1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Reverse Light Not Working [Quick Fixes]

There’s nothing more frustrating than a car problem that you can’t seem to fix. And when it comes to Volkswagens, the reverse light not working is a common issue that can be a real pain. Not only is it dangerous to drive without being able to see when you’re backing up, but it can also be a major inconvenience.

In this troubleshooting guide, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to diagnose and fix the reverse light problem on a 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0. I’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this issue from happening again in the future.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a non-working reverse light, read on!

Reasons Why 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Reverse Light Not Working

Burnt-out bulb

The most common reason for a reverse light not working is a burnt-out bulb. To check if this is the case, remove the bulb from the housing and inspect it for damage. If the filament is broken, the bulb will need to be replaced.

Faulty wiring

The wiring for the reverse lights can become damaged, causing them to stop working. To check for a wiring problem, use a voltmeter to test the voltage at the bulb socket. If there is no voltage, the wiring is likely damaged and will need to be repaired or replaced.

Faulty switch

The reverse light switch can also fail, causing the lights to stop working. To check if this is the case, turn on the ignition and shift the transmission into reverse. If the reverse lights do not come on, the switch is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.

Faulty ground

The reverse lights need a good ground to function properly. If the ground connection is loose or corroded, the lights may not come on. To check for a grounding problem, inspect the ground wire for damage. If the wire is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Also Read: 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Reverse Light Plug Not Working

How to Troubleshoot: 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Reverse Light Not Working

The reverse lights on your 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 are an important safety feature. They allow you to see behind you when backing up, and they also help other drivers see you when you are reversing. If your reverse lights are not working, it is important to troubleshoot the problem and get them fixed as soon as possible.

Possible Causes

There are a number of possible causes for a reverse light not working on a 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0. Some of the most common causes include:

A blown fuse:
The first thing you should check is the fuse for the reverse lights. The fuse box is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. The fuse for the reverse lights is usually labeled Reverse Lights or R.

A faulty switch:
The reverse light switch is located on the transmission. It is a small, round switch with two terminals. To test the switch, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity between the two terminals.

A faulty bulb:
The reverse lights are made up of two bulbs, one on each side of the car. To test the bulbs, you can remove them from the housing and check them with a multimeter.

A faulty wiring harness:
The wiring harness that connects the reverse lights to the switch and the bulbs can become damaged over time. To test the wiring harness, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity between the switch and the bulbs.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot the problem with your reverse lights, follow these steps:

1. Check the fuse:
The first thing you should do is check the fuse for the reverse lights. The fuse box is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. The fuse for the reverse lights is usually labeled Reverse Lights or R.

2. Check the switch:
If the fuse is good, the next thing you should check is the switch. The reverse light switch is located on the transmission. It is a small, round switch with two terminals. To test the switch, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity between the two terminals.3. Check the bulbs:
If the switch is good, the next thing you should check is the bulbs. The reverse lights are made up of two bulbs, one on each side of the car. To test the bulbs, you can remove them from the housing and check them with a multimeter.

4. Check the wiring harness:
If the bulbs are good, the next thing you should check is the wiring harness. The wiring harness that connects the reverse lights to the switch and the bulbs can become damaged over time. To test the wiring harness, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity between the switch and the bulbs.

Repairing the Problem

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can repair it. If the problem is a blown fuse, you can simply replace the fuse. If the problem is a faulty switch, you can replace the switch. If the problem is a faulty bulb, you can replace the bulb. If the problem is a faulty wiring harness, you can repair or replace the wiring harness.

Preventative Maintenance

To help prevent problems with your reverse lights, you can do the following:

Inspect the fuses regularly:
Check the fuses for the reverse lights regularly and replace any that are blown.

Inspect the switch regularly:
Check the reverse light switch regularly for signs of damage or wear. Replace the switch if necessary.

Inspect the bulbs regularly:
Check the reverse lights regularly for signs of damage or wear. Replace the bulbs if necessary.

Inspect the wiring harness regularly:
Check the wiring harness for signs of damage or wear. Repair or replace the wiring harness if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help prevent problems with your reverse lights and keep them working properly.

FAQs: 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Reverse Light Not Working

Why is my 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 reverse light not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 reverse light may not be working.

The bulb is burned out: This is the most common cause of a reverse light not working. To check if the bulb is burned out, you can look at it with a flashlight. If the bulb is blackened or cracked, it needs to be replaced.

The fuse is blown: Another common cause of a reverse light not working is a blown fuse. To check if the fuse is blown, you can use a multimeter. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.

The wiring is damaged: The wiring for the reverse light can be damaged due to corrosion, wear and tear, or an accident. To check if the wiring is damaged, you can use a voltmeter. If the voltmeter does not show any voltage at the reverse light connector, the wiring is damaged and will need to be repaired or replaced.

The switch is faulty: The switch that controls the reverse light can become faulty over time. To check if the switch is faulty, you can use a multimeter. If the multimeter shows that the switch is not sending power to the reverse light, the switch needs to be replaced.

How do I fix my 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 reverse light?

To fix your 1991 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 reverse light, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and then take the appropriate steps to fix it.

If the bulb is burned out, you can replace it by following these steps:
1. Open the trunk of your Volkswagen Golf.
2. Locate the reverse light bulb. It is located on the back of the car, near the license plate.
3. Remove the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Insert the new bulb by turning it clockwise.
5. Close the trunk of your Volkswagen Golf.

If the fuse is blown, you can replace it by following these steps:
1. Open the fuse box. It is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
2. Locate the reverse light fuse. It is usually a 15-amp fuse.
3. Remove the old fuse by pulling it out of the fuse box.
4. Insert the new fuse by pushing it into the fuse box.
5. Close the fuse box.

If the wiring is damaged, you will need to repair or replace the damaged wiring. This can be a difficult task, so it is best to have it done by a qualified mechanic.

If the switch is faulty, you can replace it by following these steps:
1. Open the fuse box. It is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
2. Locate the reverse light switch. It is usually a small, black switch.
3. Remove the old switch by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Insert the new switch by turning it clockwise.
5. Close the fuse box.

What are the symptoms of a bad reverse light?

The symptoms of a bad reverse light may include:

The reverse light does not come on when you shift into reverse.
The reverse light is dim or flickering.
The reverse light comes on when you are not in reverse.

How much does it cost to fix a reverse light?

The cost of fixing a reverse light will vary depending on the cause of the problem. If the bulb is burned out, it will cost around $5 to $10 to replace. If the fuse is blown, it will cost around $1 to $2 to replace. If the wiring is damaged, it will cost more to repair or replace. If the switch is faulty, it will cost around $10 to $20 to replace.

Can I drive my car with a bad reverse light?

You can drive your car with a bad reverse light, but it is not recommended. A reverse light is important for safety, as it helps other drivers see you when you are backing up. If your reverse light is not working, you should have it fixed as soon as possible.