My reverse lights (and reverse camera) started playing up intermittently and have now stopped working altogether. IT doesn't appear to be the fuse so I'm thinking it might be a dead reverse switch.  A little puzzled if so as I had a manual conversion with a brand new '98 spec box and would assume (though not sure) that a new reverse switch would have been part of that conversion.

 

In any case, if it is the reverse switch which has died - has anyone ever replaced one of these without dropping the gearbox? How difficult would it be to do? I've only managed to find one video online and it wasn't a particularly good / helpful one for a newbie to the job, like me.

1 hour ago, sumshiftyguy said:

My reverse lights (and reverse camera) started playing up intermittently and have now stopped working altogether. IT doesn't appear to be the fuse so I'm thinking it might be a dead reverse switch.  A little puzzled if so as I had a manual conversion with a brand new '98 spec box and would assume (though not sure) that a new reverse switch would have been part of that conversion.

 

In any case, if it is the reverse switch which has died - has anyone ever replaced one of these without dropping the gearbox? How difficult would it be to do? I've only managed to find one video online and it wasn't a particularly good / helpful one for a newbie to the job, like me.

A new backup switch came with your '98 box (mine did). Apparently you can:

http://www.twinturbo.net/net/viewmsg.aspx?forum=technical&msg_id=790157

Before you try that you should check the switch connector is correctly plugged in. The contacts for corrosion (esp body side old harness) are clean.

You could test the switch itself with a multimeter for open/close operation and also short the body side part of the connector to see if the lights work.

Edited November 23, 20241 yr by AndrewG

Thanks! Yes, I would be very surprised if a new switch has failed so soon but can't think what else it might be. I've not looked up there myself yet and not sure how easy it is to look at / spot the wiring and switches without dropping the transmission and whilst lying under the car but good to know that it is possible. I guess I know what to ask Santa for (19mm crowfoot wrench & flexi socket adaptors!)

Hopefully will find a day over the Xmas break to get under the car and have a poke!

4 hours ago, sumshiftyguy said:

Thanks! Yes, I would be very surprised if a new switch has failed so soon but can't think what else it might be. I've not looked up there myself yet and not sure how easy it is to look at / spot the wiring and switches without dropping the transmission and whilst lying under the car but good to know that it is possible. I guess I know what to ask Santa for (19mm crowfoot wrench & flexi socket adaptors!)

Hopefully will find a day over the Xmas break to get under the car and have a poke!

Get the kids working on the problem, they have smaller hands!