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Reverse lights?

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Hi gents.
My reverse lights, or rather lack of, are making me sad.
I have got nearly everything working now so keen to sort them.


I pulled off the switch/plug on top of the gear box and gave it a good clean.

I also split the connector just up from this (under the expansion tank) and gave that a good spraying with contact cleaner too.

Whilst the above connector was apart i jumped the two wires together. (black/blue and maybe blue, it was pretty grubby).

I thought when i flicked on the ignition whilst in reverse they should the come on right?

The economy gauge on the dash is sent its signal from the same plug? Thats working. Or is it the orange "shift light" in that gauge? As that is not working.

Any thoughts on where next?


Thanks!







 

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Its an '85 GTi cab if it helps.

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I guess you have this type of switch fitted to your gearbox?

Reverse Wiring

If so short out connections 8 and 2 and if you switch the ignition on (lights on the dash) the reversing lights should light up.
If they do light up the switch is faulty.

If they don't light up you have a problem with the cable going to the reversing lights or faulty bulbs/connection.


Link to a new switch, lots of places sell them so shop around..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-MK1-MK2-GTI-Scirocco-Gearbox-Reversing-Light-Switch-020-Type-191919823/183718969235?fits=Model%3AGolf&epid=249449214&hash=item2ac680ff93:g:pu0AAOSwopVcmlFr



 

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Ah. Right.
Yes, the switch is the big one like in the top picture.
The blue wires going to 8&2 if i remember correctly.
Does it need to be in reverse?

(Should have mentioned fuses and bulbs all good.)

Thanks!

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If you short out the 2 wires it makes no difference what gear you are in.  :thumbs:

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Right, of course.
Thanks for the link to the new switch, mine looks a little different though IMG_5870.jpg ?

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Most of the black you can see in the picture is the rubber boot, all of that should come off the switch when you unplug, I can just see the plastic switch as most of it is inside the gearbox.

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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www.brokevw.com has a good pictorial on the various reverse switches in all things mk1.  

Reverse Wiring

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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mark1gls said

Most of the black you can see in the picture is the rubber boot, all of that should come off the switch when you unplug, I can just see the plastic switch as most of it is inside the gearbox.

Got it.
I see, i was confused between the plug and the switch!

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I'm always confused..  :lol:  


 To recap …. Remove the plug from the switch and short the 2 wires/connections on the plug which go to 8 and 2 on the switch.
 
Basically you are making a complete circuit in the loom back to the reversing lights and eliminating the switch completely.

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Ok, and if they light up, replace the switch?
(which also controls the non working "shift" light?)

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Yes that's right  :thumbs:

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Ok, im on it.
It will have to wait till Wednesday as the clutch cable just snapped as i pulled up at home!
Good grief, its like it doesn't want to be fixed!!
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