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Date:         Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:08:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: reverse lights not working,
Comments: To: Wesley Alden Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>

<snip> What else can I check? <snip>

It's likely the backup light switch.

Early in the fall, my backup lights, which had been a bit flakey for a while, quit working all together. I disconnected the wires from the switch, put the van in reverse and turned on the key, and put a meter on the wires. Had voltage. Switch not making.

I had to order a new switch, so, having time on my hands, I removed the old switch and, using Ronsonol lighter fluid, I cleaned the old switch as best I could by squirting fluid alongside the plunger and working it in and out ... numerous times. A paper towel was used to sop up the black stuff that was being washed out. When the fluid was finally coming out clean, I lubed the plunger and checked it with a meter. It was working.

I reinstalled the old switch and it worked flawlessly. When the new switch arrived, I put it in the spares locker where it remains today.

Mike Houlton, Maine '84 GL 7 pass automatic '85 GL Westy 4 speed


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