What could cause the reverse lights to not work?


I've checked the lights (obviously), fuses (another obvious), and eventually found out the sockets aren't even getting electricity... My buddy told me that it's possible there's a sensor/switch linked with the transmission... Any ideas? Cuz I really don't want to take it to an electrician (purely cuz I hate tracing automotive wiring)...

What could cause the reverse lights to not work?


I've checked the lights (obviously), fuses (another obvious), and eventually found out the sockets aren't even getting electricity... My buddy told me that it's possible there's a sensor/switch linked with the transmission... Any ideas? Cuz I really don't want to take it to an electrician (purely cuz I hate tracing automotive wiring)...








that would be your reverse indicator back-up switch (my own label). located on the top of the gearbox. i had mine go bad awhile ago and, since i have 2 saturns, i swapped to see if that was the problem. sure enough. kinda awkward to get to if i remember right, but if you can change a spark plug, you can get this no problem...





s3aturnr

Cost? Or did you even bother changing it out? I wouldn't care, but people out here in California don't pay enough attention to see a car backing up without reverse lights...

Cost? Or did you even bother changing it out? I wouldn't care, but people out here in California don't pay enough attention to see a car backing up without reverse lights...





can't remember exactly, but it seems like it was right around $15 or so. not much to it, actually. not sure what made the original crap out. well, maybe the fact that the entire rear end was destroyed in an accident had something to do with it?


it's possible that you can go to a salvage yard and find one for cheap, but i'm not sure if they'd want to part with that and not the rest of the gearbox. doesn't hurt to try, tho...





s3aturnr

Pick-a-Part will sell you a piece of tire if you want it as long as they think they'll get a buck out of it...

btw: Where's the gearbox on this engine? Is it accessed by going under the car or by popping the hood? I know it's going to be low, but what would be the best way of getting to it?

pull out the intake tube and snake down behind the battery it is right on top

Thank you gumps02sc2... I never got around to doing it cuz my girlfriend is driving the car to and from work (she has a father distance and gas isn't cheap)... I'll check that out tomorrow...

Hey Garren, I'm having the same problem with my 00 sc2. I'll check today and if I find it I'll post some pics for you maybe make your time a little easier

Hey Garren, I'm having the same problem with my 00 sc2. I'll check today and if I find it I'll post some pics for you maybe make your time a little easier


I doubt Garren is still looking for the answer seeing he asked this question on

04-10-2007, 02:54 AM

and the answer was given shortly thereafter

haha, ya, I just looked at the first two dates (5-23) so I was thinking it was just last week that he asked.. ma bad, but since I'm on here does anyone have a pic of what that switch looks like.. color or number of wires..anything?

looks like...

much appreciated!