Unknown red button

[extramad Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close extramad]

hi

i am a new kid on the block !

i have just become the proud owner of a 1996 5 door 3 litre auto prado [ 95 series?]

so excuse me but i am still finding my way around . i think i have now sussed most things but two elude me

on the auto gear box console [ the vehicle is rhd ] there is a red button - immediately in line with the gear lever when its in park . the button has red japanese hieroglyphics on it and more hieroglyphics below i on the black console . no matter what i do i cannot see its function . any ideas .Also i do not seem to have a rear differential lock switch -= mentioned in many places on the forum - am i missing something . Or is the red switch the answer ?


Brian

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: UNKNOWN RED BUTTON

The three door version is a 95 series just as the trhee door 120 and three door 150 are 125 and 155 series.

I will hazard a guess that the red button is the Overdrive button that was on autos around that time. On the Transmission how many forward gears can you select? I would guess there is only three but it is a four speed gear box with fourth available via overdrive?

Are you sure there vehcile has a lockable rear diff? I can see from your profile (but you will need to update this) that you are in the UK but was it a UK build? Not all have the lockable diff. It was not standard here in Australia so the chances are you don't have one and probably most people are talking about an aftermarket diff anyway from ARB, TJM, etc...

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: UNKNOWN RED BUTTON

The "Don't Panic" button??? :shock: :lol: :lol:


Also see existing thread: What is this??

[damonat Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close damonat]

Re: UNKNOWN RED BUTTON

my guess is an interlock button.
with the key out of the ignition, does the selector move into reverse/drive.
the interlock allows you to press the red button and move selector,
like if you are broken down, and the vehicle requires a tow.
can you update your location, in ya profile

[dhula Member Find all posts View Profile Close dhula]

Re: UNKNOWN RED BUTTON

SWB (3 door) = 90 series. LWB (5 door) = 95 series

Red button most probably interlock button so you can move the gear lever from park without the need to have your foot on the brake

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: UNKNOWN RED BUTTON

SWB (3 door) = 90 series. LWB (5 door) = 95 series

Opps, I got that one mixed up. Momentarily forgot that the 90 series number is different to 120 and 150.

[Derb Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Derb]

Re: Unknown red button

Hi Extramad. Yeah it is a transmission interlock button. Allows you to move the auto out of park without foot on footbrake (so as to allow moving around a workshop or similar situation with battery disconnected). Handy for lining up grease nipples on driveshaft so as to allow greasegun to work - just nudge into "N" and rock back and forward. Cheers, Derb.