Reverse Lights Flickering? Gearbox?

[Dentman]

Hi

1.9DG 4 Speed (box code ?) covered 180,000 miles.

No 1st gear (linkage sorted) 2nd gear crunched into gear when I got her 2.5 years ago. So drained gearbox (old oil and 1.5ltr low) and refilled which sorted this.

Problem:

Reverse Lights work as normal, but Flicker on and off in all gears but sometimes staying on (mainly 3rd gear).

It does have a reversing camera which is how I know, also helpful people who stop me and tell me!!

I have tried new switch with and without washer (only works without washer). Also disconnected no flashing!

Just wondering if this could be wear in the box??

or the wiring/load of camera (have checked it). Think the circuit can take it?

Thanks

[craigy345]

Earth Point nice and Clean?
Remove clean up and refit.

Are all other connections behind the rear light and to the reverse light wire (with the reverse camera wired into) all OK?
Tends to get wet in the area behind the light causing problems.

Where I would start 1st?

If you are concerned about overloading the cable (should be fine I have 2x reverse bulbs, reverse camera and parking sensors - no problems) You can do what I have done and swap out the reverse bulbs, standard = 21W / LED = approx 9W +

[CovKid]

Tungsten bulbs or LED? That makes a difference too.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Have you checked the lights function before the switch is fitted - just press the plunger by hand? If that is OK you need to devise a means of extending the plunger on the switch slightly, my favourite would be to drill and tap it and use a small set screw or bolt so that you can adjust it. I presume it is wear on the actuating piece in the gearbox - I don't recollect Aidan posting anything on this. You are only going to need 1-2mm by the sound of it. Studlock it in position once you know the correct protruding length.
I had to try various thickness of washers to get mine to behave correctly - I knew mine was making extraneous contacts as I have a buzzer for reversing and it kept chirping as I went through the gears.

[Dentman]

Thanks

I did wonder if the plunger was the issue.

Switch works when removed. If I put the aluminum washer on then it doesn't work.

Tungsten bulbs. Bright enough but maybe i will change them and see if that helps.

Earths are all ok (gearbox one replaced) crowns a ok.

I may need to have another look at the rear lamp clusters, camera wired into one side.

[Aidan]

if it does it in 2nd it's not likely to be the gearbox, more likely a wiring issue, are you driving a relay using the reverse switch ?

[Dentman]

if it does it in 2nd it's not likely to be the gearbox, more likely a wiring issue, are you driving a relay using the reverse switch ?

Mostly 3rd! flickers and stays on some times. Flickers when changing gear not long enough to put camera on.

[CovKid]

Reversing switch internals gone then. The vibration of changing gear probably affects it. Just fit a new switch. I'm on my second in 10 years.

[Oldiebut goodie]

It is a new switch.

[Aidan]

if the bearing cup that the selector shaft rotates in and slides in is broken then there could be enough float in the shaft to flick the reverse switch in 1st and 3rd (4 speed) but it can't do it in 2nd or 4th(4 speed) as the high on the shaft is not facing the switch - if there is a lot of float in the shaft at the cup and ball end that would indicate a broken bearing cup - the cup is fitted to the selector shaft before the reverse switch high is crimped on they can't be separated and repaired it's a replace it job; broken bearing cup often happens when box has been stuck in 3rd or 4th and a lot of force was required to get it into neutral to take the box apart to rebuild it, rebuild by someone who didn't have a spare selector shaft so reused the old one as it does still basically work

[Aidan]

if the bearing cup that the selector shaft rotates in and slides in is broken then there could be enough float in the shaft to flick the reverse switch in 1st and 3rd (4 speed) but it can't do it in 2nd or 4th(4 speed) as the high on the shaft is not facing the switch - if there is a lot of float in the shaft at the cup and ball end that would indicate a broken bearing cup - the cup is fitted to the selector shaft before the reverse switch high is crimped on they can't be separated and repaired it's a replace it job; broken bearing cup often happens when box has been stuck in 3rd or 4th and a lot of force was required to get it into neutral to take the box apart to rebuild it, rebuild by someone who didn't have a spare selector shaft so reused the old one as it does still basically work

[Dentman]

Think another New Switch (quality one on my next order) maybe in order 1st. Not sure where I got the last one?

Thanks for ideas.

[marlinowner]

Fit reversing light bulbs for MOT, manage without the rest of the time.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Are reversing lights part of the MoT now?

[marlinowner]

You're right to be sceptical, just rechecked regs, not part of MOT test, just construction and use requirement.