UK Car Repair: Corsa Reverse Lights, connector pins, exact procedure

Question
hi mate

got a 92 corsa no reverse lights, need to test circuit but suspect swich. if switch, its located below gear-change housing (from the gear leaver).

A....should there power going into the switch, through the visable conector.

B...is the easiest way to get to it by removing the gear-change housing.

C...Will the switch look broken or should i should just change it anyway.

Answer
Matin...

Get a friend to stand behind the car with the key on and the engine off "friends are most effective when equipped with a beer". Unplug the harness connector from the switch. Using a paper clip or similar metallic item, bridge the connector pins and ask the mate to yell to you if the lights, light.
If they light buy said switch and replace, I am unsure of the exact procedure of it all; but try to remove it without having to disassemble anything else or at least anything major! Get a book if you can't figure it out.

If not...
Get a repair manual and or a copy of a wiring diagram “Library’s usually have or can obtain repair literature for you " and start chasing the circuit. Clean all the contacts and check all the terminals by gently tugging on the wires to make sure they are not rotted off or broken. Start tracing the wires to their source and look for anything that looks funny or smells funny... or things that smoke.
The diagram will tell you which side of the circuit has the power, allowing you to determine which end to start on.  

All in all the general advice is to jump the switch and get a book on it if you plan on fixing it yourself... oh, and buy your friend a beer.


Regards,


John