Reverse lights not working?

BONNIE COLBY

MEMBER
2005 KIA SPORTAGE
2.0L
4 CYL
TURBO
4WD
AUTOMATIC
149,000 MILES

Hi, can someone please help me? I am stumped about what could be wrong. I have replaced my neutral safety switch and no change. The weird thing is when I have reverse bulbs in it does a reverse clunk and my R disappears off my dashboard but with no bulbs in the R comes back and it goes in to reverse normally, I used a multimeter and checked the build holders, and it comes back with 11.40v reading. Any help would be much appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

Did you replace the transmission range sensor? Is that what you meant when you said neutral safety switch? If so, here is what I suspect is happening:

The left rear reverse light shares a ground with the indicator on the shifter. I have a feeling either that ground or the ground for the right side is bad or weak. When the bulbs are in and require the ground, you lose the light inside and opposite.

I attached the wiring schematic below and highlighted the circuit and grounds. I need you to locate and check the grounds. To me, the one of most interest is the one under the dash shared with the left reverse light. However, the other could be faulty as well.

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

Note: pics 1 and 2 are the schematic. I cut it in half to make it readable. Pics 3 and 4 show the ground locations.

Images (Click to make bigger)