do I have the wrong gearbox? reversing lights not working...

[joshiggins]

Mk2 Storm... my reversing lights haven't worked since I got the car. Jumping the connector makes the reversing lights come on, so I think nothing is wrong with the wiring. I got a new switch but it still doesn't work!

Old switch has 4 pins on it and only 1 of them lines up in the connector, it has 2 contacts on the end that sticks into the gearbox

New switch has 5 pins on the connector end, but it has 3 contacts on the end that sticks into the gearbox, looks like this



The lights will come on with the new switch connected if you press in one of the contacts, so the switch seems good. But when fitted in the gearbox it doesn't work...

Looking through the hole where the switch mounts it looks like whatever is supposed to press in the contacts on the switch moves further away when engaging reverse!

It seems like the old switch that was on the gearbox isn't the one that the car is wired up for, the new switch works with the wiring but doesn't in the gearbox. Do I have the wrong gearbox?

Cheers!

[Nate]

I would think it more likely that you've got the wrong switch. I'll see if I can find you a pic

[Nate]

Should look like this, if memory serves me

[ianaudia4]

A MK2 Storm should have the switch that is linked in with the gear-shift indicator.

[joshiggins]

A MK2 Storm should have the switch that is linked in with the gear-shift indicator.

yes it links in with the gear shift indicator, which also doesn't work! It seems like there is more than one type of this gearbox/MFA switch as I now have two with different pin configurations.

I think the switch pictured in my post is the right one cause the pins line up with the inserts in the connector, and it lights the reverse lights when pushed manually - but nothing in the gearbox goes anywhere near the switch when engaging reverse, if anything it looks like something moves further away.........

[ianaudia4]

Is the one you have a genuine VW? I have changed 2 of these on my Storm, both were shat copies, got a VW one on Ebay - part number 191 919 823. They were used on a few VW's and Audis back in the day.

[mark1gls]

What code is on the gearbox? Might be able to tell which type of switch should be fitted.

[joshiggins]

thanks for the replies. Ian, my new switch is the same part number. Got it off ebay too, it is a VW one.

I'll have a look at the box later on.... whereabouts should I be looking for the code?

[joshiggins]

p.s. the part numbers of the two switches ive got

the old one: 171 919 823 A
the new one: 191 919 823

a quick search would suggest the old one is off a 4 speed box. The new switch is the Mk2 storm 5 speed one with upshift light, the same part number Ian posted...

[joshiggins]

the gearbox has 020 stamped on the back near the passenger side drive shaft, can't really see any other markings on it, nothing on the top that I can spot

[mark1gls]

The gear box code is on here were the red ring is. You can just about see it with out the need to jack the car up.
(only picture I could find on photobucket, this is what happens when the oil cooler oil seal goes when driving!)

[joshiggins]

Thanks, my gearbox code is 4Y02044

[joshiggins]

Okay, so the sticker in the boot says that I should have a 4Y gearbox. Strange, the switch is the right one and it tests okay but doesn't work when fitted....