In traffic the other day, I had a big semi-truck right behind me that offered a nice chrome bumper to see my tail lights. Doing a quick check, I saw that all brake lights were working, tested turn signals in both directions (working), and with the clutch in, put it in reverse - but no backup lights came on.

Tonight I pulled the bulbs and they both tested fine against the battery in the car, connectors seem fine, and all other tail illumination is working - so the 15A fuse is fine, too.

Looking through the FSM, I'm unable to tell if there's a wired switch on the transmission which tells the ECU when the car is in reverse to light the backup lights, or if there's something under the gear shift that performs that function. Any tips? As always, thanks for whatever assistance you can suggest!

 

There is a switch on the tranny.

Edit: wow, I just realized the innuendo is strong in this post.

 

Long time ago,but more than once replacing clutches on these cars,i found no reverse lights. Back up on lift and check connections of switche(s) at trans. Some had capillary corrosion in wires that needed to be cut out and repaired, some just had slight oxidation where disconnecting,dabbing on dielectric grease and reconnecting was the fix. Likely is all that's needed here,maybe switch but not as likely. Know you live in dry climate but car is 30+yrs. old...

 

True. Probably just the wires.

 

+1 Check the tranny leads and connections.