That is the Trunk Monkey release switch. The light lets you know he is awake and armed.

 

LOL this thread made my day

I'm guessing it has something to do with lighting or maybe a bass controller??

 

That's it!!!!! Why didn't I think of that since I have been a fan of his for years. If you haven't seen him in the trunk, the original owner may have transferred him to another car.

 

Enjoy

http://youtu.be/8avOiTUcD4Y

 

I better go back to the salesman at the dealership to ask why my trunk isn't properly equipped

 

I went back and took another look at the **** and light.The installation was definitely not factory,but it did take some time and know how.The device is actually two pieces consisting of a wide ring with a **** in the cener..The ring controls a three position switch(rotary),while the **** controls a variable resister.The switch contols the indicator light.It has a red,amber,and off position.The inner ****,of course, just turns to a clockwise or cclockwise position.When the three position swich is in the red or amber position,the red light on the display(see picture) will flash red and beep in both positions.Wires from the **** run to the front of the car to a black box inside the engine compartmenrt,just below the lexus insignia on the front grille. The bracket used to hold the black box in place is not an aftermarket part.Hopefully,this additional information will help identify the function of the device..

 

Looks like a radar detector. probably valentine?

 

Sounds like a Radar/Laser Detector

 

I Agree as well.

 

The black box under the hood ended up being the radar sensor as you and others thought.It is part of the cruise control system used to slow down the vehicle if it gets too close to the car infront of it.It 's a factory option.i still can't figure out the purpose of the **** and indicator light.

 

My 2011 has the radar cruise control and it looks nothing like that. I can't see Lexus dropping that LED indicator in front of the central display. Really looks DIY to me. As has been suggested by others I am convinced it is some aftermarket modification possible using radar cruise components for some other purpose.

Maybe it puts the car in stealth mode?

 

if you don't have two big push buttons on your steering your wheel..

One for brake hold feature and one for radar cruise..YOU DO NOT have factory radar cruise/pre collision system!

 

I do have the two large ears(big buttons) on opposite ends of the steering wheel,but, as i subsequently found out, that doesn't mean that the car has dynamic radar cruise control.The ear must have a picture of a small car crashing into a vehicle to indicate that it has the dynamic option.When i pressed my ear tab,i realized it was a DUMMY---NO SWITCH underneath.I decided to pull out the black box in front behind the grille.It was a k40 radar detector unit being contolled by the three position switch and volume control.i turned it on today when a cop went by and sure enough it beeped and the red light flashed.I appreciate everyone's help in trying to solve the mystery.

 

This was like listening to a murder mystery podcast! Sorry to bump an old thread.

 

Well don't .............keep it to your self.