Displaying my ignorance about things Dino, but willing and eager to learn, what's the function of this button? (Visible in lower right corner of first picture, close-up detail in second) What circuitry does it enable / disable when it is pushed? Photos of a 1974 GTS taken at recent Italian car show. Cheers - DM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've seen it before in many pictures of GTS engine compartments, but never GT engine compartments. I haven't got any idea as to its purpose. Fred
I have seen this on factory original cars. I believe it to be a later model feature. I suspect it was introduced owing to ignition key failure (the ignition switch has a tendency to melt the mica insulator and fail). It likely represents a direct circuit between the solenoid and the battery. Jim S.
A new finding, thanx. That seems to make sense. Mine is a 1969 Euro so I wouldn't know. w/ smiles Jimmy
Dave, thanx for posting the question and the pics. That is my car from the Italian Gathering in Columbus a few weeks ago. You and I talked about this but I forgot to do the legwork. My car, for the rest of you, is a rather late production '74 GTS. I have wondered about this since I purchased the car 23 years ago. I, too, would appreciate any help/answers from any of you. Marc
Factory original, but not installed on all cars. The Maserati Bora had this also (I owned a Bora for 19 years) and this button is invaluable for maintenance when checking the valve lash. - Need TDC? just bump the engine with the starter button until it gets there. - Need the cam lobe opposite of the tappet? just bump the engine with the starter button. Grazie!
Dan, When she's nagging too much, I just ask her to get out of the car and press the engine start button. Then, I drive away - ejection complete and no new wiring!
My original guess was that it was some sort of a USA-spec emergency seat belt interlock override feature, or something similar along those lines, so to allow the car to be started when no one was sitting in the drivers seat (and thus would not have their seatbelt fastened). And why restrict it only to the USA spec cars, or else restrict it to only open GTS vs. closed GT cars, as has been speculated here? While I can most certainly appreciate the usefulness of this remote starter feature whilst tuning and performing other engine bay work, it nevertheless strikes me as a most unusual feature for the factory to include, apparently as a part of some sort of an option package? There certainly must be much more to the story than this does anyone have access to something like an original Owners Manual where this feature is discussed? Or else a wiring diagram schematic that shows it? However, this now provides a unique opportunity simply remove the switch from the engine bay, splice in some additional wire, bolt the switch to a spoke of your steering wheel, and paint the button bright red. Voila a modern Dino! Ha! Cheers - DM
However, this now provides a unique opportunity simply remove the switch from the engine bay, splice in some additional wire, bolt the switch to a spoke of your steering wheel, and paint the button bright red. Voila a modern Dino! Ha! Cheers - DM[/QUOTE] Next, all we'd need is a "manettino," a bunch of airbags and remote-entry key fob! How about a new name: "Dino California"?! Fred
Hey guys, this is my car. I'll do with it what I want. I kinda like the idea of the bright red button in the cockpit. Being someone who grew up with 007 the idea of either machine guns or an ejector switch does appeal to me. Actually, this sounds like a fun winter project. Try to find out what it is all about. I'll post updates as I get to them. Marc
