Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

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Andy1981

Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#1 Post by Andy1981 »

Hi all,

Long time viewer first time posting.

I have a Dolomite 1850 auto which which is coming up for NOT. I have one issue, my reverse light won't turn on which I assume is the reverse switch. If possible, I just need some help confirmation the location of the switch.

I have found a switch, but it has 4 wires connected to it, could this be it? The more typical 2 wire switch is no where to 've seen on the gear box.

Before I go and start undoing parts, I just wanted to double check the above.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers

Andy
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#2 Post by dollyman »

not to sure on the wiring, but reverse lights are not part of the mot :D
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#3 Post by Triumph1300 »

From memory, they are switched from the rotary switch, on the side of the gearbox, which is also the starter inhibitor, hence 4 wires
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#4 Post by geeksteve »

Triumph1300 wrote: Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:31 pm From memory, they are switched from the rotary switch, on the side of the gearbox, which is also the starter inhibitor, hence 4 wires
Correct. They're not cheap or easy to find (in general). I might have one..

Steve
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#5 Post by MIG Wielder »

Just to avoid possible unnecessary expense if it's not the switch, check for +12V on the Green wire into the switch. The Green / Brown wire is the one out to the reverse lights at the rear. Connecting the two together should light the reverse lights. Clean the terminals if needed.
Tony.
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#6 Post by Andy1981 »

Thanks all ☺

i found one on ebay, he calls it a Borg warner 65 auto & reverse switch which looks the same

if its not part of the MOT, thats great as dont need to rush.

thanks again for your help, im sure i will be back with more questions soon lol

cheers

andy
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#7 Post by geeksteve »

Worth bearing in mind it's also the inhibit switch for the starter, so if it's actually falling to bits you may not be able to start your car if it fails (well, not without some bodgery).

It is indeed a Borg Warner type 65 box :)

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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#8 Post by Magenta Auto Sprint »

also I should mention that there is a multi pin connecter on the top of the bell housing, check the conenctions first for corrosion etc.

the inhibitor switch is difficult to get to as it runs near the exhaust, there is also a small screw that secures the swith to the side of the gearbox, again this may be difficult to access.

I replaced mine by removing the transmission tunnel.

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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#9 Post by Jon Tilson »

I had one of these fail on a Sprint auto and it was quite hard to replace due to screw access. Never looked at an 1850 one but I assume its very
similar. The main issue on the sprint was the lack of the heat shield which is now unobtainable.

On the car in question I heat wrapped the exhaust pipe and used one from an SD1 Rover with better shielded wiring which worked after adapting
the SD1 connector to suit the Sprint loom by the gearbox. They used the same connector pins so it wast hard to repin the connector to match.

I suspect there is more space on an 1850 auto and the exhaust may not be so close. Even so it would be worth looking at how exhaust heat affects the switch for future longevity.

On a Sprint I think the OE heat shield attaches to the sump pan bolts. It cant be a hard thing to remake if we had a pattern.

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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#10 Post by Magenta Auto Sprint »

Jon Tilson wrote: Tue Jul 04, 2017 9:35 am On a Sprint I think the OE heat shield attaches to the sump pan bolts. It cant be a hard thing to remake if we had a pattern.

Jonners
Somebody in the club did have an original one, I did ask for a template or drawing but heard no more.

Malcolm
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Re: Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto - reverse switch

#11 Post by Andy1981 »

Thanks all agian, so much good advice and infomation ☺
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