No reverse lights

waterman17

My Audi 80 K reg 2.0litres reversing light will not work.I have checked Bulbs and Fuses all ok is there a microswitch on the gearstick or gearbox cannot seem to locate the switch or what
Advice would be appreciated MOT due in 2 weeks

danuk

reverse lights are not part of the MOT mate but i think there is a switch but it might be on the gear linkage on the gearbox end.... not 100% sure though but bet your glad it will still pass.

Stephen_Leak

If both lights aren't working and the fuse is OK, then it could be the switch. It will be a bit chunkier than an microswitch. They are usually screwed into the gearbox, in a position where it can be operated by the gear stick (ie. if reverse gear is to the right of the gate, the switch should be on that side). On some models they can be easy to get to. However, on others you almost wonder if they were fitted before the gearbox was installed.

gtone28

if you car is fitted with reverse lights they must work when it gets MOTed. Any thing fitted has to work correctly.

There is normally a switch on the bell housing this is where the gears are situated under the bonnet low down and next to the engine not on the gearstick, should look similar to ones on the radiator and injectors and so on (looks a bit like a spark plug, shape that is but with a thick wire connected to it). I had to buy one for my car and it cost me £10 for the switch in a local motor factors plus the staff told me where to put it.

danuk

mate reverse lights are only advisory items, they never have been part of the mot test.... advise yes..... maybe fail if on all the time but thats it..

http://www.carsparefinder.co.uk/blog/the-mot-test-lighting/

http://www.crescentmotoringservices.com/motmyths.html

two of many links... plus i use to be an MOT tester, although not for a while..

gtone28 wrote: »

if you car is fitted with reverse lights they must work when it gets MOTed. Any thing fitted has to work correctly.

There is normally a switch on the bell housing this is where the gears are situated under the bonnet low down and next to the engine not on the gearstick, should look similar to ones on the radiator and injectors and so on (looks a bit like a spark plug, shape that is but with a thick wire connected to it). I had to buy one for my car and it cost me £10 for the switch in a local motor factors plus the staff told me where to put it.

motorguy

gtone28 wrote: »

if you car is fitted with reverse lights they must work when it gets MOTed. Any thing fitted has to work correctly.

Nope, not true. in the same way as if for example your car has a rear wiper it doesnt have to work...

waterman17

Paul
Thanks for your reply
It is amazing the difference of opinion
i do just need someone like me with little knowledge can i change the offending switch and were it is located