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mfemenel
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2014
Posts: 292
Location: Matthews, NC
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 Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 12:48 pm Post subject: Reverse Lights |
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i'm baffled by something troubleshooting no reverse lights. I'm supposed to be able to test with key on that the positive side of the coil has power and then test at the fuse etc. With key on, I have no power on the positive side of the coil. The car runs and drives fine though which is odd to me. Does not have reverse lights with key on or engine running. Any idea why I wouldn't be getting anything when the key is on?
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'79 Westy FI/AC/Auto
'78 Tin Top FI/Manual
'70 Ghia |
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sputnick60
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 22, 2007
Posts: 4101
Location: In Molinya Orbit
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 4:36 am Post subject: Re: Reverse Lights |
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The positive side of the coil connects to the battery via the key switch. So if the car runs, a steady voltage on that side of the coil needs to be there, or it wouldn't.
The reverse lights tap off the switched (+) on the coil and via a fuse the wire should go to one side of the switch near the gearbox's nose. The other side of the switch goes to the reverse light. Simples.
You can follow this with two wires connected to a light bulb. Connect one wire to a solid ground, like the engine or gearbox and then check the coil, the fuse, the one side of the switch, the other side of the switch with the gear in reverse and not in reverse. And finally the reverse light. Your light bulb tool should light up at each point.
Maybe you fuse is blown. Maybe the switch is a dud. Maybe the reverse light is blown.
Nicholas.
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mfemenel
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2014
Posts: 292
Location: Matthews, NC
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: Reverse Lights |
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Well I got 12 volts on one side, not the other (of the switch). Took the old one out, put a new one in and got the spades back on. WHAT A PITA!!!! I'm not seeing 12 volts at the swtich now but.. idiot me replaced the old spade terminal with an insulated one. Only to realize that's probably the lead coming in with 12 volts but I can't verify. I put it away until tomorrow. Bad things were going to happen. Also it's my fault for having bones in my arms and not cartilage. Terrible location!
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'79 Westy FI/AC/Auto
'78 Tin Top FI/Manual
'70 Ghia |
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mfemenel
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2014
Posts: 292
Location: Matthews, NC
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| Posted: Yesterday 5:41 am Post subject: Re: Reverse Lights |
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Mission accomplished. I'm glad i didn't know what a PITA that was going to be when I started. Good lesson in stopping and going back at it with a clear head and a good nights rest. On to the horn!
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'79 Westy FI/AC/Auto
'78 Tin Top FI/Manual
'70 Ghia |
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