Backup Lamps Malfunction

Backup Lamps Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Circuit/System Description

The BCKUP fuse supplies voltage to either the park/neutral position (PNP) switch on automatic transaxle or the backup lamp switch on manual transaxle. When the gear selector is placed in reverse, voltage is supplied through the appropriate switch to the backup lamps. The left backup lamps receive ground at G401. The right backup lamps receive ground at G402.


Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Exterior Lights Schematics (Exterior Lights Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information


Circuit/System Verification

1. Place the gear selector in PARK or neutral.
2. Ignition ON, observer the backup lamps. The backup lamps should not be illuminated.

• If the backup lamps are illuminated, refer to Backup Lamps Always On

3. Refer to Backup Lamps Inoperative



Circuit/System Testing


Backup Lamps Always On
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PNP switch on automatic transaxle or the backup lamp switch on manual transaxle.
2. Ignition ON, verify that the backup lamps are not illuminated.

• If the backup lamps are illuminated, test the backup lamp supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage.
• If all circuits test normal, replace the PNP switch on automatic transaxle or the backup lamp switch on manual transaxle.




Backup Lamps Inoperative
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PNP switch on automatic transaxle or the backup lamp switch on manual transaxle.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the appropriate voltage supply circuit and ground.

* Automatic transaxle - terminal 5
* Manual transaxle - terminal A

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.


3. Test the backup lamp supply voltage circuit between the appropriate switch and the backup lamps for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the appropriate switch.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Backup Lamp Switch Replacement (Getrag 5 Speed - Manual Transmission)