LHD Under-dash Switch Identification

[OldAndInTheWay]

I am helping a friend restore a basket case LHD, Airflow, USA spec car and we are having trouble figuring out some of the wiring. We have the original wiring loom, (in a box), but there are several areas of melted wires, and various splices made to the original loom. We now have a new Autosparks loom, but still have a question about the identity of a switch. The picture below is from John, (forum member JohninCM), from a 2017 discussion, “LHD / RHD DIFFERENCES". We have holes under the dash that match the positions on John’s dash, (i.e. the odometer reset, panel light switch, and the mystery switch). What is the function of the switch to the left of the panel light switch? Thank you. Laurn (BTW my first post).

 

[Keith Halstead]

I can only comment on RHD but I would say that is an aftermarket addition as a RHD has only the dash light & the trip reset cable.

 

[OldAndInTheWay]

Ok. Thank you Keith. I noticed on the Cortina GT (Oct 64 to Oct 66) wiring diagram that there are switches for a (I assume optional) “Pass Lamp” and “Long Range Lamp”, but no indication of optional lamps on this car. I would have PM’d John, but it looks like I do not have the privilege to send a PM.

 

[JohninCM]

Apologies for the late reply.

Candidly very little of the electrics in the dash work on my LC and sorting those issues out are lower on my list of priorities.

It looks like the switch next to the instrument light switch is for the reverse lamp. I'm guessing at that since the reverse lamp does not light up when the switch is activated and I haven't taken the time to diagnose the issue. Taking a look under the dash as best as I can it does look like the switch and wiring might have been installed after leaving the UK factory. Could be port or dealer/repair shop installed? Possibly installed by Lotus after assembling the car in preparation for north American delivery?

Hopefully the posted photos will help?

 

[Keith Halstead]

Looks highly probable that it was a DIY job and has only one wire instead of two so won't work.