Reverse lights not working

[CorollaKen]

I changed both 1156 bulbs with new ones and still nothing.
I think the reverse lights are on the same fuse circuit as the rear lights - the reverse lights aren't even mentioned in Haynes. The Owners Manual tells you how to change them and what type of bulb they are.

Someone has suggested that there is a switch in the shifter (I have the auto in my 4cyl, 1992) that might be bad.

Has anyone ever had to fix this on thier Camry before ?

Thanks,

[Silver Streak]

Here's a post I wrote up before.....

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It's a very common problem. Here's a quote from an earlier post of mine. Most likely number 2

"For the reverse light situation, there are three things that you should check:

1. Check the reverse light bulbs...make sure the contacts are clean, put in new bulbs if you have to.

2. Check the wiring in the trunk to the left hand side...it'll be wrapped in black...uh, wrap. You might have to slice it open with an x-acto...but be careful. There's a chance that the reverse light wire snapped right in half, it's a pretty common problem, happened to me as well. I think it's a green one but check them all out.

3. Your neutral safety switch (by the transaxle) is either dirty, needs to be adjusted, or just really worn out. If it's dirty, it can be cleaned. If it's worn out, you have to get it replaced and it's like $450 at the dealership! Try this test...tell someone to stand behind your car and shift through Park, Reverse, and Drive really slowly, of course with your foot on the brake. If the reverse lights come on for a slightest moment, most likely it just needs to be adjusted. It's a matter of loosening a bolt or two, moving the switch, and then retightening it.

I had a problem a few years ago where my reverse lights, and some brake lights weren't working. My light on the dash was on too. I went through all of the above, but dumb-ass me started with the safety switch. I took it apart, and cleaned it myself...back then I didn't even own a Haynes manual, I had to borrow it from the public library (get Haynes, not Chilton) Still had the same problems. Then I saw the snapped wiring, fixed that, and then I replaced the bulbs. Everything has been working fine since...."

Good luck!

[CorollaKen]

Thanks SilverStreak !

I should have did a 'search' first

I'll have to check it out....

[Quazi]

I read silverstreaks possible solutions to troubleshoot my reverse light starting with the wires in the trunk. I started exposing the wires from the lid first and i was getting disappointed as i was near to the inside of the trunk and not seeing any broken wires. I kept digging a little further until I got to the main bunch of wires, and not only i saw a broken wire but all 3 wires to the reverse light were broken. Silverstreaks assesment was right on the money and saved me an expensive trip to the garage. Thanks Silverstreak!!