Reverse switch - manual transmission

[archaeology_student]

Just a quick question regarding my reverse light switch on my '97 disco with a 5 speed manual transmission.

I have to hold the shifter back all the way while in reverse for my reverse lights to stay on...

Do I need to tighten the switch underneath the carriage, or... ?

 

[antichrist]

It could be that it's backed out some.

 

[Frank84]

If it isn't backed out, try removing the washer on the switch and re-installing it. I put some teflon tape the threads when I did this on mine.

 

[thequickervicar]

...assuming he can reach it without dropping the trans. Mine only had 1/2" clearance.

 

[Frank84]

I got to it from underneath with a flex head ratching wrench without too much difficulty. If you don't have a set of these buy them in metric - they are great! I undid the connector and slipped the wires through the wrench.

 

[96discoI]

leave it alone and install a backup beeper light in place of one reverse bulb. that way you save the 30 bucks on the switch and you don't always have to listen to the beep if you don't want to. However, the beeping lightbulb costs the same as a new switch. good luck. some of the switches can't be adjusted. I am thinking of making a hole in the tranny tunnel to access the switch so that when i finally have to replace it, I can get to it

 

[thequickervicar]

leave it alone and install a backup beeper light in place of one reverse bulb. that way you save the 30 bucks on the switch and you don't always have to listen to the beep if you don't want to.

I am confused as to how this will help him see behind him or pass state inspection. (btw, these beepers are a great way to annoy friends who might leave their cars unlocked at night. or so I've heard)

I am thinking of making a hole in the tranny tunnel to access the switch so that when i finally have to replace it, I can get to it

Perhaps that's what I should have done, but I had just finished up rewelding everything under the carpets and didn't have the gumption to tear it all apart again for an access hole project.

 

[Frank84]

No need for a hole in the trans tunnel if you have ratcheting wrenches with a flex head.

 

[96discoI]

The beeper won't allow for any visibility, but it will keep the neighbors kids from hanging around when it comes on. When adults hear the beeps, they pay closer attention to their children, and the kids are safer for it. Plus, since the switch is so worn, you can use the beeping at will, and if you see no dangers, you don't have to strain your neck trying to shove the gearshift while looking over your shoulder. BTW, if I do get around to making a hole in the tranny tunnel, I will replace the switch. this is my lazy way of proving to myself that I don't need to replace it until later. We don't have safety inspections in CA, only smog...so there is no issue there. I will look into the flex head wrenches though, it sounds better than creating an unnecessary hole in the bottom of a rover...

 

[thequickervicar]

But he still needs to trigger that backup light/beeper with the same switch, so he's back to square one.

 

[96discoI]

True, it isn't the best remedy but it's good for me. I will be looking into the flex head wrench for sure. I think cutting a hole in the tranny tunnel is going to be too problematic. I just like the fact that it's one more thing that only I know about. Like the way my ignition key only turns when I jiggle it just right while turning the wheel back and forth. Or like the way that I had to cut an access slot in my rear cargo door housing to get the latch to catch when I close it. I dare someone to try and steal my truck with the keys in it. they would probably break the key off and kick it as they left to go look for another truck to steal. I love these trucks. as long as you are willing to deal with the Lucas gods, then you have a truck that will only work for you and no one else...

 

[archaeology_student]

Okay, which side is the switch on? I crawled underneath the passenger side with some extra lights, and my iPhone to take pics, and still can not find the darn thing!

The rave gives the impression that it is on the side of the tunnel for the R380 gearbox, but I saw nothing

Is it on the passenger side or the drivers side (I saw in another post someone mentioned the driver's side)? Is it on top of the tunnel?

 

[thequickervicar]

Driver's side. You'll see leads running to it from the top side of the trans. Mine was impossible to get at. I hope yours is not.

 

[robertf]

I am confused as to how this will help him see behind him or pass state inspection.

I know its not required here, never heard of it required anywhere.

 

[archaeology_student]

Driver's side. You'll see leads running to it from the top side of the trans. Mine was impossible to get at. I hope yours is not.

That explains why I ended up seeing nothing! Okay, tonight I try the driver's side to find the blasted thing!

Thank you

 

[dcarr1971]

I know its not required here, never heard of it required anywhere.

It's definitely required to pass annual PA state inspection. I need to deal with this on my '96 over the next few days too...

 

[archaeology_student]

Just makes parallel parking and reversing so much easier when I can see behind me, especially with these dark wintery nights!

 

[archaeology_student]

So I crawled under the driver's side and snapped this image... is that the reverse switch that I see?

 

[archaeology_student]

When I pulled that cover off, this is what I saw. When I removed the nut (bigger than 19mm btw) it was flat on the end that was inside, and had some fluid on it.

 

[archaeology_student]

After some more fiddling around I spotted two wires above the cross member and around the exhaust pipes from the cats. So with some yoga like moves I managed to get my hands up there and clean dirt away to find this switch and take a snap.