Reverse Lights - Tempremental

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

These were working, then they stopped, they started working again and now the just don't at all.
From what I have looked up, seen on here, I'm putting it down to one of a few things.

1. Fuse has gone (I don't know were this is located)
2. Reverse light switch is knackered (I believe this is on the side of the gear box)
3. Both of my bulbs are gone (I highly doubt this because i have popped other bulbs in and still nothing happens

When I put the car in reverse the rear window wiper does still work.

Is there anything else it could be and whats the best way to go about this?

 

[jamesycc]

Mine was the gearbox switch when they went, although if the wiper comes on its not usually that. There is an earth that's worth checking which runs to boot floor. Fuse is in the fusebox under the bonnet next to the battery, 5amp iirc. Check the obvious/cheap stuff first if its none of that then it'll be the reverse switch. They're about £15 from euro car parts but you'll probably have to do the gearbox oil because Renault put the switch at the bottom of the gearbox!! It took me an hour to do and I'd never done a gearbox oil change. The most time consuming part was refilling the box with 3.5l of new oil.

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

So check the fuse first.
Then I guess the earth would be next, surely it can't be this though otherwise all the other lights wouldn't work.
I have found the switch on the side of the gear box and it looks like a b&£ch to get at

 

[jamesycc]

So check the fuse first.
Then I guess the earth would be next, surely it can't be this though otherwise all the other lights wouldn't work.
I have found the switch on the side of the gear box and it looks like a b&£ch to get at

its not too bad tbh. Its a wheel off job though. Iirc its either a 22 or 24mm spanner. If your gonnaa do an oil change you need an 8mm sump plug remover, the square one. The clip squeezes together then pops off then its old switch out new one in. Before you do all up sand put the new oil in just plug in the switch and push it in to check the lights come on!

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

So basically... It's not the switch itself that's the problem, it's more the bit that is screwed into the gearbox?

I have read somewhere that I can unplug it and make a temporary connection with a paper clip, if I do this and the lights come on...
I'm guessing that means that it's the bit inside that screws into the gear box that's at fault?

 

[clioben182]

Reverse switch is all one part.. the electrical switch connection and the mechanical ball on the end which presses in

 

[DannyR]

You legally don't need reverse lights just so you know!

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

So it will still pass its MOT with this fault?

 

[DannyR]

So it will still pass its MOT with this fault?

Yes, reverse lights aren't a requirement

 

[Diagro]

But its kinda a dick move to ignore that they dont work and carry on.

People need to know your planning to reverse

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

But its kinda a dick move to ignore that they dont work and carry on.

People need to know your planning to reverse

Oh god I understand that lol
I will definitely be doing it
Is it just an eBay job there's loads on there

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

Jesus there like £30

 

[Diagro]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Switch-re...o|Cars+Type:2.0+16V+Sport&hash=item488443baa2

 

[jamesycc]

Yes, reverse lights aren't a requirement

So it will still pass its MOT with this fault?

Jesus there like £30

try euro car parts or gsf. Normally cheaper enough.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/R...a58c48e90801e54b50a148c7bae5fe48465760&000539

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

try euro car parts or gsf. Normally cheaper enough.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/R...a58c48e90801e54b50a148c7bae5fe48465760&000539

it says that this part wont fit my car, as i put my reg plate in?

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

Mine was the gearbox switch when they went, although if the wiper comes on its not usually that. There is an earth that's worth checking which runs to boot floor. Fuse is in the fusebox under the bonnet next to the battery, 5amp iirc. Check the obvious/cheap stuff first if its none of that then it'll be the reverse switch. They're about £15 from euro car parts but you'll probably have to do the gearbox oil because Renault put the switch at the bottom of the gearbox!! It took me an hour to do and I'd never done a gearbox oil change. The most time consuming part was refilling the box with 3.5l of new oil.

if it was a bad earth surley none of the lights would work?

 

[jamesycc]

it says that this part wont fit my car, as i put my reg plate in?

wasn't aware they were different. Thought the 172/182 had the same jc5 gearbox. Might have to get the more expensive one on ebay if that's says it fits.

 

[.J.a.m.e.s.]

They decided to start working again today... wtf? only briefly...