Like others, yep, I've replaced mine a couple of months ago. It's easy
to check the switch with a volt ohm meter. Pull the connector and check
for continuity between the two pins when the van is in reverse (of
course the engine should be off, though the key will need to be on.)

If there is no continuity, your switch is bad and will need to be
replaced. Replacements no longer use the same connector, so you'll have
to get a replacement connector too and splice in the wires (I detailed
this in the archives recently).

On Sep 28, 2004, at 12:04 AM, Barrett Willet wrote:

> About 2 months into my ownership of an '88 GL Wolfsburg / Manual
> trans. and just noticed the other night that my reverse lights don't
> work.  Replaced all bulbs and checked all fuses and still no luck.
> I've heard of a reverse switch that is actuated by the shifter but
> can't seem to find in Bentley much reference to checking or just plain
> replacing this switch.  Anyone else had similar experience?  Am I
> jumping the gun by replacing the switch?
>
> Thanks
> Barrett
> '88 GL Wolfsburg
> '87 A2 GTI 8V