911 Reverse Light Switch

[RatBoy4]

Ok, so I finally got around to getting my reverse lights fixed. I know that the wiring was good because when I touched the two wires together underneath the car, the lights went on. I replaced the reverse lights switch and plugged the wires back in, when in reverse, the lights don't work still. Could it be that pin I heard of in there? Was there something I needed to line up? What do I need to do? HELP!

[Ned, NYNA 11]

Kevin,
Put it in reverse and with the wires removed from the switch, check that the connectors on the switch are grounded. Putting the car in reverse grounds the wire in the switch.
If the wire does not ground, you need a new switch.
Ned Monaghan

[47silver]

hi
i have an extra switch and tested it. when the switch is depressed by the small rod in the transmission when in reverse the switch "makes" the contacts so that the curent will flow. when the rod is retracted the switch "breaks" and the circuit opens so that the current does not flow. This switch is for a 1975 911S so it may differ from yours. mine was not working, i removed the wires, and when i touched the wires together the lights worked. i noticed that the ends of the wires did not have any connectors to insert into the switch so i had to make up some connectors with solder some wire connector ends with the plastic stripped back. I also sealed the end of the switch with silicon sealant and replaced the boot and the switch works fine. Put an ohm meter into each of the switch contacts. have someone place the car in reverse, you should have continuity. have them take the car out of reverse and the ohm meter will show an open circuit. i do electronics for a living and can read most any electrical diagram so feel free to ask me.
g

[RatBoy4]

I took out the old switch and put in a BRAND NEW one. With the wires, which like I said earlier work fine, I plugged them into the new switch and still no lights. So I guess the only thing left that could be causing the problem is the plunger for the switch. How can you tell if it is good or not? How can the plunger be removed?

On another note, my floor jack puts the car at an angle, thereby not having the car on flat ground like you're supposed to to replace the tranny oil that I lost when replacing the switch. How can I get oil in the transmission like I'm supposed to? Do I need to go to an auto place that has a lift? Thanks.

[Ron,K]

Kevin,

You should be able to see the actuating pin when the switch is removed. I had the same problem and found that the pin had worn over the years and was not long enough to actuate the switch. Replaced it and everything was fine.