Reverse Light Internittent . . . .

McBrain · Post by **McBrain** » 01 Nov 2006, 13:04

Hey All,

I have an issue with my reverse lights. They'll either come on a couple of seconds after the gear has engaged, or not at all. Sometimes (with a bit of jiggling and hitting the gear change) I can get it to come on. Urgent help needed as only 8 days till my MOT expires and it'll surely fail the retest in this condition. . . .

Many Thanks

Nick

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Nov 2006, 15:32

Nick,

Is it manual or auto?

You won't fail the MOT on reverse lights - they are not part of the test.

Bill.

McBrain · Post by **McBrain** » 01 Nov 2006, 17:13

Hey Bill,

Thanks for the info re MOT failure, much appreciated! As an aside, would I fail for a cracked Headlight lens?

The car is an Auto. I've found a few posts on volvospeed regarding manuals having a faulty switch, but nothing regarding Autos except where the dreaded flashin arrow is involved (which its not in my case). I've tried the quick front to rear shifting of the stick to clean the contacts - no luck. I'm just wondering if theres a cheap/quick remedy without touching the pnp switch. . . . .

Any advice would be gratefully recieved,

Cheers

Nick

Post by **billofdurham** » 02 Nov 2006, 11:32

Nick,

would I fail for a cracked Headlight lens?

MOT rules state "Headlight reflectors must not be tarnished and the lenses must be intact". So if the crack goes right through the glass it's a failure.

Try http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/. They will search 4 or 5 dealers and get you quotes. Some parts are new, others used but with a warranty.

If the quick shifting has not sorted out the switch I think a new PNP is called for. Again, try the above for quotes.

Bill.

McBrain · Post by **McBrain** » 12 Nov 2006, 10:11

Hi Guys, just pulled and replaced the PNP switch.

Unfortunately, no fix. Still no reverse lights.

Thoughts??

N

Post by **billofdurham** » 12 Nov 2006, 12:11

Wiring fault.

Check for 12v at the reverse lights themselves with ignition on and reverse selected.

The lead in from the switch goes to the left side light unit then is bridged to the right side. Check at the left side first.

Bill.

McBrain · Post by **McBrain** » 14 Nov 2006, 10:51

Evening All,

Just thought I'd update you all - my reverse lights are now working just fine!

Not sure why they didn't work immediately after doing the PNP, but all is well now!

Also, MOT'd the brick today, 1996 148,000 miles, passed with flying colours. Couldn't be more chuffed.

Cheers for all the help, much appreciated!

N

ShahinS · Post by **ShahinS** » 08 Dec 2006, 15:27

McBrain,

I have the exact same problem with my Back-Up lights. I was wondering if you could tell me if you used the alignment tool for replacing the PNP switch? and if not, how did you align it? Unfortunately the Bay13 procedure here does not gives much detail about the alignment tool: www.volvospeed.com/Repair/pnpswitch.php

Cheers Mate!

Shahins