2008 QPV - any ideas what this switch may be for?

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Harvey_Tim

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I recently noticed that I have an additional switch on my steering column cowling behind the paddles and in front of the ignition key which I am presuming is not original?

Does any one have any educated guess what this might be for?

I realise that the only way to know for sure is to get under the dashboard and try and trace the wiring back, but I just wondered if anyone had come across a similar install and knew what it was ?

IMG_0365.jpeg
 
safrane

safrane

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Had the same on my 4200.

It was a radar detection unit mounted under the number plate.
 
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Ebenezer

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4,179
You might be lucky and have a Formula Dynamics Drive by wire kit installed! My switch is located under the steer cowl :)
Eb
 
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Harvey_Tim

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133
Ebenezer said:
You might be lucky and have a Formula Dynamics Drive by wire kit installed! My switch is located under the steer cowl :)
Eb
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Am I right in saying that if that was the case that I should notice a change in throttle response when switched on?
 
conaero

conaero

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Harvey_Tim said:
Am I right in saying that if that was the case that I should notice a change in throttle response when switched on?
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If its a Duoselct yes, Auto with the shifter it would not be relevant. There is an deactivation on those too, this could be it. In neutral, press the throttle and flick the switch and see if you think the accelerator pedal is over sensitive in one state.
 
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Ebenezer

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Yes, - but what you'll find in practice is that one setting kicks down gears more aggressively than the other. Both will have a "faster" throttle response than without the DBW.

At one point, one of the two settings was marketed as "Ready for War"! However that hyperbole now seems to have gone from their website!

Fingers crossed it's something exciting!

Eb
 
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Harvey_Tim

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133
I am pretty sure it’s not an exhaust valve, but I have always been super impressed just how much difference there is between normal and sport modes - it’s like a completely different car but i always assumed that was just the factory difference between normal and sport. is there a big difference normally on a standard car?. I will have to try toggling this switch to see if it makes any noticeable difference to the throttle response or not, I will report back once I have had a chance to play!

If it turns out to be the more boring option of a radar detector / blocker does anyone know how I would know which is on / off and if it is operational or not?

Thanks for all the responses so far.
 
safrane

safrane

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16,526
If its for a radar detection, and the unit is installed you may find a matchbox size black box with the narrow end facing towards the front of the car... likely near the number plate.
 
MarkMas

MarkMas

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8,538
safrane said:
Had the same on my 4200.

It was a radar detection unit mounted under the number plate.
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With a stealthy switch like that, more likely a laser disrupter than a detector.

These are questionably illegal in the UK - some Courts are even jailing the worst cases, claiming 'perverting the course of justice. This seems pretty dubious, to me, it is like prosecuting a bank robber for wearing a mask (as well as robbing a bank). I would like to see one of these cases going to the Court of Appeal.
www.walesonline.co.uk

Man jailed for using 'laser jammers' on car to block speed cameras

The driver tried to claim the jammers were used as parking sensors
www.walesonline.co.uk www.walesonline.co.uk

Someone (no names) had one of these on his car, with a little switch under the dash, because once you have heard the alarm and have disrupted the laser speed measurement, you slow down, but also switch off the disrupter so you can seem all innocent if questioned. You don't want it to be on continuously, nor do you want a big switch saying 'Disruption ON/OFF'!
 
Scaf

Scaf

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6,231
I had aftermarket front parking sensors fitted to my wife’s old car and they were activated with a similar switch in a similar position.

But I guess your car has factory fitted sensors so unlikely to be that.
 
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Harvey_Tim

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133
Scaf said:
I had aftermarket front parking sensors fitted to my wife’s old car and they were activated with a similar switch in a similar position.

But I guess your car has factory fitted sensors so unlikely to be that.
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Thanks for the suggestion, but yes it does have factory sensors and the factory switch.
 
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