Both reverse lights out :/

[mr. megane]

I noticed yesterday that both reverse lights are out on our 1.5 dCi tourer, 2005 model.

Haven't had time to check yet but I was hoping that both bulbs incidentally went at the same time. Is this likely and could a man with a moderate amount of thumbs change these?
Nothing else is, to my knowledge, non-functioning.

Also, could this be due to an electrical fault or fuse?

Thanks in advance

[Bumpy macaroon]

mate, only the offside (drivers side) bulb is wired in, so you only need to change the one, incidently you will have a spare bulb fitted in the other side so you can swap them over.

why have two sides but only one wired up? well we are the exception driving on the right hand side where as most of the world are left hookers, renault mass produce parts capable to be fitted for both markets as it cheaper to produce, the only difference is the loom is wired to the other side, so your fault is nothing sinister happy driving....

[mr. megane]

Thank you very much! That was comforting reading. Lol

So is it correctly understood that I will have to change the left one as the car is Norwegian registered?

[Bumpy macaroon]

opps my bad...... mis read your original and for some reason thought you were talking about the rear fog lights, think i need to goto specsavers. ignore my post above its rattling on about the fogs not the reverse........

you should indeed have two reverse lamps, they are switched on by a sensor on the gearbox, please see link where i previously found out some info, have to admit that i have not had a good look for the sensor i found info on another site. you could try getting some new new bulbs and changing first before going for dirty oily option.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6113&p=42127&hilit=reverse+light#p42127

hope you get them going and apoligies for misleading.....

[mr. megane]

Not a problem! But if I have to open up the gear box I'd better take it to a mechanic before ruining something else

[nathan black]

my bet would be the switch which screws into the gearbox. i arnt sure where it is located but it will more than likly say in one off the manuals in the links. when you locate it you need to unclip the wiring connector from it which is very simple its just a plug. then with the ignition lights on and with either a voltmeter or test lamp, earth one end of your lamp/meter and touch the other end in the wiring plug. there will be to seperzte contacts. if any one of these lights your test lamp or gives a voltage reading of roughly 12v then your switch is at fault. screw the switch from the gearbox bell housing by either using a spanner or deep rech socket and replace with either a new one from reno or have a look on ebay.

[Nige]

Switch in the gearbox would be my assumption. This is really only a 10 min job to a mechanic and worth looking at yourself!

[mr. megane]

Many thanks for your advices! But I really do think I should leave it to a mechanic

[mr. megane]

This might sound really stupid but could someone advice me, maybe with a photo, where to look for the reverse lights switch.
Decided to have a go if it doesn't seem too scary. A new sensor is only £20+pp on Ebay.

Also, if anybody knows how to remove rear lights on a sport tourer that would be really helpful. Couldn't quite figure it out, found no apparent disassembling points.

Thanks

[mr. megane]

I should add that the car is a 5 speed.
Found this thread on Renault forums - should I expect that the switch is placed differently in a 5 speed than in a 6 speed as stated?

https://www.renaultforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=72427

[nathan black]

if you look in the parts for sale section on here. There is someone selling two types of revese light sensor.

[mr. megane]

Thanks, Nathan

[mr. megane]

Replaced the reverse lights switch myself during Easter and everything works again
The switch is placed on the bottom left side of the gearbox so oil will pour out when removing it. I had a mechanic friend of my father-in-law check it afterwards and refill what oil was needed