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Mystery Box

October 08, 2010, 08:47:32 pm

I removed the panel holding the rocker switches and transmission control in order to alter the wiring to the Aux Lights switch. In the compartment I found this mystery box. It had been attached with adhesive backed velcro. There is a flat cable that disappears into the depths of the compartment. It has an "Up" arrow and a push button on the side.

Because it was attached with the adhesive backed velcro, I suspect that it was something the previous owner installed. However, I thought someone might recognize it. Any ideas?

I plan to put the auxiliary lights to a wire that is hot when the key is on, instead of a wire that is hot when the headlights are on. That will allow me to use the auxiliary lights as daytime running lights without having to light up the headlamps and all of the markers.

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Re: Mystery Box

Reply #1 – October 08, 2010, 09:01:37 pm

JD, not a clue, but you will find many mystrey boxes around the coach would be my guess.  I am still finding things after 3 years of snooping.
Maybe possible, if you have a built in compus, maybe the sensor, my 01 320 has a remote compus somewhere, displays on LCD rear view when switched to that position.
Best I can say is enjoy and keep snooping.

Dave

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Re: Mystery Box

Reply #2 – October 09, 2010, 12:56:24 am

Your Mystery Box looks similar to reset switches I have seen in the past for a theft deterrent systems with motion sensors and an ignition cutoff. Some fancy schmansy radios like the Pioneer XTR system came with theft deterrent. The flat wire looks like a phone type plug. Check the connections to the dash entertainment system or if you have a theft deterrent system for a similar wire and plug.

If you find out for sure, let us know.

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Re: Mystery Box

Reply #3 – October 09, 2010, 08:55:53 am

I solved the mystery of the little black box last night.

I followed the wire to a compass/thermometer installed under the the FM/AM radio to the right of the driver's position. When I turned the box, the compass heading changed. I found the owner's manual for the "New Directions Digital Electronic Compass with Indoor & Outdoor Thermometer." The button on the mystery box is to "help determine, in advance, if a proposed location for the magnetic sensor falls within he compensation range of the overall system."

I plan to use fresh adhesive to secure the device in place. I'll then need to recalibrate the system. Fortunately the manual describes the calibration sequence. It includes an arcane sequence of buttons to be held while turning the unit on. Then we have to point the coach to the four primary compass directions and press to proper buttons on the compass console. Today will include a trip to the high school stadium parking lot where there is room to move the coach to the four primary compass directions.

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