Date:         Wed, 24 Mar 2004 17:43:36 -0600
Reply-To:     Wesley Alden Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wesley Alden Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: reverse lights not working,
Comments: To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <00b501c411f4$eaf08460$6701a8c0@DaDell>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Thanks for the tips, guys.  Where exactly is the `backup switch'?

-wes

On Wed, 24 Mar 2004, Mike Collum wrote:

> <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
>