27 replies to this topic

[3VILC]

So for today's dumb question of the day, I've Googled around, and can't find a copy of the owners manual, but what is the extra switch under the speedo for (Mk3)? It doesn't appear to do anything, but its a bit hard to troubleshoot when I don't know what its supposed to do 🤣

[MiniMadRacer]

Prob need a pic

[steeley]

Has it got wires to the back of it, if so what colour are they

[eric67]

It’s to switch the instrument lights on\off. Later mk3 cars had the switch removed.

[3VILC]

Instrument lights you say. Makes sense why it is where it is then. An interesting optional extra that serves little purpose then lol. Mines a '68 but possibly not original dash, all needs replacing anyway so I can safely leave that switch out then when the project gets that far

[Shooter63]

I must admit I find it a strange thing "the switch", why would you want the lights on but not have the dash ( ok clock) illuminated, you've got to love the minds of the original design team.

Shooter

[Spider]

In the early Minis, there was 2 holes on the lower side of the binnacle which had translucent plastic grommets in. On the inside were 2 bulbs near these and that switch was to bring them on and illuminate the parcel tray.

[MiniMadRacer]

But an Elf originally had a full width dashboard covering the shelfs, or was it to light up the glove boxes, but surely on an Elf you couldnt get to the binnacle switch as the speedo was flush to the wood (or have I misunderstood)

[sonscar]

Long time ago you needed to display parking lights in the darkness on many roads.You could leave your sidelights on and turn off the dash lights.I do not know enough about Mini to say but some cars were afflicted by the sidelight coming on when you left the indicator switch operated,Steve..

[3VILC]

Probably onto something with the park light idea there. Although a glovebox light would be a nice alternative use for the switch.

This is the switch I'm talking about (borrowed pic, unfortunately not my dash)

[MiniMadRacer]

I had a 68 MK III Riley Elf, and that switch certainly wasnt on mine

[3VILC]

Mine is also a 68 MK3, but of course being NZ assembled possibly couldve been using up old stock dash panels, or early fitting of later panels. Usual BMC story of using up whatever bits are around made worse by being CKD cars on the opposite side of the world. Much like myself Essex boy by birth

[humph]

In that picture i believe that may be a mk3 using a mk1/2 dash. As far as i’m aware the ignition switch was in that hole on the mk1/2 cars. That would make that switch on your car an aftermarket fit by a previous owner.

[MiniMadRacer]

The ignition key is below that switch where it should be located for this era of car

[MacGyver]

I think that may well be the button for the infinite improbability drive. 🤔