reversing lights on when in 1st gear

[mr strong]

HI Guys,
Its that simple , I pull away in first and the reversing lights are on.
Good for frightening people behind at traffic lights but, also good for attracting mr plod.

Cant find anything on the WIKI,

Is there a quick fix? ( bad earth perhaps)

Is this a common issue,

Cheers

[big red bus]

quick fix would be to remove the reverse light bulb(s).

[CovKid]

In 25 years I've never heard of this one. You could try replacing switch. Relatively cheap for what they are.

[Hacksawbob]

switch is on the side of the gearbox there is a pin that mechanically moves when reverse is selectted pull off the switch and watch the pin while some one goes 1-R and see what happens I would have thought it was a bad earth or switch as I am not sure it is physically possible for this switch to be activated by 1st bt cant hrt to take a look.

[gaz f]

Not long after getting my van, my reverse lights would intermittently come on for no reason. Changed the switch, no problems since.

[docklad]

In 25 years I've never heard of this one. You could try replacing switch. Relatively cheap for what they are.

happens to me all the time. Kinda got used to it. are you only 25?

[CovKid]

In my head yes No, 25 years with v-dubs (more I think)

[fastygaz]

The missus pointed out that ours does this too after following me home yesterday...hoping a new switch will sort it!!
Gaz

[pauly8888]

Used to happen in a car I used to have. Except it would only happen in cold weather. The switch seemed to 'freeze' ON.

[fastygaz]

Just had a quick look and turns out it flashes sometimes as I put it into first but also comes on as I put it into fourth...and will stay on if I keep my hand on the gear stick!?!
I'll get looking for a switch!!
Gaz

[CovKid]

Mine has failed too. Had no reversing lights for a week. Picked one up from GSF which to me looked nothing like my switch. I was right - they'd supplied me with a Golf one