Damaged reverse lights with backup camera Install?

Tiny
TALONLUVSWIFI
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 KIA SOUL
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 103,000 MILES
Hi, I was installing a backup camera on the vehicle listed above. I used a circuit tester after removing the bulb and touched both the power and ground of the bulb socket. I saw a spark and both reverse lights and the backup camera no longer work. I checked and replaced all 3 fuses for the taillights and backup lamp with no difference. I scanned the car with my Autel mk808 and didn't see body control module codes. This is a customer's car, please help. I should have used a multimeter but now I know that. I have a car lift. Would it be easier to rewire reverse lights to the reverse light switch and install an aftermarket mirror camera than trying to trace this? Are there any tools to trace this short more easily? Everything works except the reverse lights and I checked with a multimeter, no power behind the bulb. What would you replace or check first?
Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 AT 10:28 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,273 POSTS
So I would use the test light to see if the B/UP LP and TCU fuse at the left side of the dash has power on both sides of the fuse.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Here are the wiring diagrams for the reverse lights so you can see how the system works. The only other thing it can be is the range switch on the transaxle. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 4th, 2025 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
TALONLUVSWIFI
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
  • 2013 KIA SOUL
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,000 MILES
Hi, I messaged you previously about how I short circuited the reverse lights with my circuit tester. I'm thinking if it's too hard to find the invisible short on those wires to rewire reverse lights and get the customer a rearview mirror backup camera. I bought an ect3000 that I might be returning along with a ppect 3000 to find shorts because I read in reviews and comments that their really only good for opens, not shorts. Can you please send me step by step instructions on completing it this way as an alternative if all else fails? Are there other wires connected to the reverse light switch, and would this be complicated? I'm pretty good with wiring and relays but finding the short seems a little daunting right now at my skill level. I don't want to hire someone or have the customer take it to a shop when I would just be out my labor otherwise. I need to tell her what my plan is when I give her the car in 2 days.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2025 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,273 POSTS
Did you use the test light to see if the B/UP LP and TCU fuse at the left side of the dash has power on both sides of the fuse?

Here is an alternative guide to finding wiring problems:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2025 AT 5:09 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.