reverse lights

[shedrool83]

Might be me begin an idiot but can anyone shed some light on this problem i'm having .

My reverse light aren't working when i select reverse .
I have disconnected the plug at the gear stick and tested the loom that goes to the switch on the gearbox for continuity which i have when reverse is selected .

I have bridged the other end of the plug and the reverse lights work .
When i plug the the two plugs back together i don't have reverse lights .
What am i missing

[Brianmoooore]

How did you check the switch for continuity?

[shedrool83]

How did you check the switch for continuity?

Multimeter set on buzzer

[Brianmoooore]

On my meter, the buzzer will sound at anything under about 60 ohms. The combined resistance of the two reverse lights is about 3 ohms, and considerably less when not lit.
If the resistance of the switch was 30 ohms, the lights would get about 1 volt.
BMW reverse light switches are not of a brilliant internal design. The fixed contacts sit flush in their plastic mount, and there's no wiping action as contact is made by the moving jumper bar.

[shedrool83]

On my meter, the buzzer will sound at anything under about 60 ohms. The combined resistance of the two reverse lights is about 3 ohms, and considerably less when not lit.
If the resistance of the switch was 30 ohms, the lights would get about 1 volt.
BMW reverse light switches are not of a brilliant internal design. The fixed contacts sit flush in their plastic mount, and there's no wiping action as contact is made by the moving jumper bar.

I will check the ohms of the switch tomorrow and see what i am getting.