Whats this black console under the radio?

[zf98ranger]

I'm digging around trying to locate an aftermarket alarm after a locksmith failed to program a key to my 1998 V6 Ranger due to a failed connection through obd port. Horn is going like crazy anytime I hook it up. Doesn't look like there's an aftermarket alarm beneath the steering area, but there is this big black thing in the middle of the floor and I don't know enough to know what it is. It's the only plastic on the whole truck that looks new, haha. And a few snipped wires are around it. Also added a picture of the area under the steering column in case im missing something obvious.

 

[Curious Hound]

Pull it out and see. Often, there will be markings on most devices. Just Google any part numbers/manufacturer names, etc. that you see on it. That should start giving you some clues.

 

[Brain75]

you aren't asking about the heater vent? big black hollow box with the little angled ear to spew hot air at the passenger's shin.

 

[I support common sense]

That is the “vent box.” Just a random name I chose .

Anyway, I’m not taking the trim out of my truck to find out but I noticed that plastic shoot coming out the side and sure enough it’s the same on my truck. That is where the air from the fan is channeled when you select the diagram with the arrow pointing at the passenger’s feet on your ac controls.

I’ve added a picture of mine as well as a a picture of the underside of my steering column so you can compare the 2.

I’m doing some work underneath the steering column, so if you have anything you need to know while it’s apart let me know.

 

[pjtoledo]

fyi, those 4 black nuts that hold the column up are attached to "break-away" bolts.
do not over tighten them, they are reduced to only 1/8" diameter farther up the bolt.

 

[I support common sense]

fyi, those 4 black nuts that hold the column up are attached to "break-away" bolts.
do not over tighten them, they are reduced to only 1/8" diameter farther up the bolt.

Could you explain that to me? Seems like the steering column should be mounted securely with grade eight bolts. Why would they want it to break away?

 

[pjtoledo]

probably has something to do with your chest/abdomen not being as strong the steering wheel.
in addition the steering shaft has a collapsable section in the engine bay.

back in the good 'ol days there was a solid steel shaft the went from the steering box all the way to the steering wheel. it made a damn good harpoon.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

fyi, those 4 black nuts that hold the column up are attached to "break-away" bolts.
do not over tighten them, they are reduced to only 1/8" diameter farther up the bolt.

I… didn’t realize that… I’ve always just snugged them good n tight…

 

[sgtsandman]

I… didn’t realize that… I’ve always just snuggled them good n tight…

Snuggled??? Please explain yourself sir!

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Snuggled??? Please explain yourself sir!

Dadgum autocorrect got me again…

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

We don't kink shame on TRS.

 

[zf98ranger]

Okay, so it sounds like this has absolutely nothing to do with my issue, so I'm very glad I didn't dig around and unscrew it on the floor of my truck with it 100 degrees out. Thank you all!