Partofthechaos
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| posted on 27/1/22 at 05:44 PM |
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Reverse Switch Conumdrum
Evening All,
I have a problem with my reverse switch. As the car has not been IVAed it will need reversing lights, but the switch on the gearbox is perfectly
lined up with a chassis rail. I was thinking about blanking this and having a plunger or reed style switch behind the gearstick itself. The RX8
gearbox is a 5 speed, with reverse where 6th would be. This is the best option that I can think of, I wondered if there were any alternatives or if
there could be an issue with a gearstick switch?
I'm reluctant to chop up the chassis. Partly because my welding skills are currently non-existent, and partly because I think it would protrude
through the tunnel panel into the passenger footwell so could be vulnerable.
Thanks in advance.
 
Reverse 1
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gremlin1234
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| posted on 27/1/22 at 07:02 PM |
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a proximity switch on the gear lever should probably work.
but do you have to do anything with the leaver before you can select reverse. - ie lift the leaver, or push it down? you might be able to detect that
movement instead of the leaver position
also note MOT have requirements for reverse light now. dependant on its registration age. (as well as the sva regs) , so tested each year
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Partofthechaos
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| posted on 27/1/22 at 09:09 PM |
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That's good to know, thank you. With that reassurance I think I will go with a blank on the 'box and see where to put a switch when
I'm onto the interior and electrics.
I don't think there is a specific process to go to reverse, other than you can't go directly from 5th, you have to go via neutral.
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SteveWalker
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| posted on 27/1/22 at 09:27 PM |
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You don't actually have to have the reversing light(s) operating automatically - a manual switch is still acceptable, as long as you have a
tell-tale warning lamp to remind you that it/they are on.
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Partofthechaos
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 03:49 PM |
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Thanks for that, useful to know! Hopefully I can get something to work, but if not I will have a switch on the dash. Either way no reason to hold
back because of not being able to fit the official switch.
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Sanzomat
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 04:32 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by SteveWalker
You don't actually have to have the reversing light(s) operating automatically - a manual switch is still acceptable, as long as you have a
tell-tale warning lamp to remind you that it/they are on.
I'm not sure what that is based on? Maybe true for vehicles first used pre 2009? - extract below from the current MOT testers manual regarding
reverse lights:
4.6.3 Switching
You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009.
Reversing lamps must operate automatically when reverse gear is selected and extinguish when
reverse gear is deselected.
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gremlin1234
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 04:32 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by SteveWalker
You don't actually have to have the reversing light(s) operating automatically - a manual switch is still acceptable, as long as you have a
tell-tale warning lamp to remind you that it/they are on.
yep good call on that, I had forgotten that little loophole
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DanP
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 04:37 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
quote:
Originally posted by SteveWalker
You don't actually have to have the reversing light(s) operating automatically - a manual switch is still acceptable, as long as you have a
tell-tale warning lamp to remind you that it/they are on.
yep good call on that, I had forgotten that little loophole
+1
Had exact issue with LT77 gearbox position in a Viento, removed the switch and put it on a savage switch on the dash, not problem with SVA.
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gremlin1234
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 04:46 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Sanzomat
quote:
Originally posted by SteveWalker
You don't actually have to have the reversing light(s) operating automatically - a manual switch is still acceptable, as long as you have a
tell-tale warning lamp to remind you that it/they are on.
I'm not sure what that is based on? Maybe true for vehicles first used pre 2009? - extract below from the current MOT testers manual regarding
reverse lights:
4.6.3 Switching
You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009.
Reversing lamps must operate automatically when reverse gear is selected and extinguish when
reverse gear is deselected.
the current iva test manual and the new one coming in april both state (my bold)
"They must operate by selection of reverse gear or be fitted with a tell-tale
warning device. "
Edit, but indeed the MOT test manual has different criteria!
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/4-lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment#sect
ion-4-6-3
[Edited on 28/1/22 by gremlin1234]
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Partofthechaos
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 06:17 PM |
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OK, so for the MOT test it needs to be automatic, looks like I need to put more effort into the gearstick switch idea before I abandon it then.
"4.6.3. Switching
You must inspect all reversing lamps fitted to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 other than quadricycles and Class 3 vehicles.
Reversing lamps must operate automatically when reverse gear is selected and extinguish when reverse gear is deselected."
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SteveWalker
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| posted on 28/1/22 at 11:37 PM |
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The MOT is not supposed to fail unmodified homologated vehicles. There is a big problem if IVAd vehicles have to meet a higher standard at MOT than at
IVA!
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