The wiring diagram has a panel light switch on it but doesn't show where it goes. I found a disconnected switch at the lower edge of my instrument panel (BN7) and guess that this is the switch. At first I thought it an aftermarket item, but then I saw a picture of it in John Loftus's restoration photo album. I have removed mine and thrown it away before I knew what it was. What is it's function?? to turn off the panel lights?? Why would you want to do that?

Hi Tim,
That switch does serve a strange purpose in regards to todays cars. As wired from the factory, the dash lights do not go on when you switch on the main lights (running and headlights). If you keep the switch out of the car, you'll need to splice the panel light wire in with the red output wire from the main light switch.

That was already done so I guess I'm good to go. Thanks, Greg, for the clarification

Keoke, I know you don't suffer fools, but in my defense, the switch was not connected to anything, it looked like a cheap switch from Radio Shack and I thought it may have been related to a long-gone radio.

If the switch was from Radio Shack, you did the best thing by pitching it.

I've always wondered why the panel light switch was an off-on and not a dimmer type like most cars have had for years. This past fall, I toured though parts of England and in many small villages the roads are not wide enough to park the cars completely clear of the road. Two wheels would be on the sidewalk and the other two on the roadway. At night, many of the parked cars had their side lights on to help drivers see the parked car.
Based on that practice, I wonder if the panel switch was there to allow the panel lights to be shut off during the time the car was parked and thereby saving some battery.
Rob

BINGO !! ROB,you be spot on correct. Actually it is a law and exists in the UK also. To further reduce battery load when parked small after market lamps are added to the cars. My Daimler has one mounted on the "B" post operated by an added under dash switch. -Keoke-

On futher reflection, the small lights on cars are often referred to as parking lights. I had a 68 Mercedes with a light switch that would allow you to turn on either the right or left parking light. I'm guessing that way you could only illuminate the side of the car that was closest to the traffic saving more energy. That would be very German, i.e. very precise.

Yes my mercedes has that capability too.--Keoke

Participating in this forum is like going to Healey University. I learn something every day. Thanks, all, for sharing your wealth of info.