VW Bora Reverse Light Not Working
3 Answers
Here are the detailed explanations for the Bora reverse light not working: Possible causes for the Bora reverse light not working: If none of the lights are on, first check the fuse, then inspect the bulb and wiring. If all these are fine, the issue might be a faulty reverse light switch. Reverse light switch working principle: It is a normally open switch (normally disconnected). When the reverse gear is engaged, the mechanical mechanism presses down the switch contacts, closing the circuit, which turns on the reverse light and activates the reverse warning sound. When the reverse gear is disengaged, the switch contacts spring back, and the reverse light circuit returns to the disconnected state. The reverse light switch for tractors is usually installed on the transmission, triggered by a depression on the shift lever, as shown in the circuit diagram (Figure a). During operation, due to the continuous high temperature of the transmission, the internal insulating rubber of the switch is prone to aging and failure, and the switch capacity is relatively small. Under normal conditions, when the two large lights at the rear of the tractor and the reverse buzzer are working simultaneously, the current passing through the switch can reach 7A. At high temperatures, the contacts are prone to sparking and burning out. The original reverse light switch has a lifespan of only about one month. Due to the confined installation space, replacement is inconvenient and time-consuming.
I've been driving my Bora for years, and if the reverse light isn't working, nine times out of ten it's a burnt-out bulb. Just twist the light cover in the trunk to remove it—if you see the glass blackened or the filament broken, simply replace the bulb. It's a five-dollar fix. If the bulb looks fine, check the fuse box. Open the small compartment under the driver's side, find the fuse labeled for the reverse light, pull it out, and see if the middle is broken. Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage if needed. If that doesn’t solve it, the reverse switch might be faulty—you’ll need to check the button on the transmission under the car to see if it’s stuck. Wiring issues are trickier; the wires near the trunk hinges are most prone to breaking. Use a multimeter to test for continuity and you’ll know for sure.
Systematic troubleshooting for reverse lights not working. Start with the easiest: check if the bulb is blown—grip the socket and twist counterclockwise to remove it. If it's intact, inspect the fuse. In older Volkswagen Bora models, the reverse light fuse is usually located in the blue square box above the driver's footwell, corresponding to slot No. 28 (10A). After ruling these out, focus on the reverse switch—mounted on the side of the transmission, test with a multimeter to see if it powers on when shifting into reverse. Finally, check the wiring: harnesses in the trunk are prone to breakage at frequent bending points, especially near the right rear wheel arch. Keep WD-40 handy to spray connectors for rust removal, as oxidized contact surfaces can also cause circuit breaks.
