Mystery button

[Trish Hall]

Can anyone tell me what this switch is for?  It’s a small swivel switch almost under the dash on the right hand side. In one position it’s got a red light, in the other the light is off. Been right through the handbook and even watched a 45minute video but there’s no mention of it that I can find. Thanks. 

[Gerg]

I don't own one of these, but that looks like a common accessory switch available on the aftermarket (Halfords sell 'em! ) , so not factory-fitted: hence not in the manual. 

As such, the function of it could be say, parking sensors, an extra (USB) power socket, even a dash cam (but why have a switch?), etc. Even some kind of low-tech car security. Anything, probably low-powered, that sets your car apart from the normal spec. 

And whatever it is powering *could* have been removed (by the previous owner?) and the switch left, so as not to leave an ugly hole. 

I'm sure someone'll come along later with a specific answer. 

Anyway, hope you enjoy your new car. 😁

[Chuffmonkey]

If your car is 2021 its most likely too new to be ex fleet. We used them years ago, to select private/business miles but we ended that around 2016. 

Gerg has pointed out a vary of reasons and most likely removed before sale. It certainly is aftermarket

Have you noticed any difference when the switch is on or not?

[tfc]

Misread

Edited April 26, 2023 by tfc
Misread

[flash22]

Parking sensor disable, does the led come on when pressed? tbh it's a generic switch, it could do anything

[Dala]

Radar detector? 

[TonyHSD]

LPG conversion., just kidding 😂

But I have seen Prius gen 3 on lpg for real. These would be cheaper to run  than evs on night tariffs 

[Trish Hall]

Thank you so much, Gerg.  You’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what it is. I’ve had to have a steering adaptation/remote control fitted and that appears to be the switch for it. Pity the installers didn’t see fit to tell me anything about it!  They must have left it switched on and it wasn’t till I went out at night that I noticed it lit up. I’ve tried switching it off today and the remote controls stop working. 
Mystery solved. Thank you 😊 

[Lee Collings]

So what exactly does it do Trish? I'm interested to know what this remote control steering does!

[flash22]

There are any number of adaptations and they can be extremely expensive

Just one example

https://www.ergomobility.co.uk/driving-controls/secondary-controls/

[TonyHSD]

Just checked a jdm Prius over the weekend and it had the exact same button at the same place. It was for rear halogen light. It’s 2012 and the bulb was like factory fitted inside the rear cluster, not like older cars below the bumper. Something to bear in mind in case someone has a jdm Corolla. 

[Roy124]

I once fitted an Icelert from Findlay Irvine.  It was standard on a Rover 2000 but I got one. 

One winter the car was in its first MOT.  The braking decelerometer was just set on the floor in the passenger side. 

After the first test, the tester reached down to pick it up.  He saw this yellow flashing light.  He stopped testing as he did not know what it was.  😁

The car passed. 

Now, over 50 years later they are pretty standard.