Back-up lights out, other lights are working

[Frumious B.]

Like the title says, the back-up lights are out (both of them), but all other lights are working. I replaced the bulbs. The old bulbs were both still intact, and the new bulbs still don't light up. I checked the wiring diagram, and it looks like the back-up lights share a fuse with the turn signals. Turn signals are working fine, so I guess the fuse is ok. It looks like there is a switch. Any tips on where it might reside and what it might look like?

 

[RustBucket]

automatic or manual?

 

[Frumious B.]

manual.

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

there is a round plug on the drivers side of the transmission, it has 2 round pins, That is the backup light harness, Sometimes they can come unplugged if you catch something on it (stick, plastic bag etc) so check that, If its plugged in check to make sure there is power on one side of the plug, (With the ignition on) if there is, then its probably a bad switch.

Dr.

 

[Frumious B.]

Thanks, DrE, that was helpful. I looked at the part on the Autozone webpage so I would know what I am looking for. I assume the nubby end screws into the transmission housing, and the two round pins are sticking out, probably with some wires attached?

What do I need to check for power? A voltmeter, I guess? Since I don't have one, am I better off just buying a new part and replacing it?

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

Thanks, DrE, that was helpful. I looked at the part on the Autozone webpage so I would know what I am looking for. I assume the nubby end screws into the transmission housing, and the two round pins are sticking out, probably with some wires attached?

What do I need to check for power? A voltmeter, I guess? Since I don't have one, am I better off just buying a new part and replacing it?

You could use a voltmeter, or a simple test light. Replacing the switch may require Draining some Transmission fluid, So you might want to test it first. But yeah, the 2 round pins is the plug in side.

Dr.

 

[Frumious B.]

what kind of test light?

I've never had to deal with the electrical system before. I'm painfully ignorant, and I lack instruments. In short, tell me what to buy to test this damn thing.

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

if you go to auto zone or Advance and tell them you want an electrical test light they can show you what it is. Its basically a piece of wire with a light bulb and an alligator clip on it, you clip the alligator clip to ground (body of the car) then use the other end to probe the 2 wires. If it lights up, you have power. If it doesn't.. you don't. With a multimeter you could also check the switch, but a simple test light will get you started. Shouldn't cost more then a few bucks.

Dr.