Hey Everyone - thank you for taking the time to read this thread.

First Problem - I noticed yesterday after I wound my window down, that when I apply the gas, all you can hear is a hissing sound coming from my exhaust. It's more noticeable in gears 1, 2 & 3. I have topped up the oil and water. But still the hissing occurs. Not heard it before so it's a bit alarming.

Second Problem - When I start my car up, my reverse light won't turn off. My Aunty noticed it today. It can't be legal, as it may be misleading towards other drivers. Is there a way I can get this to go off??? I've been putting my gear into reverse hoping it might then turn off when I go into neutral, but no luck.

Third Problem - My brake lights, the boxes that covers them, are both filled with water. So obviously there's a leak on both sides that's letting water in. Is there a way I can prevent this?

Thank you everyone, any answer is appreciated.

Hi.
Hissing noise will more than likely be exhaust blowing.

Reverse lights..faulty switch.

Remove rear lights clean and dry them and add a smear of silicone to create a good seal.

Thanks OldHammer!

So would you suggest I get a back box fitted for the exhaust? Do you think something may have rusted/worn?

Also regarding the switch, how would I fix that. Is it something to do with the front windscreen wipers etc?

Any info is appreciated.

Hard to guess without seeing the car.
You need to work out which part of the system is blowing.

Get a damp cloth and cover the exit pipe of the exhaust..you will hear where its blowing from
Then..it might just be a gasket or want a joint re sealing..you never know..

Best to check properly before just replacing stuff..

The exhaust on the puntos cost peanuts to replace so its no biggie..if a section is failed
Back boxes are common for rust as they hold water..

Reverse light switch is on the gearbox..nothing to do with the wipers..
Do a search on the forum u will find the info you need plus pictures of where it lives..

Take reverse light bulb out until you get it sorted..

It's unusual to see water getting into the rear light clusters. Is there a crack in the lenses on either side? Even a hairline crack will let water in. Repair tape is available and might work. The other possibility is that the bulb holder strip was not put back properly.
Favourite places for exhaust blow are at the front end of the back box and at the flexi joint at the front end of the mid section. These can fail at the top and be difficult to spot. You might see some black staining of the underside of the car just above the flexi.
The reversing light switch is at the top of the front of the gearbox. Remove the plug and check for continuity between the two pins. If you don't have a meter rig up a bulb and battery with some wire and tape and see that it only lights with reverse gear selected.
The switch is easily removed as testing on a bench will be easier. Don't forget to put it back.
If the switch checks out have a look at the wires and plug is case something got shorted.

The reverse light ISN'T part of the MOT believe it or not
So not a legal requirement

However - BEEN Stuck on, is illegal and CAN fail an MOT for been stuck on

This may sound odd..... But does the light come on when you turn the interior fans on?
The Fans relay and reverse light share the same power feed - slim chance but it might be something to check

to get the light off - i'd just pull the reverse switch wiring out the sensor on the gearbox
Its right at the front under (facing the radiator) under the battery tray
Dont just yank - its got a little lift up and pull lever on it

Ziggy