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Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:04 pm

So a couple of years ago my car was acting up. When I took it to my buddy to have him look at it he reached behind the motor and pulled out a completely bare wire. Anyways from then on my reverse lights have not worked. Anyone know where that wire starts and ends so I can replace it?
Thanks,

Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:05 pm

It runs from the positive side of the coil to the tranny switch. then from the switch to a Tee connector in the engine compartment and then to each tail light.

Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:07 pm

Is the Tranny switch behind the motor? Thanks for the quick reply

Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:08 pm

Its on the passenger side of the nose cone.... on the tranny.

Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:13 pm

You may want to follow this thread as well.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=326901

Excellent diagram Glenn

Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:16 pm

Semper_Dad wrote: Excellent diagram Glenn
Not mine, it's from Speedy Jim's website.

Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:31 pm

Glenn wrote: Semper_Dad wrote: Excellent diagram Glenn
Not mine, it's from Speedy Jim's website.

Nice diagram reference Glenn :lol:

Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:23 pm

So I just put it in reverse with the key on (motor not started) got underneith it and hit the switch with a test light. it said it wasn't getting power. Does the car have to be started in order to give the switch power? Also I found 2 wires connected to it, so I'm sure I'll have to chase the ends down.
Thanks

Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:30 pm

Pbotsonis wrote: So I just put it in reverse with the key on (motor not started) got underneith it and hit the switch with a test light. it said it wasn't getting power. Does the car have to be started in order to give the switch power? Also I found 2 wires connected to it, so I'm sure I'll have to chase the ends down.
Thanks

Just need to have the key in the "on" position. One of the wires on the transmission is coming from the coil (via the bakelite fuse). Other wire is going to the backup lights (via a t-connector).

Turn the key to the "on" position (not start). Check for 12VDC at the following locations.

1) Bakelite fuse (both ends)
2) Transmission switch (both contacts) Make sure shifter is in reverse
3) Either one of the blue wires in the T4 connector

You can also remove both wires on the transmission switch and check for continuity on the switch (between contacts) with shifter in and out of reverse. Should be 0 ohms (short) when in reverse, Infinity (open) out of reverse. Do not have to have car on or start. In fact, keep key in pocket :lol:

Sat May 23, 2020 11:56 am

Reviving an old thread here. Has anyone been able to replace the BU switch without removing the tranny?

Sat May 23, 2020 5:58 pm

I personally did not do it, but a guy that I had working on my Thing replaced it without taking out the trans. It should be very reachable.

Sat May 23, 2020 6:20 pm

Thanks, if finally found where it is but it looks really tight quarters.

Thu May 28, 2020 5:13 pm

Maybe this helps...