Hi Gents (and ladies),

I have a bit of a problem with my 2001 WRX... The reversing lights don't work!

I've replaced the bulbs (and tested the old ones and the new which incidentally all work OK) and I've checked and tested the fuse marked 'BACK' under the dashboard fuse cover, which is fine. I replaced it with another tested 15a fuse to double check. I've tested that there is current travelling across the fuse, so the only thing I can think could have caused it is the reversing light switch.

I can see an electrical connection on the right side of the 'box on the top quarter, which of course may or may not be the switch.

So, my questions are:

1.) Is that the reversing light switch?

2.) Has anyone ever heard of one failing before?

3.) How do I go about replacing it?

4.) Am I missing anything that could be the cause?

I've checked my gearbox oil, and its clean but a little low. I don't suppose it could be something like the switch works on oil pressure and I just need to top up the 'box oil?

Any help appreciated!

 

the switch is on the left hand side near the back of the gearbox

 

Take the plug off the gearbox switch and look at the wire colours.
One of them should be the same as those to the reversing lights.
If you're still not sure, remove both bulbs and test for earth on the reverse light wire at the plug. If there's no earth, replace a bulb and tets again. If you get an earth, link the two terminals together and the rev lights shoud come on.
Then replace the switch.

John

 

Thanks for your help!

Can I remove the switch without draining the gearbox oil?

 

If the switch is above the oil level, you can remove it.

John

 

Not being funny, but that isn't the most helpful answer I've ever heard!

Its almost like saying "If you remove the switch and oil starts pouring out, then you can't remove it!"

I haven't gotten around to jacking the car up yet to see if I can get at the switch, but should be able to try next weekend.

 

yes you can remove the switch without losing any oil unless someone has drastically overfilled it!!

 

You don't need to take the switch out to check it... Pop it in reverse and you should get continuity across the two terminal on the switch, if you don't it's fecked.

 

Yeah figured that. The main thing I wanted to try was to put a wire across the connector to see if the circuit had continuity...

 

My mistake. Most cars I work on have filler/level oil plug. It's possible to see just where the oil level is in relation to other things on the gearbox.
Subaru's have a dipstick of course.

John

 

Yes you can bridge the terminal out with a wire, it is wise to use one with an inline fuse though.