Automatic Transmission Reverse Light Question

kerian159

Ok First, I have searched the forums for this problem and yes there are a few people that have asked this question but i'm still abit lost as to the answer. I have a 1976 Camper with an Automatic Transmission. My reverse lights do not work, I have looked under the shift housing for the "switch" and found it and it seams to be working (but i'm also not exactly sure i'm looking at the right thing) If somebody can show me a pic of it that would be nice. from that switch looking at the wiring diagram it goes straight to the lights in the back thru a wire connector behind the dash. Where is this connector (general area will help)? Also is there a fuse in the engine compartment or is this just for the stick version?

Thanks,

Jay
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

Westfabulous · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:26 pm Post subject:

It'll most likely be the switch. And our friend Scott sells them:

http://www.germansupply.com/home/customer/product.php?productid=17419&cat=&page=1
_________________
*****************

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

kerian159 · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:27 pm Post subject:

best way to test them? test light and see if it lights up on one of the wires when I put it into reverse?
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

old DKP driver · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:53 pm Post subject: back up lights

There are 2 phillips screws that hold the Switch and,it is adjustable.
Also, the brass contact on the Shift lever is usually the problem
Losing contact.And it is spring loaded.
Pull the cover back off and Gently push the lever sideways while in
reverse.Key on Engine OFF.

Do you have someone to look at the lights while you move the lever?

If not, Loosen the the screws and move the switch closer to the contact
on the lever.
Be gentle tightening the screws or you will split the plastic.
_________________
V.W.owner since 1967

kerian159 · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:59 pm Post subject:

I will check that tomorrow
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

airschooled · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:21 pm Post subject:

The'76 owners manual specifies the fuse box for reverse for the MANUAL transmission being in the engine compartment, but doesn't say anything about autos. Does the auto-tranny have a fuse for reverse lights elsewhere? It should, right?
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kerian159 · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:23 pm Post subject:

That's the problem nothing is said about the auto stuff. I've personally only ran across one other bus with an automatic transmission in it that worked
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

old DKP driver · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 6:37 pm Post subject: back up lights

If you have a Bentley repair manual for your bus you can find
the answer in the electrical section.

The switch at the gear shift lever incorporates the backup light
signal from, Fuse S-12
Should be Green to the switch . Terminal 15 from there it is Black
to the rear of the bus and, ofcourse it splits for RT,LFT

Supplement is:Page after 41 for wiring diagram A.
Green Bentley 68-79

I really am not sure if there is an additional fuse holder for an Auto-Trans
in the engine compartment.
_________________
V.W.owner since 1967

kerian159 · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 6:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks. Looking at the diagram it doesn't show a fuse back in the engine compartment. I will be looking later and will post results
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

dwdelano · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 7:52 pm Post subject:

kerian159 · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 9:06 pm Post subject:

Glad my question is helping people Smile

. But i'm still having some issues. I pulled my gear selector back apart and checked the wiring and i'm thinking the PO had 2 of the wires backwards (for some reason) the black and green wire were reversed from what the pictures show so I took a few pics to show you guys. First off i'm using a laptop with touchpad for a mouse so be gentle on the comments for the labeling of the connections Laughing

Jay

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

kerian159 · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 9:10 pm Post subject:

here's the wiring diagram btw

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiring/baybus_76_supplement.jpg
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

kerian159 · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:13 pm Post subject:

For anybody else that has an automatic, i'm still having some issues and if one of you could post a few pics like I have (so I can compare). Also the only contact on this switch that lights up when power is turned on is the middle top connector (when looking at the picture that has "RF" and "15" written on it. Any assistance would be appreciated. This is not critical since I live in FL and we don't have car inspections (thankfully) but it is kinda annoying to not have reverse lights.

Jay
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

old DKP driver · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:09 pm Post subject: no back up lights

C'mon, The customer is waiting for you to finish this job. Confused

Did you already rule out that Both backup light bulbs are good
by jumping from 15 to RF?

Also, do you mean you have no power from terminal 50 (starter) to
the switch.
_________________
V.W.owner since 1967

Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:11 pm Post subject:

I have no idea what the wiring looks like in there, but I do see lots of rust. Do you have good ground?
_________________
*****************

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

kerian159 · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:12 pm Post subject:

I have not tried jumping from 15 to RF (didn't realize that would cause something to work) as far as the other, The Bus works fine starts, drives, and shifts perfect I just don't have any backup lights for some reason. And yes I have checked the bulbs they are fine.
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

Westfabulous · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:17 pm Post subject:

kerian159 · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:55 pm Post subject:

I tried jumping RF to the 15 wire and nothing happend on the tail lights, even tried with a test light to see if that helped, nothing. Any other ideas?

As for getting a good ground. I'm assuming that since my transmission will not let me start the car in any other gear than park or neutral that switch is grounded fine
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"

old DKP driver · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:28 pm Post subject: no rf to 15 power

So you have power at terminal 15 with the key on.
You jumped power to RF and have power.
So WHY don't you have power @ the bulb holder?

All the rear light wires come out in the same place.

power and grounds, power and grounds.

And how did you test the bulbs?

I'm not trying to rattle you just help you.
_________________
V.W.owner since 1967

kerian159 · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:34 pm Post subject:

It's ok. When i jumped power from 15 to rf using a test light the light did not light up. I am going to fiddle with it tomorrow. Testing the bulbs well I used a test light grounded to the engine case and touching it to the contact on the taillight and nothing happened.
_________________
1976 Type II Westy P22

"Growing older, but not up!"


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