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Staftly

Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey

Reversing Light query

Hi there, MOT time and no reversing light, its a 2012 XS UTE. I can fix most things mechanical but my knowledge of electrics is very basic so please bear with me. Checked fuses, bulbs and switched the bulb carrier with the fog light etc. Out with the multimeter. Tested for voltage at the fuse and I get 11.6v when earthed. Ignition on and in reverse and I get 11.3V at the rear bulb holder (which disappears when reverse disengaged). I have also checked the negative wire at the rear holder for continuity and I get continuity when ignition on and reverse engaged AND ALSO when reverse is not engaged. According to my limited knowledge of electrics it seems to check out ok, but still no light.

One very strange observation, when I connect a short piece of wire bewteen the positive connection at the rear holder (ignition on and in reverse) and earth the bulb to a good point, the bulb fails to light. When I do exactly the same at the fusebox end the bulb lights up!

Like I said, I dont do electrics as a rule but it seems to me that I have the voltage and negative continuity at the rear bulb holder but still no reverse light. I also asked a friend to conduct his own test without my interference and he basically arrived at the same decision. Im out of ideas, I'm hoping someone else has observed similar behaviour before. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Steve

26th Sep 2023 2:28pm

LR Nuts

Member Since: 10 Aug 2022
Location: UK
Posts: 1097

Rusty earth terminal at bulb location ?

26th Sep 2023 3:12pm

Martin
Site Admin

Member Since: 02 Apr 2007
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 6604

2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red

https://www.defender2.net/forum/post574975.html#574975

Other things to check:

Swap the reverse light over with the fog (as complete assembly) - if it still doesn't work, it's not the bulb or the holder.

If you can get to the reverse switch plug, remove it and bridge it temporarily to check the lamp comes on. If it comes on, the switch is faulty.

1988 90 Td5 NAS soft top

2015 D90 XS SW

26th Sep 2023 3:19pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17360

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

A fairly common problem with the MT82 is that the reverse switch isn't screwed fully home in the gearbox, or wear results in the button on the end of the switch not being pushed far enough into the switch to operate the light.

26th Sep 2023 3:23pm

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

I'd suggest reverse light switch, too. You can see how I changed mine here:

https://www.defender2.net/forum/post733726.html#733726 Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

26th Sep 2023 4:18pm

Staftly

Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

Hi all

Thanks for the suggestions. My next port of call was gong to be the gearbox switch. I particularly like the suggestion of bridging the terminals as a test. Right, cubby box out and lets take a look.

Really appreciate the suggestions, I'll let you know what I find.

Cheers Steve

26th Sep 2023 4:42pm

Staftly

Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

Hi guys

Whipped off the cubby box and you can see the switch. Removed the plug and shorted out across the terminals and the reverse light comes on, great advice, thanks. Removing the switch is another matter, 40 min later with blooded knuckles and a lot of swearing and it's finally out. I had to resort to an old 7/8 shortened spanner to allow access. Anyway, will order a new one and fit next week, then I can arrange an MOT.
Thanks all for your suggestions, much appreciated. Steve

30th Sep 2023 1:06pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17360

I don't think the reversing light is part of the test, is it?

30th Sep 2023 1:10pm

Staftly

Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

Yup it is. I thought it wasnt myself but it's here on gov.uk
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection...-equipment

30th Sep 2023 2:57pm

BrickBox

Member Since: 05 Oct 2021
Location: Wales
Posts: 808

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Zermatt Silver

I was about to say 2009 onwards a reverse light is a requirement. 2008 2.4 110 Utility Station Wagon XS.

30th Sep 2023 3:33pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17360

Everyday a school day, thanks.

30th Sep 2023 3:46pm

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3414

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black

Staftly wrote:

Removed the plug and shorted out across the terminals and the reverse light comes on

Have you tried plugging the switch back, but still off the gearbox and pressing the ball and see if the light comes on? If it comes on, then probably some wear is preventing the ball to push the contacts together. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

30th Sep 2023 5:07pm

Staftly

Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

Hi Dinnu

Yes, the switch did actually work when tested on the bench so it was indeed wear and tear. I gently took about 1mm from the face of the bolt assembly using a 2x72 belt grinder, refitted and it's all good (for now at least). I'll get a new one ordered and can fit this slow time.
Steve

2nd Oct 2023 7:11am

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