Ford focus 01 hatchback Reverse light not working

Outkast_IRE

NCT next month and the reverse light isnt working , iv checked the bulb and its fine , iv checked the fuse that the diagram says is for reverse lights and its fine ....... Is it time to bring it to an auto electrician what am i in for?

Captain Slow IRL

Check and clean the connection at the back of the bulb holder - it's easy for water to work it's way into it and start to corrode the contacts.

If that doesn't work, get it to a pro - it may be a reverse switch on the gearbox that's at fault.

Outkast_IRE

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

Check and clean the connection at the back of the bulb holder - it's easy for water to work it's way into it and start to corrode the contacts.

If that doesn't work, get it to a pro - it may be a reverse switch on the gearbox that's at fault.

Well when i had the bulb out earlier the whole area was bone dry not a drop of moisture in it so i dont think its that i will check tommorow anyway just to be sure.
Now that you mention it last year it went to and i slid under the car and the wire connection going to the gear box was loose and when i took it out cleaned it that sorted it , i tried the same again but it was in tight this time . would that be expensive to sort ? it is an autoelectricians job though isnt it ?
Whats the best way to clean those connections?

maidhc

Our mondeo has passed 2 ncts with a dodgy reverse light.

Captain Slow IRL

maidhc wrote: »

Our mondeo has passed 2 ncts with a dodgy reverse light.

That shouldn't be a reason to neglect it.

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

.....................Now that you mention it last year it went to and i slid under the car and the wire connection going to the gear box was loose and when i took it out cleaned it that sorted it , i tried the same again but it was in tight this time . would that be expensive to sort ? it is an autoelectricians job though isnt it ?
Whats the best way to clean those connections?

There is a way of checking the switch but if you don't do it right, you can end up doing more damage - you might be better bringing it to a pro. It shouldn't cost a lot, I'm not sure what the switch costs but the labour cost should be very little.

Using some WD40, push the male and female connectors in and out to clear the gunge off the contacts.

Outkast_IRE

thanks guys i will try the wd40 trick once i get a dry day outside as i will need to slide under car a bit ....... the nct are under such pressure these days i doubt they check but i would rather just have it sorted for the sake of keeping on top of any problems with the car.

Hal1

Hi there, Could you try a phase tester screwdriver on it? The cheapest and easiest way to check if there is current going to it.

yop

My wifes 01 Focus has the same issue, I sprayed WD40 on it and it passed the test no problem.
I noticed that its finicky as hell though.

sleepysniper

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

That shouldn't be a reason to neglect it.

I dont think it matters on a Focus as you can never see the damn reverse light on them anyway because of its location being so low down!:p

Wishbone Ash

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

NCT next month and the reverse light isnt working

There is no statutory requirement to have reversing lights fitted to a vehicle so they won't be checked during the NCT.

Hal1

sleepysniper wrote: »

I dont think it matters on a Focus as you can never see the damn reverse light on them anyway because of its location being so low down!:p

I can. Just use an extra bright bulb. There is a dual reverse light mod for the focus that I might do to mine.

Outkast_IRE

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

There is no statutory requirement to have reversing lights fitted to a vehicle so they won't be checked during the NCT.

ah good to know nice one .... will still try the wd40 trick at home after that i will see.

Outkast_IRE

wd40 trick was no good ........... can anyone confirm for sure if reverse lights are checked in nct?

Ush1

Sorry to resurrect this thread but I currently have this issue with a 2004 mk1 Focus. Failed NCT on reverse light not working.

I have tried changing the bulb but no joy. Connections in the light unit look okay and also the connection to the gearbox.

Just to note, when I turn on the rear fog lights, the rear passenger fog light(same as reverse) doesn't come on either which leads me to believe it's not the connection to the gearbox?

Any ideas?

shietpilot

Have you checked the fuses in the passenger footwell under the dash? There is 2 plastic thumb screws and the fuse box falls open.

Hal1

I would swap over the bulb holder from the fog light and use to test reverse light. Go from there then.

Ush1

Hal1 wrote: »

I would swap over the bulb holder from the fog light and use to test reverse light. Go from there then.

Is it not all the one bulb and holder for the fog and reverse light?

Hal1

Look at the back of the housing.

Ush1

Hal1 wrote: »

Look at the back of the housing.

Still can't see what you mean exactly I'm afraid.

shietpilot

Ush1 wrote: »

Is it not all the one bulb and holder for the fog and reverse light?

On the bumper:
Left side light holder/housing/assembly is for the reversing light.
Right side light holder/housing/assembly is for the fog light.

I think Hal1 is suggesting you swap the assemblies and see if it makes a difference?

Ush1

shietpilot wrote: »

On the bumper:
Left side light holder/housing/assembly is for the reversing light.
Right side light holder/housing/assembly is for the fog light.

I think Hal1 is suggesting you swap the assemblies and see if it makes a difference?

Okay, swapped the bulb holders and bulbs in both sides and exactly the same. So that would tell me they are all good.

Hal1

That would rule out the reverse bulb holder as the problem. Did you change the reverse switch on the gearbox?

Ush1

Hal1 wrote: »

That would rule out the reverse bulb holder as the problem. Did you change the reverse switch on the gearbox?

Twas the switch! Thanks for the help Hal, you defo know your Fords.

12 euro in the motor factors, 2 min job to change it. Happy out!

Hal1

Good to hear excellent news! I'm no expert but I have dealt with most issues with them as an owner.