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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Reverse Lights Query

Hi Guys

I own a 1975 midget.

When I put the car in reverse the lights come on and then go out. If I move the stick forward a couple of mm they stay on and work as they should.

Any thoughts?

Rylan
R Williams

duff switch on the gearbox?
David Smith

Isn't the switch screwed into the alloy casting? Maybe it has worked its way out a bit and out of adjustment, and just needs screwing back in again?
Guy


Only other thing I can think of is that there is enough wear in the gearstick ball joint, linkages and housing, that you are actually getting a few mm of extra throw in the stick and it's just getting past the contact point with the switch. Guess you could try a different stick while you're looking how accessible the switch is. If you can't borrow one locally there's 1 here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=1500+midget+gearstick&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Hope this helps

Dave
D Prince

i reckon its the switch, the pin inside it may be sticking, removal is the best bet and test it by moving the pin with a suitably placed helper or mirror
p bentley

a clean/lube and securing of the switch can only help

I'd also think of possibly new anti-rattle plunger and spring if the present ones are worn to firm things up a bit more as the bits may take up any small slack and only cost pence each
Nigel Atkins

I have a similar problem... sometimes they work and sometimes they don't... its not the switch though for me - i put a new one on. I assumed it was an earthing issue... however its not an MOT failure... so its not been a major priority.
C L Carter

CL - IIRC the reversing lights (and number plates ones too) are earthed on the rear panel... one of the mounting bolts for the number-plate plinth doubles as earth - at least for pre-RB cars.

A
Anthony Cutler

Thanks Anthony, will have a look at that!
C L Carter

This thread was discussed between 15/05/2012 and 16/05/2012

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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