns out it controlled the interior footwell lighting. Long press changed the colors.
Wait, what?? Do all PHEVs from this gen have lighting down there?
@MegWhitgal
Now I’m wondering too… I installed Govee interior lights myself 
Edit: Just remembered there was an interior lighting package I didn’t get. Maybe that’s what you’re talking about?
That definitely looks like a GPS tracker plugged into the OBD port. Did you agree to have that installed, or is this a sneaky move by the dealership?
DanBurn said:
That definitely looks like a GPS tracker plugged into the OBD port. Did you agree to have that installed, or is this a sneaky move by the dealership?
Had no idea it was even there. Googled it and looks like it’s a KARR security system or something. Wasn’t even told it was included. I didn’t finance, since I traded in my old car, so there’s no reason for them to track me for payments. Super weird…
@Charlotte
I walked away from three different dealerships because they tried to sneak security trackers onto the cars. You probably paid for it without realizing. The ones I saw were LoJack trackers, and they wanted me to pay $500 for something that just lets them follow me around.
Sent from my iPhone 16.
@BRANDON
They never even mentioned it when I bought the car. I definitely would have said no.
@Charlotte
Just unplug it from the OBD port. No tools needed.
@Charlotte
They really called it a KARR system, huh? Sounds more like something meant to spy on you.
Missiles empty… switching to guns .
Are those aftermarket pedal covers? Looks clean.
rick said:
Are those aftermarket pedal covers? Looks clean.
Nope, they came standard. It’s the Niro EX Touring edition.