Lever on steering column

Bram TR

Bram TR

Member
Hi,

I couldn't feel more stupid, but I can't seem to track down the function of the smaller lever on the right side of the steering column. On the left, I have the indicator lever and the headlamp lever - it is a P5 3 Ltr Auto from 1964. Can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks!
Bram
 
From memory on my P5 many years ago it dipped the main beam along with a button in the foot well......I may be wrong but I seem to remember that....
 
Your post confused me at first as the indicator/headlamp flash lever and headlamp lever are normally on the right, however, I then saw your car's regn no. so assume it's LHD?

The lever on the left on RHD cars, so presumably on the right on LHD cars, controls the overdrive on manual cars and for automatic cars, ie yours, should be the auto gear hold control.
 
Yes indeed, it's LHD! Sorry for not mentioning that ;) And thanks for your answer - but it leaves me with a new question: what does the 'auto gear hold control' do? :oops:
(And your mentioning of differences between LHD and RHD eliminates my confusion that I had after reading the manual!)
 
Actually, I don't see it in my documentation either - and is to say: my work shop manual doesn't mention the controls on the steering column at all, and the parts catalogue shows only a lever on one side.
I will try and make a photo of the levers, for clarification.
 
roverp480 said:
I have a MK 3 3 Litre literature pack & it doesn't show such a lever , is it only on Mk 1 & 2 ?
Click to expand...

I think so, yes. When l had my Mk1a auto l used to use the gear hold all the time. The Mk3 has the BW box rather than the DG though so l imagine the layout is different. Is it the same as the P5B with the selector on the tunnel rather than the column? Not sure about the Mk3 O/D switch on the manuals.
 
On the DG auto boxes the lever controls intermediate hold, ie keeping the car in 2nd gear (stops it hunting between 2nd to 3rd) but allows a change down to 1st (low). L should lock it in low gear, IIRC.
The 'ring' on your selector indicates a suffix A or B car, later ones had a pointer.

Re the MKIII P5, they had the later BW35 auto box and had a different selector, which was still column mounted. Also IIRC, the L position on these holds the car in low and intermediate (1st and 2nd) thus they didn't need an additional hold switch. However, it's a long time since I've been in a MKIII, so I can't be absolutely sure.
 
What a source of knowledge, over here. Thanks for all your answers - and it didn't seem to be a very stupid question after all ;)
Next time I get her out, I will try and test things!

(And now I'm going on the internet and look up 'DG' and 'IIRC' ...)
 
I'll save you the trouble:
DG, the early type of auto box on the MK I and MK II Rover P5s [it was a BW (Borg Warner) - Detroit Gears (DG)], . MKIIIs and P5Bs had the later BW35 gearbox, though with different selector controls. BW35 was being looked at by Rover for the P6 2000 and was found to work with the P5, which also enabled the auto gearbox to fit/work with the same specification 3-litre engine as the manual transmission cars, simplifying production.

IIRC - If I Recall Correctly.

That's all AFAIK - As Far As I Know :D
 
tonys said:
I'll save you the trouble:
DG, the early type of auto box on the MK I and MK II Rover P5s [it was a BW (Borg Warner) - Detroit Gears (DG)], . MKIIIs and P5Bs had the later BW35 gearbox, though with different selector controls. BW35 was being looked at by Rover for the P6 2000 and was found to work with the P5, which also enabled the auto gearbox to fit/work with the same specification 3-litre engine as the manual transmission cars, simplifying production.

IIRC - If I Recall Correctly.

That's all AFAIK - As Far As I Know :D
Click to expand...

And thanks again! Maybe I should read the ins and outs in my P5 book first, before I pose questions.
The other thing has to do with me being from Holland, I guess. TAFKAP I know (and Away From Keyboard), but that's it ;)
 
Bram TR said:
And thanks again! Maybe I should read the ins and outs in my P5 book first, before I pose questions.
The other thing has to do with me being from Holland, I guess. TAFKAP I know (and Away From Keyboard), but that's it ;)
Click to expand...

Yes RTFM - Read The F***king Manual. :);)

Colin
 
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