gohawks444
New member
I have a 1988 Toyota 4Runner. The back up lights are not working. Is this most likely the "neutral safety switch"? Is this easy to fix for a novice? If not what would this cost to have fixed? Thanks.
back up lights not working
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gohawks444
New member
It seems that the problem is somewhat intermittant. Once today the lights came on when in reverse, then later today again they were not functioning. Is the switch failing? Anyone who might be able to shed some light on what step I should take next I would greatly appreciate your input. I would prefer to avoid taking it to a dealer as money is tight after just purchasing it.
Total shot in the dark:
I remember that on a Ford car and a Ford pickup I owned long ago that there was a part called the "neutral start switch" that kept the car from starting unless the transmission was in neutral or park. It also turned on the backup lights when in reverse. Assuming there is something like that on a 1988 model Toyota, it could either get out of adjustment or go out and prevent the backup lights from coming on.
It was located on the side of the transmission near the place where the gear selector connected.
Again, never having worked on a 1988 4Runner, I can't give anything better.
I remember that on a Ford car and a Ford pickup I owned long ago that there was a part called the "neutral start switch" that kept the car from starting unless the transmission was in neutral or park. It also turned on the backup lights when in reverse. Assuming there is something like that on a 1988 model Toyota, it could either get out of adjustment or go out and prevent the backup lights from coming on.
It was located on the side of the transmission near the place where the gear selector connected.
Again, never having worked on a 1988 4Runner, I can't give anything better.
gohawks444
New member
Thanks for your reply. That was my best guess. Looking back through the receipts that the previous owner gave me I see where he replaced the switch in 2000. Evidently the first switch lasted 12 years and the second switch lasted about 4-5 years.
Anyone else got any thoughts as to what it could be other than replacing the switch? The fuses and bulbs are good.
Is there anything on the shifter that could cause this that I might be able to fiddle with?
Anyone else got any thoughts as to what it could be other than replacing the switch? The fuses and bulbs are good.
Is there anything on the shifter that could cause this that I might be able to fiddle with?
gohawks444
New member
Anyone know how to best access the neutral start switch on an 88 4Runner, Auto Trans, v6?
Will I have to lift the vehicle? Will I have to take anything off?
Will I have to lift the vehicle? Will I have to take anything off?
