backup light

Brohate · 05-17-2009

The backup light wouldn't work and narrowed it down to the switch. After searching for it (located below the stick shift) i wasn't getting any voltage reading. I have pulled the switch and figured out theres an arm that mechanically activates the swith when the transmission is put into reverse. The are was frozed in palce and a connection was being made. After cleaning the switch and gently work the arm I was able to free it up so it would move and to complete the circuit. My question is this, when I reinstall the switch on which connector do I place the hot wire? From looking from the front to the rear I believe the hot goes on the left connector (closest to the transmission). I that correct? Neither manual I have addresses the issue, nor even mentions the switch at all. Thanks.

First opel 1981 · 05-17-2009

The backup light switch is just a SPST switch. It's not grounded so it doesn't matter which wire you place on which side.

Brohate · 05-17-2009

Switch is operating and have juice to the back up light unit. Any info on the wattage of the proper bulb? Will light dimly and sporadically when the bulb is jiggled but it it arcs and there's that despised electrical odor. Owners manual says 4 candle power and the manuals refer to part numbers, but no indication of wattage. I have a 10 W in there now.

Brohate · 05-17-2009

Switch is operating and have juice to the back up light unit. Any info on the wattage of the proper bulb? Will light dimly and sporadically when the bulb is jiggled but it it arcs and there's that despised electrical odor. Owners manual says 4 candle power and the manuals refer to part numbers, but no indication of wattage. I have a 10 W in there now.

JudokaJohn · 05-17-2009

maybe the socket itself is bad. try replaing that.

Brohate · 05-17-2009

The bulb on the hot side was touching and/or too close to the reflector of the untit iself. This was shorting it out (the burning odor) or causing the arching. I cut a piece of wire insulation and ran it along side of the reflector, thus not allowing contact while not allowing the current to jump. Nice day, goin for a ride.

P.S. Using the same bulb that I was before 10 watt.

05-17-2009	#1 (permalink)
Brohate Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ny Posts: 24	Answered: backup light The backup light wouldn't work and narrowed it down to the switch. After searching for it (located below the stick shift) i wasn't getting any voltage reading. I have pulled the switch and figured out theres an arm that mechanically activates the swith when the transmission is put into reverse. The are was frozed in palce and a connection was being made. After cleaning the switch and gently work the arm I was able to free it up so it would move and to complete the circuit. My question is this, when I reinstall the switch on which connector do I place the hot wire? From looking from the front to the rear I believe the hot goes on the left connector (closest to the transmission). I that correct? Neither manual I have addresses the issue, nor even mentions the switch at all. Thanks.

05-17-2009	#2 (permalink)
First opel 1981 Uber Genius Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 780 Provided Answers: 6	The backup light switch is just a SPST switch. It's not grounded so it doesn't matter which wire you place on which side. __________________ Opel GTs are not GM products

05-17-2009	#3 (permalink)
Brohate Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ny Posts: 24	back up light bulb Switch is operating and have juice to the back up light unit. Any info on the wattage of the proper bulb? Will light dimly and sporadically when the bulb is jiggled but it it arcs and there's that despised electrical odor. Owners manual says 4 candle power and the manuals refer to part numbers, but no indication of wattage. I have a 10 W in there now.

05-17-2009	#4 (permalink)
Brohate Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ny Posts: 24	Back up light bulb Switch is operating and have juice to the back up light unit. Any info on the wattage of the proper bulb? Will light dimly and sporadically when the bulb is jiggled but it it arcs and there's that despised electrical odor. Owners manual says 4 candle power and the manuals refer to part numbers, but no indication of wattage. I have a 10 W in there now.

05-17-2009	#6 (permalink)
Brohate Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ny Posts: 24	Problem solved The bulb on the hot side was touching and/or too close to the reflector of the untit iself. This was shorting it out (the burning odor) or causing the arching. I cut a piece of wire insulation and ran it along side of the reflector, thus not allowing contact while not allowing the current to jump. Nice day, goin for a ride. P.S. Using the same bulb that I was before 10 watt.

05-17-2009	#5 (permalink)
JudokaJohn Opeler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St. louis Posts: 60	maybe the socket itself is bad. try replaing that.

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