Super-Reverse Light Functionality

[beatle_bayly]

I got pinged on the roadworthy inspection for not having reverse lights. I commented that I didn't think they were required in 1966, but the mechanic said that the car has white lenses so it must have reverse lights to pass inspection.

Underneath I go to find two disconnected wires, and about 30 min later I find a green and a white wire hidden in the engine bay. Quick check of the wiring diagram and I'm in luck. They match.

Connect the wires and select reverse..............zip.

Ignition turned on............still no backup lights.

Check diagram again and it looks as though the reverse lights are wired to only get power when reverse is selected and the headlights are on (share power with trunk light). Switch lights to park, and reverse lights illuminate ! Is this correct ???.

I figured that back in '66 the reverse lights were more to light your way, not warn following drivers, so they were wired in with the headlights as you would only need them at night.

It seems correct in accordance with the wiring diagram, but my wiring is a bit of a mess so I thought I'd check.

Eventually I'll wire the reverse lights to operate with ign on, even if headlights are off.

Now, to convince the inspector.............................

[Andrew]

To test the circuit, disconnect the wires from the leads to the reverse switch and touch them together (assuming you've confirmed they'll the reverse light wires, which it sounds like you've done). The lights should come on. If they do, your reverse switch is not working.

You might want to test the reverse bulbs, bulb sockets, grounds, and circuitry to make sure the problem isn't there.

Getting to the reverse switch inside the bellhousing does require removing the trans.

Andrew

[rcess]

On my 1969 Spider, the reverse lights go on only if the headlights are on, same as your Super.

[73gtv]

Ditto on my 67 Super. Only work when lights are on.

[papajam]

Yes, the wiring is correct. The reverse lights come on only when the parking/lights, headlights are on.

[super1750]

I've had exactly the same problem getting my cars through the german TUV twice. Once with a giulia nuova and once with a spider junior. Since then I just turn on the parking lights before checking the reverse light. Most of the time the inspector doesn't even think of the possibilty of them not working when the lights are off.
Hope they don't read this!!!
regards
Bob

[beatle_bayly]

I LOVE a cunning plan. I was planning the exact same sleight-of-hand !

I remember getting refused rego once because the front track of the 116 coupe was more than 1" wider than standard. I swapped wheels but the new ones, while narrower, had the same offset (no change to track). I took it back anyway and the engineer let me hold the other end of the tape measure against the centre of the tyre !!!!!!! Not sure if was plain dumb, or offering me a 'solution'. I didn't hang around to find out.

[alfa63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew ...Getting to the reverse switch inside the bellhousing does require removing the trans. Andrew

[beatle_bayly]

Andrew,

To check the switch, simply test for continuity between the two gearbox wires when reverse is selected.

Should be a path in reverse, and open circuit at all other times.

Apologies if I'm telling you how to suck eggs

BTW, the mechanic trusted that I'd fixed everything and signed the car off. Now to the registration dept, and all the joy that comes with dealing with gov't entities....and of course, there's the cost !

[Mr. C.]

I must have missed something back in Drivers Ed. I was taught that reverse or "backup lights" were supposed to light your path when backing up. Hense if you don't need your head lights, you dont need your backup lights. In the interests of economia, why turn em on and off if you don't need them.

[73gtv]

I believe that was the original purpose. Now they're an "oh sh*t, he's backing up I'd better hurry and get behind him so he can almost hit me" warning.