Did you figure this one out? I also have had this problem with my
reverse lights turning on in first gear. It's happened since I bought
my van a year ago and haven't yet looked into solving it. Annoying!

Thanks,
Zach

On Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 8:52 PM, Graham Janson <graham.janson@gmail.com> wrote:
> When my backup lights didn't work I first checked bulbs, fuses, continuity
> in wires, then checked the switch near on the driver's side of the manual
> trans case (near the back, near the top as I recall). Tested with multimeter
> and found the switch dead. Bought a new part (about $6) from California
> Imports and installed in 5 minutes. Now my reverse lights work great -- in
> reverse AND in first. Sorry for sort of highjacking your thread, but does
> anyone know why this new gremlin might have arisen?
>
> Graham
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Woody Halsey" <WHalsey@SYA.ORG>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2011 11:39 AM
> Subject: back-up lights
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> Can anyone offer advice on why my back-up lights have stopped working (can't
> pass inspection here in MA) and suggestions for solving the problem?
> Thanks,
>
> Woody
>
> 83.5 V'gon
>
> Haverhill, MA
>