Automatic backup light / safety switch - a tutorial w/pics!!

[pablum]

The new switch block + rubbing pad bind awfully when shifted back from drive to R,N,P.

I'm afraid I'll bend the delicate brass pad while forcing it back onto the block!

Anyone else have this problem?

Do you think tinning the surface with leaded solder would make it more slippery?

Dielectric grease alone isn't up to the job.

EDIT: after futzing about with it I could determine the fault was with the NEW switch block neutral contacts, which had a rather unfinished and abrupt edge rising far above the radiused edge of the block.

This causes (for me, at least) binding of the rubbing block when shifting up from drive into neutral.

My quick and dirty fix is to replace the NEW switch block with the OLD one, which is "nicely" worn. The original problem I had was the OLD rubbing block was worn completely through and had messy ragged edges at the contact areas.

The new one should be fine once I sand/radius/burnish the trailing edges to match the plastic of the block itself.
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The wise man learns from history, the fool from experience.
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I see [a cat] in the street and i aim for the pest with my car. -- bluebus86

[TheArmand]

Bumping this excellent thread. I went to install an AUX reverse light today and discovered my reverse lights don't work anymore.

After basic troubleshooting, I went to the neutral safety switch. I cleaned the contacts and made sure it was adjusted correctly, still wouldn't get anything.

How to Test Neutral Safety Switch for Reverse Light Function:

The two wires that connect on the back side of the switch are for the reverse lights. The one on top powers 12v to the switch, test this with the ignition on with a check light/meter. If power doesn't show up, make sure your fuse is good. If it is, good luck tracing that wire into the dash!

If power does show, you can jump the switch by placing a length of wire/paper clip between the two wires. The bottom wire with the plastic connector goes to your reverse lights. If your reverse lights work with these wires connected, your switch is bad. This was my case, even though the contact points looked good.

Vanagon: +$50
Me: -$50

Here is also a great video showing a new way (to me) to access these components, and refurbing your current pieces if purchasing new replacement are not within your budget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j5BZItWxTQ
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1988 2.1 Vanagon GL - North American High Top - Custom P22 Inspired "Nahtfalia" Edition Camper

[RocketA]

[Tobias Duncan]

Thanks Kamz. You gave me just enough info to work it out. You come through an awful lot lateley.


Here is a pic for the next person.

[kamzcab86]

I didn't take a close-up of mine when I replaced the switch, but:

The big, fat red/black wires go on the front, order doesn't matter; but for the shape of your wires the one without the plastic insulator goes on top, the other on bottom.

For the back wires, IIRC, the black/blue wire goes on top, black/white goes on bottom. The Bentley manual diagrams show which wire color goes to which pin (pins on the switch are labeled). Then, there is a set of wires (blue power and brown ground in my '90) that go the shifter light bulb(s).

The ground wire on the "hump" goes up into the dash somewhere... in my '90 anyway.

When I put it all back together and verified everything worked, I got my label maker out and labeled the wires for potential future endeavors.
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~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction; the world will have a generation of idiots." ~Albert Einstein

[Tobias Duncan]

This is what I am looking at. I think the thick red ones are the neutral safety and must go top and bottom in front.

Not sure which one goes on top.

Anyone been down this road?

[Tobias Duncan]

[blaze80]

Can anyone please post pics of their connected wiring to the white part that the safety switch brushes against? Apparently the previous owner of our '90 Carat found that the neutral safety switch was broken, so took out the white plastic part, cut the thick red wires short and connected them to each other and I also seem to be missing a ground. I've compared to our non-running '89 Wolfsburg and there are different wires coming out of floor than on '90(which is why I think I'm missing wires on the '90). I will post pics tomorrow of both, but hope someone can help- I'm very frustrated with this mess. My mechanic added a toggle switch for reverse lights to get it through state inspection, which I've since learned is illegal. So I'm hoping to fix this right and correct the PO and mechanics hack-jobs. Thanks
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/// '89 Syncro Sport Joker, Reimo Hightop, mTDI
/// '90 Carat
/// '06 Audi A4 Avant S-line
/// '92 mk2 Jetta GL 8v (SOLD)
/// '89 'Bluestar' (SOLD)
/// '04 Audi S4 (SOLD)
/// '99 Jetta GLX VR6 (SOLD)
/// '84 Vanagon GL (SOLD)

[randywebb]

BTW - if you look on the LH side of the shifter, you will see the detents and can figure out which position the lever is in (w/o having the console to ID them attached).

This procedure ought to be in the Bentley but I dunno where...

I would not use lithium grease on elec. contacts.
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[davideric9]

Oh no. I wiped off all the dielectric grease and used lithium instead. So what is wrong with lithium here?
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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob
1987 Westfalia
1988 Wolfsburg GL

[randywebb]

Di-electric grease should get wiped form the contact area -- that is how it works, tho I have heard not to use it on moving parts...

does the Bentley say to use it on this sliding contact?

you might try wiping it to ensure there is no more than a thin layer, then test continuity

do not use lithium grease
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[davideric9]

LUBRICATION:
I'm installing a new neutral safety switch and selector contact, confused about the lubrication, the grease. Seems like the old ones have a layer of grease on them. Di-electric grease is non-conductive so wouldn't this act as an insulator and cause a bad electrical connection? Should these parts be installed dry? What about lithium grease?
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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob
1987 Westfalia
1988 Wolfsburg GL

[freakmonk]

Thanks Deprivation for the info. I've been having a problem starting my 90 auto gl. I noticed when I wiggle the shifter or move it forcefully into park it would start. I just removed the housing and disconnected/reconnected the wires on the neutral switch (battery disconnected of course) and she started up the first turn of the key. I guess the friction cleaned the contact points. Thanks.

[Beygon]

Did this a couple weeks ago, bought both parts from VanCafe, no cookies?, it took about half an hour to do it, didn't take the cover completely off, just raised it, pried out the small piece, screwed the white piece in and plugged in the connectors. I did it just because the back up lights weren't working and both parts I took out had a lot of wear on them. Everything worked the first time, somethng new for me.

[nod7]

Oh, great post. I just recenlty put this issue on my to-do list because my backup lights don't come on unless you get the shifter perfectly into position. Now I have some detailed instructions on the isse.

Thanks,
-nod7

[randr]

OK not the ignition switch will check the neutral switch and/or starter in the AM.

Aloha & Good night

[randr]

Well not enough cleaning yet because it still won't start but will do it in the daylight the right way, just a little manic at this point.

It's the small stuff sweating me. Since the battery is cherry and it is getting fuel and the starter seems fine.

[66 dormi]

Thank you! an other thing that just broke on my doka!but if I wiggle the selector the BU lights come on sorta so just a minor adjustment perfect
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DORMOBILE TOP WANTED!!!!
1991 westfalia
1960 beater bus

20 Volvo VNR 430 D13 ishift
94 Volvo 850 5speed
07 Saab aero sport wagon

[randr]

THANK YOU!!!!! SICK OF THE BUS SITTING AND ME NOT DRIVING IT HOPE TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD SOON.

[r.e.wing_fc3s]

ive read this switch also effects the idle valve. anyone know what it does and why?