back up light switch broken on 94Ce.

**brownie93** · #1 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 04:42 PM

Well it's true the tranny has to come apart to get the back up light switch replaced.

I've ordered one.

Is there anything I need to know in order to do this? I have the cardisk for her (94) Any tools that are special?
The shifter has been taken all apart, 2 boots off so far.
I have to get her up on supports to get the work done.

Any helpful ideas appreciated.

Thanks

bianchi1 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 06:09 PM

...yes...yup....si... the tranny must come out to replace it..my fix. is a switch next to the consule as a temp.

**brownie93** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 07:32 PM

My son's idea was to put a switch under the reverse gear so that when I put it in reverse it pressed it and the lights would come on. I was afraid that putting it in 4th might trigger it as well.
I guess I want it fixed right so it will pass the inspection and I can licence her.

bianchi1 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 12:10 AM

.. your son has a good idea.. all you must do is adjust it so 4 th gear will not touch it....your son is a future alfa owner

**brownie93** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 09:09 AM

He actually owns an alfa, he bought it when he was 16, a 71 GT Junior.

Smart guy.

**brownie93** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 09:19 AM

So I shouldn't fix it properly?

Pat Braden · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownie93

So I shouldn't fix it properly?

**Zunige** · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:27 AM

Problems with Spiders are usually the result of poor maintenance, rather than poor engineering design. This is not to say that over the years the Alfa community hasn't identified items that fail and devised a better approach. I always go for proper maintenance first, even if it is expensive. Spiders where maintenance was done taking the "temporary" or "cheaper fix" approach can be spotted from "far away". One reason why Spider prices are all over the map is because of the maintenance that some cars have or have not received.

I think that a CE edition has value, and even though the differences between a CE and Veloce are just cosmetic, I'm convinced that the CE will always be a bit more special than a Veloce. Furthermore, just like there are many Spiders which are "disposable cars", there are others on the other end of the spectrum. The CE which is the subject of this thread is a nice car, and IMO it was a small bargain. I say this because investing in her to make her perfect, by paying professional rates, would still not exceed the value of a perfect car by any means.

Best regards,

**brownie93** · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Braden

Imo, there is never a reason for not fixing something properly as far as safety, licensing, thinking of someone that later has to work on it after you etc. (Who ran this snarl of wires and what do they possibly do?) Having said that, there are instances where you are stranded, something has to be done immediately to meet some other goal etc.; also keeping in mind, that experimentation is the mother of invention and new and better future fixes.

Having added those qualifiers, I will say that many Alfa owners come up with their own fixes that may become new and better fixes, temporary fixes until they can do it properly etc. Below are a couple of thoughts in that vein sent to me about fixes, in general, by Alfisti who think and do this on a regular basis, think engineers, not that others who are not engineers can't.

"...look at what is happening, think of ways to stop it, figure out the quickest, cheapest and best approach, and use available materials whenever possible."

I will qualify that "cheapest" in this context is being used as in the least expensive quality available that is needed to do the job; not the cheapest quality product available; "available materials" means those that are intended for the job or that could be safely used as a replacement or substitute.

"...Most repairs are actually done by looking, thinking, evaluating and then improvising on the run."

tamurphy67 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 11:44 AM

Are you sure it is the switch? My lights didn't work either so I cleaned the contacts on both connectors (the connector that comes out from the switch) and it worked.

**Zunige** · #11 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 12:23 PM

Good thing your post "bumped" the thread, tamurphy67...

brownie93,
If you are going to pull the tranny, it is a straightforward job... There are slightly different approaches, such as tilting the engine a bit to facilitate removal. You still have to pay attention to detail. Make sure that you note all the connections, etc, and take pictures as an extra measure. I would strongly recommend using a transmission jack. I'm sure that there are more threads on the BB, but here are some that you may find useful (and don't be fooled by some of the posts - the info should still be applicable to the task you are contemplating):

As far as how much time it would take you... Well, it takes me much longer than what it takes my mechanic. I would estimate that my mechanic, with proper tools and a lift, could do this in about 3 hours. It would probably take me a weekend, and I could need a bit of help... It is tedious and uncomfortable to work under a car with only jackstands...

Best regards.