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Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 9:58 am
by dan_ashcroft
An update.

At the time I tried to save time by not disconnecting the shifter. That was a mistake. See here for how I had to bend the stay rod back into shape: http://forum.liberty.asn.au/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=30693#p413176

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 10:31 am
by Brunsy3.0
Damn mate sounds like you made some extra work for yourself. Is definately a prick of a job and in need of some serious patience and time. Good you had the smarts to rectify the problem.

EDIT: Also i think i disconnected the shift linkages underneath the car which are tricky in themselves

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:46 am
by conkyd
I thought I would add a few comments to this as I changed my switch on the weekend. Did it whilst I had the gearbox down replacing the centre diff. Funnily enough, it took as long to do the switch as it did to pull the rear case of the gearbox and replace the centre diff!
Anyways - as people have said - crows foot spanner is a must, as is disconnecting the shift linkages and removing gearbox cross members. Used the cows foot spanner on two long extensions to crack the tension on the switch and then undid it by fingertips. Now the fun really starts, after trying unsuccessfully to get the new switch threaded for around 30 mins by hand I decided there had to be an easier way.

Gently fold forward the wires on the switch and place a 21mm socket over it lightly. This provides stability and a little more leverage, got the thread started in about 30 seconds. Do up with fingertips and then finish off with crows foot spanner. You cannot connect extensions to the socket because of the shape of the gearbox.

Hat off to anyone who does this themselves, easily one of the most frustrating things I have done on a car.

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 10:27 am
by BillyCorgi
Congratulations on changing out the Reverse Light Switch DIY
You have now joined a special club!

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 11:11 am
by HardwareBoB
I just ordered mine.. I figured I'll swap it out before I put it on the car, much easier to do in the garage :)

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 11:33 am
by BillyCorgi
HardwareBoB wrote:I just ordered mine.. I figured I'll swap it out before I put it on the car, much easier to do in the garage :)

May not qualify you for the special club?

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:33 pm
by Flat6Estate
My replacement failed quickly.
When I took it back for warranty, the mechanic checked it. The switch was working fine, however, due to the thickness of the factory washer, it wasn't engaging properly.
A thinner washer was used, and all has been good for over 6 months

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 4:16 pm
by cliffo3rb
With my xmas shopping done and the wet weather set in, I had some spare time to tackle replacing the neutral position switch.

Was able to reach the switch with a 19mm spanner from the rear of the gearbox. Took me about 3 hours to complete.

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Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:15 pm
by bigBADbenny
Could our resident SME please tear down one of these worn out switches to diagnose if the issue is internal wear and tear or something to do with the (iirc) washer/insertion clearance?

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:37 pm
by BillyCorgi
bigBADbenny wrote:Could our resident SME please tear down one of these worn out switches to diagnose if the issue is internal wear and tear or something to do with the (iirc) washer/insertion clearance?

Who's that?

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 7:47 pm
by bigBADbenny
Now we know how, I wanna know why :P

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 8:37 pm
by BillyCorgi
bigBADbenny wrote:Now we know how, I wanna know why :P

I cannot find the switch I changed last year?
Only God knows where I put it if it did not get turfed out.
Who has got a dead switch spare?

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 6:05 am
by bigBADbenny
Having iirc'd and read up a bit ^ it's something to do with the washer being too thick.
So that's something to be measured, I guess to see if the thickness is too optimistic from the factory or if the switch wears down as well...

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 10:17 am
by Brunsy3.0
From what ive heard the internals that connect when switched arc before contact is made thus causing 'dirty' connections overtime this obviously becomes more evident. I dont think these are a serviceable part. Bloke at work tried to disassemble it in a vice with vice grips and it wouldnt budge possibly due to glue? Hes a bit of a cowboy so prolly turning it the wrong way haha

Re: 6MT Reverse Light Switch Change-out

PostPosted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 11:45 am
by BillyCorgi
To get the switch apart to inspect its internal components (for why they stop working?) the swaged top of the metal body needs to be removed. Then the internals will come out.
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