I just bought an 87 Turbo Coupe last week, so I've just been putzing around in it so far, nothing serious, but I noticed that underneath the steering wheel and to the right, I guess just under the switches for the ride control, antenna, and fuel, there's this little red switch that isn't labelled. I have no idea what this thing does because I can't start the car as of right now, the ignition's screwed. Can anyone tell me what the mystery switch does? I've been jokingly calling it my oil slick, but I'd like to know what it really is.
Well, it's definitely not factory, so it's really anybody's guess regarding what it's for. Have you tried tracing the wiring to see if it was installed to replace another faulty switch?
Quote:Can anyone tell me what the mystery switch does? I've been jokingly calling it my oil slick, but I'd like to know what it really is.
It's not a factory item.
Maybe it disables the ignition system ???
Maybe a passenger seat ejection switch
[Image: biggrin.gif]
Haven't bothered with any wiring stuff yet, so no. I have seen the wiring though, and you're right, it doesn't look like it's factory. Is there anything in the car that I'd have to worry about it being when I get it on the road? As in, is there anything risky that it could be attached to that would make me not want to flip the switch to see if it does anything? It's pretty shabby, it doesn't even look like it's gonna work.
Haha, passenger eject was my second choice after oil slick.
[This message has been edited by Rick 87TC (edited 10-07-2003).]
Quote:Originally posted by Rick 87TC:
in, is there anything risky that it could be attached to that would make me not want to flip the switch to see if it does anything?
As long as it's not the "dump raw fuel onto the red-hot exhaust manifold" button, I don't see what harm could be done. You'll probably discover it only operates something simple like the foglights.
Any chance the previous owner was a volunteer first/firefighter??? I have a non labeled swithc under my dash for the strobe lights and the fog light switch is now for wig wag head lights and a traffic backer alternating backup/brake lights in the rear. That would be my guess.
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1988 Turbo Coupe, 5-speed, loaded, silver, two-tone raven interior, five star rims, Sequential turn signals, Gillis Boost Valve, Custom Cold Air Intake, Ported head, Ranger roller cam, ported exhaust manifold, 2.5" full exhaust (no cat) dual dynomax ultraflows
1974 Lincoln Mark IV- Black/Black leather 95% restored, 460ci, 4bbl.
1977 Ford F150- 300ci. straight 6 (needs a new bed)
2002 Chrysler Sebring LXi Convertible- Maroon/taupe interior
Quote:Originally posted by Pete D:
Maybe a passenger seat ejection switch [Image: biggrin.gif]
Hmmm.......that would be interesting.
[Image: rolleyes.gif]
Better yet, the instant flame throwing exhaust Steve it talking about.....
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This is giving me ideas!!
Seriously though, it could be for the fans since the IRCM is known to fail.
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Bill Lieder
1988 TC
MODS: Ported big valve head with ss valves, ported upper & lower intakes, Racer Walsh #2 Roller cam, Walboro 255HP pump, Kirban adjustable FPR, 3" Exhaust, Star stage 2 clutch w/ stage 3 pp, K&N cone, Gillis valve, Race engineering adjustable cam sproket, 245 50 16 Bridgestone tires
Quote:As in, is there anything risky that it could be attached to that would make me not want to flip the switch.....
250 shot of NOS
[Image: biggrin.gif]
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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
It may be that your sole purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others.
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm
When I bought my 88, it had a switch in the same area, installed by the previous owner. The switch was wired to the clutch switch (safety switch), which made a very inexpensive anti-theft switch.
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Dan S
NATO Member
84 and 88 Turbo Coupes
It's no longer a hobby, now it's an osbession!
My wife has a small switch about the same place as yours. It's a valet switch for her alarm system.