reverse light switch

dads got a p reg 300tdi disco manuel transmission. how do i get to the switch that operates the reversing light. If you was to put it in reverse the lights come on but if you let go of the stick the lights go out even though its still in gear

Dont they all do that?Lighty push the gear lever as your reversing and the lights might pop back on(did on ours)

its as if the switch is a bit to far back to where the stick naturally sits. need to hold it on all the way back to work

I've got exactly the same problem. Had it for a while now but i've got me MOT in a couple months so i'm gonna have to fix it.

I'll be interested to see what people say ...

Is it on the MOT test then?

would of thought so just a matter of luck if they spot it. i.e 1 person testing it or one in the car doing the controls while anoter checks the lights.

just need to know how to get to the switch. I can work out how to fix it from there

goonarmy said:

Is it on the MOT test then?

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Really dont think it is on the MOT, but check to make sure.

goonarmy said:

Really dont think it is on the MOT, but check to make sure.

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working reverse light would be part of the mot just like brake lights, indicators, fog lights even number plate lights. if there on the car then in needs to work correctley or they will fail it

Where you getting this info?

goonarmy said:

Where you getting this info?

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couple of years ago the local mot failed my old bmw because the number plate light wasn't working, changed the bulb showed them it was working and they gave me a pass

Right let me make it simple. It int part of the test!

you seem to konw more about mot's than i do so im not going to aruge. my dad wants it fixed and i've said i would do it for him, just need to know how to get to the switch

jdandcoke said:

you seem to konw more about mot's than i do so im not going to aruge.

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if ya do feel the need to thou,read this first

MOT Testers Manual

the switch for the light is located underneath, we found it one day when i was sitting in it wiggling the gear stick around, i guess its near the transfer box. we never bothered to change the switch on mine and it passed its mot with no mention.

jdandcoke said:

you seem to konw more about mot's than i do so im not going to aruge. my dad wants it fixed and i've said i would do it for him, just need to know how to get to the switch

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Ok ok, to get at the reverse light switch, the easy way, you need to remove the centre console. This may sound daunting but honestly it isn't.

I assume you've checked fuses before we go any further??

2 screws at the front, 4 in the cubby box, and one under the window switch panel.

Remove the radio.

Remove, the clevis pin from the handbrake and then lif the centre console away.

Underneath you will find grey foam, remove it, under that a black runner gasket held in place with either rivets or self-tappers - remove it.

Now you can see the top of the gearbox and the reverse light switch. Test the switch by taking the wires off, joining then together and switching the ignition on - the lights should light on.

If they do the problem is the switch. You have a three alternatives:

1. Take the washer off the switch and refit, re connect the wires and see if they work now, or

2. Replace with a new switch, or, as I did after the second new switch malfunctioned

3. Wire in a simple manual illuminated switch.

The third option has the advantage of being able to switch on your reversing lights, when ver you want, without the engine running eg for working lights at night etc

It worked well & cheaply on my wife's TDi200 :bolt:


Cheers
Dave

jdandcoke said:

dads got a p reg 300tdi disco manuel transmission. how do i get to the switch that operates the reversing light. If you was to put it in reverse the lights come on but if you let go of the stick the lights go out even though its still in gear

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Since March 1994 disco's have been fitted with the R380 gearbox so the switch is now located on R/H side of the transfer box, a lot easer to get at.

thanks biglad and discool

As far as I am aware the reverse lights do not even get tested.

jdandcoke said:

you seem to konw more about mot's than i do so im not going to aruge.

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Cos theres nowt to argue about, doubt I know more but thats wot googles for!:googleit:

Wot he sed. No. plate light fails but reverse lights dont come into it. Just uprate your suspension and if theres ote behind you the Landy will just go over it!