Reversing light switch

[tango-one]

1979 325iT

Just started to have problems with the reversing lights coming on intermittently, which suggests that it might be the switch at the gearstick end.

Please would anyone comment on this and, also, where and how easy is it to replace the switch.

TIA

tango-one

[XMon]

1979 325iT

Just started to have problems with the reversing lights coming on intermittently, which suggests that it might be the switch at the gearstick end.

Please would anyone comment on this and, also, where and how easy is it to replace the switch.

TIA

tango-one

In thinking that you mean an '89 mate, the swtich is on the passenger's side of the tranny up near the top. You should see two wires running to it. It's a fairly crude setup, so I'd at least go probing the wires first. You can find a connector for the wiring to the swtich under the shift boot. It should be a 2 pin Molex style (big white) connector.

[Brianmoooore]

Yes, switch faulty - not uncommon. Pull spade connectors off and unscrew with 19mm spanner IIRC.
New one just screws in untill tight - no adjustment.
Fill the spade connectors with silicon grease to keep corrosion at bay.

[tango-one]

Thanks to Brian Moore and XMon for their helpful responses.

tango-one

[Morat]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but what is the best way to get to this switch? My reversing lights have also gone awol...

[march109]

Morat this is freaky I too am having issues, can comeone send me a pic of the switch in situ, I have looked but cant find an wires.

Which is why the previous owner probably saw fit to wire the reversing lights into the rear fog light switch.

[316eyes]

Before you go scrabbling about under the car check the contacts in the rear bulb holders. If they are the flat metal strip type rather than the metal rod, clean the points where the bulbs touch and bend the strip flat again. You may need to put a flat screwdriver blade underneath it and tap it with a small hammer or punch if there is an indent in the strip.

I changed 2 rev. light switches and half a dozen bulbs before an "old head" told me to do this, and it worked!!

[chu346]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread

wow two year old thread, you just doing it for a laugh eh?

[Morat]

Well, the search function IS there

I'll check out the bulb holders but I'm pretty sure its the switch, sometimes they come on,sometimes they don't but its always both together.

[316eyes]

Well, the search function IS there

I'll check out the bulb holders but I'm pretty sure its the switch, sometimes they come on,sometimes they don't but its always both together.

Exactly the same symptoms as mine, which is why I spent ages changing everything.

[dazleeds]

when mine went i had 1 light stick on constantly

instructions as above, 10min job bit fiddly if ya got big arms

[Brianmoooore]

Don't play around with things that might not be faulty until you've proved where the fault is !!! Or you'll possibly end up with multiple faults!!!!!
Pull the gearlever gaiter up from the bottom and fish out the white two pin connector from near the bottom of the gearlever. Short the two pins together with a piece of wire, and the reverse lights should come on with the ignition switch. If they do, the fault is with the switch. If they don't, look elsewhere. Fuse first, then the light clusters.
Switch is high up on the right hand side of the gearbox. Access is not good!

[Morat]

Thanks Brian. I'll work through it. It had better not be the switch cos I'll never get my arms in. Might have to get the GF involved, and that'd cost!