Need Help With Reverse Lights!

[silver_6r]

so i have reviewed the forum, searched everywhere.... and have NO SOLUTION!!

my reverse lights (backup lights) dont work.... my mechanic checked the switch... and he said it works... BUT no reverse lights...

so i bought a switch anyways and it appears that its a completed circuit when depressed and open when not depressed.....

which means power only when the switch i depressed? yes...

ok well i checked the actual lights... and its seems i have a complete circuit with the car is in reverse and when in neutral.

so how does the circuit actually work? and is there a relay or something? does anyone have the wiring diagram or an alternative solution? should i just change the switch anyways? if so, what is the best tool to actually remove the switch, it seems to be a tight squeeze?

im at a loss... and would love to solve this one..

thanks in advance

Rod

Edited October 11, 2007 by silver_6r

[silver_6r]

and i will be donating as soon as my credit card gets approved by paypal!!

thanks agian

[silver_6r]

sorry...car details:

1999 C2, 80000km

[Loren]

The switch gets power (+12 volts) from fuse B5 - so one side of the backup light switch should have +12 volts on it.

The ground it made on each tail light side with all the other lights - so if the ground were bad then none of the rear lights would work (on each side).

I think there is one connector between the switch and the lights - but you will need to check the wiring and connectors anyway. I assume you have replaced or tested the bulbs with an ohm meter?

[silver_6r]

ya, i checked the light bulbs..they are good too...

maybe its the relay?

[Loren]

What relay? I don't see one in the schematic.

I think you need a voltmeter and start testing your wiring.

[silver_6r]

sorry... i read your post wrong..... yea, so i checked the wiring,

1.) fuse OK

2.) wiring FROM switch to the lights... tested circuit for continuity... OK

3.) bulbs OK

so as i understand it... the switch is the onl possible interrupt in the circuit? so if the entire ciruit is ok.... then i am at a loss? i wish i had a wiring diagram..this would make everything MUCH easier!!

thanks for your replies loren

[Loren]

So, if the switch is normally open (which I believe it is) then when the car is in reverse (key on) - and you bypass the switch do the lights come on?

[silver_6r]

i will check....

i just found a wiring diagram too!! my day is getting better!!

thanks again for your help!

[silver_6r]

ok...so after much review.... i solved it....

it was the switch.... i decided to take the new switch, plug it in, depress it...VOILA lights on....

thanks for all your help...my donation will be in soon.... this is the SECOND time this forum has helped me.... ignition switch was the first!!

Rod N

Vancouver, BC

[RandomName]

my switch was just repaired on a 02 as well. if the reverse light is out and mirror doesn't tilt down, most likely its the switch.