No reverse lights

[Braz86]

Morning all

Booked an MOT for Thursday, but just found the reverse lights aren't working. Lamp fillaments are ok and not blown, so is it likely to be the gear sensor, what with both lights not working, or could there be other issues?

Hoping it's a quick fix, advice greatly appreciated

 

[yocky z3 2.0]

Could be a fuse but most likely the switch on the gearbox about £15 for a new one euro car parts

 

[t-tony]

If you can access the switch on the gearbox, disconnect the plug then bridge the two contacts in the plug with a split pin or similar then turn on the ignition. If the reverse lights illuminate then the switch is faulty. If they don't use a test lamp and check for live on the plug contacts, one should be live. If it is then connect the test light earth to the other contact to check for earth.

Tony.

 

[Braz86]

Cheers Tony. Waiting for a mate to bring ramps round so I can get under, can't find a suitable point to jack so I can get a stand under the near-side pad. Fuse is ok, so will bridge the connector next and hopefully it's the switch

 

[Redline]

As Tony said, it’s a process of elimination to isolate the cause. Find where there is power and edge along to the lights.

However before you start crawling around under the car do the easy check first. Check there is a good earth at the lights. Don’t know the wiring layout so can’t give advice but without a good ground for both lights they’re not going to work properly.

 

[Braz86]

All sorted. Bridged the connector and lights came on. Switched swapped out and all working. Thanks all

 

[t-tony]

All sorted. Bridged the connector and lights came on. Switched swapped out and all working. Thanks all

Good news mate. Good luck with the test.

Tony.