Hello All,
I'm new to my 88 convertible non-turbo and, unfortunately, I don't have an owner's manual so I'm just figuring out most of the controls by guesswork. But I don't know the functionality of this toggle switch on the bottom of the steering column. Next to it is a small red momentary push button switch.
Unfortunately, I'm guessing they are not stock so it could be anything installed by the previous owner. But, on the outside chance this came with the car, possibly someone could clue me in. I don't see anything else like alarms, amps, etc. that are obvious.

 

Not stock.

 

Follow the wires.
it could be anything from a Fuel cut switch to Momentary Brake light switch.(Ricers use them when being follwed,they tap that switch,and it looks like the Brakes are ON,but in reality the guy is Stomping on the gas!..Stupid but effective).

 

Thanks, I can check that easy enough. I know the tracing of the wiring is not too difficult although it just means another "small" project of which I have several at this point.

 

another small project is just the tip of an Iceberg with these cars.You start off sayin "oh ya,I am gonna keep it stock"..but you really mean that you are gonna spend every cent that you have just trying to have it look like somone elses on Forum,But Better!.
Trust me,a wire "hunt'.. right now,That is the least of your problem!..Good luck~..haha!.Cheers STYX!~

 

Actually, a wire hunt is an excellent place for him to start, especially a trivial one like this.

Depending on what the mystery switches do, the OP might get a chance to range widely over the interior, getting a good idea what's what in the process.

At the very least he might get an idea of the previous owner's level of expertise and care.

At the very best, he might find a hidden flux capacitor.

 

You guys are funny, lol. I might not be quite as susceptible to the draw of increased power, bling, etc. etc. I'm 48 years old, retired software/electrical/thermodynamic engineer. I've done my share of "drifting" in the form of desert racing (1972), motocross racing, Yoshimura 900, GSX-1100 (1988-92) road bikes, very fast BMW's (when I hadn't lost my license yet, ha ha), and more! I really like the idea of a stock car at this point. May be boring to most, but when I find one that's sat for 9 or so years and just needs some "smarts" and a little (maybe more) money to get it revived, I almost can't resist. I also have a 1985 BMW 635Csi Germany-imported 5-speed (absolutely stock), 2 owner, originally doctor owned and absolutely maintained...maintenance records like it was his patient...too funny!
Having said all that...(uuughhh), it could be possible that THIS car could awaken the "mid-life" crisis (possibly dormant in me), and I will succumb to the need for speed! But, for now, I'm going to enjoy the engineering aspects of the beautiful simplicity of the rotary engine..."it just sounds right"...(even if permanently attached to the quirks of flooding, non-start, etc., etc.). Looking forward to it.
Thanks for the advice, Jeff

 

I used to install those on FCs I sold for a fuel cut, this way if the new owner experienced a no-start condition they would not flood out the car.
If it runs to a yellow connector under the column that is what it is for.

 

Here's another bit of advice for you Jeff...
Flooding and non-starting are not "quirks" permanently attached to the rotary design, they are signs of a sick engine.
Ultra low compression, leaky injectors, bad seals...fix 'em and those "quirks" disappear.
A Honda with the same issues would behave the exact same way.

Enjoy the engineering and beautiful simplicity (have you looked at the vacuum lines yet?) but don't romanticize it...the rotary is just an engine.

 

Start the engine. Flip the switch and see if the car keeps running. IF it does, its not a fuel cut switch (jury rig for leaking injectors/low compression engine as stated above in another post)

Turn the A/C on til its cold. Flip the switch. Does the compressor cut off/on when the switch is flipped?( Jury rig for someone who can't follow the wiring diagrams to fix a non functioning a/c system).

Or maybe it's some starter related item, what with the button to go with the switch (jury rig for not being able to figure out how the starter works).

Or just flip the switch and see if there's anything out of the norm.

Or....as said, follow the wires to their end points to determine what the deal is. Wiring diagrams are online and free in the FAQ thread at the top of the page.

 

48 years old eh Jeff?...(same here)..If you don't have grey hair yet,you will..SOON!..
I looked 17 until I got the car..now I look 90!..(and if you do find a Flux capacitor,then Flip that switch!!..,go 88 mph and Go back to when you were actually 17 and hump everything that moves!..haha!..oh and buy a Buick,they had Big back seats!).

 

its not always a hlaf *** rig for a low compression motor, sometimes when the car sits or you shut off before it warms up it can get a no-start condition.

Heck even the RX8s have the same problem.

It was always easier for me to install the switch then get the phone call from someone when the car did not start or hear later that they had the car towed and some mechanic had no idea what he was doing with the car.

 

I can only say thank you all for clueing me in! ...no sarcasm. Hopefully, I won't look any older than my 86 year old grandfather before he passed away, and I would rather be in this car, stalled at a light than in a civic even if the flooding/no start is not indicative of the rotary (BTW only what I'm reading...nothing I've encountered), I will look for the yellow connector and yes I am replacing every hardened vacuum hose, cracking fuel line, stuck auxilliary port valve, bad fuel filter, frozen fuel pump, etc. etc. until this car goes aaaahhhhh. It's a perfect place to be a rotary newbe!

 

That brake thing is funny, i never heard of that done before.

And i have to agree with robxx7 about rx8's having starting problems. I had to help a fellow who just bought a rx8 with 25k. He started it and moved it out the drive way while cold then it wouldnt start again. They called me because i understand these engines.