Reverse lights do not work

Tiny
RANDYALLAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 140,000 MILES
I checked the switch on the transmission it has continuity. I checked the continuity at the socket and check the continuity of the bulbs. I took the socket off and checked the continuity of the wires to the bulbs all of them have power. Reverse lights still don't work when I have the car in reverse key on not started and back probe both wires they are both positive fed.


I want to put the car back together for the night decided to check the wires again. Neither of them had power on either side. Is there a switch by the Shift knob as well as on the transmission?
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 AT 9:22 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

Let's start at the taillights and work forward all the way to the fuse if needed to determine where power is lost.

I attached the wiring schematic below for the backup lights. It is straightforward. I did have to cut the schematic in half to make it readable for you, but I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the next.

Go to the reverse lights first. Have a helper shift from park to neutral while you watch to see if the lights flicker. If they, do, it is likely an adjustment issue or the switch is going bad.

If nothing happens, check the light green wires at the light sockets for power. If there is power and the lights don't work, check the light sockets for damage or corrosion. If the sockets are good, then check the black wire for continuity to ground.

IF there is no power to the green wires, go to the backup lamp switch at the top of the transmission and see if there is power to the green wire there. If there is, there is an open between the switch and the lights. If there isn't, check the pink wire to the switch for power. If there is power, replace the switch. If there is no power, then check for power at the fuse in the instrument panel fuse box.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

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

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
RANDYALLAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so much. Just got done changing the alternator and the idler pulley tonight so I’m not going to do anything today, but I will definitely let you know if this works for me. Thank you.
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Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I hope it helps.

I look forward to hearing what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 AT 6:43 PM

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