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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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:-)
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 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?
@@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.
@@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?
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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 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.
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 UA-cam accounts just so she could put thumbs downs on your videos. Haha.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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?
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
Last time my reverse light on a Toyota Tacoma went house I just kicked the fucking tail light hoping I wouldn’t fuck up the cover and boom I have brake lights and all that good shit
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.
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.
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?
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.
Great video! It's the first one I've seen that provides an easy way to test the reverse light switch. Thank you!
Excellent thanks for the bent wire tip from UK
I love it when the repairs are that simple!
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!
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.
So that is what one looks like without mud all over it. Thanks for the video, clean, simple, direct, and most importantly, accurate.
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!
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your experience. I really appreciate it. Another DIY victory for the good guys!
My all time favorite bumper sticker is on the driver's side.
Thank you for posting this!
Exactly what I needed to replace this switch on my ‘98 4Runner. Thank you!
I followed your directions on my 2012 Tacoma and it worked perfectly. Thanks!
Thanks so much! I was going to pull out the multi-meter but your solution to test it was so much easier!
This procedure is still applicable to a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. I just used your video to troubleshoot my problem. THANKS!!!!
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!
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.
worsethanchiggers Mine is a '98.
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.
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:-)
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!
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. Good job confirming your own diagnosis. Another DIY victory for the good guys!
@@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?
@@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.
@@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?
@@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.
Thanks for a great video! I haven't done it yet but seems very doable. Love the paper clip trick
Thank you. Exactly my 98 tacoma's problem. I'll order the switch now.
Excellent! Two happy DIY success stories in one day.
That was an outstanding video. Thanks so much!
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.
Excellent. Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks very much!
An amazing detailed diagnostic video
Common sense troubleshooting in a quick-to-replace the part world, in a long sleeve white shirt to boot. Hats off!
Thanks for the kind comments and the chuckle. I really appreciate it.
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.
Thank you for a perfect diagnostic video.
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!
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. Another victory for the DIY guys!
Just a thank you for making this available... 🙏🏽
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.
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.
What a Legend! Thanks so much, about to do this on my 96 T100.
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.
U kick ass....👍👍
Very clear explanation n demonstration !! i got an Excellent knowledge. Thanks so much....
Thank you. You have confirm what I suspected was the reverse switch that I saw underneath my truck.
Very helpful video and clean truck!
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.
epic!!!!! Thanks for the paper clip trick too!
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.
defiantly helped me with a mondeo
Thank you! Easy clear video. My 87 long bed has the same issue. I will check this out this weekend!
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!
Wonderful! Let us know how your fix turns out. I like hearing how other peoples' experiences compare to mine.
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 :)
Another DIY victory for the good guys!
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!
Thanks for the kind comments. Let us know how it goes tomorrow.
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!
Unfortunately, plenty of rust on mine, too. It will die of rust cancer before the mechanicals do.
Very very helpful, thank you for the video and the tips! 😊
Absolutely great video and life saver. Thank you my friend
Sweet video, helped me figure out the same issue on my 1990 Toyota Pickup 👍
Thanks for the kind comments and I'm glad it helped. Was your experience similar to mine?
@@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.
Thanks, Now I know how to test it.
Fantastic video!
Thanks for the video and great info. Easy fix on my 2000 Tacoma. Only difference mine was on the driver side.
Thank you so much! It works on Kia Sportage from 2005
I like that sticker on your tailgate
thank you mucho... this help me did mine today. great information 👍
Cool truck man
Thank you. Same procedure for my 2012 Tacoma 5 speed
Good job buddy!!
Thank you sir
Your tacoma is gorgeous! thanks for the videos
good job
Great insight and excellent video....thanks!!!! Fixed my problem--I was pulling my hair out!
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. I'm glad that you are another DIY success story!
EXCELLENT VIDEO WORK. THANK YOU!!!
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 UA-cam accounts just so she could put thumbs downs on your videos. Haha.
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.
@@WorseThanChiggers Do you have exactly 24 dislikes on any of your other videos? We may be on to something here.
Thank you! That was spot on
outstanding video buddy. Now I can check my BIL CTS since he has no reverse light and I checked everything but not this. 👍👍👍👍👍
very helpful thanks
super helpful ! thanks
Ejale !!!! Genial.. ...me ahorre unas lukitas del mecanico....thanksss
Well explained video. Thanks a million.
How old are you sir? Or how young are you man? I believe you have a masters in automotive knowledge.
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.
Great video ! Thanks !
Thanks for this very helpful
Thank you!
I wish all tutorials were as solid as this. Unfortunately oil leaking into my plug is the reason mine isn't making a connection.
Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it.
Perfect video
Thumbs up! I loved your video. Well explained with vivid photography. Thanks, I didn't know about the switch. Was the ratchet wrench expensive?
I bought it from Harbor Freight and it wasn't too expensive.
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.
Much appreciated sir !! Thank you for this great video. Diagnosed and fixed my issue. Stay safe !!
Excellent! Thanks for the kind comments. I really appreciate it. I'm glad it helped and that you had success.
nice easy fix
sometimes in such situation is not a broken switch but corrosion on the plug terminals or switch terminals.
Legendary
Thank you sir!
thanks, i'm hoping this is the problem AND i can get to it on a 2005 Rav4.
having this issue in my 98 toyota celica, automatic tran... but cant seem to find where the backu light switch is
Gracias 😁
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.
Good diagnosis. Let us know the final result.
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
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!
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
Where (exactly) can one find Back-Up Light Switch on 1998 Toyota RAV4 manual transmission?
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?
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.
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
Well if y'all ever come to Daytona Beach stop & say hi 😆
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?
Only 12 volts and totally safe.
the back-up light switch is also connected with the automatic transmission ??
There's a different setup for automatic transmissions. You'd have to check your factory service manual for that specific procedure.
Did not went so easy on my 1988 Toyota LN65. When I removed the switch, fluid came off the hole.
Is it a completely different switch on a 2003? I see nothing resembling this switch on mine.
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.
when i put my turn signal , the lights act like if i have turn on on emergency lights on
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.
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?
If your backup lights are on in the neutral position, it does sound like a faulty switch.
@@WorseThanChiggers thanks..
Thanks for posting. Anyone know could it be the same issue if just one reverse light doesn't work?
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.
Thanks so much for the reply :) appreciate it.
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
Interesting. Wonder why they differ. Hope yours doesn't have the rust cancer like mine from all the nasty winter road salt.
worsethanchiggers south texas... it was 70 today (: also urs doesnt have cancer thoes two spots on the tailgate is a common prob
Last time my reverse light on a Toyota Tacoma went house I just kicked the fucking tail light hoping I wouldn’t fuck up the cover and boom I have brake lights and all that good shit
What happens if oil is coming out of it when you crack her open...
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.
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
This switch is only for manual transmissions. I purchased the "Beck Arnley 201-1788 Back Up Lamp Switch", part number 201-1788.