Product Description
The TOPRAN Reverse light switch (102 938) is an original-equipment-quality mechanical transmission sensor manufactured by TOPRAN. Positioned directly into the manual gearbox casing, its primary operational function is to detect when the driver engages reverse gear. Shifting into reverse physically depresses the switch plunger, closing the internal contacts to complete the electrical circuit and illuminate the vehicle's rear backup lamps. Over years of operational service, constant mechanical actuation deforms the contact plunger, while moisture or gear oil tracking past aging seals can foul the internal contact plates. This results in backup lights that intermittently flicker, fail to turn on entirely, or stay stuck on permanently.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: TOPRAN
- Item Number: 102 938
- Trade Number: TOPRAN 102 938 001
- Product Condition: New
- Component Classification: Mechanical Gearbox Reversing Light Sensor / Switch
- Operating Mode: Mechanical plunger type
- Combi Switch Function: Normally Open Contact
- Number of Pins: 5-pin electrical connection block
- Connector Shape: Rectangular / Angled layout
- Product Line: Original Quality — manufactured to exact factory material specs and electrical continuity tolerances
Vehicle Compatibility
This distinct 5-pin mechanical reverse sensor is precision-machined to thread into early water-cooled manual transmission housings used across various first and second-generation Volkswagen Group (VAG) passenger cars:
| Car Model / Platform | Compatible Chassis Layouts | Engine Profiles | Year of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW Golf II (19E, 1G1) / Jetta II (19E) | Models equipped with specific manual gearbox configurations | 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 1.8 GTI / 1.8 GTI 16V / 1.6 D / 1.6 TD | 1983 - 1992 |
| VW Golf I (17) / Jetta I (16) / Golf 1 Convertible (155) | Standard mechanical manual gearboxes | 1.1 / 1.3 / 1.5 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 1.6 D | 1978 - 1993 |
| VW Scirocco I & II (53, 53B) / Caddy I (14) | Standard manual transmissions | 1.5 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 1.6 D | 1978 - 1992 |
⚠️ Gearbox Switch Profile & Pin Count Warning: Classic Volkswagen manual gearboxes utilized several reversing light switch designs over their production runs, transitioning between basic 2-pin switches and this more complex **5-pin angled rectangular configuration** (which sometimes integrated multi-function logic or upshift indicator wiring depending on the vehicle package). Always physically verify the pin count and harness plug shape on your existing gearbox switch prior to purchasing. When installing the replacement switch, ensure the thread mating surface is perfectly clean, and always fit a fresh washer/gasket to prevent slow, persistent gear oil leaks from weeping past the transmission case.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Reference Numbers
This premium replacement reverse light switch cross-references directly with, or serves as a factory-correct swap for, the following original factory equipment codes:
- VAG (VW / AUDI / SEAT / SKODA / CUPRA / PORSCHE): 191 919 823, 191919823
- JP GROUP (Interchange Reference): 1196600400
- VEMO (Interchange Reference): V10-73-0121