so i just got a 98 1500 today that i traded a crx for, and the guy didnt mention this thing under the dash. i pulled it out at the gas station and didnt think nothing of it until i figured out my truck wouldnt start without it.

there is no security system on it that ik of. and i've search but can't find any kill switch resembling it.

does anyone have any guesses?

 

That's an ignition interlock, it completes a couple circuits required for the truck to run. It's an anti-theft thing.

 

I believe it was called a Prolock.
As was said with the piece plugged in
it complete one of the starting or ignition circuits.
Not the best but better than nothing.
It can be bypassed in a few minutes.

 

Do all the 2nd gens have it? I don't recognize ever seeing this.

 

No, that is an aftermarket piece. Not stock.

 

thank you both. was kinda worried wtf is was for awhile.

is this something that i should remove? i would be pissed if it shorted and i was stranded somewhere.

 

That's pretty cool.

 

This one looks to be after market, but some later model vehicles have this set up from the factory. When ive bought new vehicles in the past ive them ask me if I wanted this security feature, and ive said no every time. So they slide a non removable metal piece into the plug and that's it.

 

You would need the wiring diagram that shows how the unit it spliced into the stock harness in order to put everyting back the way it was. If you have that, then yes it could be removed.