Does anyone know why it's there and what it's real purpose is, other than a good way to drain your battery if accidently or inadvertantly left on??

That's the 'Subaru Virgin' switch. Usually identified when someone posts asking, "How do I turn off my parking lights, 'cause my battery keeps going dead".

As far as I know it's to have your parking lights on without needing your key in the ignition... so your car will look "COOL" on friday night in that parking lot with all your ricer friends.

Sorry!! Couldnt resist...been waiting for the chance to use this..... ...I think we have all asked this question when we got our first Subaru.

 

{waiver...no harm was ment by this post}

which Soobs have those???

which Soobs have those???

all 87-later L cars have them, yours and mine don't have them because they are pre-87 MY, and all pre-87 MY have it all on the dash (hazard on steering column) - I like the control layout on the 85-86 more b/c of that (and a few other things - like the wiper control)

I had to ask, cuz' I've never cum up with a logical use for it. Thought maybe some soobie wizard had one. "Virgin switch" is an appropriate name though.

I had to ask, cuz' I've never cum up with a logical use for it. Thought maybe some soobie wizard had one. "Virgin switch" is an appropriate name though.

 

Thank you, thank you, (taking a bow).

 

The 'logical' purpose is to satisfy European requirements for an independent parking light switch. Many (if not most) European cities require that your parking lights reamin on when parked on a city street after dark .

Thanks, I didn't know that.

My dad had been removing one of his fuses to turn his lights off for a couple years. Well, actually inserting the fuse when he needed lights. Only one finger on left hand... had to take a knee outside everytime. That was til I installed a switch for him.

Then I got an RX, found this board, found out that he already had a switch!