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MGB reverse lights stay on all the time on '79 mgb

iefstath

Freshman Member
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the reverse lights are on all the time so im assuming its a switch issue, the problem is i cant find the switch. i pulled off the shifter boot but there is another plate i will have to take off to expose everything...just wondering if im looking in the right place or if it could be another issue all together
 
Should be in your Haynes shop manual.
 
If I recall, and someone will correct me If I'm wrong, the switch is on the left front corner of the shift extension housing, where the housing bolts to the main transmission case.
Jeff
 
Hehe, cut the wire or take out bulbs till the manual arrives if you must.
 
Mine did the same thing on my '78. I never got around to replacing the switch...and finally did exactly as has been suggested...took out the lamps.

The switch was bad when I purchased the car in 1986...the repair was made when I had the engine and transmission out to replace broken motor mounts and install a new clutch...

GEEZ....that was 20 years ago!!!!!!!!!!

A lazy, yet effective repair of this particularly aggrevating electrical fault..
 
took the bulbs out 2day after getting pulled over in 3 states in 3 hrs.....now ive got till june to fix it for inspection
 
Had the same problem on my '78.
Cleaned and lubed the switch and all was well ... for a while.
Repeated as needed until I gave up and put a toggle switch on the center console under the ciggy lighter.
There's a hole there already, you'll feel it if you run your hand over the vinyl. Good location since your hand ends up there as you engage reverse.
Then again, you'll have the same issue all over again when you forget to switch it off...
( that's why I ended up putting the red flip-cover on it, helps me remember .... makes you feel like a fighter pilot to boot! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif )
 

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Needed MGC brake information

Hello MGC owners, helping senior 1969 MGC owner get dual servo brakes working.
Anyone know where I can get brake lines set up for installation with dual servo's?
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

Jack the car up, better yet, put it on a lift and disconnect one wire from the switch on the tranny and see if the lights go out. If they do, run a check on the switch with an ohm meter and see if it's shorted out. You can also take both wires off the switch and while someone is watching the rear lights, touch them together and see if the lights come on and off. If they do, the switch is bad. Replace it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif PJ
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

It'll be the switch. Vickie Brit or Moss... but I'd try Tony first...
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

Got several transmissions with the switch still on them
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

Why in the world would you tell someone to "cut" a wire when you can pull it off its male connector. Getting to the switch is a pain in the ass and might not be doable if its screwed down really tight! Its easy to round off the edges with a wrench and thats if you have one that can get into that tight space in the first place!

I just leave mine unplugged!!
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

Many ways to cut the wire. ie make the circut open. hehe
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

re: I just leave mine unplugged!!
**********

Your hands don't get as dirty if you just take out the lamps.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

Takeing lamps out is one way for sure.
 
Re: Needed MGC brake information

Rick - you probably want to start a new thread as we're all concentrating here on the original problem

But, in answer to your question...an old MGC for preformed or new that you form & cut to length from Moss
 
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