Intermittent Back-up lights

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Mar 7, 2015 | 05:08 PM

MollyMoxenFree

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Intermittent Back-up lights

I have a 2007 Camry LE, manual transmission, that the back-up lights aren't working properly. The bulbs work, but the lights only work some of the time. We've checked all the wiring in the trunk and it's good. So that leaves the switch connected to the transmission. I was wondering if anyone's had to replace this on a manual transmission and how hard it was. Did you have to drop the tran to get to the switch or was it an easy swap? My husband has experience working on cars, but it's been a while. We just want to know what we're getting into before we fix it ourselves. Thanks!

Mar 7, 2015 | 07:15 PM

JasonYota

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If it's anything like the older toys the switch just screws into the transmission. This site is mostly for older Toyotas but we will try and answer best as possible.

Mar 7, 2015 | 09:30 PM

RAD4Runner

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MollyMoxenFree

... wondering if anyone's had to replace this on a manual transmission and how hard it was...

Don't even think about replacing something that MAY be still good. Do not replace parts that are good. Find out what is really wrong first.

VERIFY first whether back-up switch is defective or not.

Continuity Check Done with power off.

Disconnect wires to back-up switch.
Inspect connector if loose or corroded contacts.
Get an Ohmeter, Connect probes to connector pins. MAKE SURE ENGINE IS OFF. Have someone put it in reverse. Switch should display resistance close to Zero if not zero. If not, remove switch and inspect. Either switch itself OR a mechanical linkage inside transmission that actuates switch in reverse is broken.

Check With Voltage ON:

Is wire to BU switch getting power?
Depending on your car schematic, you may have to put IGN switch in IGN ON position, BUT LEAVE ENGINE OFF.
Disconnect harness from back-up switch.
Get voltmeter. Measure voltage on each pin of connector on harness. One should have +12V. The other close to Zero IF not zero V.

When BU switch is bypassed, do back-up lights illuminate?
Depending on your car schematic, you may have to put IGN switch in IGN ON position, BUT LEAVE ENGINE OFF.
Disconnect harness from back-up switch.
Jump the two pins of the connector on harness. Back-up lights should illuminate. IF and only IF this consistently works, then suspect anywhere from connector, to pigtail on switch to switch itself, to mechanical linkage inside the transmission that is supposed to actuate the switch.