TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:21 pm

Ive got a "what the heck" situation. When I put my bay in reverse it dies, I tried it a couple times and it died. I tried to start the bus with it in reverse, wouldnt even start. Please help. Thanks ahead of time for the help. :? :? :?

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:24 pm

What year is your bus, and what engine does it have?

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:36 pm

Your back up switch and reverse lights are on a current track with the coil. At least that's the case on my '79. Check your wiring diagram for whatever year bus you are placing in reverse.

It hasn't happened to me, but I'd imagine a short in the back up lights would cause a fault in the ignition system.

1. Check the wiring that comes from the black in-line fuse holder on the driver's side of the engine bay. Go ahead and check the fuse. Now, the wiring should lead to your back up lights. Check for exposed wire or a break. Check the grounds for the lights.

2. Clean the connections and check the bulbs too. I'm telling you it's not a coincidence that the reverse lights are on the same track as the coil and you lose spark when you put the car in reverse.

3. Buy a manual for your bus.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:41 pm

The backup lights should be connected the the 12+ terminal on the coil. If they are connected to the negative (-) terminal (the one with the green wire going to the distributor) your engine will die when shifted into reverse.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:58 pm

Quote: The backup lights should be connected the the 12+ terminal on the coil. If they are connected to the negative (-) terminal (the one with the green wire going to the distributor) your engine will die when shifted into reverse.

or that....

Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:47 am

Did someone do a Trick or Treat to your bus and switch the wires?

Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:43 am

My bus is a 78. Ive kinda looked around the coil for loose wiring, now I'll start looking for breaks and exposed wires. The bus came with a Haynes manual. The british have a different name for everything! Thanks for the guidance, I'll report back with either good news or that it wont start in any situation next. Thanks again.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:47 am

Has someone messed with your coil wires recently is what they are trying to tell you. One of the wires is on the wrong side of the coil which kills the bus when you put it into reverse.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:47 am

Carl P. wrote: My bus is a 78. Ive kinda looked around the coil for loose wiring, now I'll start looking for breaks and exposed wires. The bus came with a Haynes manual. The british have a different name for everything! Thanks for the guidance, I'll report back with either good news or that it wont start in any situation next. Thanks again.

It's not a break or an exposed wire....read this again:

Quote: The backup lights should be connected the the 12+ terminal on the coil. If they are connected to the negative (-) terminal (the one with the green wire going to the distributor) your engine will die when shifted into reverse.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:18 am

Quote: The backup lights should be connected the the 12+ terminal on the coil. If they are connected to the negative (-) terminal (the one with the green wire going to the distributor) your engine will die when shifted into reverse.
D'oh...

The reverse lights get their 12v power from the same wire that powered the coil and it taps off the coil terminal. If you connect it to the wire to the negative side then when you shift into reverse the switch closes and grounds the points... and your engine stops.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:18 am

In a beetle that set up looks like this, but the same idea prevails...

Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:14 pm

I will look and shift wiring as needed. Knowing the guys in my club it wouldnt surprise me if the culprit isnt among them. "Paybacks are hell" as Ive heard. Thanks for the help.