Reverse light

Hi. Can anyone tell me the best way to test my reverse light switch without any fancy equipment. I have no reverse lights and have checked the fuse, bulbs and connections. Cheers.

Use a Self powered test light or a DVOM.

Manual
Shift it in R, then use the test light or DVOM between the
Pins 0 ohms resistance, or a light lighting with the test light

Automatic…..
There is a Shorting bar as the mech sweeps, it shorts out the pins on the R position.

Also on the Automatic that has the Brush Dust guards, the bristles can brake and as you move the Mechanism it can cause it not to make connection.  Usually in Park or Neutral you can't start your car…..

manual www.brokevw.com has all the different Back up switches shown.

Bit of wire or metal and touch it across the 2 connection, if the lights come on then it's the switch.
This only works if you have this type of reversing switch.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-CABRIOLET-MK2-1-6-1-8-GTI-REVERSE-LIGHT-SWITCH-BACK-UP-LIGHT-C674-/200824519873

If you have the early type switch you will have to find another way.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-GTI-CABRIOLET-MK2-GTI-REVERSE-LIGHT-SWITCH-C281-/221587550763

Looks like I've got the first type of switch. Paperclip across the two terminals sounds like the best bet then, will let you know.
Thanks guys.

Hold the Clip with a pair of Pliers or you may have a paper clip wide burn mark….

Thanks mate. Good job you said that or i'd of gave myself a bit of a kick..😄

Paper clip across the two terminals on the loom sparked them into life so got one ordered from VW Heritage so thanks chaps.

Easy enough job to do but I found a quick clean of the terminals kicked mine back to life.


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Also removing the switch, giving it a clean and pressing in the plunger a few times can help.

Thanks guys. Paperclip across the terminals sparked them into life so new switch on order.