Reverse lights not coming on

[JCorbo25]

Just bought the car and didn't work when we picked it up. Checked the sensor on the transmission and unplugged/replugged it, no luck. Maybe a bad sensor now? I looked at the tail lights and the reverse lights aren't blown out.

I'll check for a fuse in the morning, just didn't think of it at the time.

Also, there are two plugs that go no where in the trunk tail lights. Lots of changes from DSMs...

 

[supa_saloon]

i ran into this issue before, you might wanna check on the reverse light switch connected to the transmission. it might be bad. that's the issue i had for some time, i had the reverse switch replaced and now it works fine.

 

[FlyingEagle]

Quoting JCorbo25:
Just bought the car and didn't work when we picked it up. Checked the sensor on the transmission and unplugged/replugged it, no luck. Maybe a bad sensor now? I looked at the tail lights and the reverse lights aren't blown out.

I'll check for a fuse in the morning, just didn't think of it at the time.

Also, there are two plugs that go no where in the trunk tail lights. Lots of changes from DSMs...



If the sensor only serves as a switch to ground, you can ground the plug to ground and get the reverse light circuit activated.
If nothing were to happen, then you have further issue in the system and need to check the switch and beyond.

 

[toybreaker]

The diagram for this circuit can be found in the library

A quick look at the diagram shows the reverse light switch is on the power side of things (the bulbs are grounded at the rear of the vehicle.)

... so it goes without saying if you ground any part of this circuit in the engine compartment it will cost you a fuse or two




If you suspect an issue with the switch you can pull it and check it with an ohmeter for a change in continuity as the plunger is depressed.

You can also unplug the switch and bridge the terminals in the harness connector (carefully) with a paperclip or some such, and check to see if the lights come on (will need the key on for this test)

 

[galantrevolution]

I had the same problem with my two vr4 and I just replace the sensor and it work fine