2000 Legacy GT Reverse Light Issue

[babiker712]

My reverse lights in the rear trunk trim panel aren't getting power (not a bulb issue) on my 2000 Legacy GT. Same car as a 2000 Outback Sedan. Any ideas where/what to check?

[02_Legacy]

Start with the fuse, Fuse number 20 in the box to the left of the steering wheel. You have to take out the little fold out tray to get at it.
Is it an auto or manual?

[babiker712]

Start with the fuse, Fuse number 20 in the box to the left of the steering wheel. You have to take out the little fold out tray to get at it.
Is it an auto or manual?

Manual.

[Wiscon_Mark]

If it's manual, there's a sensor for reverse that may not be working.

[02_Legacy]

OK so in your engine bay, right (passenger) side of engine, under the filter somewhat under the air filter box, I think it is right near the right side bracket. There are two 2 wire connectors, one is brown and one is gray. The gray one is for the reverse switch. First of all make sure it is plugged in. If it is then you have to make sure that there is continuity between the 2 wires heading toward the transmission when the transmission is in reverse.

I will try to see if I can find a pic of thoes connectors.

[babiker712]

Pic would be helpful, wasn't the fuse. I'm having issues with my motorcycle, so I haven't had time yet to do much troubleshooting

[babiker712]

02_Legacy is right...the harness plug for the NSS and reverse lights is underneath the air intake box, one brown/one grey, both 2 wires plugs. They grey one is the reverse light switch. It was dark out, and I was having trouble getting multimeter on the pins from the plug, so I ran a jumper wire to the rear plug and they lit up, meaning either the switch itself is bad, or the wiring from it. The switch is only like 25, so I'm going to just replace it rather than muck with more wiring.

So here's my noob question for anyone that's replaced one of these before: How easy it to replace and will I lose any tranny fluid in the process from that location? I've replaced a knock sensor on it and that was straight forward, wondering if I'll need any additional tools/prep to swap a new one in.

Thanks guys!

[r3v_v3ng3]

So here's my noob question for anyone that's replaced one of these before: How easy it to replace and will I lose any tranny fluid in the process from that location? I've replaced a knock sensor on it and that was straight forward, wondering if I'll need any additional tools/prep to swap a new one in.

Thanks guys!


Its easy. Just go underneath and follow the wires. I think its bolted down by a 12mm. Not sure if you will loose trans fluid since when i did it the trans was drained. But if you take it out and put the other real quick, you should'nt loose not much.

[babiker712]

Look familiar? https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/rpIVKl-1.jpg
Thanks for all the input guys. Nice to have fixed, $30 part, had a $10 off coupon. Was able to access easily with ramps, didn't even need to jack up the car. For those in the future looking to do this, all you need to to do to access the plug is pull off the air intake box to access the harness, follow it down to where it bolts in the transfer case and remove with a 3/4" open ended wrench. Mine was super grimey, but came free easily. Also, no loss of fluid or gear oil. Took all of 10 minutes