Our 2008 2.0 TDi Skoda Octavia Elegance Estate (FWD, Manual) has a warning lamp on the dash suggesting a problem with the lights. I checked them all over and found that the reverse lights aren't functioning. Yet I tested each bulb for continuity and they're all good. We've also noted that the rear parking sensor no longer beeps and there is no beep when selecting reverse gear.

So, from a little bit of reading I believe this could be down to the reverse switch in the gearbox. I wonder if someone can offer some tips on locating this and testing it?

Any other ideas?

Regards

Rich

Edited 1 June, 201313 yr by roundthebend

I'm assuming it's a FWD manual box. The wires to the switch are black/yellow and blue/black. With the ignition on, remove the connector and short the terminals. If the reversing light comes on, then the switch is faulty.

The switch is on the gearbox near to shift lever/starter motor.

I'm assuming it's a FWD manual box. The wires to the switch are black/yellow and blue/black. With the ignition on, remove the connector and short the terminals. If the reversing light comes on, then the switch is faulty.

The switch is on the gearbox near to shift lever/starter motor.

Thanks. I'm not familiar with the location of the gearbox,shift lever or starter motor. In fact, I think I'd struggle to identify them even if I was looking at them. Could you hint at their location and rough description of shape?

Cheers

Rich

EDIT: I will edit the original post to include that it is, indeed, FWD Manual.

Edited 1 June, 201313 yr by roundthebend

Thanks. I'm not familiar with the location of the gearbox,shift lever or starter motor. In fact, I think I'd struggle to identify them even if I was looking at them. Could you hint at their location and rough description of shape?

Cheers

Rich

EDIT: I will edit the original post to include that it is, indeed, FWD Manual.

Follow the big +ve battery cable until you reach the starter motor. That's fitted to the gearbox. Look around there for a 2-pin connector with the correct colours.

I had the same problem but it was a broken wire leading to the switch. I actually have a switch unused if you need one and struggle to source one and they are luckily very cheap. I bought one thinking it was the switch but it turned out to be the broken wire.

Adam

I had the same problem but it was a broken wire leading to the switch. I actually have a switch unused if you need one and struggle to source one and they are luckily very cheap. I bought one thinking it was the switch but it turned out to be the broken wire.

Adam

Cheers for that. I'm going to have a look at it tomorrow if I can shake off a bit of tonsilitis. Sounds like a good little DIY job. Especially since I've spent the day on the sofa watching Wheeler Dealers!

Yep easy enough. Good luck

I'm having a spot of bother finding the cable...the positive lead from my battery disappears underneath a box (air filter?). It might come out the other side but there's so many cables and nothing that looks like a gearbox/starter motor to me.

You need to take off the air box to access the switch. The only tricky bit in my experience is getting it loose of the battery tray- on the pre facelift its held on with a torx bolt and two rubber bungs as I recall.

Adam

Have you thought about a VCDS scan?

That might shed some light on where the issue is?

VCDS would be good but if I can find the problem without expense I'd be pleased. I haven't had luck in the past finding a local owner willing to meet.

Have you checked the fuses before you go any further?

Yep.fuses all good. Is the parking sensor and lamp on a shared fuse.

I haven't had luck in the past finding a local owner willing to meet.

If you are anywhere near Bromyard / Hereford PM me and I'll help you with that.

I'm in Peterborough, North Cambridgeshire. Cheers for the offer.

Right, intended to remove the airbox this evening to try and get to the reverse light switch, but couldn't figure out how to do it. I was too nervous to remove loads of gubbins without checking what it all was so decided to leave it and do some more research.

I've found some instructions on the K&N site for installing a new intake system so I wondered which bits of this I could skip.

http://www.knfilters.co.uk/instructions/69-9756_inst.pdf

I've read that I don't need to remove the MAF/MAS, so it would seem that just unplugging the vacuum hose (skinny one) and then the intake snorkel is enough.

Then there is some kind of bolt which holds the airbox to the vehicle but I don't know where that is or if it is just a single one. I've seen a hex bolt on the rear side of it near the battery box which is my guess. Are there any others?

I seem to recall that is the only one but its a bit hazy to he honest. The battery tray is otherwise joined by two stubborn rubber bungs. And yes just the skinny hose and loosen off one of the hose clips I think.