There are numerous posts on reversing lights but I could not find the answer to my problem.

I have a 1972 Clubman with ( I assume) a "remote" gearbox. Lately the reversing light has developed an intermittent fault, but usually a bit of jiggling go it working. To make good, I bought a new switch said to suit Minis including Clubman.

On removing the old switch from the front of the gearbox under the oil filter, it is nothing like the replacement. It is much broader with a coarse, short thread and a fibre washer terminated by male spade connectors. Anyway, it worked perfectly on the bench.

Under the switch was a stiff spring about 30mm long which seemed to bear on the base of the switch but not the actuating tit. I tried to peer down into the gearbox to see how it all worked but could see nothing.

Having put it all back together the reversing lights now don't work at all.

What do i need to do to get it going again?

This link shows the components. https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic? ... source=app

There are issues with the replacement style GAE131 sold at various mini shops.

This link shows the correct switch. https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic? ... source=app

Is this the switch you purchased? If so it's for a rod change gearbox, not remote change.



Test your original switch on the bench.

Also check you have the short pin that bridges the gap from switch plunger to detent plunger, as shown here - http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic ... 3#p1052314

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Minis with remote gear change, including early Clubmans (not rod change, as on later Clubman) used the switch that fitted under the oil filter on the front face of the gearbox. Later Clubmans with rod change gearboxes had the reversing switch under the gear lever mechanism as winabbey's photo shows.
This is the switch used on the gearbox:
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=100890

Under the switch, there is a spring AND a distance piece. The distance piece pushes against the 'actuating tit' when reverse gear is engaged.
The spring is the standard detent spring to put tension on selecting reverse gear; the distance piece turns the reverse light on.
gtogreen1969 has come up with more details.
The original switch was part number GAE131 but now that part number is used by a similar looking switch but the 'tit' and thread size is too big for the mini.
If your reversing light was working, you must have the distance piece 'somewhere'.

I have modified a current GAE131 switch to fit. To do this I turned the centre pin ( which is plated brass) down to 5.0mm and recut the thread from M16 to 5/8-11 BSW. Not many threads but it works. (the M16 thread was about 13 tpi)

An alternative method is weld an M16 nut onto the standard plug, drill the plug thru 5.0mm to suit a longer 3/16 pin inside the spring, then drill the plug top 8mm, deep enough to clear the switch pin.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

This is the plunger - viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95872&p=1041018&hilit=reverse+light#p1041018

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

The correct switch for remote change is now available from Minispares, as well as the plunger.

http://minispares.com/product/classic/GAE131.aspx

http://minispares.com/product/classic/22G351.aspx

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1970 Morris Mini K

That's good to know.

Their distributors here in Sydney are still selling the wrong one.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.