i did a quick check through the forum and i couldn't really find any information on reverse lights. so i posted this.

i found out that my reverse lights no longer turn on when i am in reverse. i was wondering what might be the problem, see i don't mess around to much with the transmission's electrical equipment. (yes i checked to see if the bulbs were still good, yes i checked if the wires were connected and if there were any burned, they are all good) i don't really know whats going on with all the electrical crap for the transmission. also there is nothing in my maintenance manual for troubleshooting, so i was wondering if anyone has ever had this problem and how they fixed it.

any real help will be appreciated, no snarky remarks please!!!! thanks in advance.

Use a voltmeter.

for what? i don't know what activates the reverse lights. all my fuses are good, both bulbs, and all the electrical equipment at my rear bumper is good. what else do i test? do i have a reverse light switch like the neutral safety switch or what? what do i test man?

reverse activates the reverse lights.

Remove the bulb, and while one person has the foot on the brake and car in reverse, check to see if you're getting power to the plug. It will take seconds.

ok so what if i get no power? what do i check then?

On both of my eclipses they have a reverse light switch that screws into the trans. When you put your car in reverse a part inside the trans moves across the opening and pushes a ball in the switch against a contact turning your lights on. If that ball inside the switch doesn't make a good contact your lights won't turn on. That sounds like it could be your problem. Put the car in reverse find where it plugs in unplug it and use an ohm meter to see if you are getting a complete circuit. If your not thats your problem. I don't know off hand if the auto cars are the same or not. I couldn't imagine that they are different but as I said before I don't know off hand.

mine is not the POS automatic, its the 5 speed, and thank you i was looking for that response right there!

Manuals have the same switch.

The only reason I mentioned the auto cars was if someone had the problem with an auto and did a search and they were different I didn't want to start an argument about how auto cars were different :P. It would also give someone who would know if they were different or not ^^ to put their comment in to clarify.

LOL very true!!!!!

Just out of curiosity did you ever get your reverse lights fixed?

not yet, sorry i have been busy. toilet training my son has been a *****!

good lord, i have another one on the way,i hope its not this hard for #2..........
(#2 kid, not taking a crap.)

i will get to it this weekend. i have to replace my crap stock battery connectors ayways, they are acting up, and i am going to get some nice gold plated connectors.