Reverse light switch mechanism in transmission not working?

[rty1138]

Everything works except whatever is inside the transmission that switches the switch. Any ideas?
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1984 Vanagon GL

[Abscate]

If you removed the switch and tested it for continuity

nO, closed when activated.....

It’s time to take the trans apart. Not.

Wire in a switch to the dash and bypass the trans switch.
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.ssS!

[bobbyblack]

The switches are finicky, and they require a washer like spacer. If it was removed and you tested it and the switch itself is good, don't go assuming the trans is the problem until you are sure that you've got the right spacer/washer.
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[rty1138]

[fxr]

My old transmission had a very finicky reverse light. It wasn't the switch itself, but the selector shaft that actuates it was worn. It was a matter of very fine adjustment to get the light to come on in reverse rather than (strangely) 4th gear.

As the transmission hadn't had the 3/4 hub thingy replaced, had 215,000 miles on it and leaked like a sieve out of the seals I just replaced it with a rebuilt one with beefier 3rd and 4th gears to accommodate the Subaru EJ22 that was being fitted.
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Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[dhaavers]

I lost track of the reverse light spacer when I installed my "new" (rebuilt) tranny last summer.
Actually, I think I never got it off the old unit & returned the core with the spacer stuck to the case...

Long story short, I found out shortly afterwards that my reverse lights were coming on...IN EVERY GEAR!

After some Samba searching to verify the specs, I found a suitable washer (close as possible to 0.90mm...
...I think mine was slightly over that), popped it in place & it's been perfect ever since...

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[IdahoDoug]

Boy, the automatics are super easy to deal with the reverse switch. It's a gigantic 1940's looking heavy copper switch more befitting a train. Easy to get to by the shifter, etc.
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[rty1138]

UPDATE:
i definitely have the washer spacer installed. i tried tightening and loosening the switch. nothing. i had the crazy idea of removing the washer and IT WORKS!

so yeah, sometimes you need the washer, sometimes you don't i guess.
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1984 Vanagon GL

[dhaavers]

Counter-intuition FTW!!!

What are the chances you had (2) spacers on there before you removed one...???

<shrug>

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[fxr]

Check it doesn't also come on in other gears than just reverse - BTDTGTTS.
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[rty1138]

[Racin_jason]

any one have any secrets they'd be willing to share as to how to remove the switch while its still in the car?

[bobbyblack]

[Racin_jason]

[dhaavers]

No harm, no foul...

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>