How To Fix A Reverse Light At Home?
Although fixing a reversing light that is faulty may not be one of the most pressing road safety concerns, a good driver is always vigilant about fixing a reversing light that has stopped working. In this article, you will learn how to repair faulty reversing lights by yourself with a few handy tools.
The purpose behind fixing a reversing light
· To alert other drivers when you are reversing and prevent collision
· Provide light when you are reversing your car in the dark to avoid accidents
Common problems that require fixing a reversing light
· The reversing lights do not light up at all or light intermittently
· The reversing lights consistently stay lit
Tools needed
· Screwdriver
· Manual
· Circuit tester (with its power cable)
· Test lamp
Fixing a reversing light that doesn’t light up
1. Turn on your reversing lights
2. Test the bulbs
If only one of the bulbs is not lighting up, the bulb has blown or burnt out and must be replaced. Choose from a range of the best light bulbs available in the market.
However, if both the bulbs don’t illuminate, the reversing light circuit might have blown a fuse.
3. Check the fuse
If the fuse blows as soon as you select reverse gear, there is a short circuit between the switch and reversing lights. First, check your driver’s manual to see if the fuse connects to other accessories. If none of the other accessories are working either, the presence of a blown fuse is confirmed. For a blown fuse, referring to an experienced auto mechanic is recommended.
If other accessories are functioning as normal, then the fuse is working.
4. Check for corrosion
Check for any signs of corrosion on the bulb holder and wiring terminals; wipe and clean with a wet paper towel accordingly. Now refit the bulbs and test if they light up.
5. Check the earth lead
If the bulb you are using includes an earth lead, the problem must lie in that.
To test the earth lead, connect a short wire from the earth lead of the bulb holder to the ground. Next, fit the bulb again and check. If the bulb illuminates, you will have to replace your earth lead. If the bulb is not working, the current is not reaching the bulb holder.
6. Check the wiring
If the bulb holder is not receiving current, you need to examine the circuit. To ensure no false contact on the connector, tighten the connector terminal and check again. If the bulb still doesn’t illuminate, check the manual. Locate the wires that comprise the reversing circuit. Then follow along and repair any that present breakage. If the breakage seems to be in the main wire assembly, you can interweave a new wire into it.
If the bulb still doesn’t light up, you will have to examine the reversing light switch.
7. Test the circuit
Examine the circuit to check if the current is reaching the bulb holder. You need a test lamp that will serve as the ‘control.’ Switch on the ignition and put the car into reverse gear. Now connect the test lamp to the positive terminal of the bulb holder. If it lights up, the bulb holder is working, and the current passage is intact.
8. Examine the switch
If current is absent from the wiring, examine the gearbox switch. It is usually mounted on the left side of the gearbox. A manual car will have two switch terminals, whereas an automatic has four – two of these pertain to the “inhibitor circuit” and therefore must not be interfered with.
Check your manual to make sure you are working with the correct terminals.
Connect one end of your test lamp to the ground and the other to the positive and negative terminals. The reversing light switch is fully functional if the test lamp illuminates. on both terminals. This means the fault lies between the switch and the bulbs of the reversing light.
However, if either terminal fails to light the test lamp, the current break arises from a fault between the switch and the fuse. This leads to a loss of power in the switch. Therefore, if the lamp fails to illuminate on only one terminal, the issue is within the switch, and it must be replaced or corrected.
i. Replacing a reversing light switch
To replace the switch, disconnect it from the main terminals and then unscrew it or release the locknut. Replace with a similar switch and adjust it.
ii. Adjusting a reversing light switch
Refer to your manual to ensure that you proceed in the correct order.
For an automatic gearbox switch, disconnect the switch wires and terminals to drain current. Next, put the car into driving gear. Now, gradually begin unscrewing the switch. Connect a circuit tester to the positive and negative terminals of the reversing light. Next, screw the switch in slowly until the tester circuit light turns off. Mark the position of the switch on the gearbox.
Then, connect the switch between the remaining inhibitor terminals. Gradually screw in the switch until the circuit tester illuminates. Mark this position, too, calibrating it with the former mark. Now gradually unscrew the switch until it is halfway between the original two marks on the gearbox. Lastly, tighten the locknut to secure it in place.
9. Test the reversing lights
Now turn on the reversing lights again to ensure correct operation.
Fixing a reversing light that consistently stays lit
A short circuit generally causes this within the switch. It confuses other drivers into thinking you are always reversing and significantly reduces the light life of your reversing bulbs.
1. Turn on the ignition
2. Put the car in neutral gear, so the reversing light switch is turned on
3. Test the switch with a test lamp. If the lamp lights up on both terminals, the switch is stuck in a position such that the circuit is closed, causing the reversing lights to stay on.
4. Turn off the ignition to drain current from the reversing light circuit.
5. Replace the reversing light switch.
6. Test the reversing lights for smooth operation.
Takeaway
Fixing a reversing light is an easy task that requires a couple of hours and a few handy tools. Performing this vigilantly signifies a responsible driver. Whilst you are already working on fixing your reversing lights, it might be a good idea to check up on your front lights as well. Fixing a faulty light cluster is an equally simple task.
Sources
source https://torquetrigger.com/how-to-fix-a-reverse-light/
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