Reverse Switch

My reverse lights stopped working, so I bought a replacement switch.

Put it in and still no lights

Took it out again and compared it to the old one and apart from a bit of rounding off the pins were the same length

Checked that the switch was working and then fitted it wihout using the washer and reverse lights work

There must be some wear on whatever pushes the pin on the switch which required the switch to be further in to work.

So a couple of questions:

What's worn inside and is that a potential future problem?

Is it OK to fit the switch without the washer?

Could it be a boot loom problem starting to appear....maybe severing your reverse light power or earth wires?

I have no idea of what you mean by the reverse light switch :lol:

Laz1957 wrote: My reverse lights stopped working, so I bought a replacement switch.

Put it in and still no lights

Took it out again and compared it to the old one and apart from a bit of rounding off the pins were the same length

Checked that the switch was working and then fitted it wihout using the washer and reverse lights work

There must be some wear on whatever pushes the pin on the switch which required the switch to be further in to work.

So a couple of questions:

What's worn inside and is that a potential future problem?

Is it OK to fit the switch without the washer?

Not normal for the new switch not to work, was it a genuine MGR part?? I thought the washer was a seal to stop gearbox oil leaking out. it is unusual for the operating lever in the gearbox to wear. its a common problem that the boot loom wires break where the boot opening and clsing folds them. there is an MGOC bulletin which i will try to find :omg:

Defo not a loom problem because it works fine without the washer.

I'll ty and find a thinner washer then

Laz1957 wrote: Defo not a loom problem because it works fine without the washer.

I'll ty and find a thinner washer then

You could just wrap some ptfe tape around the threads to ensure no leakage,:shrug:

David Aiketgate wrote:

Laz1957 wrote: Defo not a loom problem because it works fine without the washer.

I'll ty and find a thinner washer then

You could just wrap some ptfe tape around the threads to ensure no leakage,:shrug:

Now, that is a good idea, in fact a very good idea :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Based on the thickness of the washer this would save buying a new switch when the old one starts playing up.

Not that I'm lobying or anything :lol:

Joint cunning plan for David and myself?

Laz1957 wrote: Based on the thickness of the washer this would save buying a new switch when the old one starts playing up.

Not that I'm lobying or anything :lol:

Joint cunning plan for David and myself?

:rofl:

I'd still be interested to know what actually operates the switch within the gearbox.:shrug:

me too