Can anyone recommend a switch that will pop right into a spare opening where the hatch release/gas release/ BSM switches are located?
Ideally I'd like say a fog light switch from maybe a Toyota model, OEM and reasonably priced. I considered an original Lexus heated wiper switch but its about $100. I just want any switch, reasonably priced that looks factory. Basic two terminal on/off is sufficient. Specific car 2014 RX350.

 

When I needed a switch for SC400, I went to 'pick a part' salvage yard. They have a cover charge per person and you can look at their inventory on line. Take your blank cover to match for size. Lexus Toyota share lot of parts. Just make sure you pick single/double pole. Check the thickness of wires connected to the old switch to estimate the current capability of the switch [and your need].

Note: I would make my selection of location based on ease of work and not go for the ideal location.

Salim

PS: If you are planning actual fog-lights [or additional lights], keep in mind there are some legal codes for lights on a vehicle on public roads.

 

eBay has bunch of them. Toyota and Lexus has same fitting I believe.

 

Great find. Shopping on eBay is a lot easier than roaming around a muddy frozen auto junkyard in winter. Plus, they have some interesting and funny lighted labels for the switches.

 

My intended purpose was possibly a fuel pump relay cut out switch. Theft deterrent, so as factory looking as possible is the goal.
My heated wiper selection is in the display screen, so using that position, and possibly that switch or a fog light switch, would not be looking out of place.
Yes car theft is a problem in Montreal, I'd like to make it a bit more difficult for them.

 

That is your call on installing the switch. Just letting you know that getting a wire out of the cabin is not going to be easy. Don't get me wrong it is doable, but make sure that an air tight grommet is installed if you plan to drill through the firewall [which is not recommended].

My counter argument is that with the chiped key, the only way to steal is to flat bed the vehicle, and having fuel cutoff is of no consequence. So as long as you can protect the key, you will be good. Alas we cant do much about protecting the cats, wheels and tires.

Salim

 

Firstly, I will say if they want your car, they are gonna take it, flat bed is pretty much a guaranteed method.
I like to make things a bit difficult, like park my car so they need to pull it out, and park with the front wheels turned.

My thoughts on the cut out switch, the thieves are trained for one thing, standard operating procedure, they can not, nor do they have the time to trouble shoot.
They are either grabbing your unprotected key code, as it lies near your entrance way, or they grab it when you enter or leave your car, and are putting a tracker on the car to come get it later.
The better thieves are plugging into your OBD port and using a portable laptop, reprogramming to a key of their own.
So my switch, in plain sight is actually easy to use, but not an expected obstacle, in fact I think it just needs to even break the circuit on the brake pedal, ignition, but car won't start. They move on to an easier target.
Yes I like my car, I took my time to find what I wanted. Insurance would pay up, but now I'm under pressure to replace it in a short time period, and likely will not find something as nice. New is out of the question, I'm not interested in the first two years of depreciation.