Reversing lights staying on

[alexk]

Hi, was recently pulled by the cops who informed me (politely) that my reversing light was permanently on. I assume this means that the mechanical switch in the gearbox is stuck. As far as I can see this is quite inaccessible to get at. Does anyone have any experience of this? Many thanks.

[insanitybeard]

I don't have much experience of the VXT-75 manual 'box used in the Mk1 Galaxy, but the parts diagram (reverse switch is number 9) shows it being on top of the gearbox in the selector turret. That being the case the access won't be great due to the gearbox mount and the battery tray from above, you'll probably need to remove the battery & tray to open up access.

Before going down that road though, it may just be worth checking the tailgate wiring where it passes from the body into the tailgate to make sure there isn't a short causing the reversing lights to be powered up.

[Chrispb]

Are they coming on with the side lights are switched on?

You could also try removing fuse 4, this will disable the normal reverse light circuit.
If there still lighting up then 99% short in tailgate gaiter.

[alexk]

Thanks guys - thats good advice. I hadn't thought of the wiring loom. I'll try that fuse trick first and see what happens.

[daddyfixit]

take the wiring loom connector off the reverse switch, it will be the switch has failed. a short on a live wire in tailgate loom would pop a fuse.

[alexk]

Hmm. The problem seems to have gone for now. Can't really test for the cause till it comes back which I'm sure it will...