Back-Up Light Switch Diagnosis and Repair - Toyota DIY

[@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.

[@WadeGilliard-q6y]

Great video! It's the first one I've seen that provides an easy way to test the reverse light switch. Thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@JLin576]

I love it when the repairs are that simple!

[@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.

[@larryrodriguez3991]

Thank you! I was successful in figuring out why the backup lights were not working on my 1989 Toyota DLX 4x4 pickup truck by following your testing instructions. Turns out the backup switch was installed in the transmission gear oil fill hole while the backup switch hole had the fill plug installed. Crazy. These trucks have the W56 transmission which has the fill hole sitting about 2 inches next to and a wee bit below the backup light switch hole. They both are the same size. So it is easy to mix up and put the switch in the wrong hole! Anyways, it's working great now. Thank you again!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Very interesting. Great job figuring out that mystery.

[@cmsjca]

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

[@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.

[@TheTercioBretas]

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

[@scottab36]

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

[@chrismu7190]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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:-)

[@kristinelautrup7830]

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

[@musheopeaus4125]

Excellent thanks for the bent wire tip from UK

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@ucallthatatweet]

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

[@JavierLopez-ks6kt]

An amazing detailed diagnostic video

[@BernonCars]

Thank you for posting this!

[@RSDavis-fb1go]

That was an outstanding video. 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.

[@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.

[@franciscojtorres1124]

Thank you for a perfect diagnostic video.

[@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.

[@johnfridinger52]

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

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.

[@shironpathirana]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@paulb2948]

I NEED THAT BUMPER STICKER!!!!! 💯

[@syrusdvirus5]

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

[@graffaths]

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

[@toms5094]

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

[@daverod8584]

Very helpful video and clean truck!

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.

[@CaptainMedina]

Absolutely great video and life saver. Thank you my friend

[@gigglzz72]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@marklee8226]

Fantastic video!

[@TheJay911]

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

[@romeoguidangen5718]

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

[@somewheresalty]

Awesome! Thanks my new friend!! Just save me 💲💲💲… Good job 👍🏽

[@deangrigsby6448]

Thanks, Now I know how to test it.

[@ASA-fh5gv]

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

[@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.

[@Philthese93]

Your tacoma is gorgeous! thanks for the videos

[@BigHouse907]

Thanks for the video. I have no explanation for what mine are doing now. Every time I started my truck I was blowing the engine fuse down on the left kick panel. I decided to try the reverse light switch. I unplugged the switch. Now, when I start the truck, I do not blow the fuse and lose my instrument gauges and blinkers as was happening before. I was going to order a new back up switch when I noticed something quite strange When I put the truck in reverse, the back up lights still come on without the switch, even being plugged in. That doesn’t seem like it should be happening, but it is. I will still test the integrity of the switch itself with my multimeter, but for whatever reason it’s working just fine leaving it unplugged. This is on a 1985 Toyota pick up with five speed manual 🤔

[@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.

[@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?

[@alisonjg1]

Did you end up figuring it out? I have a 2001 automatic toyo truck and having the same problem, looking for solutions!

[@Thecoachco]

@@alisonjg1 It was a cluster fuse that was bad ,there is more than one fuse for the reverse lights,my mechanic ask me ,how long has this certain light been not working on your dash cluster,he found the fuse ,changed it ,presto reverse lights turned on

[@sethj6483]

Cool truck man

[@chenmwu]

Thank you. Same procedure for my 2012 Tacoma 5 speed

[@diegoandree8477]

EXCELLENT VIDEO WORK. THANK YOU!!!

[@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

[@littleredchevy9431]

I like that sticker on your tailgate

[@87MENGER]

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

[@omoogun6456]

good job

[@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!

[@versatilidadArg42]

Good job buddy!!

[@tcuster55]

very helpful thanks

[@lemoniron]

Thank you sir

[@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.

[@rafaelmorales7797]

super helpful ! thanks

[@tuckergiuliano57]

Thank you! That was spot on

[@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

[@dontchangethisdontchangeth9337]

U kick ass....👍👍

[@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.

[@docjody8624]

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

[@almarzeta]

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

[@luisvalle1063]

Well explained video. Thanks a million.

[@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.

[@_LrdDrew]

Perfect video

[@direstraits33]

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

[@williamtsol636]

Great video ! Thanks !

[@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.

[@chrishofmann8843]

Thank you!

[@josephbonham4127]

Thanks for this very helpful

[@ozzstars_cars]

nice easy fix

[@El_Hicks]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@victorduque9402]

Gracias 😁

[@radoslawjocz2976]

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

[@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.

[@alisonjg1]

What about for automatic transmissions? My reverse lights aren't working on a 2001 2.4 auto tacoma. Curious how to fix the problem myself rather than spend hundreds at a shop.

[@WorseThanChiggers]

Those have a different setup than the manual transmissions. Check the factory service manual for your particular vehicle.

[@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

[@joesr.661]

Legendary

[@lt9812]

Thank you sir!

[@alexis_1503]

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