for some reason my reverse lights ont work ? Ive replaced the bulbs and nothing.

 

check the fuse if you haven't already, it could be blown. or a short some where with the bulb harness

 

is there a fuse just for the reverse lights?

 

do you have a manual or auto?


I can't speak for the auto's cause I've never owned one, but I know on my manual and I'm assuming for autos that there is a reverse light switch that is located on the top of the transmission, next to the shift cables. This switch is hot when in reverse causing your lights to light up. However.. if the switch is good, you might have a short in the wire somewhere. Best thing to do...

Check the bulb socket with a volt meter....

If there is a current when in reverse its your bulbs
If NO current then its possible its your socket.. Maybe the connecters are dirty.. (check)

If the sockets are clean, then check the switch up front. ($40 autozone)

If the switch is good and has power, you most likely have a short in the wire somewhere from the switch to the bulbs... This is going to suck to have to trace...

REMEMBER, there won't be a volt reading unless you're in reverse and the power is on So have someone sit in the car with the brakes on and you check it...

 

thanks, Ill try that tomorrow also

 

i'm looking in my Chilton at the schematics for the reverse lighting and YES, its Fuse 8. it should be a 10A fuse

also apparently on the autos there is no back up light switch.. its known as a "transmission range sensor"

 

thanks alot! so I should just check the fuse ?

 

Thats what I would do first... If that doesn't yeild any results... start from the bulbs and sockets and work your way up with a volt tester

 

yeah tracing down a short always is a PITA that's why when my dome went out and I couldn't find the short I just hooked up a toggle and installed white leds through out the car works a lot better then the stock dome they are way brighter and even lights up parts where the dome couldn't

 

on my 5 speed (i know yours in an auto)i had the back up light switch go out...didnt have back up lights for the time i had that trans in the car....changed the trans and it worked(since i didnt want to change the switch).....but anyways i was just gonna hook a toggle switch up to the backup lights..that way when you need the lights flip the switch....but only if worse comes to worse.......

if there is no short...then the shifter cables could be kinda loose....then it wont fully engage into reverse to get the lights to come on...

just a thought