What does the hatch door "tamper" switch do?

[cyber3d]

Connected to the rear key lock is a switch called a tamper switch. Anyone know what it does? I've got a 2008 hatch.

I'm replacing the key assembly with a camera and took the key lock off and the tamper switch. The tamper switch has a 2 wire connector with a light blue wire and a black wire (ground).

[ontarian_frog]

If you have the stock alarm on the car, the switch would activate the alarm if the hatch door is opened. It also serves as a dome light switch I believe.

[cyber3d]

I wish it were that simple. It seems to be a magnetically actuated switch that completes the circuit when the key is turned. After removing the assembly, the remote key lock still locks and unlocks the door fine. The dome light works normally, and the alarm still activates itself with the key beeper thing.

I can't find anything on the internet that describes how the switch works in the system.

[petrified.rabbit]

i think it is like the ignition switch where you cant "unlock" the trunk without the actual key.. Just like you can't start the car without the real key..

[cyber3d]

Actually no. In fact I generally do not use the key. I use only the remote buttons to unlock and open the hatch door.

[petrified.rabbit]

you can use the remote, but like a "valet" key wont open the trunk? not sure, really. But there are only so many reasons to have it. it would need to be alarm related to disable the alarm without the remote. It could probably also lock all the doors if you lock and hold it. etc.. but i dont have power anything on my car so i cant test it...

[Espresso]

Could it just be the sensor that lights the light on the dash...or a buzzer/beeper, that lets you know that the hatch may be open when the car is running/in Drive/moving forward?

[cyber3d]

The open door sensor light (indicator on the dash) still works as usual. It stays on if the hatch is open and goes off when the hatch closes. There is no buzzer for the rear hatch (at least that I've ever heard).

I've done an extensive search on the internet but, no one seems to really know how the damn thing works!

I'd sure like to know if I am screwing something up by taking it off.