[Mk2] [Turbo] No Reverse Lights

[GBTurbo]

Hi, i've looked at the reverse light topics and I still can't figure out whats going on with my reverse lights!

Basically, i've changed the switch, I've changed the ECU-IGN fuse in the engine bay and i've changed both bulbs.

Once upon a time they did actually work, but it would be infrequent and I would put it in reverse, then about 5 seconds later the lights would come on. Then they stopped working altogether.

I bridged the 2 pins on the wiring for the switch and the reverse lights dont come on...

The old switch was definitely broken, I checked the continuity. So I bought a new one anyway.
The new switch definitely works, I checked the continuity.

I've tried cleaning the plug as best I can and have tried wd-40 etc.

So there seams to be no power going to the plug.. which would indicate a dodgy fuse but the fuse is fine. Earthing problem perhaps? Electrical stuff is not my forte i'm afraid.

Does anyone have any ideas?

One more thing, I checked the voltage across the ECU-IGN fuse and it was 0.4 volts?

Thanks for your time

[Quigonjay]

have you checked the connection at the gearbox end?

[stuartswan]

maybe a broken wire somewhere?

i also would think you should 12v across a fuse

[jasongtr]

not sure if you realise but its not an mot failure, just in case you were trying to get it fixed for that

[GBTurbo]

have you checked the connection at the gearbox end?

I'm not quite sure what you mean, do you mean is the mechanism inside the gearbox actually pushing the reverse switch?

I did try to push the switch in manually but the light still didn't come on

[GBTurbo]

maybe a broken wire somewhere?

i also would think you should 12v across a fuse

Yeah but where is the question!

[GBTurbo]

not sure if you realise but its not an mot failure, just in case you were trying to get it fixed for that

Yeah its not a major big deal but I would like everything to work on my car if you know what I mean. I'm glad its not an mot failure though

[jasongtr]

got the same problem on my golf, i personally think it should be a failure issue (glad its not too) as it could be dangerous in certain circumstances

[GBTurbo]

Yeah I agree. Its annoying at night.

Still can't get my head around why the lights aren't working, i'll keep thinking and post back with any results

[Peter Gidden]

Should be a straightforward fault finding job.

Ignition on, reverse engaged.

Check for:

12V at switch - both terminals. If OK,

12V at centre terminal of reverse bulb sockets. If OK,

Earth at bulb sockets.

HTH

[GBTurbo]

I'm pretty sure I have checked for 12v at the switch and there was nothing..

This is what throws me is that there is nothing at the plug.. so it would lead me to believe there is a break in the wiring loom somewhere?

This weekend I will do some more prodding around with the multimeter and post back. Cheers

[fen666]

I had the same problem...The reversing light was a no live from ecu-ig so instead of ripping all the wiring apart I removed the bottom of fuse box and located the ecu-ig wiring. Then fitted a fresh wire into the fused connector. Everything seems to be working ok charging, cooling fans, no nasty dash warning lights !!!!

[GBTurbo]

Finally fixed the problem, when I installed my new aerial the plug that connects the reverse lights to the rest of the loom was disconnected

One thing that did put a spanner in the works was that the engine had to be running before the reverse lights would work. Apart from that, it was mainly my own stupidity

Thanks all