Transmission Reverse Switch?

[markeysscirocco]

Checked the in trans, no good. Checked another, good. Put it in trans, does not work. Figure it's the piece inside trans that is not functioning to close the switch with the two tabs on the switch. Not happening. Any ideas!?

[cuppie]

Did you try a new switch?
Assuming that yours has a "big" switch (reverse, and 5th gear (for upshift light))... the switches often simply wear out. Either internal contact wear, wear to the little operating nubbin, or both.

See also http://www.brokevw.com/reverseswitch.html

[markeysscirocco]

I used another one I had and b4 I installed it I pushed the nubs and had someone watch reverse lights and they worked but not when installed! I believe 8V and 16V Share the same switch. I've got a 9A GLI 8V trans in it! 16V 1.8L PL engine

[scotttu]

I have the same problem, using both teh Jetta switch and my old 1.6/4 speed trans.

If I do it manually it works but not while in the trans.

[cuppie]

I'll say it again (and, now to two people):
New switch. NEW.

They wear. And, a worn switch may well work in a bench test (and, "plug it in and push the nubbin" does qualify as a bench test), but the trans simply can't push the switch far enough (which, frankly, may be far more 'push' than the switch should normally require) to turn the lights on.

The thing's operated by the shift forks, ferchrissakes! If it were an internal trans problem, I think you'd know!
Does reverse engage fully? Does it blow itself out of reverse? If 'yes' to the first, and 'no' to the second, I don't think you have a problem in the box. You just have a bad switch.

[markeysscirocco]

I'm with Cuppie, going to change switch to the new!