+1 as this also fixed my issue. Part was $27 with a new washer from my local Mitsu dealership and in stock. Total time start to finish was approx 30 minutes (fairly simple) . Tools needed, 10mm , 12mm (deep sockets and extensions) 15/16 open end wrench (this is use to tighten and loosen the reverse switch out of the transmission. Once it's loose you can remove by hand and you can tighten by hand all the way down to where about a 1/4 turn is fully tight. Don't drop and lose your battery tie down nut - stupid undertray. Rather than break the old clips I'm just going to home depot to find a replacement tomorrow. Hope this helps and thanks OP for a great original write up.

 

This thread is a life saver! So annoying not having reverse lights.

 

Glad this thread is still helping people 4 years later!

I updated my original thread to include the 5-speed part# posted above.

-Jalal

 

My back-up lights have been out for almost 2 years before I read this post. LOL. I just finished installing the new switch today. My back-up lights are back!!!!! Took me an hour to install it because of the battery tray was in the way. :-\

I ordered the 6-speed one and it fits perfectly!

Any ways!

Big thanks for great post!!

 

bumping this for a likely problem here. what causes this issue?

 

just wanted to check - do the reverse lights have their own fuse?

 

Its kinda fun reading through this thread with many people elevating a simple switch to sensor status. There's what looks like a marble sized steel ball in the switch's business end which get pushed up by something in the transmission when going into reverse, closing the switch and completing the circuit to the backup lights.

I dunno why so many of these are failing. The construction of the switch makes me think it should last forever.

 

what's the word on why it needs a washer?

 

It's a crush washer, same as a fill or drain plug, to keep it from leaking fluid..

 

oh ok - some of the earlier chatter was saying it didn't fit without a washer or something

http://www.streettunedmotorsports.co...h_md730979.htm

i can buy the part but i don't see any washer tied with it

 

Just reuse the old one. Without the washer, the sensor housing probably bottoms out on the detent rail.

 

 

just a bulb in that case

 

 

the switch is just a signal from the trans that you're in reverse. if the switch failed neither light would come on. may be a wire or something