SOME BACKGROUND

Recently I had the gearbox (M46) out of the 242 to remedy a couple of minor ailments, one of which was that it was seeping oil, in this case Type F ATF, from some unknown point.

The ATF was only on the left hand side of the case and coming from high up.

So I figured the top cover plate might be loose but when I got in there it seemed to me that maybe it was the reverse light switch that was the point of egress.

There was no copper gasket under the switch which is on me because I was the last person to remove and reinstall the gearbox before this time. So I had a new gasket that fit and I used it.

I also went ahead and made a gasket for the top plate. I used rubberized cork.

Gearbox is back in the car but I still haven't finished up because of the dust boot problem I described in another thread. I intend to address that this morning.


SO NOW WE GET TO THE ACTUAL POINT OF THIS POST.

I wanted to test the overdrive electrics and reverse light.

OD is fine. Solenoid clicks. Dash light displays.

The reverse light, however, only comes on if I pull the shifter to the left after putting it in reverse gear. Let go of the shifter, lights go off.

This is distressing. I don't see how the copper gasket could be responsible since it is intended to be there.

I did remove the gear selector plate when the cover was off. I don't believe it's possible to install this item incorrectly. There's only one way it will fit. If anything is out of place it won't go in. It works. I can find all gears. It's not like there is a fine adjustment. There aren't any fasteners that secure it. Just locaters. It has to be able to move side to side as well as front to back. But it seems that this must be the culprit.

Actually the return spring would more likely be the cause because that is what is making the shifter move to the right. That is it's function. But it should only come into play when shifting back to neutral from reverse.

Damn it, it was working just fine prior to this.

Hoping the situation will self correct once everything is finished and all four wheels are back on the ground is just wishful thinking.

I do not want to remove this damn gearbox again. But I suppose I will if I have to.

Any suggestions?



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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon