Hello all. My 2004 rex' reverse lights are not working. After investigation I have found that the problem is not with the bulps but with the reverse light switch. This means a couple of issues.

The Mazda deelership here was just bought by another company and have been chekcing stock for a while now and after the 4th time in 3 weeks I called and got yet another, newer deadline as to when they will be done, I am having trouble seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

I have called another company that brings spares for various cars and told me that though they don't have the RX8 one, if they could have the part number, they could find a compatible non Mazda one. Problem is, the switch is inside the gearbox which would mean quite the fuss for just checking the part number waiting to see if they have it and so on.

My question is, is there anyone here who can help with the part number?

 

I assume this is for a manual transmission:
MT Reverse Switch: Y611-17-640

But for an automatic transmission, its the whole Transmission Range Switch:
BW01-19-444

 

Yes it's the 6 speed manual transmition. Sorry for not being clear about that and thank you very much for the reply

 

This isn't an uncommon problem. Mine failed one week after I drove my BN 8 off the lot. Fixed under warranty.

Is yours dripping gear oil, or just not working?

 

I'm not sure I understand your question m8.
When the car was lifted i did see a very tiny drop of oil dangling from the gearbox, but I never thought it has anythign to do with the reverse light switch.

 

^^ Yep, the switch can leak if the seal fails. That's what happened to mine. You might want to trace your drip and see if it's coming from the switch.

 

Ah OK. Does the dripping come as a result of the switch failure or the switch failure as a result of the dripping? Or are the two unrelated and require a separate fix?

 

The dripping appears to come from the silicone material inside of the switch, the deep red blackish eye looking part. Mine didn't fail but the wires inside could have grounded,installation twist the wires when precaution is to the wind.
I recently had the same problem and,well dug inside of the old switch. There are two solder points and around these two points, oil leaks in. I'm not certain but it appers the oil pressure let in by the actuating ball at those points is soaking the silicone insulation making the material weak and porous,the oil then leaks at the seams,around the two wires or both,so trying to seal it wont work or for only a short time. After gutting one drying it and resealing it, it test good,though I dont think I'll be reusing it,just curiosity.

 

ok I have this leak and am going to order a new reverse switch and change out myself. I have already gotten under the car and tightened the switch before I realized the leak was coming from around the black wires. question is...where do the black wires go and connect? Do you have to cut and solder the new wires together or is the connector reachable to unplug and plug back in the new black wires from the new switch?

 

The wires are above just follow with your fingers,they unplug two black wires their interchangeable. All you have to do is unscreew the sensor,drain and screw in the new one. Make sure you have a new crush washer. Good luck

 

^thanks man, doesnt look like alot of room...do I need to take the midpipe out to get to the connection?

 

I didn't,is yours an 04,I'd post a pic but from an iphone I don't think I can. Can I ask what Mazda is asking for the switch,I was going to order one but after digging out the silicone and resealing it I decided to put ot back and I haven't had a leak since not that I'd recommend that

 

well when I first ordered it it was $52 plus $4 tax. It is $8 to ship but I am local and can go pick it up. Then I got an email saying it was the wrong part description and the correct part I wanted was $70 plus $6 tax. So $76 picked up or $84 shipped.

 

Seeing as this thread has some movement in it still, I figured I should post the end of my story with the light switch.

The local dealer wanted aroun 70euros to get me a switch (had to order it and wait for it to arrive), and any 2nd hand dealers and scrap yards did not have what I was looking for. Ebay didn't even turn out results for the switch and any selelers seelling switches for other Mazda cars said they were not sure that it would fit the RX8 or that they were sure it wouldn't, so I got stuck.

Then a m8 mentioned that the switch is the same as the one in the S2000 and Lexus IS200 (can't remember is he said the gearbox was the same, maybe others here might know). Seaching for the reverse light switch of the IS200 got me a few results and I ended up ordering it. Total cost + shipping, 30euros. It fit like a charm and I am no longer a hazzard on the night roads when backing up!

Hope this helps others in the future with a similar problem.

 

Same problem described cuadrills, leaking where where the wires come out.

Does anyone know how the take it apart and seal it? Switch should not be under anything other than the pressure associated with a few inches of oil. I figure pull it apart, seal the leak, re-assemble, good to go. If not, $70 for a new one.

I cannot tell from the pictures I took what it would take to get it apart.

Thanks,

 

I just noticed I have no reverse lights. Also if I plug my license plate light in then my brake light fuse blows as soon as I hit the brake pedal. Any thoughts?

 

Try searching? Let me help:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...4/#post3405130

 

I did search but must have missed this one.
Thank you once again Team.

 

searching using the web rather than the forum function will generally cut down on all the noise