Mystery green "light" on dash

[baraff]

Hi - I'm sure this has been answered somewhere on this forum but danged if I can find it......
On the dash of the E450 is a small plastic "green" dome about a 1/2" in diameter. Nobody seems to know what it is or does and there is no mention of it's function in my Ford owner's "manual".
I suspect its an infrared sensor for diagnostic purposes, the tech would have a electronic diagnostic tool which when pointed at the sensor would sync with the onboard computer and download tech data without having to physically connect.
Any of you Ford techs have any insight on this? Why wouldn't Ford mention what it is in the manual?
Thanks,
-Burns

[Dadeaux]

My wifes BMW has a red dome light inverted under her rearview mirror that indicates the anti-theft system is activated.

[lllkrob]

Does your vehicle have auto-on exterior light system or auto-climate control?

[zippo]

Originally Posted by baraff

Hi - I'm sure this has been answered somewhere on this forum but danged if I can find it......
On the dash of the E450 is a small plastic "green" dome about a 1/2" in diameter. Nobody seems to know what it is or does and there is no mention of it's function in my Ford owner's "manual".
I suspect its an infrared sensor for diagnostic purposes, the tech would have a electronic diagnostic tool which when pointed at the sensor would sync with the onboard computer and download tech data without having to physically connect.
Any of you Ford techs have any insight on this? Why wouldn't Ford mention what it is in the manual?
Thanks,
-Burns

If you have the remote for the dash mounted radio on the steering wheel the green dome is the pickup for the remote signal to the radio.

[LVJ58]

You might post your question on this forum: Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source.

They may have the answer.

Good luck

[Midniteoyl]

Pictures?

[Sergeant80]

On my dash is a green light that indicates the cruise control is on. I have a Ford 350.

[baraff]

Originally Posted by zippo

If you have the remote for the dash mounted radio on the steering wheel the green dome is the pickup for the remote signal to the radio.

I never thought about the radio. I do have the steering wheel remote. The best way to check would be to cover the sensor with some black tape and try the remote. I'll test this next time I get down to the storage yard.
Thanks for the replies.

[KC1BUD]

Originally Posted by baraff

Hi - I'm sure this has been answered somewhere on this forum but danged if I can find it......
On the dash of the E450 is a small plastic "green" dome about a 1/2" in diameter. Nobody seems to know what it is or does and there is no mention of it's function in my Ford owner's "manual".
I suspect its an infrared sensor for diagnostic purposes, the tech would have a electronic diagnostic tool which when pointed at the sensor would sync with the onboard computer and download tech data without having to physically connect.
Any of you Ford techs have any insight on this? Why wouldn't Ford mention what it is in the manual?
Thanks,
-Burns

It is basically an electric eye so the vehicle knows when there is a low light situation and turns the headlights on. I have had several cars with the option.
I was fiddling with it on one car, caused it to drop out of the dash and needed them to re-attach it. It just bayonets onto the dash but I'll be darn if I could get mine to connect back. The didn't charge me for it.

[KC1BUD]

Originally Posted by baraff

I never thought about the radio. I do have the steering wheel remote. The best way to check would be to cover the sensor with some black tape and try the remote. I'll test this next time I get down to the storage yard.
Thanks for the replies.

I know that it isn't for the steering wheel, because I have had cars without the radio remote on the steering wheel but I still had the little dome.