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Reverse Lights

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jjbunn

jjbunn

Jedi Knight
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The reverse lights on Harold don't come on when I select reverse. I've checked the connections to the lights themselves, and would now like to check the reverse light switch.

But where is it located? I assume it's on the gearbox somewhere?
 
Do you have juice at the lights or is the smoke gone?
 
Hi Jack,

All exterior lights on the car work. The bulbs in the reverse lamps are good. The connections at the sockets are good. So I suspect the reverse switch (on the transmission) is open circuit all the time.

I'd like to locate the switch itself.

I'm also investigating a rear brake "issue" ... I found that one of the brake lines has been squashed flat against the back axle at some point ... no wonder I wasn't able to bleed that one! So I suppose I will have to replace the brake line.
 
It's on the transmission on the right side. The switch on the left is for the O/D. You can see it and *barely* get to it by going through the shift boot/transmission cover plate on the top of the hump.
 
[ QUOTE ]
It's on the transmission on the right side. The switch on the left is for the O/D. You can see it and *barely* get to it by going through the shift boot/transmission cover plate on the top of the hump.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Rick ... is that the correct way to access it, or should I go from underneath the car?
 
You can attempt a removal from beneath...but there's not a lot of room...and very little room for any tools. At least by looking in from the top, you'll be able to see the orientation of things a little better. Attached is a picture of the engine and transmission out of the car. You can see the reverse switch on the upper right hand side of the transmission near the top.
 

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OK I'll take a look tomorrow ... I just need to check whether it's functioning, so I suppose could just detach the wires, and test if the lights come one when I touch them together.

Many thanks
 
[ QUOTE ]
Do you have juice at the lights or is the smoke gone?

[/ QUOTE ]

Smoke!!! Oh brother, here we go again! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gifPJ
 
*snork!*

One of the most common reverse light circuit problems I've come across is that the engine/gearbox unit has been R&R'd and the wires to the switch were overlooked, yanked hard enough to break them (one, the other or BOTH). Checking the switch and continuity in both sides of the circuit will tell better than just pigtailing. The "solid" green wire is +V from a fuse, the green/black goes rearward to the lamps.

And again: Gymnastics training helps. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
Interesting not having them though.
9-16-06-JustPics001.jpg
 
Weren't fitted 'til '68, IIRC.
 
Yes I think they came out on the later'67's. Mine is an early '67 so it does not have 'em. I thought it was really strange when I got her.
 
I guess it was when the full-synchro trans was fitted then? The "kinked" shifter was the earlier box, the "straight" one in the later box with reverse lights switch. Build date/chassis number would be more accurate than the title date I s'pose.
 
I've taken a look, both from underneath and through the shift knob hole ... I don't see any switch :-(

I'm not sure I'm looking in the right place. Just how close to the shift stick is the switch, and is it on the upper side of the transmission, or underside?
 
Julian...look at the photo I attached....on the upper right hand side of the transmission housing and just before the overdrive unit is a round switch with two prongs. This would be your reverse lamp switch. It is foreward of the shift lever by several inches, about 1 o'clock or so.

Good luck!
 
Hey, Rick... what're all them "Ford" adverts doin' on yer wall! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
That's my buddy Pete's garage...he's big into the Blue Oval. Has a HiPo crate 302 in his '69 MGB...and is building a Factory Five Daytona coupe.
See https://www.mantellmotorsport.com/

I bought the engine and transmission seen in the photo from the owner of a 1980 MGB that Pete put a 302 into recently. It's going into my '78 MGB.
 
A "borrowed" facility... That's redemption enuff. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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