Reverse lights stuck on

mandelbug · Dec 15, 2023

Hi there,
I have a 98 Freelander 1 with the Rover 2.0D TD engine. I am trying to recommission it after my Jaguar XE blew a turbo

. In preparation for the MOT, I have been checking all the lights, and after replacing the switch, the reverse light is stuck on (original switch didn't work). I have replaced the switch twice to no avail (thought I originally had a 2WD switch). I have read that the newer switches are slightly longer and as a result you space them with washers. Looking at the switch, it appears that the washers are regular sump plug washers, is this right? Any idea if it's "usually" 1 2 or 3 additional washers that are needed? Think the reverse lights are the last job to tick off before trying for an MOT.
TIA

GrumpyGel · Dec 15, 2023

If you think the switch is to long, can you unscrew it virtually all the way and see if it works.

If the lights are still always on, then you're barking up the wrong tree.

If they work, then screw it in a bit more, as presumably it'll be more reliable the more its screwed in, until they are on all the time, then back if off a little and pad with washers to that size.

P38 Monkey · Dec 20, 2023

If the reversing lights are stuck on, maybe you should just drive everywhere in reverse?

mandelbug · Dec 22, 2023

The problem was that the washer is a compression washer and just replaced with 2 sump plug washers (because the replacement was 1.5mm vs 2 as per spec). Got them from Amazon, happy to share link if allowed

P38 Monkey · Dec 22, 2023

Seems logical to do what GrumpyGel says and then work out the thickness required. Then buy an aluminium spacer of the relevant dimensions off eBay? If necessary, use blue Loctite to hold it in place.

Nunkie · Feb 5, 2024

mandelbug said:
Hi there,
I have a 98 Freelander 1 with the Rover 2.0D TD engine. I am trying to recommission it after my Jaguar XE blew a turbo . In preparation for the MOT, I have been checking all the lights, and after replacing the switch, the reverse light is stuck on (original switch didn't work). I have replaced the switch twice to no avail (thought I originally had a 2WD switch). I have read that the newer switches are slightly longer and as a result you space them with washers. Looking at the switch, it appears that the washers are regular sump plug washers, is this right? Any idea if it's "usually" 1 2 or 3 additional washers that are needed? Think the reverse lights are the last job to tick off before trying for an MOT.
TIA

We had a Cortina at work a few years ago with the reversing lights stuck on. We tried the switch and even with the wires fully disconnected the lights stayed on. We traced the wiring and found it under the driver's footwell carpet where the driver's left heel, while operating the clutch, had worn through the insulation so that the pos and neg wires had become connected. Splicing in some extra wire and re-routing sorted it. Just a possibilty: see if the lights stay on when the switch is diconnected.

Reverse lights stuck on

mandelbug

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GrumpyGel

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P38 Monkey

Well-Known Member

mandelbug

New Member

P38 Monkey

Well-Known Member

Nunkie

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