New Owner, What's "this" button

[bls72bmw]

Team,
New and can't find anything online or in the manual even.
I have a 1998 LC100, and on the right side of the shift button there is a black button that does nothing....it goes in/out and feels like it should be some electric switch. Mine has the top piece broken off, so all I see is a white space.
It's in this picture just above the the shift lever to the right. I kinda think it may be for other trucks with some option that mine didn't have.

EDIT:
I mean the button just to the right of the P symbol, the button on the FLAT part of the panel (not on the shift lever itself). Thanks for all the replies so quick!


Also, I hit the ECT/PWR button, and it lights up well, but when I turn the ECT/PWR off, it stays backlight very dimly. I'm off to search that, but just mentioning it while I'm here.

THANKS!

 

[Mike6158]

Mine drops it out of overdrive.

 

[Riviera]

I'm a little confused. If you mean the little button below the shift button, it is overdrive on/off as Mike says above. I use that switch all the time, OD off and lift throttle slows you down a fair amount without pushing on the brakes, especially uphill.

 

[Spike555]

That small button is the overdrive off button, the transmission will not shift into 4th gear, it will effectively be a three speed transmission.
The PWR button changes the shift pattern of the transmission for a more "sporty" feel, that is best when used for towing.
The "2nd" button is for 2nd gear start, the transmission will not downshift to 1st gear, this is best for starting from a stop on icy roads or when buried in sand so as not to spin the tires.
As for the light staying dimly lit...that will get better with usage, when you turn it back off the transmission is kinda in kinda out of that mode, use that mode for a while to give it some exercise. After a month of driving like that you can turn it back off and I'm betting all with be fine.

 

[bls72bmw]

I mean the button just to the right of the P symbol, the button on the FLAT part of the panel (not on the shift lever itself). Thanks for all the replies so quick!

 

[od4x4]

It is the OH $#!T "button" for when you need to get towed and can't shift into neutral!

I believe it is also called the shift lock override. With the vehicle in park and with the brake on you can pop the cover and push the override which will allow you to put the vehicle in neutral. It's also handy for repo truck drivers!

 

[TLCJC]

That switch let's you release the shifter from Park into Neutral if you don't have a key and or can't start the truck.

Usually when the vehicle needs to be moved and towed.

There was only a small black plastic removeable hole cover on it to access the release below.

The photo you posted seems to have this cover on it?

 

[bls72bmw]

AHA!
Well, that's a stock photo I found online, that photo has the button cover, I don't have one.
Hmmmm makes me wonder if sometime that button was used by a repo man, or some other mis adventure!
Now to find a junk yard, etc that has the cover.

Thanks Fellas!

 

[Spike555]

AHA!
Well, that's a stock photo I found online, that photo has the button cover, I don't have one.
Hmmmm makes me wonder if sometime that button was used by a repo man, or some other mis adventure!
Now to find a junk yard, etc that has the cover.

Thanks Fellas!

Odds are that button was used when the brake light switch went bad. Thats the reason for that button, the shift interlock gets it's unlock signal from the brake light switch, when it goes bad you cannot shift out of park.
The cover is small and easily lost.
You'll never find a used one, buying new is like $2.