Reverse Light Power Source

An alchemy of sparks, copper wire and earth

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Locked
colouredFunk
Registered user
Posts: 97
Joined: 28 Apr 2006, 21:26
80-90 Mem No: 0
Location: London / Dorset

Reverse Light Power Source

Post by colouredFunk »

Hello,

I'm having a few trouble with my reverse lights... (they're not working) :)

I've traced the problem to the two wires coming from the switch into the engine bay (the switch is working fine). One of the black/blue cables connects to both of the light clusters, but the other other isn't connected to anything... From just testing I found a 12v source on a spare terminal on the ignition coil, connected the loose cable and hey presto the lights work... but when connected to that spare terminal on the coil the engine wont start!!!LOL ...so I'm guessing that's not the correct source for the 12v.....

Can anyone help me out!!!

Many thanks
Top
User avatar
Grun
Registered user
Posts: 164
Joined: 11 Oct 2005, 07:57
80-90 Mem No: 1250
Location: Exmoor

Re: Reverse Light Power Source

Post by Grun »

On Later models..........12 volt comes from fuse 15 (With ignition on) through the switch (reverse selected) and then through the two blue/black wires to the lamp bulbs and to earth.

On earlier models there is an in line fuse (8amp) 'in the engine compartment'

This according to Mr. Haynes Bible....... i.e. don't shoot the messenger!
I am watching Moto GP now............

Mike
'Two 'eads is better'n wun even if mine's a sheeps'
Grun
Member Number 1250
D reg 2.1 DJ autosleeper poptop
Top
colouredFunk
Registered user
Posts: 97
Joined: 28 Apr 2006, 21:26
80-90 Mem No: 0
Location: London / Dorset

Re: Reverse Light Power Source

Post by colouredFunk »

I think that I've got the earlier kind as it's an 83.

Any ideas where a can trace this in line fuse cable you mentioned?
Top
User avatar
Grun
Registered user
Posts: 164
Joined: 11 Oct 2005, 07:57
80-90 Mem No: 1250
Location: Exmoor

Re: Reverse Light Power Source

Post by Grun »

colouredFunk wrote:I think that I've got the earlier kind as it's an 83.

Any ideas where a can trace this in line fuse cable you mentioned?

Can't help with earlier model, (Mine has the later set up).

Just a thought, were you on the wrong terminal of the coil. Terminal 15 should be OK. :idea
Terminal 1 would probably cause your symptoms. Connects to TCI control unit thingy.

Fuse in line (per Haynes) from Terminal 15 to live side of switch on gearbox should do the job.

Mike
'Two 'eads is better'n wun even if mine's a sheeps'
Grun
Member Number 1250
D reg 2.1 DJ autosleeper poptop
Top
User avatar
bigherb
Registered user
Posts: 2581
Joined: 27 Mar 2008, 13:50
80-90 Mem No: 5789
Location: West Kent

Re: Reverse Light Power Source

Post by bigherb »

On early models the Black/Blue feed wire comes from fuse 12 and splits out from the main wiring loom behind the N/S/R wheel and runs over the top of the gearbox behind the engine. Otherwise as grun says connect it to terminal 15 + of the coil via an inline fuse.
1982 Camper 1970 1500 Beetle Various Skoda's, Ariel Arrow
Top
colouredFunk
Registered user
Posts: 97
Joined: 28 Apr 2006, 21:26
80-90 Mem No: 0
Location: London / Dorset

Re: Reverse Light Power Source

Post by colouredFunk »

Thanks for all your help! Got it working today, had it attached to the wrong terminal :)
Top
Locked

Return to “Electrical & Instrumentation”