weird button on steering wheel?

It's braille! Actually I really do think it's a way to find the button without looking kind of like J and F on your computer keyboard.

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2002 Silver EX
1996 VW Gti
1999 Pit Bull/Catahoula Leopard dogs
2000 Kenmore Vacuum with 5spd/adjustable suspension/Cyclonic cleaning/washable air filter/N.O.S. badge/racing stripes/100w headlight

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by OdyRocky:
...think it's a way to find the button without looking kind of like J and F on your computer keyboard.</font>

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If you can't figure out it's the topmost button just by feeling it's on top, I can't imagine how these bumps are going to help.

Sorry but that analogy is ludicrous. I suspect the real answer is something like this is a special button that is used in programming. For example, on my old Windstar (may it rest in peace), there were a bunch of really weird things you could reprogram. For example, you can tell it whether to make the wiper-delay speed sensitive or the window go down with a single button push. But there wasn't a dedicated control for these things. You had hit some other button a few times immediately after turning on the car and wait for a beep then hit it a couple more times, etc. Anyway, the button used was completely unrelated to it's nominal function. So it's in this sense that I suspect this is a special button. I certainly can't account for its shape in any other way.

Nope, OdyRocky was on target.

It's not really "braille" but it's textured so that you can differentiate without looking down.

As to it's usefullness, that's for you to decide.

Scott

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by sgergen:
It's not really "braille" but it's textured so that you can differentiate without looking down.</font>

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You're telling me there is someone who needs to "look down" to figure out which is the top button?



[This message has been edited by donlibes (edited 02-18-2002).]

QUOTE]You're telling me there is someone who needs to "look down" to figure out which is the top button?

[This message has been edited by donlibes (edited 02-18-2002).][/B][/QUOTE]

This is common to switches that are closely spaced (cruise control, power windows, etc.). And yes, it's done to provide tactile feedback so you don't 'need to "look down" to figure out which is the top button'.

Climb into the cockpit of a modern jet fighter like the F/A-18. The Flap Switch is flat, the Landing Gear Switch is shaped like tire, etc.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by donlibes:
You're telling me there is someone who needs to "look down" to figure out which is the top button?</font>

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In today's society that doesn't surprise me a bit. Years ago some woman needed to go to court because the coffee she ordered from McDonalds was HOT (imagine that)!!! And what about those little silicone packs that ship in the boxes with TVs, or computers, or whatever....do you really think that it's necessary to print "DO NOT EAT" on those things. Do people think that manufactures ship you a snack to eat while setting up your new PC or TV?!?!?!

I agree with your question. I guess my question is, "where did everyone's common sense go?"

[This message has been edited by cmmeyers (edited 02-19-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Neo Fender:
This is common to switches that are closely spaced (cruise control, power windows, etc.). And yes, it's done to provide tactile feedback so you don't 'need to "look down" to figure out which is the top button'.</font>

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I understand the concept of tactile feedback but it's totally absurd here since the buttons are already so readily identifiable by their distinctive shape and position. Even with the bumps removed, the button feels NOTHING like the button next to it! There's simply no way anyone needs those bumps for the reason you're asserting.

Next you'll be telling me that they only put those bumps on the right side for people who can't distinguish right from left.

Deep in the Helm manual, you will be surprised to read that the switch with the bump is for use when the engine stalls. It is a release for the grille in the right rear of the van, which contains the reserve hamsters. They will come out and provide "limp home" power, when installed in the "wheel", Hee! Hee! In this time, it would not surprise me to learn that someone had sued and forced the authorities to certify a blind person to drive........Next would be braille on the seats, so he could tell what sort of vehicle he was in, when shopping around.

Jerry O.

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2001 Odyssey GG LX

Hey Jerry O - just picked myself up off the floor, ribs r killing me / BEST LAUGHS in a long time, must go wipe tears from my eyes. best post award '02!

Wow, braille...! This Ody really IS easy to drive!


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-carol
96 Subaru Legacy (great car, but on its way to being sold)
2001 Subaru Legacy Wagon
2001 Radio Flyer Trailblazer (my son's)

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by carol:
Wow, braille...! This Ody really IS easy to drive!


</font>

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Hey Carol,
Gotta agree with your comment on the Subaru. I had a '90 Legacy to over 300K km, with not one problem - hope the Ody can compete with that!


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02 EXL RP
97 Volvo 850 Wagon
68 Land Rover Series 2A

when I drove home tonight, I looked for my 'bumps'. I don't have any!!!! How can I possibly drive now and use the cruise control at the same time?????