Hi Roger,

The switch is attached inside the shifter console near the base. It is the
same switch used for the starter lock-out function in drive and reverse
(sometimes called a neutral safety switch). It consists of a bottom section
which is stationary and screwed to a metal mounting plate; (this portion has
the electrical connections for the starter and reverse light circuits). The
top portion of the switch is attached to a plastic bracket on the shift
lever itself; this is really just a big electrical jumper, moving over the
bottom half switch contact pairs as the lever is moved from park to reverse
to neutral.

They are available from VW and I would imagine the list vendors as well. I
replaced mine about 2 months ago; I think it was about $26 at the local
dealer.

I tried to clean the old one up, but the contacts were too worn and were
below the plastic base in some cases.

Cheers,

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Roger Van Till
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 5:40 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Backup lights out

Does anybody know where the backup light switch is located on a 1986
automatic?
My friend has my Bently and I have a new van in the fold.

Thanks, Roger

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