Reverse Lights Not coming on?

[jjs316]

I bought my car and the trunk and center section was busted so i thought that was my problem, but i got a new trunk and center light section and still have no reverse lights. i replaced the bulbs yesterday and nothing. The fuse (which is under the driverside of the dash right?) was not blown. What else could this be? I know some cars have a switch on the tranny that could be messed up if the lights dont come on. could that be whats wrong with mine?

[Huffer]

IIRC, there's a switch that is activated inside the shifter area...

[backpack09]

Check to see if the fuse gets power with a multimeter or test light when you put the car in reverse.

[jjs316]

if my manual is right, i think the same fuse for the reverse lights is the same as the turn signals, and they all work. but ill have to give that a go maybe.

[jjs316]

IIRC, there's a switch that is activated inside the shifter area...


So i would need to remove the console? or go from underneath? Or what?

[GT Wagon]

Its a module on the transmission that is activated when its put in reverse. My 97 for the most part doesn't light up reverse either, it rarely if ever comes on. My fuse is fine and there's power to the bulb. Its just not a big deal so I've left it alone.

[boxerpower]

my reverse lights dont come on either i got a 96 wagacy. some times they come on tho. my guess is a faulty ground. some day when i retint my rear window (which i need to do because it looks like crap) ill tear apart the plastic and track all the wires and connections. maybe i'll find something. if i do i'll repost. :wink:

[Wiscon_Mark]

Its just not a big deal so I've left it alone.

As a driver who's been startled by people with no reverse lights that suddenly backed into traffic, I'd say it's a big deal.

[Reason]

[quote="GT Wagon":2cbiruuq]Its just not a big deal so I've left it alone.

As a driver who's been startled by people with no reverse lights that suddenly backed into traffic, I'd say it's a big deal.[/quote:2cbiruuq]

Yea but you get startled very easily.

Like remember the time you had a job in OZ and they wanted you to go around and polish up the statues.

*Fades to story*

Mark- *Skipping on yellow brick road* "Oh what a beautiful day, hello you sexy devil" Tin man - *immobilized, yet obviously aware* "Oh crap, not him again" Mark - *whistling* Tin man - *in a angry and stern voice* "Oh for Christ sakes will you stop polishing down there! Mark- * Gasps, STARTLED and runs screaming* " AAHHHHHHH!!!"

Sorry guys, it was a Family Guy moment. :smile:

[Reason]

Bring it to a place that deal with electrical. Most cases they can find the problem in a hour or 2. The price is usually worth it for having something like that fixed.

[Huffer]

I now actually suffer from this problem. Damnit!

[Wiscon_Mark]

Well, it's a good thing I react to events on the road, if I didn't, I'd get in accidents awfully often :lol:

[ooberdoob]

on driver's side of trans, there are 2 "sensors." well they look like sensors, like a coolant temp sensor would look. t6hey are towards the rear, the front one (you better make sure though, i'm not sure which) is your reverse light switch.

it's like $25 at the dealer. if you can get under the car it should be cake.

[boxerpower]

on driver's side of trans, there are 2 "sensors." well they look like sensors, like a coolant temp sensor would look. t6hey are towards the rear, the front one (you better make sure though, i'm not sure which) is your reverse light switch.

it's like $25 at the dealer. if you can get under the car it should be cake.

ok next time im feening for some dirt i'll check it out under there.

[backpack09]

on driver's side of trans, there are 2 "sensors." well they look like sensors, like a coolant temp sensor would look. t6hey are towards the rear, the front one (you better make sure though, i'm not sure which) is your reverse light switch.

it's like $25 at the dealer. if you can get under the car it should be cake.

Is that on both the auto and 5spd trannies?

[ooberdoob]

i only know my 5MT, but i'd assume the 4EAT is different.

not sure.

[Huffer]

Here's the info ooberdoob is referring to:
http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_par ... artid=5802 (http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partdetail.php?partid=5802)

Part C

http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/images/products/SPEED.jpg

[studum]

Check the wiring harness for the trunk lid where it connects to the main vehicle harness. I had a similar problem but with my running lights on the trunk centre ection.

A cable on the trunk side of the harness connector had worn from use and lost contact - no fuses were blown and it took me a while to figure out. Easy fix to bypass the harness and splice in a short piece of wire. Dealer wanted to charge an hour labour to even look at it. I laughed at them and found it in 45 minutes own.

I then wraped it in wire loom and wire tied it in place so it didnt rub the same way when opening closing the trunk. No problems since.

On my BE it was right near the trunk arm on the passenger side of the trunk. Follow the cables from the trunk lid down into the trunk and it should be there tucked away or up pretty close to the hinge.

It was the last thing I checked - never figured it would be the harness. If you're lucky that's what your problem will be. Good luck.