Backup Lamp Switch Function

Replacing a backup light switch is fairly straightforward if you know what the switch looks like and where to locate it on your vehicle.

Backup lamp switch function.

Now reattach the switch to the connector and check the connector again with the test light. The most obvious symptom of a bad neutral safety switch is when you can crank the engine in any gear. Reverse lights function intermittently. In combined function installations the lamps produce brighter red light for the stop lamp function and dimmer red light for the rear position lamp function.

If it s bad replace it. Regulations worldwide stipulate minimum intensity ratios between the bright stop and dim rear position modes so that a vehicle displaying rear position lamps will not be mistakenly interpreted as showing stop lamps and vice versa. After putting the transmission in reverse unplug the electrical connector attached to it and check it using a test light. The backup light switch is similar in that it is also an on off switch.

If the switch is functioning normally a circuit is completed when the switch is triggered and the white lights in the tail lights will illuminate. In the on position the switch allows current to flow from the pink wire this is the 12 volt power source to the backup lights when the gear selector is placed in reverse. There is no adjustment for the backup light switch and no way to repair it. You could have the gear set to drive or reverse and still be able to crank it.

If the lamp lights up this means that there is no problem with the battery supply. This could lead to a serious car accident if this happens while you re driving. If you have an automatic transmission the transmission range sensor handles the function of the backup lights in lieu of a switch. Intermittent functionality of the reverse lights is a symptom that the backup light switch may be having a problem.

A backup light switch screws into the transmission and is triggered when you shift the vehicle into reverse.