Where do i find the location off the reversing light switch for a vw polo 2004 petrol , gearbox or gear lever area ?

If the engine light is blinking you have major issues with the vehicle. Have scanned at autozone or similar for codes this will give you a idea what is wrong. Then get back to me when you have codes

On most cars it's built into the shifter linkage, usually closer to the shift lever than to the transmission. I don't know of anybody who puts the reverse light switch right in or on the transmission - that would require a sealed switch rated for a harsh environment, which costs more and is unnecessary given the more benign environment of the shift lever is available. Look for wires going there and follow them.

on the gearbox will have a connector with 2 wire coming from it and the end of switch will have a nut shape so can be undone

REVERSE LIGHT SWITCH FAULTY OR SHORT CIRCUIT AT THE LINE.CHECK SWITCH FIRST IT IS LOCATED AT THE GEARBOX

CHECK REVERSE LIGHT SWITCI WHICH IS LOCATED AT FRONT SIDE OF MANUAL GEARBOX RIGHT BESIDE THE L PROBE AND ALTERNATOR AND COMPRESSOR CONNECTIONS.IT IS A 2 PIN PLUG.TAKE IT OUT AND USE A CABLE TO CONNECT TO THE TWO PINS AT THE LOOM.TURN IGNITION ON AND CHECK.IF LIGHTS GO ON THEN REPLACE THE REVERSE SWITCH.LET ME KNOW.

Sounds like a problem with the selector switch. It is unlikely to be gearbox issue. I suspect the gearbox is being "told" to go into neutral!

Back to the dealer with that one so they can do a can bus test on the selector lever...

Is the oil you see reasonably clean or is it black. The gearbox oil would be cleaner than the engine oil. Gearbox leaks would most likely come from one of the following:-

1. Drive shafts
2. Gear change lever inputs,
3. Speedo cable
4. Reverse light switch
5. Drain plug
6. Input shaft seal (inside the bell housing).

Pig a piece of paper under the car when you park it at night to give you an idea where the drip is located and inspect the area above that position

Hi Val,first of all the gearboxes for all vw are made in the same factory in germany and if one model of car was giving trouble the whole range would suffer.i.e.SEAT/SKODA/AUDI/VW.I have not heard of any specific cars giving trouble.but to answer your problem,get the linkage checked by a dealer as these tend to wear and a specific tool is required to set them up properly.and while they are under the car get them to change the oil for the gearbox.you do not need to get a NEW gearbox as a reconditioned one is MUCH cheaper.if you want to down that road.(you will still need to get the linkage set up).
hope this sorts it out for you.regards. geoff,England.

more likely to be a worn baulk ring.do yourself a favour and rebuild the box,its so much easier and will last longer.to test,apply slight hand pressure to gearlever in drive and over run if it slips out......its time for a rebuild....

you mean throttle body
will assume petrol EFI

the ecu will have fault codes to be read

the problem may also be the plastic accelerator pedal sensor