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Backup lights help

J

JimTLR

New CEG'er
Joined
Aug 27, 2006
Messages
16
Location
Johnson City, NY
I just got my car re-registered in NY and need to get an inspection within 10 days. Well I've got 9 days left now...

2000 SVT and the backup lights won't work! I've checked the bulbs and they look fine, I've unhooked the connectors and there was a bit of corrosion - removed it. I've checked the backup light fuse and it's fine.

Any other ideas??
 
OK - so I AM, in fact, stoopid...Didn't even know there was a switch there.

Any additional information or pictures on how to find said switch and then how to check it's functionality?
 
I know that - just my silly way of self depricating because I can't get something seemingly simple to work on my car. Ugh.
 
JimTLR said:
I know that - just my silly way of self depricating because I can't get something seemingly simple to work on my car. Ugh.
Click to expand...

Mine work intermittently and it kinda bugs me, I don't have inspections to worry about though. There were a few pictures just a few days ago from someone here.

Look down here by the shift tower on the tranny.
was_disconnected2.jpg


I believe this is a shot of the reverse light switch down on the top of the transmission.
was_disconnected.jpg


Try unplugging that, cleaning the connection, and plugging it back in. See if that helps at all :cool:

If it doesn't I'd imagine you could pick up one of those switches for relatively cheap at even a dealership if a parts store can't get it.

Edit: Not too spendy even for a Ford one: http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...4&make=10&model=Contour&year=2000&catalogid=1
 
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Well - if that's the backup switch - I just cleaned it out with electrical cleaner and they still don't work. So I guess it's time to order one! Thanks for the link RLR!

Jim.
 
Or you could try trouble shooting

Or you could try trouble shooting

First get a wiring diagram check the fuse and then see where the power lead to the light runs.

First apply power directly to the back up light sockets in the trunk lid to see if they light up. If not, could be the bulb, socket, or ground.

THen run a wire from the ground on the socket to a known good ground, i like the negative post on the battery. Doing this eliminates the easy parts first.

Then if the problem persists consult the wiring diagram and see if the power to the back up lights flows through the switch on top of the transmission. If so unplug and apply power to the lead in the plug that goes to the back up lights, sucess, kool now move upstream to see if you are applying power to the transmission switch, if so, it may be the culprit. Troubleshooting is quicker and cheaper than parts replacement.
 
I assume a manual transmission?

I assume a manual transmission?

If your car is a manual transmission, I don't have any schematics for it, but you could use an ohm meter and a looooong wire to the hot side of the backup bulb (remove the bulb or you will get erroneous readings) to determine which wire in the connector is the back up wire.

Similarly you will need to see if you have power to the the connector as well, that is easier, a test light or turn your meter to dc volts and measure each lead. That ought to let you know if it is wiring or switch.

If you have a wire to the bulb and power from the car at the connector, you could simply jump the two and if your back ups light, it is probably your switch
 
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Sorry it took me so long to reply...But it WAS, in fact, the backup light switch that was the culpret! It was a bit of a PIA to get the old one out, but I half-way expected that.

All inspected and legal now thanks to the CEG forum!
 
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