Reversing lights

[qbazdz]

Hi All,
Pleased to join the forum

I have a small fault on my Corsa Sport 1.4 16V Sreg and can't figure out what is going on though.
It seems that my reversing lights (both) are dead and I can't get them to work.

Steps I have already done:
1. Changed bulbs - no luck
2. Changed fuse - no luck
3. Cross-check new/old bulbs/fuse - no luck
4. Ive looked into my Haynes manual on the wiring diagrams and still can't see anything else to check.

For some, this might be an easy thing, but I am not veeery car-minded and I can get most of the basic stuff done (ie. changing of my filters ) but the rest I prefer to leave to people who do it as their job

Any hep would be much appreciated.

[essexjohn]

You've got a switch on the front of the gearbox that senses when the car is in reverse most prob it has failed, look in haynes manual for reverse switch. hope this helps mate.

[paul24685]

reverse switch is very common for going had same problem with mine last month. easy to change tho and only cost a fiver for new one. open bonnet look on top of gearbox left handside i fink and ul c two thin wires going into a switch disconnect the wires and un do the switch... put new one in and hey presto lol. good luck.

[qbazdz]

Thanks a lot guys!
It seems that this must be the problem...
Ive been trying to locate the switch but when looking under the bonnet there is no way I can see it.
Should I be checking the gearbox from underneath the car?
The manual doesn't really say where it is, apart from the 'front of the gearbox casing'.

If it's a 5 min job, I shouldn't have be taking things of really, should I?

Would be great to see a pic where to look or how to access it easily.

Thanks!!

[essexjohn]

I'll get a picture for you tomorrow when it's daylight. when you find it take the plug off the switch and bridge a piece of wire across the terminals in the plug, if the reverse lights come on the switch is definately the problem.

[qbazdz]

John,
sorry to trouble you, but it would be great to see the pic. Im planning to order most of the bits I need (filters etc.) shortly so I could get the switch in the same time.
Thanks!

[essexjohn]

Hello mate got a couple of quick pics for you, the switch is on the top of the gearbox on the right hand side of the engine.
If you look under the distributor\spark pack on right hand side of engine:

You will see a cable in a ribbed sheath that plugs into the switch:

The plug is reached alot easier from underneath the car, put your hand up from underneath and find the wire, unplug it and then the switch un-screws out of the gearbox. I have a closer picture of the switch but it's from a haynes manual, will dig it out and put it on in a bit.

[essexjohn]

Here's a pic of what the reverse switch looks like:

you will find it alot easier If you get under the car as you can see more of the gearbox than if you look from above. Hope this helps mate, if you get stuck drop me a PM. John