[IN10CT]

I've got a 1995 e36 325i convertible with non-working reverse lights. This car has an automatic transmission. I've been all over the posts and I simply cannot find any references to fixing this problem. The manual tranmissions look a doddle with their easily accessible reverse light switch but where do I find this on and automatic? I have a ZF 5-speed automatic transmission BTW.

The car is (i think) all stock.

Cheers

ps. All shifting works as expected but the backlighting on the shifter console is also out.

 

[johnny-c2]

sorry i cant tell you where the switch is, but in know on my e46 spazmatic the reverse lights only come on when the trans has built up pressure when in reverse, which would lead me to think the switch is internal! but dont quote me, you could phone a motor factor to see if you could buy a new one, on an e36 there should be a pattern part availiable! or phone an auto trans specialist!

 

[billywhizz1984]

In the automatic the switch is built into the gear selector mechanism switch. Obvious I know but have you checked your fuses No 26 & 28?

 

[IN10CT]

I've checked fuses 26 & 28 but they are both ok. Is it likely a new gear selector will resolve the problem?

 

[billywhizz1984]

Take the plug out of the gear selector switch, switch the ignition to position 2 and jump pins 2 (Red) and 3 (Blue/Yellow) and your reversing lights should come on. If they do you need a switch, if not then there is another issue.

 

[IN10CT]

Take the plug out of the gear selector switch, switch the ignition to position 2 and jump pins 2 (Red) and 3 (Blue/Yellow) and your reversing lights should come on. If they do you need a switch, if not then there is another issue.

In typical fashion, the blue/yellow wire is not coming out of pin 3 and there is no red wire at all. I think pin 2 is green/white...

I found the wiring schematics for the 95 e36 online and they also indicate blue/yellow on pin 3 so I'm confused. Mine has blue/yellow on pin 7 or 8 I think.

 

[IN10CT]

Take the plug out of the gear selector switch, switch the ignition to position 2 and jump pins 2 (Red) and 3 (Blue/Yellow) and your reversing lights should come on. If they do you need a switch, if not then there is another issue.

In typical fashion, the blue/yellow wire is not coming out of pin 3 and there is no red wire at all. I think pin 2 is green/white...

I found the wiring schematics for the 95 e36 online and they also indicate blue/yellow on pin 3 so I'm confused. Mine has blue/yellow on pin 7 or 8 I think.

btw, i jumped pins 2 & 3 but no go

 

[joylove]

Take the fuses that look fine and throw them in the bin. Put in new ones.

 

[DragonLogicX]

Could also be a faulty reverse light switch which is situated under the car (on the underside of the gearbox) simple to do really, just jack up the car (for more room) remove the connector and unscrew the switch & replace with a new one - fitting is obviously the reverse lol.

 

[gildersol]

It's the green/white wire and should be the blue/yellow wire that you should short across.
Check at the reversing lights themselves if the wire is blue/yellow just to be sure.

 

[IN10CT]

It's the green/white wire and should be the blue/yellow wire that you should short across.
Check at the reversing lights themselves if the wire is blue/yellow just to be sure.

Thanks, I will try jumping green/white to blue/yellow and report back.

Cheers

 

[IN10CT]

Could also be a faulty reverse light switch which is situated under the car (on the underside of the gearbox) simple to do really, just jack up the car (for more room) remove the connector and unscrew the switch & replace with a new one - fitting is obviously the reverse lol.

I don't believe this bad boy exists on the Automatic transmissions.