Reversing Lights

I know this is a common problem that has been posted many times, but i need some help.

 So my reverse lights dont work, surpriseI didn't have any bulbs to fit so i just checked the bulb terminal voltage with a multimeter. Ignition on, gearbox in reverse, nothing on the multimeter.

So i did some reading and found that the switch is a common fault.

I then bridged the plug like this:


Which gave me 11volts at the bulbs.

I could only find one picture of someone bridging the plug and they did it like this(the red MS paint line):


i was wondering if this is because they are different variations or something?

The switch coming out of the gearbox is the 6 pin version, do i need to by a 6 pin replacement?


The car is a 1984 MK1 Golf Cabriolet 1.8 GTI

Cheers guys! 

The pinout changed from the MK1 to the MK2 but otherwise the switches are identical and interchangeable. That probably explains the difference you have seen.
The MK1 switches are NLA so usually MK2 items are fitted, this requires changing the wiring slightly in the plug.
Have a look here for some more info Reverse Wiring

morr said

The pinout changed from the MK1 to the MK2 but otherwise the switches are identical and interchangeable. That probably explains the difference you have seen.
The MK1 switches are NLA so usually MK2 items are fitted, this requires changing the wiring slightly in the plug.
Have a look here for some more info Reverse Wiring

So would this switch work and allow the gear change light to work as well??
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/golf-mk1/191919823/reversing-light-switch-mk1-2-golf-jetta-scirocco/?crumbStartPage=1&crumbStartRow=1

Afaik that switch  will allow all functions to operate normally,  assuming all other parts of the systems are ok of course.
Don't take for granted that you'll have to change the wiring, it may have been done already (as I  discovered when I changed my one recently)
Iirc, only the reverse pins changed position, all the others should be the same.

morr said

Afaik that switch  will allow all functions to operate normally,  assuming all other parts of the systems are ok of course.
Don't take for granted that you'll have to change the wiring, it may have been done already (as I  discovered when I changed my one recently)
Iirc, only the reverse pins changed position, all the others should be the same.

Are there any diagrams about how to swap the wires?

black and black/blue are the reverse wires if that helps.

Reverse Wiring

not all mk1 reverse switches were the same looks like youve got the same problem as me on a 83 cab, mine packed in and when i was looking for a new switch found two part numbers, one quite common , fitted to most mk1s, and one only fitted for short time (think less than a year and only on one gearbox code) i never got any further as car has now been stripped and been in garage for 8 years. it was on the list of things to do when car eventually goes back together, id get hold of a mk2 switch and take yours out and compare but dont be surprised if its different.

racer said

not all mk1 reverse switches were the same looks like youve got the same problem as me on a 83 cab, mine packed in and when i was looking for a new switch found two part numbers, one quite common , fitted to most mk1s, and one only fitted for short time (think less than a year and only on one gearbox code) i never got any further as car has now been stripped and been in garage for 8 years. it was on the list of things to do when car eventually goes back together, id get hold of a mk2 switch and take yours out and compare but dont be surprised if its different.

I was lucky, and cleaned the small amount of corrosions off the the spades and the reverse lights now work. However the gear change indicator now only comes on in 5th which is the opposite to how its supposed to work. Electrical gremlins seem never ending haha