What are the reasons for the reverse light not working on a Volkswagen Golf?
2 Answers
The reasons for the reverse light not working on a Volkswagen Golf are as follows: Blown fuse for the reverse light: The reverse light fuse in the car is located inside the instrument panel. Follow the instructions on the fuse box to locate the reverse light fuse, and you can pull it out to check if it is blown. Broken filament in the reverse light bulb: Simply remove the tail light and take out the bulb to check if it is functioning properly. Issue with the reverse light switch: The reverse light will only illuminate when the reverse light switch is properly engaged. Disconnect the reverse light switch plug and bridge the switch with a wire. If the reverse light turns on, it indicates that the reverse light switch is faulty. If it does not turn on, the switch is not the problem.
I've been driving a Golf for several years and often encounter issues with the reverse lights not working. The most common cause is a burnt-out bulb, especially in older models where the filament is prone to breaking—simply replacing it usually does the trick. Another major factor is a blown fuse; check the reverse light fuse (usually labeled RVS) in the fuse box near the driver's seat and replace it if it's faulty—it's an inexpensive fix. Poor contact or a short circuit in the wiring is also common, as frequent opening and closing of the trunk can loosen connectors or cause aging wires to wear out, so inspect the connection points for stability. If the reverse switch on the transmission gets stuck, it can also prevent the lights from working—sometimes just cleaning off dust can solve the problem. Don’t take it lightly; if the reverse lights fail, backing up at night becomes dangerously dark, and hitting a person or another car could lead to serious trouble. My advice is to manually check the bulb and fuse first when you notice the issue, and if that doesn’t work, head straight to a professional repair shop. During regular maintenance, it’s wise to check the lights as a preventive measure.
