Backup Lights not Working-fuse, bulbs, switch good

[jim97gst]

I can't seem to figure out why my backup lights are not working. I have changed the fuse, checked the bulbs, and changed the switch that is mounted on the transmission. What should I check next?

 

[Defiant]

Multimeter the sockets, look for corrosion. Chase the circuit down until you find where the 'tricity ain't.

 

[jim97gst]

I don't own a multimeter. Would a cheap one do for repairs like this? Do you have a recommended cheap one?

 

[punishercb]

I had the same type of problem with my dodge avenger and it turned out to be a broken linkage in the transmission. The arm that pushes on the ball switch broke and couldn't reach far enough. I hope this isn't the case for you. Try taking a paperclip or piece of metal and push on the ball switch to connect the circuit. That way you can see if it's something other than the problem that I had.

 

[Defiant]

I don't own a multimeter. Would a cheap one do for repairs like this? Do you have a recommended cheap one?

A $15 digital from just about anyplace is more than anyone really needs anymore.

 

[jim97gst]

it turned out to be a broken linkage in the transmission.

Hmmmm. I don't like the sound of that. Now that you mention that, I have been hearing a kind of clunking noise when going in reverse sometimes. It's just a single clunk. It has seemed to cause no other ill effects other than making me worry. I wonder if this is what my problem is.

That switch is kind of a pain to get out. I can touch it with my hand, but I needed to move the fuse box, UICP, and intake pipe out of the way in order to get a socket wrench on it, at least with the extensions I already have. Maybe I'll just go pick myself up a really long extension and a multimeter.

 

[TSiWarrior]

Not to say you havent, but have you checked the additional fuses on the passanger side of the engine? I traced my running light problem to a fuse there a couple times.... our cars have fuses and relay's all over the place =/