Reverse lights random switching on when driving

[ja9allen]

Hi, hope you can help? Had the usual problem with reverse lights not working at all. New switch fitted and now they come on intermittently when driving along forward (according to the people who were flashing at us from behind us on the way to Dorset at the weekend) as well as when in reverse. Could this be to do with the washer depth not being right, or is it something more complicated? Engine is 1983 1.9DG on 1984 van if that helps. Janine

[trikepete]

i have the same as you i took the bulbs out untill i find the cure

[ja9allen]

i have the same as you i took the bulbs out untill i find the cure

Did you find the cure in the end? Have disconnected the switch for now so lights aren't on at all but would like to get it working properly (I am stubborn like that).

[trikepete]

no only just got the van 4 weeks ago so its not high on my list of things to do

[Evsi]

Checked the wiring to the switch and to the light clusters?

[CovKid]

This has come up before. Either replace the reversing light switch or unscrew it and fit a washer first (need to experiement on thickness) that reduces switch plunger movement and stops the lights coming on over rough ground but so it works when you engage reverse. Usually the terminals work loose causing intermittent flashing of reversing lights. New switch often sorts this.

Switch is on the gearbox if you're not sure where it is.

[ja9allen]

Hi,

Have fitted new switch and new washer. Now lights only switch on when I put the van into reverse, but then they just stay on.

Am thinking of bypassing the gearbox and just connecting the lights up to a switch on the dash and then I can manually turn them on and off when reversing. Any tips for how to do this would be appreciated please?

Unless anyone else has a better idea of how to get this working properly?


Janine

[R0B]

I dont think it would pass an mot doing that.

connecting the lights up to a switch on the dash and then I can manually turn them on and off when reversing

[ja9allen]

I was wondering that. I was under the impression that you don't need reverse lights for the MOT though, so I assumed that whether they are on a manual switch on the dash or switched by the gearbox makes no difference if you don't need the lights working anyway?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Not part of MoT test (unless it changed in the latest raft of amendments). An old van of mine had a switch on the dash and it was never queried. The only problem was the chance of leaving it on - a buzzer is an obvious addition.

[R0B]

Your right.After checking with an MOT guy i know.Its not part of the test.Im surprised its not.

[jocko]

Your right.After checking with an MOT guy i know.Its not part of the test.Im surprised its not.

good news, I have the same problem and MOT in 2 weeks. One less urgent thing i need to get sorted.

[ja9allen]

I was surprised it isn't in MOT too, but not complaining. Trouble is when reversing out of parking spaces its is a little bit hazardous as people seem to not notice a large red van coming at them for some reason and get annoyed because the reverse lights aren't working. Also visibility in our van not the best as we don't have rear side windows, just the middle ones. I am going with a dash switch with warning light on it then. Wish me luck! Janine

[ghost123uk]

I nearly got done for this a few years ago. The (very unpleasant) policeman told me the switch I had on the dashboard (Bedford CF "passion wagon") must have a red warning light incorporated to warn me when it was on. He could have just been being an a*** though Anyway, if fitting a switch, most motor factors do one that has a red bulb built in (as Janine mentions)

[LeeME3]

My old '72 1200 Beetle had a reverse light switch on the dash. Must admit once or twice if someone was tailgating I did dab the brake pedal and flick the reversing lights on at the same time - made them back off pretty quickly!