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F250 Toggle Switch

19K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  klhansen  
#1 ·
This truck has a toggle switch that seems to do nothing but turn on the red light next to it. I am wondering if anyone knows what it might actually be used for.

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#2 ·
Flux Capictor?

Tyr getting under the dash and see where the wires go.

Does the truck have any extra lights or accessories?

Definitley not a Ford OEM switch.
 
#3 ·
No exterior aftermarket lights, while running doesn't seem to do anything as far as the engine is concerned, additionally can't tell where the wires go without tearing about the entire dash. Is it possible that it is an aftermarket switch for an engine block heater or simlar ?
 
#4 ·
A few questions: is your truck really set to to tow? Is it a single pole, single throw switch, or a double pole, double throw switch. A double pole, double throw switch, has three positions; top, middle, and bottom. If you turn the switch to on, and you are driving, when you come up to a stop light, sign, whatever, does it buck and jump and try to die?

If its any of the last two items, its a torque converter lockup switch. It keeps the torque converter in the tranny locked longer than the PCM normally does. This is a good thing, unless you are down to about 15 mph, or lower. Then, you need to unlock it, so you can stop and go normally.

Considering its right there on the lower dash, kinda makes me believe this may be the case. Easy to get to, easy to control. When the light is on, converter is locked.
 
#7 ·
Removing the lower panel under the steering wheel, "tearing" into the dash panel, it does not make.

Take a quarter, turn the two big flathead plastic screws 1/2 (IIRC) of a turn, then pull the cover off and look.

It's so easy even you can do it. ;)

I don't mean to sound mean, but my crystal ball is in the shop, getting a tune-up. Without it, it's a little hard to trace wires over the internet if you're not willing to at least pull the cover and look, or take a picture or something.
 
#8 ·
Another possibility is an auxiliary GPR switch to keep the glow plugs on longer than normal (although I don't know why anyone would want to do that). Does the light by the switch come on only with the key on, or at any time? Just another clue to go by.

It could be something someone has removed, but left the switch and light in place. :shrug03:
 
#9 · (Edited)

:lol:
 
#10 ·
is it an "IDLE UP" switch? put on the parking brake and turn it on.....
 
#12 ·
is it an "IDLE UP" switch? put on the parking brake and turn it on.....
That makes the most sense to me. :thumbsup:

It'd have some wires and resistors between it and the accelerator pedal wiring.
 
#11 ·
Or maybe a 2wd low switch (turns off the autolock front hubs). That's the only extra switch in my truck. If so would be spliced into a wire going into the vacuum switch right behind the passenger side battery.