Reverse Gear Switch

[Sven]

I am having a small problem with the reverse switch. The wiring and switch test out ok. Shorted wires at switch and reverse lights come on. Removed switch and tested (shorts out with plunger depressed). The problem appears to be inside the transmission case. The position of the round notch in the sliding plate inside the case is incorrect. It seems to be out of alignment. See the attached pdf sketch showing the positions (A & B) of the moving plate in my 5sp OD Gertrag. When in reverse it should be as shown in C so that the plunger is depressed. Any ideas why this would be out of alignment? Somehow it should slide forward at least another 2-3 mm.

I disconnected the joint at the bottom of the shifter to see if it was constraining the movement of the selector rod. It was not. All gears, including reverse, work fine.

Thanks,

 

[pmansson]

Avoid a spacer

It might appear natural to place a spacer between the gearbox case and the reverse lamp contact...Don´t, as the added distance will prohibit the functioning of the switch.
But you already knew this....(I learned from experience)

 

[Sven]

You are correct - I know now

Apparently the spacer is the key. It does not seem like there is much tolerance for the switch to work, but removing the spacer (alum compression washer) is enough.

Thanks,