We recently got a 2024 Telluride and noticed something hanging down on the driver’s side, near the bottom between the door and the brake pedal. It seems like it might plug into something, but I haven’t tried that yet.
Do I need to connect this to an outlet? What is it?
It is an OBD reader connector
It connects to your OBD2 port and includes an additional port for a scan tool. It might function as a GPS or telematics tracker, drawing power from the OBD2 port.
It seems to me that this might be a pass-through adapter used to power a GPS logger that tracks your location and driving habits. Check behind the fuse box—if there’s a back box there, that’s likely it. Depending on the terms of service you agreed to, you might want to consult a lawyer; you could potentially end up with a free car.
Is there another one located right above it? I’m curious if that might be a tracking device, especially if you leased it and it’s meant to connect to the OBD port.
Should I connect it to the outlet directly above it?
You should track the cable’s path, as it probably connects to a tracker installed in the vehicle. These devices are often used for leases or individuals with uncertain credit histories.
Regarding your specific question, we can’t definitively identify the device from the pictures alone. However, the plug you’re showing is intended for an OBD II port, which should be located nearby and supplies power to the device the cable is connected to.
Some dealers install LoJack through the car’s ODBII port and then reconnect it to the original setup. They do this to track cars during test drives and transfers, and later offer to transfer the subscription to the new owner. The first year is free, but after that, you pay for the anti-theft service.
How do I know? The dealer I bought my car from does this with all the vehicles they have on their lot.
Technically, the car isn’t yours yet; it still belongs to the bank until the final payment is completed.
Our system included extra tracking software from Ikon. It connects to the OBD2 and has a pass-through feature. However, the small block came loose and was hitting the plastic trim, so I removed it. I haven’t reinstalled it yet.
Call your dealer because that isn’t normal.
