reverse lights on with headlights, but not in reverse?

2005 DODGE MAGNUM
261,880 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GARETH OWINGS
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Earlier last year I replaced the stock headlight and taillight assemblies with after market equipment as well as installing a backup camera and a new stereo head. I did the work myself and had no issues. That is until the magnum had been left outside a week with heavy rain fall. I found out the hard way my taillights were out. The fuse kept popping. I couldn't locate the short, so I took it to a mechanic that claimed to do electricals.

It came back in worse shape than I sent it. The fuse issue was over. They said they couldn't find the short. At a guess, with the heavy rains that week- moisture got into the mechanical splices that were provided with the parking lights (parking and taillights are on the same fuse. I have gone in and replaced all of those splices with solder joints covered in shrink tubing). The shop said they couldn't find the short, but my reverse lights came on anytime I turned the parking lights or the head lights on. If the lights are not on and I put it into reverse, the reverse lights do not come on.
May 13, 2023 at 7:53 AM
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STEVE W.
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What are the aftermarket lights? If they are LED, try unplugging them as the way the reverse lights are wired in, they ground through the other lamps. If unplugging the lights makes the reverse lights work, then check the front wiring to see if one of the lights has a bad ground. I have seen them fail after a short time and cause problems. If unplugging the lights doesn't make a change then go to the rear lights and check the grounds at the rear.
May 14, 2023 at 6:38 PM
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GARETH OWINGS
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Aside from the head lights and high beams, all the lights are now LED.
May 15, 2023 at 4:29 PM
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STEVE W.
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Sounds like something got water in it and shorted. Not uncommon with aftermarket items. I would start at the connections and work from there.
May 15, 2023 at 4:53 PM