Moss Motors, Ltd

I have a 1275 MG midget 1968 Mk3 which has reverse lights but they dont work. Can anyone confirm if the bolt head high lighted is where the reverse light switch is to be inserted.

I cannot get the photo to upload I will try again later

 Thanks for reading.

The switch is located where the shift lever enters the transmission. It is right at the top of the collar.

It would be smarter just to test the switch first. Under the car, on the passenger side of the tranny, you will find the two wires that go up to that switch. They are connected with bullet connectors and are rather easy to get to once the car is in the air.

I would try bypassing the switch at this point. If your lights come on, then the switch IS bad, if they don't come on, keep looking, it ain't the switch!

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

'68 Sprite 1275
'76 Midget 1500

In order for your picture to show up you have to post it on the internet. Go to www.photobucket.com. It's free. Download picture from computor to Photobucket. Once you've downloaded to photobucket run your mouse over the picture on photobucket and several little boxes will appear under you photo. See the one that says IMG CODE, now run your mouse over that box and right click your mouse and copy that code. Now go to your post and right click and paste the IMG Code on your post and now your picture will appear.

To bypass yoyr brake light switch you'll need to have your ignition switch on. From under the car connect the 2 wires on your brake light switch together. Someone will have to watch your brake light to see if the come on. If they do then your switch is bad. If they dont then check the fuse for your brake lights. Replace if in doubt.

 

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CasaMini

Thanks for your posting.

I have uploaded the photo of the top of the gear box for identification.

The problem is that there are no cables or reverse light switch but the car has reverse lights on the tail. I'm not sure if the previous owner replaced the gear box or something. what I would like to know is where exactly does the switch go and does my gearbox have a blanking bolt at present.  

Your help is much appreciated 

Best Regards.

 

What you've circled is NOT where the switch goes.

I will try to post a picture of the proper placement.

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

'68 Sprite 1275
'76 Midget 1500

That would be helpful, Thanks.

I think maybe my gear box remote housing does not have the provision for a reverse light switch, but before I go out and buy one which does I would appreciate a photo so that I know what I looking for.

The engines coming out this winter anyway for an overhaul as it leaks oil which gets worst by the day. 

Regards. 

 

 

 

I'm sorry but, after searching, I do not have a picture of where the reverse light switch goes, and I could not find one on the net or in my manuals either!

I did remove the boot on mine to see where it goes, (memory ain't what it used to be), but I could not locate it without further disassembly. 

I seem to remember that it was on the passenger side and is actuated by moving the shifter to the right, even before pulling it back into reverse.

Hopefully someone else on the forum has one apart right now!   

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

'68 Sprite 1275
'76 Midget 1500

I recently replaced the clutch and remember that the reverse switch is located on the front, passenger side, of the rear extension.  What you have pictured is the back of the rear extension.  It is located opposite  (front) of the bolt on the back with the wire secure shown in your picture.

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David L Brown

Yes...That's what I remember!

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

'68 Sprite 1275
'76 Midget 1500

I guess from the descriptions see photo below that my housing does not have a socket for a reverse light switch.

Thanks for your help.

Only problem now is getting a second hand replacement or buying new. while were still on the subject can you tell me which direction the wires from the switch run i.e backwards to wards the tail or front wiring loom. I've looked through user manuals etc including wiring diagrams etc but none of them help.

The wires run forward into the engine compartment.  How ambitious are you?  I have a spare rear transmission section but the switch is missing.  If you are still using the metal dome that the shifter extends through you could install a toggle switch.

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David L Brown

Thanks for your reply.

As you will be aware car mechanics are all kindoff new to me but I like getting my hands dirty. The engin is to be removed soon to replace seals etc due to oil leaks so would probably change the housing then. However I did wonder as a short-term fix if a switch could be mounted using a bracket to one of the bolts that secure the gear lever cover, maybe something like a break ligth switch that goes on only when the pedal is pressed.

 Any ideas welcome.

You could connect two wires from the harness where the reverse switch normally plugs in. There are two bullet connectors that break out from your harness in the area of the clutch slave cylinder, on the right (passenger) side of the car.

Simply connect ANY switch between those two connectors. When the switch is closed, your lights will be on - open the switch, and they go off. It really is just that simple.

You could put the switch anywhere that you'd like in the cockpit and just flick it when you need reverse lights.

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On their death bed, nobody ever said, "Gee I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

'68 Sprite 1275
'76 Midget 1500

I've finally managed to find a gear box housing which has a reverse light switch as below. I can now confirm that my own gear box does not look like that and will have to replace the housing when I remove the engine. I will have a look to see if my wiring loom has connection for the reverse light switch as detailed in your posting.

Thanks.