99 camry Backup Lights Come on with tail Lights

[lger]

My 99 camry back-up lights come on whenever the tail lights are on. Basically, the back-up lights perform just like tail lights, but no response to the gear. For example, during the night, or in a garage where is quite dark and the tail lights come on, the back-up lights come on.



Any idea?

[WaxonWaxStillOn]

Has it been like this since you've owned the car, or did it just happen all of a sudden?

[lger]

Just recently. Also I just got my rear bumper replaced. Don't know whether these are related.

[Mike Gerber]

Open up the loom of wires in the trunk by the driver's side trunk hiinge. Many times the wires inside ther frey and break from all the flexing they are exposed to as the trunk is constantly opened and closed. Notice the color of wires leading to the back up lights and inspect those carefully. Fix what you find.

Mike

[brinton]

Back up lights do not work on 2001 Camray. Gauge fuse ok. I removed plug from backup light switch on transmission and shorted terminal. Lights still not on. Not sure i have right switch It does not look like switch in Hayes repair manual. Also can't find switch in electrical diagrams.

Help please.

[JohnGD]

As mentioned double check the wirings.

Originally Posted by lger

Just recently. Also I just got my rear bumper replaced. Don't know whether these are related.

[brinton]

I confirmed switch ok by measuring short across it when shift is in reverse. Also measured voltage on red wire at swith is 12 volt so problem looks like in wiring unless both bulbs are blown which is unlikely. Will advise progress. Still can't find switch and light in wiring diagram.

[Mike Gerber]

From my post above:

Open up the loom of wires in the trunk by the driver's side trunk hiinge. Many times the wires inside there frey and break from all the flexing they are exposed to as the trunk is constantly opened and closed. Notice the color of wires leading to the back up lights and inspect those carefully. Fix what you find.

Mike

[brinton]

Mike:
thanks for tip, but I resolved it before I received your msg. I opened bundle near left trunk hinge and found 2 wires broken and almost all others damaged. Other broken wire went to trunk open warning light. End of plastic wire cover cuts into wires as trunk is moved. Poor design on part of Toyoto. Problem could have been easily averted.

Brint

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by brinton

Mike:
thanks for tip, but I resolved it before I received your msg. I opened bundle near left trunk hinge and found 2 wires broken and almost all others damaged. Other broken wire went to trunk open warning light. End of plastic wire cover cuts into wires as trunk is moved. Poor design on part of Toyoto. Problem could have been easily averted.

Brint

You are correct; it's a bad design. Toyota is still using the dame design on my 2007 Camry. I haven't checked a 2012 (generation 7) yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if they are still using it on that model too.

Mike