New Stag owner... loving it but confused!!

[John100]

I've had my Stag (my first one) for just over six weeks and am loving it all, even though I'm slightly lost as to where to start with tidying and maintaining it!!

I replaced the speedo cable last week, and while the dash was off I noticed a paddle switch hidden behind the dash, just above the steering column. I've had a play and can't see any purpose for it or figure out what it does (I've tried switching it with engine running, and engine off, but it seems to make no difference.

Does anyone else have a switch like this hidden behind their Stag dash, if so, can anyone enlighten me to it's purpose?

Many thanks
John

[StagJonno]

Hi John, and welcome. I hope you find this forum helpful and friendly.

I'm pretty sure I haven't got a hidden switch and there's nothing on the wiring diagram. looks like a PO (previous owner) added some accessory (eg electric fan, foglights) and subsequently removed them, but couldn't be bothered to remove the wiring. It's just possible that it might be some form of immobiliser, inserted in the circuit to operate the starter solenoid. Have you tried starting the engine with it switched in both positions?

Otherwise, it's down to tracing the run of the wires.

Suggest you check for volts on all terminals, with ignition on and off, just to ensure you don't have a floating hazard.

Let us know how you get on.

Jonno

[73 Mimosa]

May be a secret switch for the fuel pump, check it both ways and listen if the fuel pump is still ticking.
A switch like that saved my car from the stinking thieves many years ago.

[Stagsongas]

May be a secret switch for the fuel pump, check it both ways and listen if the fuel pump is still ticking.
A switch like that saved my car from the stinking thieves many years ago.

I thought similar when I read the description. It may well be that, but to test it you'd need to leave it switched in the opposite direction with the engine left running for a good while. With the carb.s filled to level, the engine runs on for quite a while with the pump turned off - I have specialist experience of this! Point is that if you flick it off for a few seconds you may think it does nothing at all whist it is actually cutting the pump.

Welcome to the world of Stags BTW. Enjoy it!

Regards

Steve

[Another Peter]

Many years ago, I had a similar switch fitted to my TR6 which isolated the fuel pump. Mind you, the Lucas pump didn't need much encouragement not to pump fuel...

It was just an anti-theft device along with a Krooklok.

[mick the stagger]

Welcome John, the switch and wiring , if any, may be fire extinguisher fodder! (some ones got to test your sense of humor)
Mick.

[MB]

Do you mean an electrical switch? The steering column adjustment is a paddle lever!

Some new owners don't realize the steering column is adjustable up and down, in and out (steady)

[John100]

Thanks all for your quick responses and greetings

It's definitely an electrical switch, and (MB) I didn't realise that the steering column was adjustable (that's my next job sorted!!)

I've tried starting the engine with the switch in it's different positions, and left it running for minutes rather than second after switching, nothing seems to change, all lights and indicators still operate the same (even the annoying indicator buzzer)

I managed to get hold of the previous owner who hadn't installed or used it during his ownership!!

I think I'll be spending some quality time with my multi-meter soon I'll post again if I find out what it does!!

Thanks again

John