MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MG Y Type - REVERSING LIGHT SWITCH

Am I right in thinking that this awitch is on the left hand side of the gearbox and high up. I can see someting there but it seems to be inaccessible without removing the gearbox, or the tunnel, or cutting a hole in the tunnel.
Is it likely to still be in working order after 58 years?
Information and advice please.
Michael
Michael

Surely someone has information on this subject, please.
Michael.
Michael

Hi Michael

Sorry just noticed your post - thanks for bringing it up again.

Yes the switch is on the left of the gearbox. It probably is still working mechanically but when the rear lights were disconnected and reconnected as two brake lights it was probably disconnected.

The wires are held in with two either 2BA or 4BA screws - I can never remember which, and my guess is the cables were simply cut. However, if you intend on reconnecting it, it would be a good idea to check it out. You can get to it by removing the tunnel - that is the easiest way, but from memory to remove it you may need to remove the passenger floor (i.e. seat, carpet, carpet runners etc.) Given that it is not actually an MOT requirement (unless a white light is fitted to the rear of the car) personally I wouldnt bother, but that is up to you.

Replacement switches seem to be no longer available from Moss, or Abingdon Spares or NTG as all list a PLUG.

Regards

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks ,Paul
I've just had the car rewired and the garage could not reach the switch, and I don't blame them for that. It looks as if the screws are in the switch but no wires. I expect it was unwired long ago. I got them to join the wires there, so I have a complete circuit and connnected it to a switch.

What do you think about cutting a hole in the tunnel and putting on a screwed cover plate rather than the bigger job of removing the tunnel?
Michael
Michael

Please, please Michael, do not cut a hole.

Take the time to remove the gearbox cover.

You will learn more about your car by doing things properly than by taking shortcuts, and without the risk of damaging anything in the process.

I have a collection of reverse light switches, they all work, so I'd be surprised if yours does not.

When putting the cover back, remember to put some anti-sieze on all threads to make your next job on the car easier.
Tony Slattery

Totally concur with Tony's comment. Absolutely do not cut a hole in the tunnel at any cost it is a short road to a long term disaster. Trust me - I have already had to try and source (succesfully eventually) a replacement tunnel and gearbox cover for a friend's YT here that a previous lazy XXX (aka person) cut and butchered beyond repair.

PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS FOLKS - THESE THINGS NO LONGER GROW ON APPLE TREES (if ever they did! :-) ).

Paul
Paul Barrow

My word!

What heartfelt feelings!

If MG provided a cover to access the brake reservoir and rear axle, what is the difference?

Michael
Michael

This thread was discussed between 22/01/2009 and 27/01/2009

MG MG Y Type index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MG Y Type BBS now