Strange problem...Might be that the backup switch has no washer under it???
It might need a bit thicker washer than normal or some such rube goldberg
repair to get you by...basically raises the swx a tiny bit so the slop won't
make it contact... Never seen the shaft move enough to trigger the switch
that I know of..The sleeve that rolls up and pushes the swx pin might be
buggered up, but not likely...strange one..
Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy
Zetec in the trunk
----- Original Message -----
From: "email99" <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2008 6:01 PM
Subject: Backup light switch malfunction - blinking backup lights when
shifting

>I need some help from the VW transmission experts on the list.
>
> I'm having problems with the backup light switch on my DU 4-speed
> (manufacturing date 03 11 3).  It seems the backup lights blink on while
> shifting gears and will remain on when in 3rd or 4th gear if I pull
> gently on the gear shift.  The backup lights also come on in reverse, as
> expected.  Electrically everything is OK and the switch seems to be
> working fine.  I suspected it might be a simple adjustment in the
> position of the switch.  I tried shimming the switch out a bit with an
> additional washer but when I got it to the point that it didn't flash
> the lights when shifting gears the backup lights wouldn't come on in
> reverse.  I pulled off the cover (094 301 232 A) and the selector shaft
> seemed to have more lateral play than I liked.  It looks like it slops
> back and forth when shifting gears and this motion activates the backup
> light switch at inappropriate times.  Is there a bushing that can be
> replaced to minimize this motion?  Has anyone ever seen this and what is
> the fix for it?
>
> I got the transmission from a '84 donor with about 195k miles and I've
> put another 100k miles on it since then.  I don't know what had been
> done to it before I got it but it has worked flawlessly since I have had
> it.  It really works smoothly (thanks Redline MTL).
>
> Any knowledgeable advice will be appreciated.
>
> Ed