1998 Plymouth Breeze Back up lights dont work

CHUCKSTER89

MEMBER
1998 PLYMOUTH BREEZE
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
159,000 MILES

I replaced the bulbs and checked the fuses. All the inside fuses are there but under the hood fuses( power distribution center) there is the backup lamp relay is missing. Could this be whats not making them light up? If so where would I be able to buy the fuse or box thing to go in that slot?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

There's no reference to a backup light relay in the service manual, but they do show three relays that are not used. They are the first one in the corner of the PDC, the sixth one in line, and the eighth one at the end of the row.

First, check fuse #4, a 15 amp in the junction block inside the car. If it is good, use a test light or voltmeter to check at the tail lamp housing. The backup lamp circuit is the violet wire with a black stripe. It should have 12 volts with the ignition switch in the "run" position and the transmission in "reverse".

If the 12 volts is missing, check for 12 volts at fuse #4. If you have voltage there, suspect a defective transmission range sensor.

If you do have 12 volts at the tail lamp housing, inspect the plastic ribbon cable for burned spots, particularly where the copper circuits go around a sharp corner or become very skinny. If there is a burned spot, replace the circuit or housing.

Caradiodoc