I found a random wire hanging from under the driver side dash. The sticker says "To 12V Accessory" and it was not connected to anything. Tested it and there is no power with the key out/accessory and/or car running. I don't see another wire where this would connect to in that area. Any idea what this wire is? 1986 Toyota Pickup.

 

The wire/connector is an add-on (not factory Toyota type) so probably something added by a previous owner?

Cheers!

 

Looks like an aftermarket add on. Something the previous owner may have added. I wager it goes to the fuse block behind the driver's side kick panel. Probably either to a added fuse, or one of the fuses already there. Are the accessory systems, like the radio, or cigarette lighter, working properly?

Anywho, check the aforementioned fuse block for a wire that color coming down from above. It may be it's fuse had failed, or was removed to take any voltage off the end that was no longer used for a radio, CB, or whatever. Much safer for an unused wire with a large metal end like that.

Does that help at all?
Pat☺

 

Ok, good info on the aftermarket vs. factory. I didn't see this wire in the fuse box on the driver side, it kinda just disappears with all the other wires above footwell. I guess not gonna worry about it - all accessories work. I'm troubleshooting my AC and that's how I found it under the dash, but if it's not factory wiring then I'll just leave it alone.

 

I would either (1) wrap the connector in electrical tape or (2) cut the connector and wrap the cut end in electrical tape, but I wouldn't leave it exposed even if it checks out not to be live. The best would be to trace it back to the other end and then decide what to do with it. But if you have ever looked into the overheads in an large office building where there are computers and old landlines at every desk, you would see that nobody pulls out old lines.

-jim

 

Good idea 👍