Reverse Light switch problem!

[FLIP K1DD]

on a auto 94 carmy le.

was about to go out and buy some new things for the car when my friend noticed that while i was backing out of the garage, my reverse lights weren't coming on! we checked it out and the bulbs are still in perfect condition. so we started shifting from park, to neutral, reverse, drive, etc. the reverse lights & cluster light only came on when halfway between "N" and the "R", but both turns off and locks into reverse gear exactly on the R. everything is still functional, but i assume i need these reverse lights or ill get a ticket.

so we asked a couple guys at PepBoys and they were saying that underneath the shifter should be a reverse switch, and told me that its misaligned or something rather. I also read on camryforums.com that it could be another switch above the transmission?

anybody know how to fix this?

[2wickedtoyz]

Originally Posted by FLIP K1DD

on a auto 94 carmy le.

was about to go out and buy some new things for the car when my friend noticed that while i was backing out of the garage, my reverse lights weren't coming on! we checked it out and the bulbs are still in perfect condition. so we started shifting from park, to neutral, reverse, drive, etc. the reverse lights & cluster light only came on when halfway between "N" and the "R", but both turns off and locks into reverse gear exactly on the R. everything is still functional, but i assume i need these reverse lights or ill get a ticket.

so we asked a couple guys at PepBoys and they were saying that underneath the shifter should be a reverse switch, and told me that its misaligned or something rather. I also read on camryforums.com that it could be another switch above the transmission?

anybody know how to fix this?

the switch is on the front of the transmission where your cable hooks up next to the tranny lines. that is where the problem might be

[FLIP K1DD]

thats under the shift trim/knob area right? if that is the problem do i simply move it to the correct position?

ill double check the 90 degree bend wires on the trunk, but im certain thats not it because they still light up, just a little before you actually line up with the "R"

[uuuuu]

Asked my mechanic about this and he said the problem is probably under the shifter, not attached to the trans (neutral safety switch).

[PortugalFocus]

I have the same issue but mine is a Gen 4.5 V6 with the MT. I swapped bulbs a bit a go and still no luck. I will have to check the reverse switch and swap it out.

[Judge2]

Reactivating this thread because the answer is not clear, and I've got this issue.

I only have reverse lights when I pull slightly down or back on the shifter (automatic). My guess is that is where I have to open up and look for the problem. But one response suggests its is on the transmission iteself?? huh? I'd be surprised at that, but I would like to know before I make a mess by working in the wrong area.

[chronoti]

transmission it self there is nothing in the shifter

on the front is the switch for there is your issues


m/t the switch is on the top small connector with 2 wires

[Judge2]

Thanks for the advice, but before it came in I started working on the problem and fixed it my own way from inside the car. I made the mistake of taking off more parts than I needed to, and dropping a screw., so let me leave this advice for an automatic transmission car.

Fold down the rear seats, and pull one of the reverse lights out of the socket, and leave it hanging in the trunk. This way you have direct line of sight to see when the bulb is lite.

Pry that button thing off that is above the letter P. Underneath is a link to make it possible to shift gears without turning on the car. From the back. pry the trim piece around the shifter off, ( the front has a hinge like pieces.)

Pull the trim piece off with P R N D 2 1.

Using a magnetic screw-driver, or with extra care not to lose one, remove the four screws that hold the piece below. You might be shifting gears to get better access. Use that linkage under the "button" thing to make it easier. This is where I lost a screw.

Remove the light bulb. plan to put in a new one. Careful not to break, the parts are brittle by now. Remove light bulb base by twisting about thirty degrees to the right. carefully lift that piece up but there is no need to remove it. You just want access to what is below it..

Now you see a thing like a plastic gear, with notches for each P, R, N, D, 2, 1. At the back of it (also what would be toward the rear side of the car) there is a single screw over a metal plate. loosen the screw. Think which way it should be adjusted/ move it a little, tighten it back. Start the car, and by looking through the seats to the trunk with hanging reverse lights, see if the reverse lights lite up when the car is in reverse.

[Mike Gerber]

Judge2,

"Fold down the rear seats, and pull one of the reverse lights out of the socket, and leave it hanging in the trunk. This way you have direct line of sight to see when the bulb is lite."

Great idea. Some times the simplest ideas are the best.

Mike

[Judge2]

I changed the carpet in the 1994 Camry today, and in the process saw that this procedure could be even simplier. I removed the what I would call the rear center console, and saw that the screw to loosen to allow an adjustment is accessible from there.

To remove the rear center console, from the back: remove the two 12 mm bolts that are at the bottom of the square box. From the back, lift the trim around the shifter. Undo the two screws, Pull it out.

[toyfan1]

COMPLETE AWESOMENESS !!! this thread helped me out and fixed my b/u light issue. i thought i goofed something up by messing with the harness in the trunk. i adjusted the metal tab that rides the vertical gear and whamo. problem solved. and i DID lose a screw in the great chasm known as the shifter housing !!!