Focus 2010 Reverse Lights only work when holding gear lever

[DJ500]

Morning All,

First post here after joining.

I have recently been experiencing intermittent reverse lights\sensors. It has been getting steadily worse.

I have replaced the reverse switch as I have read that it is a common issue, unfortunately this has not fixed the problem.
If I hold the gear lever to the right when selecting reverse the lights & sensors come on - so I know the switch and circuitry are all OK.

Is there any adjustment for the reverse switch? All gears, including reverse select fine so i think the gear linkage is all OK.

Car is a 2010 Focus Estate, 1.6 TDCI

Thanks on advance!

[TomsFocus]

There is more than one type of switch for this gearbox.  I wonder if the one you have is slightly too short?

There's no adjustment on the switch itself.  The only thing that's adjustable is the gear linkage cables.  Although I'd be cautious about adjusting those while you're not having any gear selection issues.

[DJ500]

Thanks for the reply.

I did see that there are two types of switch - I went for the shorter one which was the same as was removed. This is not to say that the switch fitted was correct.
Looking on GSF they do have a really long one - with a different thread so its definitely not that one. There is one that looks to be slightly longer - but it states that its for a 6 speed box rather than 5.

I will give it a go 👍

Thanks

[DaveT70]

Can you not add a spacer?

[TomsFocus]

41 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

Can you not add a spacer?

That would move the switch further away from the gearbox.  I suppose they could grind off a section of gearbox casing, but it's probably easier to replace the switch.

If the longer switch turns out to be too long, then they will have to adjust the gear cable and risk making the gear selection worse.

[alanfp]

3 hours ago, DJ500 said:

I went for the shorter one which was the same as was removed. This is not to say that the switch fitted was correct.

My guess is that you're onto something there!