Little switch behind ignition

[mcbainia]

Morning Folks,

Can anyone tell me what this switch does ? I have no idea !!!

Forgive the inaccuracy of my wife's pointing - she should be pointing about 4inches to her left....

http://gallery.me.com/mcbainia#100392/D ... olor=black

[A Green Goddess]

Thats where my front foglight switch is. Happy pointing.

[mikexgough]

could be rear fog light as required in the UK.... turn your lights on....switch the switch and go to the rear of Bongo.... then turn off the switch return to the rear..... there might be a difference....... if that isn't it..... then better start fiddling about...

[jaylee]

Hi Mcbainia,

I've just been looking at yer other pictures in the slide show (& yer avatar.) & see NO after market rear fog from the pictures i see of the back of your Bongo...?? Unless they used one of the reverse lights rewired with a red bulb?

BUT, i have noticed some front mini spot/fogs on the front of that lovely beast of yours.
http://gallery.me.com/mcbainia/100392/D ... 1672270001
(Either side where the numberplate should be...)
I wager it's for them..

Just to add, They could be wired to come on with the main beam? (I put a set in the bumper gap above where i see yours & used a factory switch as an isolator.) The switch you highlighted might only be operative then..?

[mcbainia]

Aye,

I did notice those myself. They would appear to be linked to another switch about 3 inches to the left of the wing-mirror controls. There is a switch that is stuck to the dash which has a cable that runs through into the engine bay and down to the ball things either side if the number plate....What that does is another issue !! It looks like some sort of Jap Bling that i'm sure has been retro-fitted to the van. The round switch that i'lm on about looks like it is part of the fabric of the dash.

By the way, how do you attach a photo to this thread rather than a link to one ? Am i missing something simple ?

[mikexgough]

to insert a picture...... they should be sized 640 x 480 max..... then using IMG under the message title....you get appear and then you insert between the [img] markers ....the web address that the photo is located...if that makes sense....


l

[Scott]

Looking at the image, the front fog light switch is on the top row next to the coin holder, the rear foglight switch looks like a 20mm round switch in the grey panel (a lot use illuminated switches, but some don't), I think the other might be the 'winter' switch but not sure tbh

[westonwarrior]

Its a round rocker switch whitch I have seen fitted a few times once when parking sensors are fitted front and back and it isolates the fronts, but you don't have them, so not that.

I have also seen it used as a mod for the head lights so they go out when stationary/ low revs but come back on when moving.

But is probably a rear fog light I think I can make out a dangly on the fotosbut if its a new import it may not be fitted yet

I also noticed that the coolant is low get that bled and topped up as part of the pre delivery service

[mikexgough]

I also noticed that the coolant is low get that bled and topped up as part of the pre delivery service

I would have it flushed, new Thermostat and coolant changed for a decent G12+ coolant...... be a good start for you as a new owner

[Doone]

I also noticed that the coolant is low get that bled and topped up as part of the pre delivery service

I would have it flushed, new Thermostat and coolant changed for a decent G12+ coolant...... be a good start for you as a new owner

As has been said, the coolant level looks low, but you may have fixed that by now.

But if not (from looking at the photo) I would give some attention to the cooling system, at least get it flushed, the coolant changed and a new thermostat fitted.

[mcbainia]

Coolant ?!

Is that the tank on the top right, behind where the LB will go ? I have told the garage that the coolant is low but i'll not hold my breath for them fixing it - in which case, I take it it's something that I can do myself ? Just topping it up ? I take it it's engine coolant (can you tell I'm new)....if so, any recomeneded brands/places to buy ?

Is fitting a new thermostat a cheap job ? I have to say, I'd rather get the thing from the dealer that i'm buying it from and have these little things looked at by my local mechanic who will be honest and fair - the dealer has my money and has the sale so I would doubt he'll be putting all of his heart into the thing....

[Doone]

Yes that's the tank.
There are factsheets about coolant, bleeding the system and (I think) thermostats, in the members area... LINK TO MEMBERS AREA.

I wonder why the coolant is low? It may have a perfectly reasonable explanation.
I'm careful about these things, to try to avoid future problems. So if it was mine, I would also check for leaks because if there is one, it could overheat when driven. Or there might be air in the cooling system. Both of these will need immediate attention. Or all could be well, I don't want to worry you.

Apart from things wearing out, most problems in the cooling system are (in my opinion) aggravated by lack of maintenance. A new thermostat is 'belts and braces' as is checking that the radiator is OK. These are sensible checks for anyone buying a Bongo.

Which coolant you buy depends on what's already in there, and whether you're just topping it up or flushing before adding it. There's been a lot of discussion about coolant recently on the forum, much too much for me to type. Someone else will able to advise or you can use the 'search' to have a look.

[missfixit70]

Got to agree with Doone, personally I'd want to know why the coolant was low, it's gone somewhere & it shouldn't, it may just be a leak, but it may be something more serious, unless you know what coolant is in there, it's not advisable to mix coolants, as it can cause major problems, I'd want it pressure tested to check for leaks, check the coolant for exhaust gasses (not conclusive but may point to a head/gasket problem), then I'd want it drained, chemical flushed, & new stat fitted unless it's been proven to have been changed in the last year (preferably with a Mazda/Tama genuine part) & bled PROPERLY by someone who knows what they're doing with bongos.

At the very least I'd get it topped up with water & check it's bled properly - factsheet in the members area.

Bet you're glad you asked about that switch now

[jaylee]

Aye,

I did notice those myself. They would appear to be linked to another switch about 3 inches to the left of the wing-mirror controls. There is a switch that is stuck to the dash which has a cable that runs through into the engine bay and down to the ball things either side if the number plate....What that does is another issue !! It looks like some sort of Jap Bling that i'm sure has been retro-fitted to the van. The round switch that i'lm on about looks like it is part of the fabric of the dash.

By the way, how do you attach a photo to this thread rather than a link to one ? Am i missing something simple ?

Is that the cable for it (what looks like) running under the dark top part of the dash & along the side of the dash end caps (with the quarter-light vent in) ??
http://gallery.me.com/mcbainia/100392/D ... 1672080001

The vehicle looks tidy though

[mcbainia]

Bl**dy switch ! !

I should have just ignored it !!! Only joking - thanks for the advice folks - I have mentioned it to the garage and they will have a look at the problem for me. If it proves to be a problem after I take it away then they will fix it under their warranty....I could be worrying about nothing - these guys import and sell Bongo's all the time so I'm sure they will sort any issues before they release it - i'm perhaps not giving them enough credit (I find it really hard to give any used car salesman any credit...)

Jaylee - Yes, that is the cable for the 2 ball things at the front either side of the number plate.