Hi,

My '90 Carat with a manual transmission has reverse lights that do not work.  When I pull the connector off of the switch and close the connection with a paper clip, they do work.  Therefore, I assumed the switch wasn't working.  I tried a new switch, and that did not help either.  Even the original switch works fine on the bench with a meter.  Therefore, while I was under the Van again last weekend, I pulled off the housing that holds the reverse light switch, just to see what was there.  I saw that the bar that is connected to the shifter linkage extends through to this housing.  It rotates and moves in and out based on what gear is selected.  It has a little cam-shaped protrusion on one side which I presume is to make contact with the plunger on the reverse light switch.  However, the little lobe is 180 degrees opposite of the reverse light switch when reverse is selected!  The D.P.O's paid $1000 for this rebuilt transmission (at a VW dealership) that will not shift into second when cold -- I wonder if this lack of reverse lighting is another symptom of "dealership quality" craftsmanship.  Is there anything I can do, or do I just wait until I win a lottery and can get the whole thing rebuilt properly?

Thanks,
Michael Townsend

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