Reverse light won't come on and also fuel gauge problem

[laners99]

Hey everyone. Was hoping someone might have the answer to why my reverse light is coming on and maybe a few things to try to get it working.  So far I have checked the fuses and there isn't actually voltage at the plug where the light is plugged.  Not where the bulb goes on, but the plug for the light inside the car engine bay (if that makes sense).
     The other issue is my fuel light was on, so I filled up to the max but the fuel gauge isn't going up, what would people recommend to try?
 Thanks a lot as any help is really appreciated.

[Gadge]

Hi lanners your reverse light problem may well be down to the switch on the end of the gearbox. You'll have to get right under the car to get at it though. It maybe just that the connector has worked loose or at worse a new switch may be needed but luckily there only a few pound.

normally I would say it was the tank sender but as you say the fuel low light comes on then it could be the gauge itself. I don't know how to check the gauge so if it were me I guess only way to find out really is to drop the tank and lift the sender out. Check the wires on the top then check the the plunger goes up and down (this sends a signal to the gauge and tells it how full it is).

[dadandlad]

You can check to see if it is the sender or the gauge using this method

Ideally you need to remove the light blue and yellow wire from the sender unit and short it out to earth with the ignition on the gauge should rise to full pointing to a faulty sender unit

If you cannot get to the sender wire you can cut it underneath the car and re-join once tested
 
If the gauge doesn't rise to full try shorting the same wire to earth at the instrument panel
If the gauge now rises to full you have a break in the wiring between the sender and the gauge

If the gauge still doesn't rise you have a faulty gauge

Hope this makes sense, it is far easier to do than it is to explain

[laners99]

Thanks, i thkught it might be that switch.  I will just replace as it is so cheap.  As for the fuel guage, ill give that a go tonight when I finish work and let you know!.

[Bambino126]

i think the fuel tank float isn't floating?

[laners99]

Mini update, the fuel gauge has magically started working after about 2 hours of enthusiastic driving. My theory is that the float was stuck somehow and is now free?