No reverse lights

Tiny
TREYB121999
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN XTERRA
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 243,000 MILES
I’ve checked the fuse, replaced the bulbs, but still have no reverse lights on either side.
Monday, March 2nd, 2020 AT 12:37 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,876 POSTS
Hi,

First, does the gear indicator show R when you place it in reverse? Next, there are two fuses I need you to check. In addition to checking the fuse, make sure power goes in and out. See Pic 1

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

___________________________

If the fuses are good and the indicator shows R, the next thing to check is the back up light relay. See Pic 2 Here is a link that shows how to check one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

___________________________

If the relay is good and gets power, then confirm ground to both rear lights. Each side has its own ground, so it would be odd for both to fail at the same time. (See pic 3) It could even be related to the transmission control module, but that too is unlikely.

Here are a few additional links you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

_________________________

If you haven't already, check to see if there is power to the light sockets. It could be something as simple as the wrong bulbs or faulty sockets.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Monday, March 2nd, 2020 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
TREYB121999
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So I checked the fuses, both good, felt the relay click once the engine was on, tested the sockets for current, and there was none. So i’m going to take a guess that the contacts on the relay have gone bad. Going to buy a new one and let you know if that solves it!
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,876 POSTS
It could be that or a problem with the switch. Let me know what you find. If that doesn't help, we will have to work backwards from the lights to find where the power is lost.

Take care and good luck.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
TREYB121999
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Replaced the relay and that fixed it! Thanks for the help!
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 AT 6:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,876 POSTS
You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear you got it fixed. Please feel free to come back in the future if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 AT 5:20 PM

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