Mystery fobs in recently purchased car

[Chris-8lhwy]

These two things were in a 2014 Cayenne that I recently purchased. Dealer doesn't know what they are for, any ideas?

When you push the button a light flashes briefly like a TV remote, I presume its sending some kind of signal but I can't see it doing anything responding within the car. Maybe they're for the previous owners garage door.

[AndySheff]

Chris-8lhwy said:

Maybe they're for the previous owners garage door.

That's my guess.

[Chris-8lhwy]

AndySheff said:

Chris-8lhwy said:

Maybe they're for the previous owners garage door.

That's my guess.

I thought this but now I'm thinkiing why would they leave both of them in the car, I have one in the car and one in the house. I'm secretly hoping they are some kind of clever tech like remote starter/heater

[jv021]

or possibly for a tracker - my car came with something similar and was told they were for the tracker.

[Fckitdriveon]

Tracker fobs.

[Chris-8lhwy]

jv021 said:

or possibly for a tracker - my car came with something similar and was told they were for the tracker.

Ok, that sounds more interesting, not sure what the remote would do in this case but will try searching to see if I can find anything that looks similar

[ClaphamBoxS]

I’m secretly hoping they ARE for the previous owners garage doors which are now randomly going up and down resulting in him booking a priest for an exorcism …

[Leithen]

Used by Vodafone https://www.vodafone.com/business/iot/automotive-u... and no doubt others.

Check to see if there is any paperwork that came with the car that relates to tracker subscription.

[Hoofy]

Press the button 3 times and they drop a spec ops team in by helicopter to inform you to stop making their garage door go up and down.

[oldaudi]

Perhaps it’s one of those internet connected sex toys. Every time you press it the previous owner drops their coffee

[alscar]

Tracker fobs or to be more precise driver recognition fobs - Thatcham 5 or 5S.
Might be worth a call to Vodafone customer services and see if the system is still fitted and whether or not you then want to take out a subscription or not.

[Dogwatch]

Some wonderful suggestions on here!

[brillomaster]

guessing the dealer helpfully shredded all the paperwork from a previous owner, so you can't just ask them?

[Lester H]

Dogwatch said:

Some wonderful suggestions on here!

Yes, a very witty thread. Dare I say that the fobs look like they were picked up in Poundland.

[Chris-8lhwy]

brillomaster said:

guessing the dealer helpfully shredded all the paperwork from a previous owner, so you can't just ask them?

Dealer fobbed me off when I asked... There was a good history with the car but no mention of a tracker, it might have been from early in the cars life...

[myvision]

Exhaust valve?

[mikef]

If the tracker is still fitted and active
- someone will be getting a call from Vodafone when the vehicle is driven without them
- the tracker unit is liable to run down the car battery if left for any period of time

The light is just a battery check - if it’s flashing red, the tracker was working until recently

[TheInternet]

Chris-8lhwy said:

Dealer fobbed me off when I asked.

I've heard this happens a lot but didn't realise they actually gave them to you.

[Puddenchucker]

Googling the image comes up with this:

https://www.onbuy.com/gb/p/porsche-panamera-970-30...

[Far Cough]

Chris-8lhwy said:

................ Dealer doesn't know what they are for, any ideas?

What sort of 2 bob dealer did you use that he doesnt know what they are ?

They are tracker fobs that are paired with the car. You can ring Vodafone, give them your reg and activate them for a fee of course. Any previous customer wont get any notifications as they will have informed them car is sold on.