No Reverse lights!

[quartersaw]

I took the 2002 Jetta in for the annual NYS inspection, and it flunked, due to the backup lights being inop.
I feverishly looked through the fuse panel, but could not find a bad fuse. I am now driving around without an inspection sticker.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

 

[mjydrafter]

Look at the switch, up on the top of the transmission/shifter. I bet (like mine) the wires broke at the connector there. (Assumes manual tranny)

They also broke right at the connector leaving no extra wire for a repair.

ETA: if that checks out, check the bulb holders in the tail lights, those can get pretty grungy/corroded too.

 

[Vince Waldon]

Yup, real real common for vibration to bust one or both wires into the reverse light switch near the shift linkage (again, if manual transmission).

 

[quartersaw]

Thanks, guys!

 

[quartersaw]

I don't see any wires on top of the transmission, near the linkage. . Did you mean near the shifter, inside the car?

 

[Vince Waldon]

Buncha Youtube videos on this... here's one to get you started:

 

[quartersaw]

Thanks!

 

[mjydrafter]

Should be on the shift tower, down below the golf club thingy.

IIRC the battery tray may be in the road too.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Just had to replace the switch on my B4 to pass inspection. Wires had been previously repaired.

 

[Vince Waldon]

Yup, go to a junkyard looking for reverse light connectors (or armrests or glove boxes) and they'll all be broken... and maybe repaired.

 

[quartersaw]

The wires were broken off, @ the sensor connector. I tested the switch with a Multimeter, and it was fine. I took a 21mm open ended wrench, and 'adjusted' it to the proper size, with a Bench Grinder to remove the switch. It was late Friday afternoon, at this point, so I cut the housing of the connector off, and soldered new wires, to the innards. I hooked the remains of the connector back to the switch, and it is working fine. I secured the connections together, with a big blob of GE Silicone.
I'll pick up a new connector, and harness, at some future date. Thanks to everyone, for your feedback!

 

[Herm TDI]

The simple solution is to find someone replacing their MK-4 front brake pads.
The pad wear sensor connector is the correct size replacement that you need.

 

[quartersaw]

The simple solution is to find someone replacing their MK-4 front brake pads.
The pad wear sensor connector is the correct size replacement that you need.

Thanks for that info, Herm!