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Topic: Cold Start Button and Camera Switch? (Read 822 times) previous topic - next topic

Cold Start Button and Camera Switch?

For you current or former older Grand Villa owners.  So I have two items on my dash that I'm not exactly sure what they're function is or when to use?

1. "Camera" switch - Does anyone know what this does?  I'm guessing it may be some sort of switch to defog or heat the camera bay in back?  On my 89 GV, I can switch between the tank levels and camera through the switch on the monitor.  The "Camera" switch I'm referring to does not seem to do anything to the image or turn the camera on/off so is my assumption correct?  When switched on or off, there is no indicator on the dash that it is doing anything, etc.

2. "Cold Start" button - I'm assuming this may pre-heat glow plugs or something in cold weather?  I can't really find any documentation on what exactly it does or when I would use it.  When I push it, there aren't any lights that come on to indicate anything is happening, etc.  No clue how long you would hold it down in order for it to do its function, whatever it is?
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: Cold Start Button and Camera Switch?

Reply #1
Benji, That cold start button will activate a canister of ETHER to help start in cold weather.  On my 85 ORED I never even put a new canister in and yours may be missing.  Look around the engine area you could see a canister that looks about the size of a small propane cylinder.  Unless you are going to be operating in below zero weather I would not worry about it.
Gary B

Re: Cold Start Button and Camera Switch?

Reply #2
Gary is right on, also the 3208 Cat is the easiest starting engine, diesel or gasoline that I have ever came across.
Never had any issues needing either on one.  It is nearly impossible to turn it over without it starting.  Of course if it is in proper order. If it is even slightly hard to start, it needs attention.
FWIW

Re: Cold Start Button and Camera Switch?

Reply #3
Someone must have replaced the monitor.  Mine used to be stock.  One of the two switches turns the monitor on and off.  The other toggles between tank levels and camera.  After changing out my monitor, I had to switch between the two from the monitor also.  I hated it.  On the back of my monitor I had two wires that were for switching to camera on reverse gear select.  I removed the dash switch that toggles between the two and taped it up so that it couldn't switch or short out and stuck it behind the dash, then I bought a new switch from the auto parts store that fits the hole.  I hooked those wires from the monitor to it and now I can switch back and forth between views from the dash again. 
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Cold Start Button and Camera Switch?

Reply #4
Someone must have replaced the monitor.  Mine used to be stock.  One of the two switches turns the monitor on and off.  The other toggles between tank levels and camera.  After changing out my monitor, I had to switch between the two from the monitor also.  I hated it.  On the back of my monitor I had two wires that were for switching to camera on reverse gear select.  I removed the dash switch that toggles between the two and taped it up so that it couldn't switch or short out and stuck it behind the dash, then I bought a new switch from the auto parts store that fits the hole.  I hooked those wires from the monitor to it and now I can switch back and forth between views from the dash again.

Dwayne, the monitor and all its switches are still there.  I can toggle back and forth between tank levels, camera, etc.  The switch I'm referring to is at the bottom of the dash on the left side of the steering column.  Still don't know what it is or its function.
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: Cold Start Button and Camera Switch?

Reply #5
Posted by: Benjie Zeller:  "The switch I'm referring to is at the bottom of the dash on the left side of the steering column.  Still don't know what it is or its function."


It might be a switch for ether spray starting in sub zero temperatures.  Don't use it.  You want to be very careful with that stuff!!!  Does it say "Cold Start"?  The ether canister may, or may not, be there.  It would be located somewhere near, or in, the engine compartment.  Probably at the rear by the radiator.  It is usually in a convenient place so it can be replaced.
1994 U225
build #4514