Reverse Lights Always On (cop pulled me over)

[evilMarc]

I drive a stick 4cyl 94 MX3. For some reason, my reverse lights no longer work. They did work fine before.

Now they are always on, in gear or neutral.

I haven't done any work on them or the car, except last month I replaced the battery. I only noticed this problem now, and can't say when it started.

I got a warning from a cop this morning, who told me that white lights are an offence when not backing up. I don't have much cash - does anyone know how I can fix this myself? I searched and didn't find a post with a solution to this problem.

thanks in advance

[mx3frik]

Certainly not a common problem, tho I think the cop could've been more sympathetic for an honest mistake like this.

Anyways you should be able to find the reverse switch coming out from your tranny if you look around it (so is the neutral switch but that we won't pay too much attention for now). My guess is the wires must've gotten squished and grounding/shorting out when the battery's being changed.

Should be a simple fix, we just gotta do some looking around in the engine bay first.

Let us know if you can find the switch,

Eugene

[Tempus]

he was sympathetic... got a warning. could have been a ticket!

[Taras]

The back up light switch should be on the driver side of the tranny facing forward and a bit down, not far from a clutch slave cylinder paddle.

[evilMarc]

Thanks Eugene & JDM; I'll be taking a look at that as soon as I'm off work before heading home.

One thing though - I remember this site having a great online shop manual, but now I cant seem to find it. Has this been removed, or the link changed?

[Taras]

It's been removed due to copyright issues.

[storm99]

About that shop manual - do you know if it is available anywhere else to view or download? I live in the UK, and there are NO manuals available anywhere that I can find...

[n_o_s_21]

Also if you can't afford a switch yet, you could always remove the bulbs for the time being. its not like the backups help you too much antways. quick TEMPORARY fix for ya, good luck

Will

[bmwm3guy]

hey storm99 check eBay there are always some for sale.

[storm99]

Thanks M3guy! Ill find the and bid on them today!