Back-Up Light Switch Diagnosis and Repair - Toyota DIY

Here is my simple yet detailed procedure for diagnosing a bad back-up light switch and the replacement for a large variety of Toyota vehicles and years. In this video, we are working on a Toyota Tacoma with inoperative back-up lights. The diagnostic procedure tests the back-up light circuit, wiring, bulbs, and fuse to confirm that they are all good before definitively condemning the back-up light switch. Then, the switch is easily replaced which is located on the side of the transmission.

[@RyanMcAlister-yf3ml]

Dude you just saved me so much time. Thank you so much. I know this is an old video but I’m so glad you posted this. I’ve been tracing my wires and tearing apart taillights.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it and I'm super glad that it helped. It may be an old video but there are plenty of old cars on the road that this still applies to, eh?

[@windyfield]

An excellent diagnostic video, well filmed and paced. Appreciate you taking time to share. The process, with this guidance, was very straight forward, once diagnosed the new switch was installed in 5 minutes and backup lights working again. Thanks.

[@69Rawker]

Very helpful video, thank you for posting. My reverse lights were not working on my 94 Toyota Pickup 4x4 & I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to automotive repair, but after viewing your video, I paper clip tested the switch as you instructed, and was able to diagnose a bad switch. With your help I was able to save on mechanic costs, I also ordered the same brand switch, half price to OEM, so thank you for that info as well.

[@jimichan7649]

Good video. I just replaced the back-up light switch on my 2003 Tacoma with a manual transmission, and I'd like to add that mine was on the Driver's side. I was really frustrating because everything I saw in forums and in this video showed it on the passenger's side. I thought I was going crazy. I finally just went around and checked the other side and there it was!

[@02markcal]

I wanted to thank you for uploading this video, it felt good to do it myself and save some money too. I went way too long in doing this repair and it's so nice to see now when backing up.

[@kenplatt1391]

This U-Tube was perfect for me. To try and fix my backup light problem on my 1994 Toyota pickup SR5, I have taken off my tail light assemblies numerous times, cleaned the bulb connections, checked the wire connections and bought new bulbs. Then I saw this U-Tube video. I followed the instructions and found that the problem was indeed my reverse switch. Replaced it in a few minutes and, I am good to go! Thank you for your help!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your experience. I really appreciate it. Another DIY victory for the good guys!

[@JLin576]

I love it when the repairs are that simple!

[@taogden]

So that is what one looks like without mud all over it. Thanks for the video, clean, simple, direct, and most importantly, accurate.

[@tomvferd4550]

Sir, Thank you, I have had an issue with my backup lights since I got my truck in March and have tried everything I could think of. This video was exactly what I needed as I am trying to use this truck as an opportunity to learn as much as I can. Very clear and straight to the point. Thanks so much!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. What year is yours? I bought mine 10 years ago for the same purpose to learn and it has really paid off. It has been fun and educational working on it and keeping it going strong. Now if I could only prevent the rust that will lead to its eventual end.

[@tomvferd4550]

worsethanchiggers Mine is a '98.

[@scottab36]

This procedure is still applicable to a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. I just used your video to troubleshoot my problem. THANKS!!!!

[@ucallthatatweet]

My all time favorite bumper sticker is on the driver's side.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you for posting this!

[@Dilomski]

Wow! I had the exact same issue on my 91 4Runner and after watching the video I was able to diagnose it. Turned out my switch was faulty too :) Now I gotta order a new one and replace it. Big thanks, brother!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. Good job confirming your own diagnosis. Another DIY victory for the good guys!

[@Dilomski]

@@WorseThanChiggers Yep, but I struggle to get it to work. Replaced the switch with a new one today (third party), but still no light. What can the reason be?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

@@Dilomski You have to continue your diagnosis rather than guessing. Test continuity on the new switch to make sure it's good. If the jumper trick worked to illuminate the lights, you know that the rest of the circuit is good.

[@Dilomski]

@@WorseThanChiggers I inspected the old switch, it was oily. I cleaned it as much as I could and was able to get continuity then. Should it be oily in the first place?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

@@Dilomski I'm not positive but I think the switch can be exposed to the transmission gear oil because it's in the same cavity within the case as the rest of the internals.

[@musheopeaus4125]

Excellent thanks for the bent wire tip from UK

[@TheTercioBretas]

I followed your directions on my 2012 Tacoma and it worked perfectly. Thanks!

[@cmsjca]

Thanks so much! I was going to pull out the multi-meter but your solution to test it was so much easier!

[@Peludo485]

Nicely done video - covers my situation exactly (1990 model truck). I mainly used it to see how that connector detaches since mine is dirty and greasy (recent valve cover oil leak) and it's hard to tell what is what. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that you seem to be doing this all wearing a light colored dress shirt - a feat which I would never attempt:-)

[@francinevassell7374]

This is superb! I have a 95 toyota t100 and had a hard time trying to short the plug. I will try the paper clip idea. I was using regular sheathed copper wiring but the strands kept breaking.

[@chrismu7190]

Exactly what I needed to replace this switch on my ‘98 4Runner. Thank you!

[@yardboy3955]

Thanks for making this, its truly a great DIY video, easy to understand and easy fix. You helped and saved me a lot of time trying to figure this out.

[@JavierLopez-ks6kt]

An amazing detailed diagnostic video

[@kristinelautrup7830]

Thanks for a great video! I haven't done it yet but seems very doable. Love the paper clip trick

[@toms5094]

Thank you! Easy clear video. My 87 long bed has the same issue. I will check this out this weekend!

[@alvrdlgd777]

What a nice video! I have problems with the back up lights on my Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as well... I now know the problem is the back up light switch since they worked perfectly fine after using your paper clip trick. Thank you so much for posting this video sir!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Wonderful! Let us know how your fix turns out. I like hearing how other peoples' experiences compare to mine.

[@alvrdlgd777]

Finally changed it yesterday at night and now the back-up lights (and the reverse camera) are working just fine! ... and the best of it is that cost me $8 dollars!! Sir, thank you again :)

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Another DIY victory for the good guys!

[@Philthese93]

Your tacoma is gorgeous! thanks for the videos

[@U2BER2012]

Thank you! Replaced my back up light switch. Only problem I had was: the plastic connection part was a little too long for the connector to lock together, so I ended up filing it down to size, so it would snap in place.

[@adambeck604]

Thanks for the video, to the point and very helpful - was having the same symptoms in my ’96, just ordered the switch, installing tomorrow. Thank you!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. Let us know how it goes tomorrow.

[@RSDavis-fb1go]

That was an outstanding video. Thanks so much!

[@TheJay911]

Very very helpful, thank you for the video and the tips! 😊

[@shironpathirana]

Very clear explanation n demonstration !! i got an Excellent knowledge. Thanks so much....

[@panojohnson]

Excellent. Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks very much!

[@grugrufito]

I have exactly the same truck. Year and color but mine is little rusted and there’s a lot to work, money and time to invest on it. Your truck is beautiful!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Unfortunately, plenty of rust on mine, too. It will die of rust cancer before the mechanicals do.

[@syrusdvirus5]

Thank you. You have confirm what I suspected was the reverse switch that I saw underneath my truck.

[@johnnymejia7]

Thanks, i bought an 05 scion tc and noticed the reverse lights weren't working and not even inserted in to the taillight. Did some testing and the bulb won't turn on, changed the bulb with a brand new led and nothing. Checked the fuse and it was good. Gonna check this next and see if that's the problem.

[@franciscojtorres1124]

Thank you for a perfect diagnostic video.

[@CaptainMedina]

Absolutely great video and life saver. Thank you my friend

[@carloso5102]

Thank you. Exactly my 98 tacoma's problem. I'll order the switch now.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Excellent! Two happy DIY success stories in one day.

[@diegoandree8477]

EXCELLENT VIDEO WORK. THANK YOU!!!

[@gigglzz72]

Thanks for the video and great info. Easy fix on my 2000 Tacoma. Only difference mine was on the driver side.

[@marklee8226]

Fantastic video!

[@kwakernaak78]

thanks for the effort to make the video. Saved me alot of time to figure out the same issue on my landcruiser! fixed in 5 min!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. Another victory for the DIY guys!

[@johnfridinger52]

Just a thank you for making this available... 🙏🏽

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.

[@U2BER2012]

Thumbs up! I loved your video. Well explained with vivid photography. Thanks, I didn't know about the switch. Was the ratchet wrench expensive?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

I bought it from Harbor Freight and it wasn't too expensive.

[@luisvalle1063]

Well explained video. Thanks a million.

[@daverod8584]

Very helpful video and clean truck!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.

[@graffaths]

What a Legend! Thanks so much, about to do this on my 96 T100.

[@williamtsol636]

Great video ! Thanks !

[@romeoguidangen5718]

thank you mucho... this help me did mine today. great information 👍

[@09ThunderOne]

epic!!!!! Thanks for the paper clip trick too!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.

[@eplives33]

defiantly helped me with a mondeo

[@versatilidadArg42]

Good job buddy!!

[@shanechostetler9997]

I use that method too, but I use insulated wire and strip a bit of the ends and insert it into the connection, to avoid accidentally blowing a fuse from possibly shorting to ground.

[@chenmwu]

Thank you. Same procedure for my 2012 Tacoma 5 speed

[@87MENGER]

outstanding video buddy. Now I can check my BIL CTS since he has no reverse light and I checked everything but not this. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@josephbonham4127]

Thanks for this very helpful

[@sethj6483]

Cool truck man

[@countryislandhome7731]

Common sense troubleshooting in a quick-to-replace the part world, in a long sleeve white shirt to boot. Hats off!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments and the chuckle. I really appreciate it.

[@El_Hicks]

thanks, i'm hoping this is the problem AND i can get to it on a 2005 Rav4.

[@deangrigsby6448]

Thanks, Now I know how to test it.

[@tuckergiuliano57]

Thank you! That was spot on

[@The_Smitty713]

Sweet video, helped me figure out the same issue on my 1990 Toyota Pickup 👍

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments and I'm glad it helped. Was your experience similar to mine?

[@The_Smitty713]

@@WorseThanChiggers I had the reverse lights stop working after installing an aftermarket backup camera last week. Fuses and wiring seemed fine so I thought it might be the reverse switch. Your vid was the first to pop up and helped perfectly.

[@kristoferwayman9094]

very clear video. thank you! I just did this on my manual 2006 sportage last night, but now am frustrated because my backup lights are always on now! I don't know if I didnt get The new switch tight enough or what. help! please. thank you

[@WorseThanChiggers]

It wouldn't be an issue with how tight the switch was installed. I would try unplugging the connector from the switch to confirm that the lights go out. If the lights remain on, the problem is not in the switch but likely a short somewhere in the wiring. Hopefully the lights went out and that then leads us to wonder if the switch is bad or if it is the wrong part (too long perhaps). Remove the switch from the transmission and plug the connector back in. If the backup lights are on now, the switch is bad because the circuit is closed. Otherwise, does depressing the switch with your hand now turn on the lights properly? If so, the switch is okay and there's something wrong with the installation or it is the wrong part. Good luck!

[@kristoferwayman9094]

worsethanchiggers thanks for your help. I got it figured out. my wrench set didn't go big enough. I borrowed a bigger socket and got it tightened in all the way. it works now; I guess the switch wasn't making contact until I tighten in a little more

[@ASA-fh5gv]

Thank you so much! It works on Kia Sportage from 2005

[@ryanroelen1641]

Great insight and excellent video....thanks!!!! Fixed my problem--I was pulling my hair out!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. I'm glad that you are another DIY success story!

[@tcuster55]

very helpful thanks

[@rafaelmorales7797]

super helpful ! thanks

[@omoogun6456]

good job

[@Thecoachco]

What about automatics my 2001 Toyota sienna back up lights are not working ,The fuse is good,got brand new bulbs ,is there a back up switch on this van?

[@_LrdDrew]

Perfect video

[@HugOCovers]

Good! I need to check it my bmw x3 too.. The paper clip don't give me a eletric shock..? It's need to put off the battery? or ignition off is enough to be safe?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Only 12 volts and totally safe.

[@almarzeta]

having this issue in my 98 toyota celica, automatic tran... but cant seem to find where the backu light switch is

[@chrishofmann8843]

Thank you!

[@ozzstars_cars]

nice easy fix

[@lemoniron]

Thank you sir

[@harliej.1800]

I have followed the process that you did and my issue isn't in the wiring, fuses, nor bulbs, however after i changed the part out the lights are still not working. Paper clip test worked just as it did in the video, now not sure where my issue is at this point.

[@javman4socalr809]

Did u solve the issue? You might have anl old stuck on washer in addition to the new washer that came with new part. If so, try removing BIL switch from side of transmission, remove washer, then reattach part. See if the Back up light works. Good luck

[@lt9812]

Thank you sir!

[@jaycolvin2875]

Are the manual trans reverse light switch the same as the auto trans reverse switch??? Do you have the ISDN# for the manual your using? Thanks

[@WorseThanChiggers]

This switch is only for manual transmissions. I purchased the "Beck Arnley 201-1788 Back Up Lamp Switch", part number 201-1788.

[@direstraits33]

Ejale !!!! Genial.. ...me ahorre unas lukitas del mecanico....thanksss

[@docjody8624]

Where (exactly) can one find Back-Up Light Switch on 1998 Toyota RAV4 manual transmission?

[@ChristosAggelopoulos]

Thanks really helpful , I just try the paperclip and indeed the switch is dead. I am about to find a local spare part dealer for a new one.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Good diagnosis. Let us know the final result.

[@alexis_1503]

when i put my turn signal , the lights act like if i have turn on on emergency lights on

[@ricksays7133]

I have to replace this switch for the third time in my Celica. Does anyone know what brand us reliable? I used the ones from AutoZone and O’Reilly before and they didn’t last long. At thus point I might as well get a Genuine Toyota switch.

[@christinebphelan5490]

Thanks for posting. Anyone know could it be the same issue if just one reverse light doesn't work?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

That'll likely be a bulb, wiring, or ground problem. Start first at the bulb socket and see if you have proper voltage when in reverse. If not, see if you have a ground problem by doing a continuity test between the ground terminal in the socket and the frame. If you have good continuity, work your way back up the positive side of the circuit to find where the break is.

[@christinebphelan5490]

Thanks so much for the reply :) appreciate it.

[@dontchangethisdontchangeth9337]

U kick ass....👍👍

[@tanguilanjoel1234]

Sir i watch your video and i tried it to my vehicle. I put a wire in the switch socket to test the switch. When i switch the ignition, the back up light SWITCH ON both in reverse gear position and in neutral position.. so that means i have a faulty reverse switch?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

If your backup lights are on in the neutral position, it does sound like a faulty switch.

[@tanguilanjoel1234]

@@WorseThanChiggers thanks..

[@devindorius5449]

Perfect tutorial, thanks so much! I’m completely baffled that 24 people gave it a thumbs down. The best explanation I can come up with is that you dumped a girlfriend in high school and she made 24 KZbin accounts just so she could put thumbs downs on your videos. Haha.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Ha ha! Good theory and quite plausible, I suppose. Probably the same 24 folks who believe that a check engine light code will tell you what part needs to be replaced.

[@devindorius5449]

@@WorseThanChiggers Do you have exactly 24 dislikes on any of your other videos? We may be on to something here.

[@jamesflores9456]

strange ive got a 1995 toyota tacoma sr5 v6 ext cab autowith the side stripes as well but youre ignition ding is different its a ding mine is a constant buzz

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Interesting. Wonder why they differ. Hope yours doesn't have the rust cancer like mine from all the nasty winter road salt.

[@jamesflores9456]

worsethanchiggers south texas... it was 70 today (: also urs doesnt have cancer thoes two spots on the tailgate is a common prob

[@jbongo24]

Much appreciated sir !! Thank you for this great video. Diagnosed and fixed my issue. Stay safe !!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Excellent! Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. I'm glad it helped and that you had success.

[@victorduque9402]

Gracias 😁

[@radoslawjocz2976]

sometimes in such situation is not a broken switch but corrosion on the plug terminals or switch terminals.

[@raleh1]

Hi my reverse light doesnt work ,I installed the new one doesnt work ,All the wiring good ,I connect the wires to the new one and the old one ,I depressed the switch and my reverse light turn ON !!! But with the switch insralled doesnt work

[@WorseThanChiggers]

I suspect that you are not screwing the switch all the way into the transmission. Make sure that there is not an old washer stuck to the transmission which is keeping it from going in all the way. Otherwise, the bad news may be that there is an internal problem with the transmission where it is not contacting the switch properly when shifted into reverse. Try inserting your finger into the hole in the transmission after shifting it into reverse. See if you can feel the component that is supposed to be pressing the switch.

[@littleredchevy9431]

I like that sticker on your tailgate

[@MUHAMMADKHAN-pe7ez]

the back-up light switch is also connected with the automatic transmission ??

[@WorseThanChiggers]

There's a different setup for automatic transmissions. You'd have to check your factory service manual for that specific procedure.

[@joesr.661]

Legendary

[@marcosduarte633]

How old are you sir? Or how young are you man? I believe you have a masters in automotive knowledge.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. No professional automotive training here. Just another weekend DIYer trying to help out others with what I've managed to learn on my own.

[@hughwong5020]

Is it a completely different switch on a 2003? I see nothing resembling this switch on mine.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

I don't know if they changed it in your 2003 model as compared to my 1995. Is yours also a manual transmission? The automatics are definitely different.

[@M4Nathan007]

I wish all tutorials were as solid as this. Unfortunately oil leaking into my plug is the reason mine isn't making a connection.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.

[@jasonveit3823]

When I pulled my switch there is fluid in it - is that normal? I replaced the switch and my backup lights are working, but sometimes they come on while I'm driving. Any ideas?

[@WorseThanChiggers]

It could be that your transmission is overfilled with gear oil. Also, there could be something going on internal to the transmission where it contacts the switch.

[@jasonveit3823]

@@WorseThanChiggers so when I pull that reverse switch, there shouldn't be oil on it? It's a manual trans if that makes a difference

[@WorseThanChiggers]

@@jasonveit3823 Mine didn't leak any gear oil when I removed the switch. I'd check the fluid level first to make sure it's correct just for peace of mind.

[@cindybee7710]

Well if y'all ever come to Daytona Beach stop & say hi 😆

[@blair5988]

How much was the new switch??

[@WorseThanChiggers]

I found mine for about $15.

[@masonborreson6392]

What happens if oil is coming out of it when you crack her open...

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Did you remove just the back-up switch? When you say "crack her open", perhaps you removed something else like the drain or fill plug? It could mean that your transmission is overfilled with gear oil or you are not on a level surface. Check the fluid level while on a flat surface through the fill plug hole to rule out that potential problem.