Date:         Sun, 9 Nov 2008 21:01:26 -0500
Reply-To:     email99 <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         email99 <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Backup light switch malfunction - blinking backup lights when
              shifting
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I need some help from the VW transmission experts on the list.

I'm having problems with the backup light switch on my DU 4-speed
(manufacturing date 03 11 3).  It seems the backup lights blink on while
shifting gears and will remain on when in 3rd or 4th gear if I pull
gently on the gear shift.  The backup lights also come on in reverse, as
expected.  Electrically everything is OK and the switch seems to be
working fine.  I suspected it might be a simple adjustment in the
position of the switch.  I tried shimming the switch out a bit with an
additional washer but when I got it to the point that it didn't flash
the lights when shifting gears the backup lights wouldn't come on in
reverse.  I pulled off the cover (094 301 232 A) and the selector shaft
seemed to have more lateral play than I liked.  It looks like it slops
back and forth when shifting gears and this motion activates the backup
light switch at inappropriate times.  Is there a bushing that can be
replaced to minimize this motion?  Has anyone ever seen this and what is
the fix for it?

I got the transmission from a '84 donor with about 195k miles and I've
put another 100k miles on it since then.  I don't know what had been
done to it before I got it but it has worked flawlessly since I have had
it.  It really works smoothly (thanks Redline MTL).

Any knowledgeable advice will be appreciated.

Ed