Odd mystery switch/socket under dash | FerrariChat
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Odd mystery switch/socket under dash

Discussion in '308/328' started by s219, May 8, 2025.

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  1. s219

    s219 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2021
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    #1 s219, May 8, 2025
    I happened to notice this on my 328 the other day when looking under the dash. Best guess is maybe it's remnants of an old aftermarket kill switch or anti-theft system, but I am curious if anyone recognizes it or knows the brand. It is an aluminum barrel and on the inside I can see a copper contact in the center. On the backside of the switch, there is a black wire attached to the aluminum barrel, and two blue/red-stripe wires going to the center contact. The wires went into the dash but I couldn't see beyond that.

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  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #2 Rifledriver, May 8, 2025
    The answer is n the top secret document known as the "owners manual". It is the socket for the emergency light.
     
    Andy 308GTB, 87we410877, eurocarguy101 and 2 others like this.
  3. bitsobrits

    bitsobrits Formula Junior
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    #3 bitsobrits, May 8, 2025
    Believe it's a socket for the factory accessory trouble light.
     
  4. 330gt

    330gt Formula 3

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    #4 330gt, May 9, 2025
  5. Sigmacars

    Sigmacars Formula 3
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    #5 Sigmacars, May 9, 2025
    Agree it is for the emergency light in your tool kit
     
  6. s219

    s219 Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2021
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    #6 s219, May 9, 2025
    Wow, interesting, thanks! All this time I thought that light had a cigarette lighter plug on the end of the wire -- guess I need to look closer.
     
  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Steve Magnusson, May 9, 2025
    It's some sort of DIN standard power plug, IIRC -- also used on some BMW motorcycles, IIRC.
     
  8. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #8 moysiuan, May 9, 2025
    It is called a Hella type plug. You can get adapters on Amazon, to convert to a USB to charge your phone, some even have a small voltmeter to monitor your battery. But otherwise as noted the emergency light that came with the car would have had that Hella type plug connector that fits into the socket.
     
  9. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #9 Alden, May 12, 2025
    Bottom is the Hella type plug, circled, top is the cigarette lighter type.
    I have both listed in the for sale section if anyone needs one.
    Alden
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  10. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

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    #10 maurice70, May 13, 2025
    That's what I did and it charges my phone
     
  11. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, May 13, 2025
    I didn't know there were adapters like this available for that socket style. Thanks for the tip.
     

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