Strange "Additional" wiring under the bonnet

[eltax91]

Hi guys, I have had my PD130 Octavia for about 2 months now. I did the first self-service on it over the weekend, and noticed something that is, at least to my untrained eye, some form of after-market wiring (i.e. something that looks like it was not manufactured this way). Although admittedly it's looks "professionally" done.

Essentially, off the positive terminal of the battery, is a single wire, which runs to a fuse holder, then disappears under the air filter housing. It appears to then go into the bulk head where the offside strut mount top sits. No got around to taking the wipers off to remove the cover and see where it goes from there.

So, I'm reluctant to pull the fuse until I know what it is, but I know the area it is heading to is the location of the famous "climate" ECU that can get waterlogged on these cars. the climate unit functions fine...

So, any thoughts? Picture below, although not of much.

[Kenny-Mack]

the wire probably ends up finding its way inside the car, certainly doesn't sound factory!

are you the first owner? ... hasnt ever been a taxi has it?

Maybe a previous owner fitted a car kit for phone?

EDIT: see pic now, whatever it is, uses a bit of juice thats a fair old wire. and no that doesn't strike me as factory at all

I'd remove glove box, wire probably appears behind there somewhere!

[MX7]

I doubt you'd do much harm by taking out the fuse and seeing what doesn't work, unless someone has done something very strange.

[Major Fallout]

I would guess it would be powering a amplifier for some additional speakers.

[Rickyy]

My Focus has a similar thing in it and it also has parts of an old hands free kit dotted about the interior.

[eltax91]

Kenny-Mack said:

the wire probably ends up finding its way inside the car, certainly doesn't sound factory!

are you the first owner? ... hasnt ever been a taxi has it?

Maybe a previous owner fitted a car kit for phone?

EDIT: see pic now, whatever it is, uses a bit of juice thats a fair old wire. and no that doesn't strike me as factory at all

I'd remove glove box, wire probably appears behind there somewhere!

My first worry, was, has it been taxi's. The thing is, it's low mileage (54 plate, 58k) with every receipt of service history from new (indy). MOT online checks out to correct mileage and matches history. It's showing NO signs of additional wear. This is my 2nd Octavia, and I was very careful not to get an ex taxi with both.

Looks like i will have to rip out the glovebox and have a poke about. There is no tell-tale evidence of a car kit anywhere, that's for sure.

[a7x88]

Some aftermarket stereo's also need an additional power cable so could be that???

Another vote for pulling the fuse and seeing what stops!

[littlebasher]

Looks just the right sized wire to carry the +12V supply for the towbar wiring

[eltax91]

No sign of an aftermarket stereo. Tow bar is a possible shout! It has one fitted.

[Rowan138]

it could be the supply for an aftermarket alarm sounder or a disused supply for a taxi radio, or possibly a remenant of a chavtastic audio system that has been since removed.

[poo at Paul's]

littlebasher said:

Looks just the right sized wire to carry the +12V supply to a towbar

Don't be daft, Taxi's dont have tow bars!

[sebhaque]

Have a look in the boot or around the back seats - looks like the kind of wire you'd use to power an amplifier or subwoofer. Can you imagine the last owner(s) having such a kit installed?

[Crease]

could be for an aftermarket alarm?

[Kenny-Mack]

i thought big stereo too but not likely because

1. not really the big stereo car of choice for kids?
2. i figure the op would have noticed the generic big fook off amp in the boot, not to mention family vibrating around the car on the way to shop
3. car stereo wiring tends to look quite bling, bright colours and such to justify its cost

[eltax91]

sebhaque said:

Have a look in the boot or around the back seats - looks like the kind of wire you'd use to power an amplifier or subwoofer. Can you imagine the last owner(s) having such a kit installed?

I bought from an independent dealer. Of course, being a used car sales man, he told me it was owned by an elderly gentleman, who only ever towed a small trailer. To be honest, I negotiated on condition/ history that i could READ and not on what the old crank selling the car told me. Sadly, as this one was not a private purchase, i didn't meet the previous owner.

It is a 1 prev. owner car though.

[eltax91]

Kenny-Mack said:

2. i figure the op would have noticed the generic big fook off amp in the boot, not to mention family vibrating around the car on the way to shop

There is certainly no amp in the boot.

[Crease]

sebhaque said:

Have a look in the boot or around the back seats - looks like the kind of wire you'd use to power an amplifier or subwoofer. Can you imagine the last owner(s) having such a kit installed?

the wiring for an amplifier would have to be much thicker, and use a more heavy duty fuse

trust me, i used to be a boyracer you'know

[PaulB81]

Could it be for a tracker?

[eltax91]

PaulB81 said:

Could it be for a tracker?

Maybe so. No documentation in the car's book to suggest it's got anything fitted. On a run of the mill Octavia - unlikely I think!

[eltax91]

I'm assuming, whatever it is would currently be running as "permanent" live? based on the fact it's hooked directly to the battery. I've yet to notice any signs of a drain at all.

Might have to borrow a trailer board and pull the fuse and see if the lights go out!!

Wouldn't the tow bar be wired into existing rear wiring, rather than run something all the way through the car?