Reverse lights not working

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A2OC Donor
hi all,
The reverse lights worked intermittently on my happy tdi sport for a while. I removed the switch on gearbox and put it back and then lights dint work at all. I bought a new switch today and removed the old one which was depressed and in stuck. Now after fitting the new one which i checked with the connector on and it works (the lights turn on) but when fitted, its not working.
I am guessing its not getting the push it needs to engage and complete the circuit? whats involved?
cheers
 
can anybody please name the part that has reverse sensor/switch bolted into? i need that for my tdi90...lol...i had found it once but somehow lost the link as the problem went away but its back so i gotta sort it once for all now!
 
The selector mechanism cover. No 4 below.No 5 being the reverse switch.
48694
 
any part number for this mate...thanks a lot!!! i need part numbers for 1 2 3 4 and 9 ! night have to replace them all!
cheers
 
Try this link but VERIFY IT DOES RELATE TO YOUR ACTUAL GEARBOX.
If not this link the navigate on 7zap to find the correct gearbox. Seems a bit excessive for non working reversing lights? Are you sure you got the correct length switch, if it is too short then the plunger will not make contact
 
Not personally changed no 1 in the first diagram, hopefully you can do it without removing or taking the gearbox apart.
 
it is indeed possible if its slightly short length. bought the switch frm eurocarparts coz i ws in a rush to fix it...got two problems after that...old one was cross threaded!!! and now i am using teflon tape to stick it in...works fine when i remove it and push it in but kinda turns on the lights when pushed half way...is it normal? it did work alright for a few days but totally off now.
now i want to fix the problem as well as the thread issue. i can helicoil it or replace it.
 
You could be opening a can of worms here. If the r/h scuttle drain is out of position all that nice water pours onto that area of the gearbox. Water goes down the shaft rusts everything and fill up the gearbox with water. Helicoil may be the way to go as I'm afraid if you used a liquid metal to try and rebuild the thread that too may end up in either the mechanism or the gearbox. All depends on how much time you have and what hidden costs may become apparent as you go. I would try and get a cheap one from a scappy and see what is involved to either repair or replace.
 
the drain is in place and no signs of rust anywhere, clean engine bay. i am a subaru technician and have everything available at work if need be..just that i really have to fix this issue coz i travel a a lot. This can cause quite a problem if not sorted.
is removing this housing straight forward as i see or do i have to mark stuff and adjustments etc?
i'll start with sorting the housing first as it might be the switch not getting proper torque but makes me think why does it work half way..its after all a 'brake switch' used in reverse function..haha
 
Unless it is at an angle and that is giving a false stroke to the switch. Then as it is wound further in the switch centralises and releases the plunger.
 
Have a look at this post esp about #40 onwards.
 
i will look into it...just cant keep her non runner...she is my work horse! is cover removal straight forward or do i have to be careful abt gear position etc?
thanks a lot for your input man!..great help!
 
Not personally done the job. Try PMing someone who has or from the above post. I am sure they will give you pointers and highlight any problem areas. Not passing the buck but my personal knowledge on this has been reached. Don't think it will be too difficult as you will have all tools to hand, just print off anything that may help and use a camera to record how things go together, or at least as you took them apart.
 
thanks loads bud, will do that! :) will update here abt the developments... M12x1.5 helicoils ordered and have put up wanted ad as well.
 
From the manual looks like all can be done from the outside of the box.
Again this may not directly reflect your box but should be good enough.
 
right so closing my case here. helicoiled the thread and problem solved. Something to be careful is to have the new thread in right direction so that shift rod position is in right place to push the reverse switch enough for the lights to work.
Snorted!
 
right so closing my case here. helicoiled the thread and problem solved. Something to be careful is to have the new thread in right direction so that shift rod position is in right place to push the reverse switch enough for the lights to work.
Snorted!
Some threads never die, they just nod off for a while.
Mac.
 
There's no mention of draining oil from the gearbox before switch removal. On a FLE/DSK gearbox, the level plug is higher than the reversing switch, requiring at least a partial drain of the gearbox. If it's the same for your gearbox, you will require an oil top-up or better still, an oil change. Make sure that you can remove the level plug (which is also the fill plug) before draining!

RAB
 
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