Reverse Light Switch

[Tim1111]

Background to this is the reverse lights stopped working on Gen 6 ST202. I narrowed it down to the switch which I managed to get at (it's tucked away on the top of the gearbox).

Anyway checked wiring by jumping connections and lights work fine. Then took the switch out and tested this - it's basically a ball bearing that is pushed up and makes the contacts when reverse is selected. With the switch out and connected I can push the ball bearing up and the lights work fine (hardly need to push at all to make contact).

Now the problem, I thought ok the switch is working must have just been jammed but when it's replaced in the gearbox lights still don't work.

Is it possible either:

1) the ball bearing and contacts have been pushed up over time out of the way of the reverse gear that should push it (it's a '94 with over 200k on the clock - yet still runs like a dream!)?

or

2) other problems with gearbox that could cause this?

I'm beginning to suspect it can't be 1) as I mentioned it only needs a little push with minimal movement to connect the contacts when switch is out, but all gears seem fine with no grinding or selection problems.

I'm going to get a new switch anyway when I get a chance to see if that fixes the problem - anyone know how much they are, or whether I can get one from anywhere other than Toyota?

Thanks

Tim

[Coppertop]

Bought 1 from local car spares shop for a Renault the other day cost £15.00

Renault dealer would have been a lot dearer,

Shouldnt be much difference for a toyota i would think after all its same principal for all these switches just different connectors.

Good Luck

[Tim1111]

Got one on order from Toyota dealer £25 incl VAT, lets hope that fixes the problem or I'm stumped. and will have a spare switch to boot!

Just seems odd to me that current switch works fine except when it's where it should be, i.e. in the gearbox.

[Tim1111]

Ok new switch works fine, so I can only assume the old one had been pushed up over time just enough to avoid whatever should push it when reverse is selected. Both old and new switch looked exactly the same to me.

In case anyone is looking for the switch in the future, it's on the top of the gearbox. Remove the air box and you'll see it with two wires attached. It takes a 27mm socket to remove it. PM me if you need a photo.