Does anyone know what the strange pull switch does. It looks like its Air condition/heater related but as far as I can tell, it doesn't do anything. Also the 4 buttons under the radio I think are:

(from left to right)

1. Fog Light-- which I don't have fogs light....:S
2. ????
3. Harzards obviously
4. Rear defrost.

 

I think you are on the right track with the pull switch. Looks like an air temperature control method. Pull on way for more heat (red arrow) pull the other way for less heat (blue arrow).

 

The pull is for your heater temp control. The second switch is a brake light test switch.....if it works...when you push it, your brake lights should come on.

 

Yep that's the heater switch... Pulling it out closes a diverter under the bonnet that directs hot water from the radiator/cooling system to the smaller radiator inside the cabin. You can use it just fine without even switching on the fan - I usually just run mine without the loud electric fan as the heat radiating from the footwell is generally enough to keep you warm in anything but bitter cold.

If you don't have one already I suggest getting a Haynes manual ASAP - it will explain all the stuff and (more importantly) how it all works and how to repair or adjust it.

 

So .... a couple of points to note

If that heater **** is like all the others.... do NOT twist it...all you will do is disconnect it.

Curiously pulling OUT means the water flow is OFF and the heat is OFF....

It would appear your Mini is a very late one and the Haynes info is a bit limited . . . better than nothing, but limited. For example I could not verify that your heater control works the same as my 79.

Do you know what year your Mini is? Do you have an owner's manual?

my 4 switches (a 79) headlights/brake test/rear windscreen heater/4way hazard & I've seen 'em in every different position in the panel.

 

Thanks for the info. Seeing as I'm in Japan and it's hotter than hell here I won't be pulling this switch out too often if any at all.

And no I dint have an owners manual. It's a 96 mini. I'll look for this manual. Seems like a good thing to have plus I prefer to do my own maintenance on the car if it's simple enough. I'm still trying to locate where the dang oil filter is so I can figure out what kind it is.

 

the oil filter is located behind the grill underneath the alternator

 

Definitely something a Haynes book can help you with...

 

You may want to remove the grill to get to the filter. I find it is easier that way.

 

Or go from underneath... I just put the car on ramps and slide under - it's actually easier to get to from below IMHO (the spin-on ones, anyway, which his should be).

 

On my '93 the **** is pulled out for heat, someone might of disconnected yours at the valve at the engine if you notice no change, mine is a bit stubborn and to get it to competely shut off I have to pop the bonnet and push the lever on the valve a little. I noticed your A/C temp wheel is showing blue, when mine is in the same position the compressor is engaged, maybe '96 is different ?, or is it warm there now ?. there are lot's of Mini shops in Japan that can answer any questions and they stock anything you might need. Manuel

 

My '73 is push in to heat - out for less heat.

 

The reason that the heater control is IN/Heat On and OUT/Heat Off is that the car was designed in England, where the normal IN/Heat On position would be the most used. It was a good place to hang my hat in South Carolina since it was always in the OUT position.

 

Huh... My car came from the UK, and it's OUT for heat and IN to cancel. There's even a little diagram on my lever, showing a red arrow (heat) in the out position, and a blue arrow (cool) when pushed in. Sounds like someone flipped the valve operation in yours, Riley.

 

From Driver's Handbook aka Owners Manual for 1976 thru 1980 850 and 1000:

of heat is available when the **** is pushed fully in.

...

With the control pulled fully out, fresh air at outside air temperature will enter
the interior when the car is in motion or if the blower unit controlled by the
switch is operated.

page 20

 

Right. In for heat, out for not heat. Maybe the later cars were switched, but I can't verify it.