Hi everyone,

I was seeing if I can some advice on a problem I'm having. My reverse lights won't come on when I put my car in reverse. Like they do on and off but for the most part they won't turn on for a while. Any ideas on where I should start to fix this problem thanks!

 

The circuit is about as simple as they come - ignition switch, fuse #3, the switch on top of the transmission and the backup lights.

 

Ok sorry im new to fixing this. Do i need to change alll this or how do i get to those part's?

 

I had to do this with my VIII also. It'll be really easy to get to if you have an aftermarket intake IC/ pipe. You can grab one of those switches from your local car shops. They may have to order it never know.

 

Would this be it?

 

Yup looks to be it. Think you need a wrench / socket wrench to get it out. After you unclip that black cap with wiring.

 

Go to Sears or a parts house and buy a test light. With the ignition switch on and the plug pulled off the backup switch, probe the plug for power. If yes then the wiring between the ignition switch and plug is good. Now jumper the two pins in the plug and check if the backup lights are on. If yes then the wiring from the switch to the backup lights is good and the backup lights are good - you need a new backup light switch.

 

^ This, I put a new switch in mine because they didn't work. Made no difference, must be a wiring fault.

 

Same situation. Four years now with no reverse lights. Maybe this winter I'll run new wiring from the rear to the switch but at some point some unknown connector has a bad connection.

 

Did you guys ever have problems taking out the backup light switch. No matter how hard I try I can get it loose.

 

mine was a piece of cake to take out...I'll look at it again this weekend. What have you tried to use to take it out?

-bmh

 

Correct sized socket and a breaker bar and it broke free almost comically easy.

 

I just had to change mine. Mine was a bit tight but with some muscle popped loose. As was said above make sure your socket is the right size. I think I used a 15/16" deep socket and it didn't have any play. Assuming it's metric it's probably supposed to be 23 or 24mm. When I tested this I first checked the fuse and it was good. Then I pulled the plug from the switch and measured voltage on one wire with the key on. Then I got a jumper wire and jumped the two pins in the socket (not on the switch) with the key on and the reverse lights came on. Purchased the switch on Amazon, 10 minute swap and good to go. I did not need to pull any hoses to get to the switch.

 

you can take off that swich, there is ball on the end of it. if ball is going in it will work. you can test it with multimeter.

 

The ball on my old one moved just fine, the internal contacts were open with the ball pressed or not.