TheSamba.com :: View topic - No Reverse lights but power to the *NEW* switch?

Thu Oct 18, 2012 8:00 am

I had an issue with my reverse lights on my standard shift van, replaced the switch on the side of the transmission (also new connectors) and had lights again for a New York Minute before pulling the trans for my conversion.
I don't have lights, but Now when I pop the 2 wires off of the switch, I can touch the 2 wires together get a spark and some lights. That tells me that I have power to the switch.

I have tried testing the switch out of the vehicle with an ohm-meter (DMM) with varying results. should I be able to pull the switch out of the trans, hook up the wires and press the switch to elicit lights? or does the switch have to be grounded on the trans etc.

I think I need another set of hands to operate my shifter in and out of gear to see if it is actuating the switch with a DMM , but shouldn't I be able to with the switch out of the trans be able to push the button and get lights at the back?

Thanks.

Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:25 am

Not sure about the van, but usually if there are 2 wires you don't need ground. And if shorting the wires together gets you lights then ground isn't necessary, unless it's finding ground through something it shouldn't on an extra wire (doubtful).

Use your dmm to check the switch for continuity between the switch housing and either terminal with the switch open and closed.

Thu Oct 18, 2012 11:23 am

Thanks Kbeefy,
Does anyone know does the switch turn on when the pin is out, or when the pin is pushed in?

I am going to run home after work and tear it out again. I remember seeing a post about the cam that triggers the switch but was uncertain about whether the cam pushed the button to make contact or if it let off pressure to make electrical contact. If the latter then maybe I need to shim the switch out?!?

Fri Oct 19, 2012 5:27 pm

Well, got a new switch today and pulled the switch that was in it out. a 3 minute job. It took longer to get the van on the ramps. Reverse lights are working great! So I think the switch I put in a few months back was defective from the get go.