Just took my 07 Corolla in to have the starter and fuse relays looked at. Came home and found this laying loose on the passenger side under the hood. What is this and should it be secured to something? There are two holes so I’m assuming it screws to something. Thanks!!
It’s been a while since we’ve seen common_sense_answer — their last post was in Mar '19.
THANK YA, THANK YA VERY MUCH! 
Looks like an aftermarket accessory, like maybe a remote receiver for fog lights, remote starter, etcetera. See if you can follow the wires and see where they lead you. They possibly go to a relay. You should have inquired while the fuses and relays were being probed.
Does the car have fog lights or evidence that it had them or remote start?
Perhaps the CIA is recording your every move with that device.
CSA
P.S. Is that container of black liquid in the photo your brake fluid or clutch fluid?
It should be nearly clear liquid. Perhaps it needs changing and some other maintenance done, too.
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I’m guessing that’s power steering fluid, cap says “ATF”.
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I suspect a remote disabling device once installed by a Buy Here Pay Here used car dealer.
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I can’t see “ATF,” but that makes sense because it’s apparently on the passenger side. I never have owned an Asian car and therefore never saw a reservoir like that for P/S. Anyhow, whatever it is, it looks dirty/neglected.
CSA
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ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid!
A lot of cars use “Automatic Transmission Fluid” for power steering fluid.
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It could be some piece of one of the auto-shop’s test instruments. What do the two wires connect to? If they connect on the other end w/ alligator clips, good chance it is something the shop wants returned.
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That looks like a cheap ballast for an add-on HID headlight however there are only 2 wires shown in the picture, are there more wires?
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I agree with that; the local Nissan dealer gave me ATF for my wife’s Sentra.
I’ll have to take a closer look. That could definitely be the case. I’ve never noticed this before.
I can’t see any additional wires, only the 2. I have to take a closer look to see where they lead.
The car has a Killswitch that was installed by the dealer. Is it possible this is related? It’s in the neighborhood of the starter.
Very likely it is related, and that is just part of the collateral damage that frequently results from buying a used car from a “buy here pay here” dealer.
