[Boynielaad]

My reversing lights don't always come on.

I sense it's due to a loose reverse switch on the gearbox but cannot find the gearbox (I don't fancy removing the plastic tray under the engine.

Can anyone help with it's location or whether they think the solution lies elsewhere.

Thanks

 

[lawe]

I think we need a bit more info on what C-Max you have?
Year, Engine, Gearbox: Manual (5 or 6 Speed) or Auto?

I'll ask the basics just incase, Have you:
Checked the fuse,
The bulb and the holder it sits in? and if so cleaned all the contacts?

Also when this happens, do I take it that, and I presume a manual box here, you have to re select reverse for it to work and pushing the stick far up?

 

[Boynielaad]

It's a 53 reg 1.8 petrol Zetec with 5 speed manual gearbox.

The lights do work as they have been coming on occasionally albeit they have stopped coming on at all now (I can tell because the reversing sensors don't beep). From time to time if I re-selected reverse gear and used a bit more 'oomph' the connection worked hence my thought that it's a loose connection.

I have opened the fuse box box cannot tell which 10a fuse it is - the diagram is missing.

Hoping this helps.

 

[justinwp1]

I have the problem on my 04 cmax ghia 6 speed. will be men tioning at next service unless someone comes up with an easy solution

 

[lawe]

OK I have had a look at the TIS DVD and the fuse is F84.
Fuse tray is located in the passenger footwell.

 

[Boynielaad]

Checked the fuse - that's fine. How Ford expect anyone to read the letters and numbers in the dark and confined space under the dash I'll never know!

Then checked bulbs and connections - another breeze of a job!

All seems well which brings me back to the problem being something to do with the connection made in or near the gearbox.

Does anyone know / ( IAWE - does your TIS show) where any connection is for reverse gear on the exterior of the gearbox?

Much obliged for your suggestions so far.

 

[lawe]

I've had another trawl and there are loads of other things to look at.
Rather than try and cop and upload diagram photos etc, I have saved a word document with everything it has on it from the TIS.

PM me you email address and I will gladly send what I have got.
Also, do you have parking sensors? Might be another avenue to look at.

 

[lawe]

Email sent!

 

[Matt_C]

Hi guys, I am also having this same problem. Where is the reverse light switch located? I have looked under the plastic cover by the gear stick but nothing there.

Been told by my dealer that this is not covered by my extended warranty and they want £40 + VAT per 1/2 hour just to look at it

 

[Matt_C]

Sorry, should add 1.6 TDCI Ghia, 2005 54 plate, manual 5 speed, does not have reversing sensors.

Cheers

 

[Richard G]

I've managed to finf the part of the TIS that gives a basic indication of where the switch is if anyone would care to PM me an emaill address I can send it you back

 

[Matt_C]

PM sent Richard

Cheers

 

[MetalMicky08]

The only reversing sensor I have is the wife shouting "Stop You Idiot"

 

[lawe]

The only reversing sensor I have is the wife shouting "Stop You Idiot"

Yep I have one too. Only problem is the volume, no mute button

 

[Boynielaad]

Thanks for all the help guys.

Richard - the diagrams were spot on but I lost my bottle after taking the top off the air filter - wasn't confident I'd get it back on properly.

Admitted defeat then and called a local mechanic who put a new switch in for me and charged a tenner (switch was smidge under a tenner from Ford dealer).

Matt C - if it's your switch which needs replacing then lift out the air filter housing and the switch is just underneath. Probably not too difficult a job - the mechanic took no more than 10 minutes.

 

[Richard G]

did it solve the problem though?

 

[Boynielaad]

Absolutely.

Everything now works and my wife no longer reverses into things as her 'beep-beeps' are once again operational.

 

[Matt_C]

Sorry for the delayed reply, this is a really easy replacement on the 1.6TDCi.


Remove air filter housing, then you can see the switch under the battery. You need a 22mm deep socket (might get away with an angled spanner), just unclip the wiring and unscrew the switch from the engine. Really is a 10 minute job, air filter housing is easy to remove also, just one 'rubber band', two hoses and one electrical connector.


I just needed to get the socket and a new ratchet handle (1/2" drive), replacement switch was about £8 +VAT from Ford.


Now my lights work again

 

[lawe]

Very handy Matt.