Reversing light switch issue.

I get reversing light on if I short the plug on the loom so I know all is good with the wiring.

I've taken the plastic black top hat off and it looks like when you engage reverse the steel inner pipe spins round and (now I'm guessing) would push a bar to generate at short across the plug and lights on?
Mine doesn't have a rod in it so can't see it would ever work?

 

Is this on a 1.8 GTI with the MFA switch (as below) or a non MFA bog standard on/off reverse switch?



 

Just the on/off 2 pin.

Looks like you are running a later gearbox.

Mk1 and 2s should have MFA type or

I think it's an 02A but not sure, I have a rebuilt  02J to go in when I've finished the wiring and that has the same black top hat as above.

Like I said earlier something must cause a short across the plug and the only way I can see that happening would be a rod through the housing that would contact the plug as the the lug on the tube moves round.


Edit, just found this image and I can see a silver something that if pushed towards the plug would short it?

yes there is a pin inside the switch housing, the metal cup on top of the 02a shifter has a pokey out bit which pushes that pin, which in turn pushes against the back of the 2 pin plug housing and completes the circuit.

the plug bit pops off, on the back it has like a rubber dimple which is what the pin pushes against. if your lights dont work either the pin is missing or theres a fault with the switch piece. or maybe the cup is missing off the tower

Yep the pins is missing, is that a separate part do you know or will I need a new complete cap?

its a separate part, but you probably wont find one for sale on its own. just pop down local scrappy, early mk4 golf use the same part

Thanks John,