Reverse lights inop

[WILKS]

1.6 JX  1986 5 speed .. I have an intermittent fault with the reverse lights , fitted a new switch ex BW ,lights are still operating very intermittently , I have also removed the washer and wound PTFE around threads , checked switch when removed works fine ,can this be an internal G/box fault…? 

[maxstu]

Start at the other end.
Could simply be a loose bulb. Or corrosion in the bulb holder. Damp. Or poor earth.

[Aidan]

if you have checked operation of the circuit with the switch in the loom but not fitted in the box then it could be a worn or damaged end on the end of the selector shaft or a broken cup on the selector shaft and or wear in the bush in the case for the selector shaft
did the reverse switch work better with no washer ?

[WILKS]

Hello thanks for reply
Removing the washer made no difference , it was still very intermittent and when it did work both Rev lights worked, have checked lamps/ earths etc. .?

[Aidan]

the aftermarket switches are not mega reliable, the originals were pretty good but after 30 years tend to be ish, and they are comparatively expensive (Hella) if you can find them anywhere, also the 6.3mm blade type connectors especially are extremely prone to corrosion especially if the boots are split and they are silly money from VW.