Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: FreightCreat on July 17, 2024, 08:17:01 pm

Title: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: FreightCreat on July 17, 2024, 08:17:01 pm
Hello,
I am trying to figure out what these switches are for under the mirror switch. I believe one is for heated mirrors. The one is a fan but I don't know what it turns on. My only guess for the middle button would be an ether switch.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on July 17, 2024, 08:59:24 pm
Docking lights?
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: FreightCreat on July 17, 2024, 09:12:59 pm
It is a momentary switch if that helps.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: kgrover on July 17, 2024, 09:50:48 pm
Engine override would be my guess. It disables the engine shut down for low coolant while you hold it so you can get the coach moved off the road if needed.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 17, 2024, 09:53:52 pm
Our 1993 U280 came with factory installed ether injection (long gone now).  The activation switch is a black momentary rocker.  No red insert.  I've not seen a switch like the one in your photo, so purpose is a mystery to me.

Our coach has a "FANS" rocker switch that controls an air circulation fan located in the header up above the windshields.  The fan has 2 speeds and blows air out of vents above the driver and passenger seats.

Photo of our switch panel.  The BATTERY switch is one that I added - the rest are original.

Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: kgrover on July 18, 2024, 05:31:46 am
Ether injection would make sense too from that icon. It was used as a cold start assist.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: Dave Larsen on July 18, 2024, 09:51:50 am
Ether injection would make sense too from that icon. It was used as a cold start assist.
I think this is probably correct.  I'm guessing that the switch is upside down for whatever reason.  The symbol makes more sense when flipped.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 18, 2024, 11:50:38 am
If the coach was originally equipped with ether injection, and if the hardware is still present in the engine compartment, then the links below will illustrate what to look for.  Basically a metal cylinder containing liquid ether, about the size of a standard disposable propane cylinder, that is screwed into a base that contains an electric valve.  Small diameter tubing runs from the base to a fitting somewhere on the intake side of the engine.

When you depress the switch on the dash, if certain conditions are met (varies with engine control system) then a calibrated amount of ether is injected into the engine.

Propane warning beeping (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=35601.msg333722#msg333722)

Ether system (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=33118.0)

You might be surprised at the asking price for a refill cylinder!  :o

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/zerostart/oil--chemicals---fluids/maintenance-chemicals/fuel-system-chemicals/starting-fluid/4a677457b383/zerostart-diesel-ether-injector-cylinder/zro0/8200327/v/a/146569/automotive-car-2019-chevrolet-bolt-ev?3


Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: FreightCreat on July 19, 2024, 04:22:57 pm
I was reading the owner's manual and it says that our model was not equipped with ether. It also says that if it had ether it would be a different switch on the dash. We do have the ether switch on the dash but it is just unmarked.

Also, it was mentioned by Chuck & Jeannie that their "coach has a "FANS" rocker switch that controls an air circulation fan located in the header up above the windshields." our coach has this switch as well and it is located on the dash near the unused ether switch.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: kgrover on July 19, 2024, 07:23:41 pm
are the wires that are connected to it labeled anything?
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: Dave Larsen on July 19, 2024, 07:53:26 pm
The switch may have been changed or added at some point.  I still say if flipped around it looks like an engine symbol with something spraying or shining down from the top right. Maybe even a clockwise arrow in the engine symbol?
I took a screenshot of the OP's Pic and flipped it.
Title: Re: What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome
Post by: rbark on July 20, 2024, 01:59:39 pm
Possibly an eng pre heat?