I found this weird computer chip mounted under the dash in the 01 Dakota that I just bought. Anyone have any idea what it is? The chip comes out and all it says is "Smart Lock".

The engine has a bad head so I haven't tried to start it yet and have no idea if this is something that might be tied into the ignition system.

 

Pretty sure it's some kind of anti-theft device. I see them a lot on cars that come from used car dealers.

 

Yep it kills the power to something to prevent someone stealing it.

 

I had something similar on my '00 Dakota when I bought it used. They tagged on the bill for 500$ as required by their management. The POS broke 2 months before the last payment and cost me 300$ to diagnose and have removed by my local dodge dealer. That very well might be your no start issue.

 

Well I know that it's not my no start issue. It will actually start. It just runs like crap. I definitely have a dropped valve on cyl#2. But I will keep an eye on this dumb chip thing as well.

I've tried to search the web about this device and come up with a big ole goose egg.

 

It's an old school anti theft device. I am kind of surprised you have one on a 2001. I have not seen one since some time in the 1990s. No need to spend $300 to have it removed. Just unscrew the mounting screws and then remove the knee bolster under dash panel. Follow the wires from the unit up to the ignition switch harness and disconnect the wires there. You need to splice the starter wire back together, it will be the one that is cut in two. There is also a ground wire to disconnect.

Jimmy

 

Awesome. Thank you!

I may not get to that for a while, I have some engine trouble to deal with first, but I might revisit this thread when that's all said and done.

I really appreciate the replies everyone.

 

jimmy i sent you a message,i have the same problem with the smart lock under the dash,i removed the knee plate and see all the wiring, and see the split wire that has an inline aluminum bus and there is also a square connection box with wires goin into it and then there is the ground,i tried following the advice you gave the other guy with the same problem,i just removed the bus and tried touching the wires together and turning the key over,my dash lights come on but no crank, but i also did not remove ground while doin this, there is 2 wires goin into one ground,can u please help me on this iam stuck and cant drive the damm thing and i need my truck?? thanx man. jerry antioch ca. jhd1200@aol.com

 

Reply sent to your PM JWC.

Jimmy