r380 reverse switch

[towe0609]

I have a RWC inspection on monday and tonight I noticed the reverse lamp wasn't working.

The set up is the reverse wire from the loom switches a relay which switches an 'always on' 12v power to the lamp.

I've checked the power feed to the relay, the relay and lamp which are all working.

I'm only getting 1.8V on the reverse wire from the loom.

Is the most likely culprit the reverse switch? Is there anything else I can do before heading down the new switch path? I guess I could take the cubby out (in my case a fridge!), remove the plate underneath and check for 12v at the switch connector.

[spudfan]

People have solved similar problems with a squirt of WD40 on the end of the switch with the ball bearing. Sometimes dirt gets in and just stops the contact being completed. The reverse light on my Puma stopped working. All of the basics were checked/changed i.e. the bulb, the fuse and a new switch fitted with the same non result. I even fitted a reverse lamp from another Puma but still no joy. It was solved by removing the rubber seal at the front of switch with the ball bearing. Silicon sealer was used instead and "HEY PRESTO" everything worked. Just getting the switch that tiny bit closer got it working. 13 years in there so I do not know why it started acting up now but the above got it working again. If you cannot solve it in time for the test maybe you could get a manual switch fitted. I had a reverse light fitted to the series 111 activated by a dash mounted switch.

[towe0609]

If you cannot solve it in time for the test maybe you could get a manual switch fitted. I had a reverse light fitted to the series 111 activated by a dash mounted switch.

Thanks - is a manually activated switch acceptable for roadworthiness in Victioria? That would certainly be a simple solution even with the hassle of running a new wire from dash to rear.

[towe0609]

Pulled the cubby box cover off, found a dodgy connection in the econoseal plug, crimped in a new pin, and bingo ... back in business. Anyone need a new switch? I have one on order ...

[4bee]

Pulled the cubby box cover off, found a dodgy connection in the econoseal plug, crimped in a new pin, and bingo ... back in business. Anyone need a new switch? I have one on order ...

Good Job. Sometimes it can be the simplest & unexpected solution that can fix Elec. problems as well as the good ole WD40 or in extreme cases, a 3lb Mash Hammer.[bigrolf]

[DiscoMick]

When the reversing light stopped working on our Defender because of low current, British Offroad found there was still enough current to work an LED bulb, which is actually brighter, so that was a much cheaper fix than trying to trace the cause back through the wiring.