Reverse lights inoperative, danger!!!

[Mattypompy]

Hi Folks,

 

My car problems are persisting. Why o why! The other day I was reversing into this parking space indicating etc then the guy behind me start remonstrating and swore at me. I almost fell into road rage mode but just swore back. Couldn't work his problem until a few days later and discovered my reversing lights don't work!

 

Anyway things I've done to try and solve,

1 Checked fuse, OK.

2 Checked bulbs filaments seem OK.

3 Replaced switch on top of tranny.

4 Confirmed a 12v current on switch multiplug.

5 Bypassed switch with a bit of wire on multiplug switch on ignition lights stil inoperative.

6 Checked for a current at bulb multiplug after doing 5, no current.

I for the life of me do not understand the problem and I want to be safe on the road.

 

BTW I fitted an aftermarket central locking module to the GEM a while ago and thought that may be related but the Haynes wiring diagram indicates a wiring route direct to bulbs after switch. I'm foxed and befuddled!

 

Any takers for some pointers!!!

 

 

 

Cheers 😁😁😁😁😁

[SeanW]

Interestingly, reverse lights are not a legal requirement! They're an auxiliary light lol

Can you trace the wires going back?

[Mattypompy]

I would think it's going to be extremely difficult to trace the wire all the way through the loom back to the lights. I wouldn't know how to go about it!!!

[Tdci-Peter]

3 hours ago, Mattypompy said:

Haynes wiring diagram indicates a wiring route direct to bulbs after switch

Do you have automatic transmission?

This information is from Mk2 Focus, but if the transmission switch is similar, Mk1.5 should be similar. The switch in the transmission unit is not capable of driving the bulb direct, it seems.

For automatic transmission my wiring diagram shows a relay, R3 in the engine bay fuse box. The switch drives this relay. The relay output goes straight through the GEM / BCM, to the bulb.

 

[Mattypompy]

Hi Peter,

 

Thanks for the input but my car is a manual. MTX 75 designation according to Haynes. It appears to be a straight route from switch to bulbs no intermediate components. I'm dreading if it's an open circuit/ground issue as they can be a pig where the wire is inaccessible.

 

Any other ideas guys?

[Mattypompy]

I am  first class plonker! 😁😁

I was looking at the wrong light!! I didn't even know this car has one tiny low reversing light on the n/s!! Not sure what the motorist was having a go at me for! Least I have a future proof switch now!!  

[Mattypompy]

Thanks for looking anyway!!!

[mrmetallica]

you numpty lol

[Mattypompy]

Thanks mettalica! I was thinking doofus. Have you seen how small and discrete the ONE reversing light is on a mark 1. That,s the first time I've seen it today lol

 

I asked a guy if my reversing light was working and he said no, that's my defence anyway!!😀😀😀😀😀

[mrmetallica]

its easy to spot . its the one lit up when in reverse lol

[Mattypompy]

Well he didn't see it, I've never seen it and it's so small it doesn't project any discernable light in the dark! Plus the guy who road raged me when reversing into a parking space didn't see it i assume on reflection. so you're better than the lot of us lol