reverse lights not working

davow · 19-02-17, 04:10 PM

just doing final check on my coupe gt5 before the mot next week and the reverse lights aren't working, I've checked the bulbs and contacts and they're fine, is there a switch or anything on the gear stick somewhere???? or a fuse perhaps? cheers dave

John. · 19-02-17, 04:52 PM

I don't think the reverse lights are part of the test?

It'll have a fuse no doubt and a switch on the gearbox somewhere.

simonthemedic · 19-02-17, 04:57 PM

There will be a fuse in the main fuse carrier, can't remember which one it is. After checking that is ok I would look at the connections to the reverse light switch on the rear of the gearbox. Check the switch for continuity with the car in reverse with a multimeter or for a quick check of the switch connect the wires together and see if the reverse lights work.

davow · 19-02-17, 05:12 PM

cheers guys, I've put a multi meter on the bulb holder and put her in reverse (with engine running) ....nothing on the meter so I'm guessing it's this switch. Can I access it through the engine bay (im guessing its too far back)or do I have to get under the car? or under the gear gaitor?surely the reverse light is part of the test? even if it's not I'd like to get it sorted

John. · 19-02-17, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davow

cheers guys, I've put a multi meter on the bulb holder and put her in reverse (with engine running) ....nothing on the meter so I'm guessing it's this switch. Can I access it through the engine bay (im guessing its too far back)or do I have to get under the car? or under the gear gaitor?surely the reverse light is part of the test? even if it's not I'd like to get it sorted

Reverse lights didn't used to be part of the test but it has been a while

You haven't said if you've checked the fuse? If fuse is good and you short the 2 wires at the switch together and the lights come on then it can only be the switch at fault.....or somethings fallen off inside the box!

simonthemedic · 19-02-17, 05:56 PM

It's a bit too far back to reach from the engine bay, certainly will require jacking on stands for access from underneath as its right at the back of the box.
Looking at the wiring diagram for a 1985 coupe ( not sure of your model year) it's shows fuse 12 which is 15A for the reversing lights

Minty · 19-02-17, 07:14 PM

Dave
My GT5E passed last year with only one reversing light working so you my be fine if you can't sort it in time!
Good luck

davow · 19-02-17, 07:23 PM

I've had a quick check of all the fuses and they all look ok, Its a type 81 gt with the notoriously shite fuse box so perhaps something's going on behind it. Run out of daylight now so she'll have to go to the test as is, The garage I use is pretty good so I'll point them in the direction of the switch and fuse box, she's having a quick pre test once over before the mot, I managed to fix a non working electric window a while back by driving over a pothole........I think this is the only way to fix these type 81 fuse box issues without replacing them! ....the only downside is something starts working and something stops!

4v6 · 19-02-17, 07:29 PM

Itll most likely be the switch Dave, the contacts on the exterior can become a bit crappy, there should be a fuse for them also, is anything else not working?
As I recall the switch is accessible just from the engine bay on the side of the box , as others have suggested probably best to go underside and have a butchers.
If you feel like a run over to me sometime to have a look let me know id be happy to probe you...erm the car i mean..

simonthemedic · 19-02-17, 07:43 PM

Good luck with the test, let us know how you get on. If it does end up being something inside the fuse box, assuming it's the plastic moulded type mounted next to the wiper motors as opposed to the one under the dash that my 1979 b2 had then I have got a spare one sitting up in the loft

19-02-17, 07:14 PM	#7
Minty Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wirral Posts: 1,528	Dave My GT5E passed last year with only one reversing light working so you my be fine if you can't sort it in time! Good luck __________________ 1984 GT5E Topaz Green 1982 GT5S Helios Blue - now in Ireland 1983 GT5E Topaz Green - donor 1986 GT 2.0 Tornado Red - long gone 2001 A6 2.4 V6 - exported to Ireland

19-02-17, 04:52 PM	#2
John. 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Scottish Borders. Posts: 7,520	I don't think the reverse lights are part of the test? It'll have a fuse no doubt and a switch on the gearbox somewhere.

19-02-17, 04:57 PM	#3
simonthemedic Grown up member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 57	There will be a fuse in the main fuse carrier, can't remember which one it is. After checking that is ok I would look at the connections to the reverse light switch on the rear of the gearbox. Check the switch for continuity with the car in reverse with a multimeter or for a quick check of the switch connect the wires together and see if the reverse lights work.

19-02-17, 05:12 PM	#4
davow Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: worcestershire Posts: 863	cheers guys, I've put a multi meter on the bulb holder and put her in reverse (with engine running) ....nothing on the meter so I'm guessing it's this switch. Can I access it through the engine bay (im guessing its too far back)or do I have to get under the car? or under the gear gaitor?surely the reverse light is part of the test? even if it's not I'd like to get it sorted

19-02-17, 05:56 PM	#6
simonthemedic Grown up member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 57	It's a bit too far back to reach from the engine bay, certainly will require jacking on stands for access from underneath as its right at the back of the box. Looking at the wiring diagram for a 1985 coupe ( not sure of your model year) it's shows fuse 12 which is 15A for the reversing lights

19-02-17, 07:23 PM	#8
davow Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: worcestershire Posts: 863	I've had a quick check of all the fuses and they all look ok, Its a type 81 gt with the notoriously shite fuse box so perhaps something's going on behind it. Run out of daylight now so she'll have to go to the test as is, The garage I use is pretty good so I'll point them in the direction of the switch and fuse box, she's having a quick pre test once over before the mot, I managed to fix a non working electric window a while back by driving over a pothole........I think this is the only way to fix these type 81 fuse box issues without replacing them! ....the only downside is something starts working and something stops!

19-02-17, 07:29 PM	#9
4v6 Ex Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5,565	Itll most likely be the switch Dave, the contacts on the exterior can become a bit crappy, there should be a fuse for them also, is anything else not working? As I recall the switch is accessible just from the engine bay on the side of the box , as others have suggested probably best to go underside and have a butchers. If you feel like a run over to me sometime to have a look let me know id be happy to probe you...erm the car i mean..

19-02-17, 07:43 PM	#10
simonthemedic Grown up member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 57	Good luck with the test, let us know how you get on. If it does end up being something inside the fuse box, assuming it's the plastic moulded type mounted next to the wiper motors as opposed to the one under the dash that my 1979 b2 had then I have got a spare one sitting up in the loft