Reverse/ 5th gear switch

Hi All
the reverse/ 5th gear switch on the gearbox is playing up. I ordered a new one fron VW and the pin configuration is different (I suspect it's Mk2 not mk1). Is there a conversion? Does anyone have an original switch for a 1983 gti campaign?
cheers!!!!
Adey

try gsf mate they should have them in stock

GSF will sell you a later MK11(?) version also.

You can just swap two of the wires around. Someone did a thread on it ages ago.

Make sure the connection between the separate gear box loom and the main loom is OK.

I had this problem!

GSF sell the right switch, you need to specify the type with the mfa connectors , the pin config was slightl different - which foxed me when I went to fit the new one.

An auto electrician mate of mine suggested that the original switch had the  extra connectors to accomodate an auto box.

Are you sure GSF sell teh correct thing? P/N?

If the pin config are different how can it be the right switch?

Unless someone has started to remanfacture the orginal MK1 GTI MFA type switch, you have to either repair your old one or use a later MK11 version and swap some of the wires (car loom side, not the switch).

The switches are physically the same size and shape but have different pins outs. From memory one is black and one brown.

To the best of my knowledge it is the correct switch, the switch configuration is the same, the original had two extra pins - these were missing on the replacement. Fitted perfectly.

The car now has reversing lights and all mfa functions are present,hence the hypothesis of my knowledgeable auto electrian mate, that the extra pins are to serve functions on an auto box.

Prior to getting hold of this switch I was sent, from various sources, (including VAG), all variety of switches which bore no resemblence whatsoever to the one fitted on my car.

The switch was also marked 5 speed/formel e with mfa.

I was just happy to finally get something which allowed the reversing lights to function

The original p/n was 171 ……, that no longer exists and is p/n 191……. (same digits otherwise). VAG say it's been superceeded.

My original had to rows of 4, wired thus (x = wire)

X–X
X–X

The new one is:

-X - -
XXXX

Explain that. (!)

I haven't tried fitting the new one and may have to resort to bodging the original.
Help!
Ade

Ade,

Its dead easy to use the 191 swich as Al says - Done it a number of times.

Only need to move one wire in the connector block - use a multimeter to find out which pair or pins on the plug are joined when in reverse and 5th - compare that with thye wires in the plug and it is obvious which one to move - thin screwdiver to pull the connector and wire and push into new location - done - easy.

See the original thread:

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=763&highlight=success

Ahhh.... I think some of the confusion here is also calling it the MFA switch when its really the econometer switch. Makes the guage work in 5th only and the change up light not work in 5th.

you guys are the mutt's.

will be investigating tomorrow… 8)

thanks again
Adey

Greetings all,
Given that the Xmas pud has settled I thought it time to fix two things on my car (Campaign);

1. Reverse lights. Up until 2 weeks ago they worked fine, but then nothing from either lamp. Bulbs and fuse all OK
2. Economy meter. About 3 months that decided to pack it in! Only time it worked after that was fleetingly when I steam cleaned the engine bay. When I say not working I mean the orange light would come on at > 2000 RPM in FIFTH gear and the needle never appeared.

Conclusion - new reverse economy switch. Now, reason I'm writing this is after reading the other posts (including the link on this thread).

So just to give my story in the hope it helps others;

1. Car is a Mk1 Campaign 1983
2. To my knowledge the reverse switch on the car was original part. When I took it off, it had the VW/Audi logo on it, made in Italy and part number: 191 919 823.
3. I bought a new part from GSF - part number: 191 919 823.  
4. The switch I took OFF the car had the following connectors:

[31]  [ 2]  [ 3] [15]
[XX] [XX] [ R] [XX]

XX = No pin

5. The part I bought from German and Swedish was EXACTLY the same in terms of pin configuration and numbering.

6. I checked the wiring at the rear of the plug. It was different to the photo that is included in the 'other' thread. The photo has;

[Green/White] [Empty]  [Brown] [Black/Blue]
[N/A             ] [N/A   ]   [Black]  [N/A]

My plug was different - thing is I didn't write the colours down, but if someone wants the info, more than happy to take a photo of the plug on my car.

7. Bottom line is, I simply took the old switch off, put the new one on and then plugged in the socket - BINGO - ALL WORKS - reverse lights and economy meter now works. When I put gear into 5th, orange light stays off and the needle comes up.

Going off to do a little jig around the Xmas tree