1985 300D electrical "thingamabob"
 

Does anybody know what a small round sensor-like thing hanging from the center console is???
This thing looks like a microphone, it's always dangled from behind the console on a wire (actually a small pair). Well, I accidently broke it moving it to clean. I'm worried it's important for sensing temperature or something I should look into repairing.

The sound system is completely replaced and I have no phone option, so if it's a microphone I'll be relieved.

Curious in Tustin......

Not sure where you mean by "center-console" but above the radio section on the center of the dash is the "in-cabin" temp sensor - it should not be hanging out.

???
 

Comr-r-rade....Vas your-r-r car-r-r-r owned by ze R-R-Russian zpy, dur-r-ring ze cold var-r-r?!?!

Hey Jim,

That's what I mean by center console, and I'm glad you identified the "vent-like" opening as the temp sensor. What I'm trying to describe has always dangled on the end of a wire and comes out of the dash/console on the driver side. It only protrudes an inch or so and has the diameter of a pencil eraser with a grill end.

What the heck is this thing???

Thanks, Ed

If the radio has been replaced, see if it is a jack (possibly with a "cap" on it) for plugging in an auxilliary input for your sound system. I put in a new Blaupunkt with no cassette and there is an aux. jack to plug in an ouside cassette or MP3 player. I mounted my aux. jack in the ashtray since no one is allowed to smoke in my vehicles. Could be.

Nope, it's not a jack! The wires leading to it were attached to a microphone looking thing?????

I still need help!

Electrical thingamabob
 

ML Dude,

What you are describing sounds like the microphone to a Motorola or similar 'hands free' cell phone typically installed in the mid to late '90s. My microphone hangs from the interior trim panel near the drivers visor. The speaker is mounted rear of the center consule.

Check your fuse box to see if you still have the hot lead that powered the phone.

Best regards

Thanks Dave, but the car was in my family since new in 85 and has never had a mobile phone. Were they prep'd for phones from the factory???