what the F?

[jA40]

Since acquiring my 1.5 earlier this year, the main focus has been 'metalwork' -
enough said!

For a change of theme on Sunday I decided to investigate the interior 'nitty-gritty'

Does someone know what the 'F' button is for? (just left of ignition switch)
In the workshop manual, it's the only item on the dashboard illustration without an explanation.

[rileyrob]

It's for the optional fitting of a Fog light I believe.

[kiwimc]

Yep, should be for fog lights.  First pull click for near-side, 5 minutes turn to clockwise then 2nd pull for off-side.  There are wires (with a single empty rubber connector in each wing) already there to the front of the car. 

None of the wiring diagrams in my owner's handbook, factory workshop manual or Olyslager shows the circuit.

The Wolseley 1500s don't have this switch (big 6/90 does, and with the lights as standard).

[kiwimc]

...not sure why my above post ended up in italics and with a sentence missing even after correcting it a 2nd time in 'edit'.

I can't actually register a voltage in the blank plugs on my car, but I can't think what else they are for (and my car was previously owned by an auto electrician  .)

[jA40]

Thanks for your comments. When I first saw your reply (Rob) my thought was --

WHAT?  - Had fog lights actually been invented in 1961?!!  

Only by reading further, I realised you were referring to front fog lights......
Yes. -  They probably were a preferred requirement in those days to penetrate the smog that still abounded from
the 50's!

My 'F' switch has 2 (retro) wires in place that join up with the wiring loom, just above the radio speaker.
Goodness knows what for?  There is no evidence of (front) fog lights ever being fitted. More investigation now reqd!

Another mystery  -  the wires to a sensor on the gearbox, adjacent to the gear lever!
Was there ever a reversing light offered as an option? What else would they be for?

In the meantime    --    I'll just  'carry on welding' (eat your heart out, Sid James, Hattie Jaques et al)

[kiwimc]

Have you found an empty bullet connector in each wing (next to the bundle that heads to each side- and headlight)?

[rileyrob]

All Riley 1.5s had a reversing light as standard built into the chrome boot plinth hence the wires by the gearbox you mentioned.

[jA40]

Quite correct Rob. I'd failed to notice the light in the boot plinth. Maybe due for a visit to specsavers!

To be fair - most of my attention has been focused at the front & underneath.

Regarding the fog lights - yes, there are a couple of 'spare' bullet connectors adjacent to the headlight
connectors.

Problem solved. Thanks to you both.

[canuck]

Jeff,
Be aware that the circuit for these RH/LH driving lamps is only live when the main lighting switch is in the ON position.




FWIW you may consider to install relays while you are at it.  I made up some sympathetic 'plug n play' kits for other Riley chaps also.




I installed relays for the headlamps, (high & dip beam) and for a Lucas LR 6/9 driving lamp. Nicely tucked away so inconspicuous by their presence .  




These relay install  takes an enormous amount of heat away from the lighting switches. 

Bruce

[jA40]

Thanks Bruce, I've built several rally cars over the years so am aware of the value of relays. Cheers, Jeff

[canuck]

Oh and BMC being who they are/were picked items from the parts bin for our populace vehicle. But apparently not just any bin.

The reverse light on our cars mentioned above is shared with other 'quality' vehicles. We Riley one-point-five owners are a 'breed' are we not?   

My Jaguar XK120




Cool 


Bruce

[kiwimc]

Oct 22, 2020 20:10:19 GMT canuck said:

Be aware that the circuit for these RH/LH driving lamps is only live when the main lighting switch is in the ON position.




Thanks Bruce.  This tip will save me some investigation time