Hi all,
I've got a problem with my reverse light, it doesn't come on.

I've checked the bulb (which was ok) and replaced it and it still doesn't work. I've removed the entire rear bumper, checked the wiring harness with a multimeter and it all looks ok, in reverse there is just under 12v on the positive line and the ground line is connected to the chassis OK. Yet the bulb still doesnt light.

I've connected two wires to a bulb and inserted them straight into the bulb holder, but nothing. I've cleaned the holder contacts with sand paper and bent the legs of the bulb out for a better connection, still nothing.

I've done pretty much everything I can think of and it doesn't light. What could it be? Its a 21watt bulb so all I can think of is a poor connection isn't letting enough current throught.

Does anyone know where how to get to the reverse switch on the transmission?

By the way, the car is UK spec with manual transmission.

 

while in reverse you should have continuity, every other gear, nothing.

did you check the back harness? or the back up lamp relay? E19 harness in the fuse box by the battery..


the reverse switch on the transmission:

 

Yep checked the harness, seems fine. Only get voltage with reverse engaged, out of reverse, nothing. (manual shift).

Dont' think uk spec cars have a relay, unless its in the IPDM behind the battery. Thats my next thing to check I think..

 

i'm driving an auto z33 and have the same problem. when in reverse, the 'R' shows on the dash, the irritating reverse beep also comes on but no reverse light...

have checked the relay and it's fine.. would it be the reverse switch? does anybody know how to open/change the reverse switch?

much appreciated... cheers

 

"...in reverse there is just under 12v on the positive line and the ground line is connected to the chassis OK. Yet the bulb still doesnt light."

That doesn't sound like full voltage. You may have a high resistance in one of the connections or in the switch/relay, and it's passing enough current to register on the meter, but not enough to light the lamp.

"I've checked the bulb (which was ok)..."

Did you measure the resistance or make sure it lights with 12 volts applied? It could look good, but still be defective.