Reverse lights won't switch off!!!

[sharpse74]

Hi all i'm new to this forum, just purchased a mk2 16v '89 (from ebay sorry!!).  I have reasonably big plans for the car but dont want to go ballistic, after degreasing and cleaning the engine bay i found the reversing plug not connected.  After connecting the plug i found the lights to work (hooray) but will not switch off??  has anyone had the same issue with their mk2 any advice would be much appreciated cheers...

[johnson6672]

Sounds like a fault in the switch do they go out with it unlugged? if so take the swictc out, plug it in then give it then try applying the swich by hand or moving it to see if the lights go out, its either a new switch or it just needs cleaning up and freeing off, but my first port of call would be to remove the switch and see what happens then.

[Wayne]

The fact it was unplugged suggests to me that the switch is faulty.

[dragonfly]

Relatively cheap fix - new switches are available from Euro Carparts and GSF.  Deep 22mm socket and the switch is removed.

[Reasty]

Even cheaper fix: take the switch out of the gearbox and spray it with wd40 then push the ballbearing in and out a few times wiping any gunge that comes out off,then pop it back in and my bet is it works again! 

[sharpse74]

Thanks for the advice i've ordered a new switch from VAG (under a tenner) and will fit shortly.