Back up lights aren't working...why?

[Caffeine Power]

On our 2000 the backup (or reverse lights if you prefer) no longer function. Both of them. The bulbs appear normal under visual inspection and when checked with a continuity tester the circuit is fine. I figured for $3.50 I could put a new pair in and see if that worked, but no. We have had the 2000 since December of 99 and with the exception of a faulty fuel sensor it has been a good truck. Not as good as the 1990 We had for 13 years, but still better than a ford or gm product.

Anyway, I've looked at both fuse panels and the wiring diagram I have in the Haynes manual is not much help to me.

Any suggestions or have I overlooked something?

 

[jharris2]

A shot in the dark....

I'm not familiar with the 2000 4Runner, but on most vehicles there is a device on the transmission that controls the lights (on my Mustang, it was called a "neutral start switch").

Assuming you have one, it could be either defective or out of adjustment.

 

[Caffeine Power]

That's helpful to a degree. I'll look at that. It might be a serious pain though. It's an SR5 5 speed which has a clutch-bypass button for starting the motor. If it involves a shifter position sensor as well as that circuit I'll be pulling my hair out.

 

[bryancos]

It's also known as a "neutral safety switch" and a local shop shouldn't charge you much (if anything) to adjust it.. Especially if the car's already in for service...

 

[Caffeine Power]

It's also known as a "neutral safety switch" and a local shop shouldn't charge you much (if anything) to adjust it.. Especially if the car's already in for service...

I stopped by the dealer yesterday and they were helpful for a change. A service tech printed a pretty simple diagram of the circuit. It runs from the fuse relay under the hood down to the transmission where there's a switch on the left side of the tranny for when the shifter is moved into the reverse position. Then the circuit runs back to the tail lights. At least the weather will be in the high 60's this weekend.

things that don't work :50cal:

 

[jharris2]

Hey, it's nice to be right once in a while -- thanks for the update.