S3 reverse light switch

[Trap112]

The reverse lights don’t work, I’ve checked the bulbs. There is no power back there when in reverse. They don’t seem to have a separate fuse so I’m guessing, although open to other ideas, where is the reverse light switch and how is accessibility please. Just hoping it’s a loose connection. The car is a S3. Thank you.

[GreenV8S]

The switch is on the side of the gearbox. I believe it shares a fuse with the brake lights. The reverse switch is on the positive side of the lights so if you locate the switch you should see an ignition switched supply on one side, and a circuit to the lamp holder on the other.

[NZDave]

I have had trouble with mine in the past. When I got to the switch neither wire was on it. Unfortunately one of the terminals was broken so I purchased another switch. One of the terminals on that broke off while I was connecting it up so the switches appear to be pretty fragile. In the end i soldered the terminal back on the old switch and it is still working.
Dave

[phillpot]

NZDave said:

One of the terminals on that broke off while I was connecting it up so the switches appear to be pretty fragile.

Or you're just "ham fisted"



Switch location, if it helps...................



Think you can access it by lifting the console, if getting under the car is not an easy option?

[Trap112]

Thanks for that picture, that’s really helpful. A bit of care reqd when fumbling about.
Is the centre console easy to remove? Hard to say I suppose as they seem to be all trimmed differently!!
Get on and sort it out as it’s an MOT item now.
Thanks for your advice.

[phillpot]

Trap112 said:

Is the centre console easy to remove?

Remove two self tappers at the back and sort of hinge it up leaving everything at the front attached.

[Bercilac]

I just lifted the body off my S1 and found that one of the switch wires was disconnected. Maybe that happened when the body was lifted or maybe it just worked loose by itself, but I'll be addressing it before the body goes back on as it is a bit flimsy.

[Trap112]

I took the console off and found the switch but there are no wires anywhere near it!!!
I’ll have to get underneath to see if I can find any loose wires anywhere or I’ll have to rewire.
Check it works first. How odd. Or maybe not!

[Trap112]

The wires have been located zip tied to the chassis! However they have had spade connectors fitted. Ive tested the wires and they work as does the switch. I’ve removed them but where do you get those bullet connectors from, they don’t seem very big for maintaining contact or is it some form of plug? I tried a number of motor factors and an auto electrician but nothing available. Thank you

[phillpot]

Trap112 said:

I’ve removed them but where do you get those bullet connectors from, they don’t seem very big for maintaining contact or is it some form of plug?

Originally there would be a proper little plug thing to connect onto the switch but for want of one of those a pair of red female bullets will do the job. They'll actually be a bit tight, may need tweaking open a bit with a screwdriver or something?

Trap112 said:

I tried a number of motor factors and an auto electrician but nothing available. Thank you

An "Auto electrician" couldn't find you a couple of those (or he couldn't be arsed)?

Edited by phillpot on Wednesday 15th August 21:19

[Trap112]

Many thanks for the suggestion. I got some blue connectors from an agricultural farming depot but too big, so I’ll go back and get some red. I put a couple of block connector things on and screwed then tight and they seem to be ok but bullet will look neater and maybe last longer!
Yes so far motor factors and the auto electrician have been pretty unhelpful. Thanks again

[GreenV8S]

Chop block style screw terminal connections will need some form of strain relief for the cable, and will expose it to corrosion. It's not good for a long term solution.

[Trap112]

Thank you for the advice. It is much appreciated. A better job now saves problems later.

[phillpot]

GreenV8S said:

Chop block style screw terminal connections will need some form of strain relief for the cable

Doctor Bodgit said:

Strip the cable as normal then bend the bare wires back over the insulation and shove the lot into the "choc block". This will give a stronger connection and still be ample for the small current involved, unless you're running a couple of these as reverse lights

GreenV8S said:

and will expose it to corrosion. It's not good for a long term solution.

Doctor Bodgit said:

Smother the lot with Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) or Silicone grease