Reverse lights intermittently working

[runrabbit]

The mechanic recently had my gearbox out and now my reverse lights wont come on when in reverse. If I move the gear stick .5cm up (while reverse is still engaged) the reverse lights work, though i physically have to hold it there. Will likely fail its next wof.

Where should I be looking to fix this? Is there a switch under the gear boot, or is it internal in the box?

[Rosssub]

Reverse switch is on the outside of the gearbox. Loom plug not on tight, switch not installed properly or a faulty switch:

[hijacka]

 runrabbit said:

The mechanic recently had my gearbox out and now my reverse lights wont come on when in reverse. If I move the gear stick .5cm up (while reverse is still engaged) the reverse lights work, though i physically have to hold it there. Will likely fail its next wof.

Where should I be looking to fix this? Is there a switch under the gear boot, or is it internal in the box?

If its a sas job then you would have had to pay extra$$ to have the reverse light plug connected and the n safety switch. FWIW you don't need reverse lights for wof. if you have 1 reverse that works and 0ne that doesn't you will fail if you have none that work it will pass;)

[hijacka]

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

Permitted equipment

1. One or two reversing lamps fitted at the rear of the vehicle.

2. A retrofitted pair of reversing lamps must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as practicable.

Condition

3. A reversing lamp must be in good condition.

Performance

4. A reversing lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

5. A reversing lamp, when operated, must emit a diffuse light or a dipped beam of light that is substantially white (Note 3).

6. A reversing lamp must emit a steady light.

7. A reversing lamp may operate only when the reverse gear is engaged or the headlamps are turned off.

8. Where a reversing lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.

Modifications

9. A reversing lamp that is affected by a modification:

a) must meet equipment, condition and performance requirements, and

B) does not require LVV specialist certification.

Note 2 A reversing lamp that does not comply with condition and performance requirements must be made to comply **or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.**

[Firenza]

It will be the reverse light switch. Mine got worse and worse til I could only get it to work some of the time if I held it.

Its a common problem, and really easy to fix. What happens is that the switch itself fills up with gearbox oil and stops contacting. All you need to fix it is a jack, some brake cleaner and a spanner.

Jack the passenger side, look at the side of the gearbox and figure out which of the two switches is the reverse light switch ( I got a diagram from opposed forces to find mine) undo the connector, unscrew the switch and then with it in your hand operate the switch while you spray the sucker full of brake cleaner til no more comes out.

There will be LOADS in there.

Once you have no more evidence of oil coming out let it dry, and reinstall it.

You now have reverse lights.

[hijacka]

Also the wires can snap on the end of the switch and the switch can wear out to.

[runrabbit]

Cheers Firenza/all. Will give that a shot.

[kamineko]

I would recommend jacking the car up and using axle stands on the rear of the car. If you raise the car from the front the gearbox oil can drain through the hole left by removing the reverse switch. If you clean instead of replacing it as suggested above, it would be a good idea to test it is working electrically before refitting.

Rossub's diagram doesn't look like a 5MT box, if your car is a GC8 the switches are on the left hand side of the transfer section of the gearbox

Edited May 17, 2015 by kamineko