reverse light won't work

[bobbinator]

I didn't notice it when i bought the car used. Trying to fix it but can't find the issue. I checked all the wiring, reverse switch, changed the bulbs and still can't find what is wrong with it. need help.

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Just stick your head out the window and yell BEEP BEEEP BEEEP lol

good luck with the fix though. I know apart from light bulbs it's sometimes the light bulb socket itself that needs replacing, which is what happened with my old car.

[humfrz]

Welp, the usually suspects are:

* blown fuse
* bad bulb
* socket not grounded
* broken/shorted wire
* bad/out of adjustment backup light switch

I suggest you first check the fuse then check to see if power is getting to the socket/bulb.

humfrz

[8RZ]

Yeah I'd check all the fuses (under hood and under dash).

[maslin]

Mine was a chewed wire under the brake booster. Went out one morning and the backup camera didn't work. Also took out one of the DRLs.

The rat chewed up the fuel injector harness on my Tacoma as well. Had to pull the plenum to get that one fixed

[Grady]

Originally Posted by bobbinator

I didn't notice it when i bought the car used. Trying to fix it but can't find the issue. I checked all the wiring, reverse switch, changed the bulbs and still can't find what is wrong with it. need help.

When you say check how did you check it? Go get a volt meter and check the fuse first, then to the switch then the socket. That way you can isolate where the problem is.

If yo do not know how to use a volt meter, take it to a shop.

[bobbinator]

I checked the fuse, bulb and switch wire and ground looks ok. I am guessing dealer will charge me a lot for this fix? I might have to hold a flash light when I back up

[maslin]

Originally Posted by bobbinator

I checked the fuse, bulb and switch wire and ground looks ok. I am guessing dealer will charge me a lot for this fix? I might have to hold a flash light when I back up

Why would the dealer not charge you to fix it? That's the business they're in. I'm guessing you have a job? Do you expect to paid for the work you do?

My '83 Toyota has never had working reverse lights, been driving it regularly for 3 years now.

Learn to fix it yourself, pay someone else to fix it, or don't worry about it. Or buy a Civic? I hear they have great reverse lights.

[bobbinator]

Originally Posted by maslin

Why would the dealer not charge you to fix it? That's the business they're in. I'm guessing you have a job? Do you expect to paid for the work you do?

My '83 Toyota has never had working reverse lights, been driving it regularly for 3 years now.

Learn to fix it yourself, pay someone else to fix it, or don't worry about it. Or buy a Civic? I hear they have great reverse lights.

i am willing to pay reasonable price. i was wondering if they would charge me "a lot".

[maslin]

Originally Posted by bobbinator

i am willing to pay reasonable price. i was wondering if they would charge me "a lot".

You'll probably pay an hour diagnosis, my shop is $155 an hour.

From there, who knows. Might be 2 bad bulbs and you'll be out the door for $50. Might be a bad chassis harness and you're looking at $10k or something silly like that.

With zero information there's absolutely no way to make a guess on a diagnosis or price.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by bobbinator

I checked the fuse, bulb and switch wire and ground looks ok. I am guessing dealer will charge me a lot for this fix? I might have to hold a flash light when I back up

hmmmmm - something isn't right here -

So, when your car is running and you put it in reverse, with your foot on the brake - another person behind the car says the backup light is NOT on?

OK, if it isn't then trace the circuit from the battery to the light bulb and determine where the electrons are not going.

OR, just take it to any automotive shop and ask them to fix it.

Personally, I think backup lights are overrated. I recent years, all of my vehicles have had working backup lights - and I STILL BACK INTO THINGS!




humfrz

[e1_griego]

I had to replace the reverse lamp switch on mine a couple years ago.

It's like $25? for an OEM one.

Not super fun to get to but not terribly difficult to replace.

[bobbinator]

Originally Posted by e1_griego

I had to replace the reverse lamp switch on mine a couple years ago.

It's like $25? for an OEM one.

Not super fun to get to but not terribly difficult to replace.

The switch in the engine bay? I will give it a shot although i am not very good at mechanical work.

[BigTuna]

If you've got a multimeter, try testing the resistance in the wires.