Reverse lights not working -- gearbox switch?

[ix9]

Hi guys,

My reverse lights aren't working. Confirmed with a multimeter - theres just no power to the lights. I'm assuming its just the reverse switch on the gearbox. I have the 6-speed box.

Question: Where is the switch on the gearbox AND is it accessible from under the car (without having to drop the box)

Cheers,

[Dropz]

From memory (haven't fiddle with a 6 speed in a few months) the reversing switch is on the passenger side of the box about half way up the case, just over half way back on the box. Can get to it with the box in and I believe it's a 19mm from memory.

[ix9]

just had a 2nd look - nothing to be seen under the car/on the box. There's some cables running to what looks like the top bit of the box - but nothing that resembles a switch - send help!

[beavis]

I got the same problem, except my reverse lights are on permanently, local subaru dealer quoted 3 hours labour.
Supposedly the switch is on the top and the rear tailshaft needs to be dropped and the box lowered to gain access,

hopefully the brains trust can provide some input

[matt_3.0rb]

I remember one of the guys on here who is a subaru mechanic talking about this, but couldnt find it.
IIRC the switch is on top of the tailshaft/box, and if you have small hands and know where everything is it can be done without taking anything off the car, but generally it needs to be lowered to get access to the switch.

[beavis]

Ah ok, cheers for that. sounds like they might be on the money then, still not sure about 3 hours labour when you have a hoist and a half dozen apprentices

[matt_3.0rb]

Not sure, havent had to think about that yet, touch wood.
Depends what they have to do, everything has to be re=aligned properly, and if they have to move anything else out of the way to get the shaft out, not really sure what is involved.
Maybe get them to clarify exactly what they have to do, or i think its eddie on here works at subaru, he may know.

[Dropz]

Undo gbox cross member bolts and exhaust, let it hang a bit. Grab a 19mm spanner and go fiddling. The black plug on the lh side of the box is the reverse switch the white one is neutral switch.

3 hours LABOUR means it is 3 hours working hours. ie 3 mechanics can do it in an hour but they still pay 3 hrs worth of wages so they still charge 3 hours. But more mechanics doesn't always help. Sometimes it's a 1 person job as it may need to be done one step at a time.

[ix9]

I got the same problem, except my reverse lights are on permanently,

I now have the same issue.

I pulled out all the fuses I could find and replaced the IGN. LAMP fuse which was blown. Now my reverse lights work. Permanently on!!!

[Dropz]

A short circuit may be causing them to stay on, do they stay on or turn off when you put it into reverse? Do they work at all with the fuse out??

[ix9]

They stay on when the car is in reverse. They don't work at all with the fuse out.

I've also unplugged the black cord from underneath the car and the lights turn off. This would indicate to me that there is a definite issue with the switch itself

Anyone happen to have a part number?

thx!

[Dropz]

Yep definitely the switch is stuck on.

Dont know the number, give your local dealer a phone or maybe try a repco/supercheap/whatevers around for comparison rates

[birch_security]

See if this helps, possibly shows the location of the switch.

Transmission 6MT - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/27638370/krutay ... %206MT.zip

1st file - MSA5T0704A144083.pdf - page 4

[Dropz]

I can get a geniune switch for $70

[youngy69]

Switch is on the top of the box,good luck using a spanner as with the limited access you will need a crows foot spanner.I have never changed 1 on a Lib but Imprezas are tight.
Cheers Eddie