Mystery Switch!!

[pete_s60]

I transfered a few bits into the new car today... whilst I was in the boot of the S60 noticed an unmarked black switch with quite a thick cable attached to it tucked into the metalwork just below the parcel shelf.

There was also a black finger shaped thing.... it looked like a massive fuse holder (but it wasnt).

I followed the wires as best i could back to the right hand rear light cluster space where it was spliced into lots of other cables. - I cant figure out what it does?

Thoughts so far;

1) Effects rear lights or brake lights for stealthy undercover secret squirrel stuff and car chases.

2) Interior / boot courtesy light switch

3) Turning the rear numberplate illumination on / off for the purpose of dubious activity at night.

I have played about with it a bit and it as far as i can see it doesn't do any of those things....

Any suggestions anyone?

http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7973&stc=1&d=1264354616

[phil_woods]

towbar electrics possibly?

I know certain forces including the army have a switch for turning off the rear lights if they are doing surveilence etc.....make sure you let us know when you find out what it does as this is a strange one

[scooter]

maybe it is a switch for opening the boot from the inside (so the body can jump out and run hehe)

[phil_woods]

ahhhh good suggestion I think pete should try it!

a lot of cars have this feature so you could be right.

Pete, does it look like its meant to be there as in fitted at the factory or would you say its an aftermarket installation?

[PNuT]

try its a switch to turn off the parking sensors when towing

[pete_s60]

An unwilling volunteer has just disproved the opening it from the inside theory... lol! I left my brother in there for a few minutes just to make sure :-p

[pete_s60]

Its definitely factory fitted... it says volvo on the switch and all the wires have 'made in finland' on them.

[PNuT]

i will just talk to my self then

[phil_woods]

lol

I like the idea above of turning off the reversing sensors!

[p fandango]

i haven't got the switch or reverse parking sensors, anyone thought it might be to turn them off? (sorry PNut, couldn't resist lol)

[pete_s60]

Apologies PNuT, I missed your post there!

It would appear you're right!! - I didnt even know it had parking sensors!

Turned it on... and it happily bleeps away when reversing.

I'll leave it off I think - but at least I can sleep tonight knowing what it is :-D

Thanks all!

[phil_woods]

winners prize to PNuT, well done that man!

wish I had reverse sensors

[PNuT]

winners prize to PNuT, well done that man!

wish I had reverse sensors

i searched the net....

[phil_woods]

Isn't that cheating? Lol

[Storm-Troll]

Apologies PNuT, I missed your post there!

It would appear you're right!! - I didnt even know it had parking sensors!

Turned it on... and it happily bleeps away when reversing.

I'll leave it off I think - but at least I can sleep tonight knowing what it is :-D

Thanks all!

dont you have those little round thingys on ya bumper if you have parking sensors?.. I have a 2001 S60 like you. I will have to have a nose and see if said hidden goodies are there too...

[volvokid]

They were probably added later, the S60 cut off switch for the sensors is up front, unless the earlier ones were different

[BigJC]

wish I had reverse sensors

You have - eyes and ears! And don't forget to put one arm around front passenger seat when reversing.

[pete_s60]

That is cheating :-p

It does have the sensors at the back... but being a new car (and never had one with reversing sensors) I didn't even think to look at the time!

It is an earlier model, its a 51 plate - It looks factory fitted, its really nicely done!

[thebadger]

I fitted a camera, saves my bad neck from getting hurt!

[pete_s60]

That sounds snazzy! - Where did you fit the camera and screen? - Any pics of the installation? :-D