[xj] Reverse light switch - faulty

johan_sa · December 22, 2012, 7:38pm

Hello.

I have a 1985 XJ6 Series 3 that I’m busy restoring. The reverse
lights are not comming on. I’ve read various methods to remedy the
situation but to date nothing has worked. Here is what I’ve tried
and discovered:

The micro switch under the ski-slope has 2 x wires. That is the
only micro switch that I could find under the ski-slope. According
to the manual etc. this is the inhibitor switch. Whilst researching
this topic on the web, I found that this switch does not affect the
reverse lights at all.

On the auto box just where the linkage joins the box, is another
switch with 4 x wires attached to it. according to my search on the
web - this is the reverse light switch - is that correct?

Question 1: It is said that the inhibitor switch will allow the car
to start when in Park or Neutral (accepted) but that it will also
prevent the speedo cruise from engageing if the car is not in
Drive. How is it possible for one switch to monitor two different
functions with only one live wire?

Question 2: If the switch situated on the auto box is the reverse
light switch, why does it have 4 x wires and what is the function
of each?

I don’t know much about electricity or switches (as you have
probably guessed) but I would think that:

one of the wires would be a live,
-another work in conjucntion with the position of the gear lever to
activate the reverse light,
-another sending an impulse if the car is in Drive (speedo cruise)
and the last will work in conjuction with the inhibitor switch.

Is it possible to actually test the reverse light switch and if so
how?

In a post on the web it is mentioned that the switched can be moved
until the lights come on. I beg to differ. The switch that I have,
does not have a slot that will allow for adjustment. I will be able
to do some form of adjustment on the gear cable itself.–
johan_sa
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: http://www.jag-lovers.org/lists/search.html

To remove yourself from this list, go to http://www.jag-lovers.org/cgi-bin/majordomo.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Doug_Dwyer · December 22, 2012, 8:32pm

The micro switch under the ski-slope has 2 x wires. That is the
only micro switch that I could find under the ski-slope. According
to the manual etc. this is the inhibitor switch.

Yes, cruise control inhibit switch. It should have yellow/purple and
black/slate wire. It opens/close a ground path

Whilst researching
this topic on the web, I found that this switch does not affect the
reverse lights at all.

Right.
On earlier Ser III XJ6s the reverse lamp switch and neutral safety/starter
inhibit switch were at the gearshift. Later models, such as yours, both
functions were changed to a rotary switch on the side of the transmission

On the auto box just where the linkage joins the box, is another
switch with 4 x wires attached to it. according to my search on the
web - this is the reverse light switch - is that correct?

Yes. It should have green and green/brown wires for the reverse light
circuit and black and/or black/green for the starter inhibit.

Green is supply voltage for the reverse lights; green/brown is output to the
lights themselves.

The black and/or black/green wires complete a ground path for the starter
relay

Question 1: It is said that the inhibitor switch will allow the car
to start when in Park or Neutral (accepted) but that it will also
prevent the speedo cruise from engageing if the car is not in
Drive. How is it possible for one switch to monitor two different
functions with only one live wire?

Cruise control inhibit is still controlled by the console micro-switch. It
allows cruise control operation only in “D”.

Question 2: If the switch situated on the auto box is the reverse
light switch, why does it have 4 x wires and what is the function
of each?

See above

Is it possible to actually test the reverse light switch and if so
how?

Sure, if you have a test light or meter. Do you?

In a post on the web it is mentioned that the switched can be moved
until the lights come on. I beg to differ. The switch that I have,
does not have a slot that will allow for adjustment. I will be able
to do some form of adjustment on the gear cable itself.

A Jaguar tech bulletin advises that some of the switches were built without
the elongated mounting that would allow the switch to pivot. The suggested
fix is that the switch be removed and the hole enlarged to allow for
adjustment

Cheers
Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJRFrom: “johan_sa” johanf2000@gmail.com

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

johan_sa · December 24, 2012, 1:04pm

In reply to a message from johan_sa sent Sat 22 Dec 2012:

Hello Doug.

Thank you for your reply. Yes I do have both a testing light as
well as a meter.

Obviously the next step for me will be the testing of the switch
and if need be the rest of the circuit.

I presume that I’ll have to:

switch the ignition on
-select Reverse
-check the switch on the auto box for power being submitted to the
switch.

In an effort to pre-empt possible findings (whilst under the Jag -
I’m no longer as sleek as I was in my younger days)there may be one
of two results i.e.

No power to the switch and
Power to the switch but still no reverse lights.

I have checked the fuse and all appears to be well.

I think a main concern is where does the harness from the switch
run once it goes through the firewall (as it appears to be doing).

Please help again. Any additional information will be appreciated.

Thank you and have a blessed and merry Christmas.–
johan_sa
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: http://www.jag-lovers.org/lists/search.html

To remove yourself from this list, go to http://www.jag-lovers.org/cgi-bin/majordomo.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Doug_Dwyer · December 24, 2012, 2:20pm

I presume that I’ll have to:

switch the ignition on
-select Reverse
-check the switch on the auto box for power being submitted to the
switch.

Exactly

With the key “on” the green wire should so battery voltage, +/- 12v. When
reverse is selected the green/browb wire should show the same

In an effort to pre-empt possible findings (whilst under the Jag -
I’m no longer as sleek as I was in my younger days)there may be one
of two results i.e.

No power to the switch and

Which obviously suggests a problem upstream of the switch

Power to the switch but still no reverse lights.

Which suggests a problem with the switch or a downstream wiring/connector
problem

I think a main concern is where does the harness from the switch
run once it goes through the firewall (as it appears to be doing).

Oh, boy, now my memory is really being taxed! I can’t remember the harness
routing, sorry

Cheers
Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJRFrom: “johan_sa” johanf2000@gmail.com

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

johan_sa · December 25, 2012, 5:25pm

In reply to a message from johan_sa sent Sat 22 Dec 2012:

Thank you Doug.–
johan_sa
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: http://www.jag-lovers.org/lists/search.html

To remove yourself from this list, go to http://www.jag-lovers.org/cgi-bin/majordomo.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Cadjag · December 26, 2012, 4:05pm

In reply to a message from johan_sa sent Tue 25 Dec 2012:

Johan:

I have some thoughts.

Test lights are ideal for checking the internal continuity of a
switch. Bridge the contacts and see if the lamp and buplights come
on!!!
If so, remove the switch, operate it manually
Lamp and backup’s come on? Remove lamp and try. Go or no go. If
go, it is a position thing to be adjusted one way or another.
If the switch tests bum, seek to fix or replace with like kind.
One can attach a switch to the side of the shift tower. XJS’s do
it that way.
An additional micro can be added to the tower, parallel to the
cruise inhibit micro. A spacer is there that can be removed to
accomodate it.
If the jumps don’t light the backup’s it is in the harness
and/or the lamp assembly itself.
It is worth testing for volts at the lamp recepticles. Both pout
at once, improbable, but far from impossible.

I love this phrase. Good luck with the electrickery!!

Happy New Year

Carl–
Carl Hutchins 1983 Jaguar XJ6 with LT1 and 1994 Jeep Grand
Walnut Creek, California, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: http://www.jag-lovers.org/lists/search.html

To remove yourself from this list, go to http://www.jag-lovers.org/cgi-bin/majordomo.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Don_X · October 25, 2013, 4:53am

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Wed 26 Dec 2012:

Hello Gang,

I had some work on the transmission and mechanic removed
gear shifter, to replace broken shift cable.

Two problems,

Reverse light don’t work
Original ground wire from stereo doesn’t work (adding
another ground to the existing ground solves this problem)

Could somebody tell me what’s missing, as this car was
molested by a mechanic. I’m guessing there is a ground
missing for both, but I haven’t the slightest clue as to
where it has been disconnected.

Regards,

Don–
'85 Series III XJ6
Toronto, Canada
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: http://www.jag-lovers.org/lists/search.html

To remove yourself from this list, go to http://www.jag-lovers.org/cgi-bin/majordomo.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Doug_Dwyer · October 25, 2013, 5:09am

Reverse light don’t work

http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/backup.htm

Original ground wire from stereo doesn’t work (adding
another ground to the existing ground solves this problem)

As I recall there are a slew of ground wires near the gearshift assembly.
One might be for the radio…and it wouldn’t be far fetched to think that
it might’ve been disturbed while replacing the shift cable

Cheers
Doug Dwyer
Pacific Northwest USA
1995 XJRFrom: “Don X” donx_03@hotmail.com

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Cadjag · October 25, 2013, 2:37pm

In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Thu 24 Oct 2013:

Don:

Yeah, I am with Doug as to the grounds in the cavity under the ski
slope. Lots of sruff going on there. The ski slope is easily
removed for inspection. Small pan for th screws, flat blade
screswdriver and a Pozi or Phillips and you are ready.

Check captianjaguars cathouse on line for the great shcmatics
including the S57. essential for any electrical diagnosis and fixes
on these cars.

I’ve looked a tit intently a zillion times. As scheatics go, it is
easliy understood.

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

Reverse light don’t work

–
Carl Hutchins 1983 Jaguar XJ6 with LT1 and 1994 Jeep Grand
Walnut Creek, California, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

sparx · October 25, 2013, 2:44pm

In reply to a message from cadjag sent Fri 25 Oct 2013:

One of your best malapropisms so far Carl
Gave me a chuckle.

‘‘I’ve looked a tit intently a zillion times.’’

Purely by coincidence I was musing this last night that, given
the chance to visit just one Jag-Lovers member, who would I
pick. No competition. It would be Carl.–
Dave Collishaw '79 Daimler Sovereign '96 X305 '56 BSA A10
Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: http://www.jag-lovers.org/lists/search.html

To remove yourself from this list, go to http://www.jag-lovers.org/cgi-bin/majordomo.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Cadjag · October 25, 2013, 4:35pm

In reply to a message from sparx sent Fri 25 Oct 2013:

Dave:

Thank you.

Who knows where my errant fingers will go!!

Side bar:

I did get the ‘‘no brake light’’ issue respolved by a bit of bodgery,
but it works and he execution was carefully done.

And, the included misadventure with the no hand brake and door over
extension on contact with my Jeep is fixed. Door opens and closes
nicely now, thanks to son’s inherent skills in moving metal.
alignment fair. A bit of a scar along the front edge. Somewhat
masked by brown primer on a brown car!!

You are welcome here any time.

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

‘‘I’ve looked a tit intently a zillion times.’’
Purely by coincidence I was musing this last night that, given
the chance to visit just one Jag-Lovers member, who would I
pick. No competition. It would be Carl.

–
Carl Hutchins 1983 Jaguar XJ6 with LT1 and 1994 Jeep Grand
Walnut Creek, California, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Don_X · October 26, 2013, 1:21am

In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Thu 24 Oct 2013:

Doug…

Here is the problem, I don’t have the original BW66 on this
car… I have a 2 speed powerglide, the original Engine &
Trans is currently on a Jaguar Mark V.

From your instructions,

Now, working under the (suitable and safely elevated) car,
take your 8 mm wrench and loosen the small bolt at the
bottom of the back-up lamp switch (left side of the
transmission, several wires attached). You’ll now notice
that the switch can be rotated in a small arc, a few degrees
in either direction. Simply move the switch back-n-forth a
bit and you’ll find the sweet spot where the back-up lamps
will come on. I say ‘‘sweet spot’’ because the lamps will stay
illuminated as the switch travels a few degrees thru the arc.

I don’t exactly know where these wires should be, as I don’t
have that transmission. From the gear shifter, with sky
slope removed, I attached all the grounds, did not solve the
missing ground problem. And I did notice a switch with a
clicker on it. I was guessing that was the culprit.–
The original message included these comments:

Reverse light don’t work
http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/backup.htm

Original ground wire from stereo doesn’t work (adding
another ground to the existing ground solves this problem)
As I recall there are a slew of ground wires near the gearshift assembly.
One might be for the radio…and it wouldn’t be far fetched to think that
it might’ve been disturbed while replacing the shift cable
Doug Dwyer

–
'85 Series III XJ6
Toronto, Canada
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Doug_Dwyer · October 26, 2013, 1:52pm

The original wires for the reverse lights were green/brown…so look for
that in the transmission tunnel and/or console area. Hard to say what was
modified when the PG trans was installed but it’s a fair guess that as much
of the original wiring as possible was left in place.

Cheers
Doug Dwyer
Pacific Northwest USA
1995 XJRFrom: “Don X” donx_03@hotmail.com

Here is the problem, I don’t have the original BW66 on this
car… I have a 2 speed powerglide,

I don’t exactly know where these wires should be, as I don’t
have that transmission.

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

Cadjag · October 26, 2013, 1:54pm

In reply to a message from Don X sent Fri 25 Oct 2013:

Don:

All bets are off. It has been decades since I looked at a two speed
powerglide, So, I don’t remember if it has a backup switch on it or
not. I’d guess not.

So, it is more likley than not on the switch tower. One way to do
it is as follows:

Micro switch on he front of the tower as the N?s interrupt.
Another similar micro alongside as the cruise interrupt.
A green box on the driver side taken from an XJS tower. It would
respond to the loosen and adjust process.

Check the S57 scematric for the color of the wire that goes back to
the reverse lamps. It is in the cavity alongside the shift tower.
Where is it connectred. A switch of some kind. Then see if the
other leg of that has voltage with the ignition on.

And/or visit the lump forum. Someone there may recall the
Powerglide better than I.

Carl–
The original message included these comments:

Here is the problem, I don’t have the original BW66 on this
car… I have a 2 speed powerglide, the original Engine &
Trans is currently on a Jaguar Mark V.

–
Carl Hutchins 1983 Jaguar XJ6 with LT1 and 1994 Jeep Grand
Walnut Creek, California, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

===================================================
The archives and FAQ will answer many queries on the XJ series…
FAQs: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xjlovers/xjfaq/index.html
Archives: Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers

To remove yourself from this list, go to Jag-lovers Forums - Jag-lovers.

// please trim quoted text to context only

martss3 · April 4, 2020, 1:00am

Just another note - today I fixed my reverse lights which have been bugging me ever since I got the car 2.5 years ago. Just drilled the small hole in the switch out to 1/4” which gave just enough room to turn it to where it worked. The starter inhibits still worked correctly after as well.

Pleasantly surprised at how easy it was.