Reverse lights don't work
#1
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Reverse lights don't work
The reverse lights on my '93 XJ with AX 15 trans don't work when the transmission is in reverse. All other lights work; headlights, taillights, brakes, turn signals, etc. I've checked the bulbs for the reverse lights and they look fine. I've checked the fuse for the reverse lights as well its fine too. What I'm thinking could be causing the issue is either the reverse switch itself (weird thing about my reverse switch, is there is no connector in between the wiring from the switch all the way to the fuse block in the engine bay. Its just one long wire, and I figured there would be one for ease of transmission dropping/maintenance.) Or I'm thinking it could be the trailer wiring the PO installed as it looks iffy and looks like it was a hack job. But since you don't need reverse lights on a trailer, (unless it's a fancy trailer) I'm not sure if this is the issue.
What is causing this issue? Could it be just one of these things or multiple? Im honestly not very good with figuring out electronic issues so the more help the better.
Thanks!
What is causing this issue? Could it be just one of these things or multiple? Im honestly not very good with figuring out electronic issues so the more help the better.
Thanks!
#2
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Have any issues starting your jeep? Does it start in neutral?
Could be your neutral safety switch, really easy to clean and adjust.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
EDIT: Derp, just saw you said you have an ax15....
Could be your neutral safety switch, really easy to clean and adjust.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
EDIT: Derp, just saw you said you have an ax15....
#3
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Have any issues starting your jeep? Does it start in neutral?
Could be your neutral safety switch, really easy to clean and adjust.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
EDIT: Derp, just saw you said you have an ax15....
Could be your neutral safety switch, really easy to clean and adjust.
http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neut...ty-switch-nss/
EDIT: Derp, just saw you said you have an ax15....
#4
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Get a test light and find out where you have power and where you don't. Start at the socket - just because the bulbs look fine doesn't mean they are.
#5
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ
How long have owned this Jeep?
When did you notice that the backup lights were not working?
You are going to need a Test Light minimum; in order to look for your problem.
If it was my Jeep I use CCKen tip and acquire two safety pins [small to medium] in size; place the key in the on position [not start]. Place the transmission in reverse then get under your Jeep with the safety pins and the test light.
Now being careful not to poke your finger insert on safety pin into each of the wires leaving the back-up light switch; then find a good ground point to hook up the test light to, then touch the pointed end of the test light to each of the safety pins.
This will hopefully solve some of the mystery as to where you have power to.
Please keep us posted as to your progress, more questions or solution!
Hear is the information you asked for.
How long have owned this Jeep?
When did you notice that the backup lights were not working?
You are going to need a Test Light minimum; in order to look for your problem.
If it was my Jeep I use CCKen tip and acquire two safety pins [small to medium] in size; place the key in the on position [not start]. Place the transmission in reverse then get under your Jeep with the safety pins and the test light.
Now being careful not to poke your finger insert on safety pin into each of the wires leaving the back-up light switch; then find a good ground point to hook up the test light to, then touch the pointed end of the test light to each of the safety pins.
This will hopefully solve some of the mystery as to where you have power to.
Please keep us posted as to your progress, more questions or solution!
Hear is the information you asked for.
Last edited by djgrayxj; 10-28-2016 at 09:58 AM.
#6
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Year: 1993
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Get a test light and find out where you have power and where you don't. Start at the socket - just because the bulbs look fine doesn't mean they are.
#7
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Note from DJ
How long have owned this Jeep?
When did you notice that the backup lights were not working?
You are going to need a Test Light minimum; in order to look for your problem.
If it was my Jeep I use CCKen tip and acquire two safety pins [small to medium] in size; place the key in the on position [not start]. Place the transmission in reverse then get under your Jeep with the safety pins and the test light.
Now being careful not to poke your finger insert on safety pin into each of the wires leaving the back-up light switch; then find a good ground point to hook up the test light to, then touch the pointed end of the test light to each of the safety pins.
This will hopefully solve some of the mystery as to where you have power to.
Please keep us posted as to your progress, more questions or solution!
Hear is the information you asked for.
How long have owned this Jeep?
When did you notice that the backup lights were not working?
You are going to need a Test Light minimum; in order to look for your problem.
If it was my Jeep I use CCKen tip and acquire two safety pins [small to medium] in size; place the key in the on position [not start]. Place the transmission in reverse then get under your Jeep with the safety pins and the test light.
Now being careful not to poke your finger insert on safety pin into each of the wires leaving the back-up light switch; then find a good ground point to hook up the test light to, then touch the pointed end of the test light to each of the safety pins.
This will hopefully solve some of the mystery as to where you have power to.
Please keep us posted as to your progress, more questions or solution!
Hear is the information you asked for.
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#8
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ
I thought of a couple more things.
1. This is very important item before the OP even crawls under the Jeep as I suggested; they needs to take a bright light and get into a position to take a good look under the dash at their fuse panel and the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder.
If there is any sine of brake fluid leaking from the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder this is not good in that it is dripping down on the fuse panel.
Brake fluid is very corrosive when it comes in contact with copper; so there goes good electrical contact in the fuse panel.
2. If the above problem is not evident while the OP is under the Jeep they should look for any evidence of a wire loop next to the transmission that has evidence that wires have been clipped from the main loom.
I thought of a couple more things.
1. This is very important item before the OP even crawls under the Jeep as I suggested; they needs to take a bright light and get into a position to take a good look under the dash at their fuse panel and the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder.
If there is any sine of brake fluid leaking from the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder this is not good in that it is dripping down on the fuse panel.
Brake fluid is very corrosive when it comes in contact with copper; so there goes good electrical contact in the fuse panel.
2. If the above problem is not evident while the OP is under the Jeep they should look for any evidence of a wire loop next to the transmission that has evidence that wires have been clipped from the main loom.
#9
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Note from DJ
I thought of a couple more things.
1. This is very important item before the OP even crawls under the Jeep as I suggested; they needs to take a bright light and get into a position to take a good look under the dash at their fuse panel and the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder.
If there is any sine of brake fluid leaking from the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder this is not good in that it is dripping down on the fuse panel.
Brake fluid is very corrosive when it comes in contact with copper; so there goes good electrical contact in the fuse panel.
2. If the above problem is not evident while the OP is under the Jeep they should look for any evidence of a wire loop next to the transmission that has evidence that wires have been clipped from the main loom.
I thought of a couple more things.
1. This is very important item before the OP even crawls under the Jeep as I suggested; they needs to take a bright light and get into a position to take a good look under the dash at their fuse panel and the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder.
If there is any sine of brake fluid leaking from the push rod for the clutch slave cylinder this is not good in that it is dripping down on the fuse panel.
Brake fluid is very corrosive when it comes in contact with copper; so there goes good electrical contact in the fuse panel.
2. If the above problem is not evident while the OP is under the Jeep they should look for any evidence of a wire loop next to the transmission that has evidence that wires have been clipped from the main loom.
Reverse switch wiring, in place of a plug there are splice connectors
Yanked the butt connectors off to probe around and nothing. Test light didn't light up. At this point it was quite dark out and I'll admit these reverse lights are pissing me off so I called it night. I will come back to it tomorrow. As much as it pisses me off that I have no reverse lights and I'm not sure why that is, I'm determined to fix it so I can see when I back up. And for in the future when I get a rear bumper I can add aux reverse lamps that are brighter and such.
#10
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Year: 1988
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Note from DJ
OP, you stated the fuse was good which fuse in which location?
If you don’t have a schematic you might try your public library you will be amazed at what they have.
OP, you stated the fuse was good which fuse in which location?
If you don’t have a schematic you might try your public library you will be amazed at what they have.
#11
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
According to my Chilton manual the fuse for the reverse lights is fuse #3, a 20 amp fuse. This fuse also is used by the turn signals.
I removed the fuse and inspected it, no cracks or burns and the fuse was still intact. When removed the turn signals didn't function.
#12
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ
Please Post Back if the following information helps.
Dark Blue with White Tracer Wire Supplies Power to the Following Devices after it leaves the Power Distribution Center 15 Amp Fuse #6 which receives power from the Ignition Switch ON Position.
1. Back-Up Light Switch; Manual Transmission
2. Electric Cooling Fan Relay
3. Ballast Resistor Relay
4. Cruise Control Switch
5. Engine Diagnostic Connector
6. A/C Clutch Relay
7. Washer Fluid Level Switch
Power Distribution Center Diagram Below:
Please Post Back if the following information helps.
Dark Blue with White Tracer Wire Supplies Power to the Following Devices after it leaves the Power Distribution Center 15 Amp Fuse #6 which receives power from the Ignition Switch ON Position.
1. Back-Up Light Switch; Manual Transmission
2. Electric Cooling Fan Relay
3. Ballast Resistor Relay
4. Cruise Control Switch
5. Engine Diagnostic Connector
6. A/C Clutch Relay
7. Washer Fluid Level Switch
Power Distribution Center Diagram Below:
#13
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Note from DJ
Please Post Back if the following information helps.
Dark Blue with White Tracer Wire Supplies Power to the Following Devices after it leaves the Power Distribution Center 15 Amp Fuse #6 which receives power from the Ignition Switch ON Position.
1. Back-Up Light Switch; Manual Transmission
2. Electric Cooling Fan Relay
3. Ballast Resistor Relay
4. Cruise Control Switch
5. Engine Diagnostic Connector
6. A/C Clutch Relay
7. Washer Fluid Level Switch
Power Distribution Center Diagram Below:
Please Post Back if the following information helps.
Dark Blue with White Tracer Wire Supplies Power to the Following Devices after it leaves the Power Distribution Center 15 Amp Fuse #6 which receives power from the Ignition Switch ON Position.
1. Back-Up Light Switch; Manual Transmission
2. Electric Cooling Fan Relay
3. Ballast Resistor Relay
4. Cruise Control Switch
5. Engine Diagnostic Connector
6. A/C Clutch Relay
7. Washer Fluid Level Switch
Power Distribution Center Diagram Below: