Golf Mk IV reverse lights

there is no legal requirement for reverse lights. the switch will be on the gearbox somewhere (usually) if you are really mean then just put on a manual switch.

There are no "street-legal issues", unless they were staying on when you moved forwards. They are not a legal requirement.

Fault-finding electrics requires at least a basic means of testing, whether that's some sort of meter, or a 12v lamp with a couple of bits of wire soldered to it.

On the (possibly mistaken) assumption that you've checked/replaced the bulb, and done the same with the fuse(F7, 10A), select reverse, turn ignition on, and test for voltage as close to the bulb terminals as you can. Use the same earth that the bulb uses.

No voltage? Physically trace the loom to the nearest multi-connector, and check for voltage at each side of the connector.

Still no voltage? Locate the switch. It will most likely be on the transmission, and will have two wires going to it. The live feed is coloured red/green, and the switched wire is black/blue. Check voltages here.

To determine if the switch is at fault, disconnect its multi-plug and short the two wires together.

If you can't sort it from here, you may be better off getting professional help.

My best guess? Corrosion in or around the rear light cluster.

Chris

Thanks guys.

I don't think its the fuse or bulb gone because it intermittently works, as I reverse on to the drive and (gently) bump over the small curb the reverse lights flash once or twice.

In fact I turned the ignition on, put it in reverse just now and with the tailgate open, pushed down on the boot floor to rock the car up and down on its suspension, and the reverse lights briefly come on, indeed they seem to go on and off in time with the rocking motion.

I had a look underneath the car and gather the gearbox is hidden away behind covers? Or is the relevant part (if I knew what I was looking for) accessible from the bonnet.

reverse light switch on gr/box, about 6quid.

Thanks, I suppose the real question is, is it easy to get at?

Hi Angus,

Fortunately it is accesible :) ... I did this job last year. The part if cheap and cheerful as well.

Basically when standing infront of the golf bonet open towards the middle back and look down that is the gearbox, you can have a look around it from there for the switch and a flick it off replace it and job done. I can;t remeber if its ontop or underneath the gearbox for the life of me. But now you know where it is you can have a quick look. Worst case you have to jack it up and stick a axle stand on it and change it or if its ontop which I think it was not 100% its do-able with bnonet up :)

Hope this was helpful

Thanks Stephen, much appreciated - I'll give it a go.