Backup Lights Out

[NC2Stay]

Just noticed today (because somebody else was driving) that both my backup lights are out.

Now, its possible that they are both actually burned out, since the prior owner wasn't too good at keeping that stuff up, but I doubt it.

Tips on debugging the problem - switch, fuse ??

Bob

 

[c4cruiser]

Are the side backup lamps out too? They should be on the same circuit as the ones on either side of the rear license plate. If they are on, check the bulbs. If they are also out, check the fuse. It should be in the panel on the right side of the dash by the door. It will be a 15A (blue) fuse and marked something like "TURN BU"

 

[nyernga]

If neither the rear or side lamps light up, I would suspect the reverse switch. On my 88, it's located on the left hand side of the transmission.


Len

 

[NC2Stay]

...side backup lamps...

I didn't know I had side backup lamps - I thought there were only side running lights. I will have to check.

Thanks, Bob

 

[NC2Stay]

...left hand side of the transmission...

I wonder if maybe we loosened it or pulled it off when putting on the CAGS defeat.

Bob

 

[nyernga]

I didn't know I had side backup lamps - I thought there were only side running lights. I will have to check.

Thanks, Bob

Now stick your hands out, palms down while I get the ruler...

Len

 

[nyernga]

I wonder if maybe we loosened it or pulled it off when putting on the CAGS defeat.

Bob

A very real possibility....Now stick out BOTH hands....

 

[NC2Stay]

Now stick your hands out, palms down while I get the ruler...

Len

No ruler here - I read through the manual in detail (I have the .pdf file and was able to search for keywords) and there is no mention of a side backup lamp. I went out and looked and, sure enough, there IS a clear lens assembly on the rear side that I assume is it! After work I will check it out. Guess I just never noticed it before - I just drive it, man!

Bob

 

[NC2Stay]

I wonder if maybe we loosened it or pulled it off when putting on the CAGS defeat.

Bob

Now, this IS getting interesting. I looked up the fuse description in my manual, and it calls the fuse BACK-UP and it also is the fuse for the CAGS solenoid!!!!

Now, the CAGS defeat "adapter" is only in the signal line that controls the solenoid, not the power for the solenoid itself. BUT the coincidence is interesting. Anybody else have this issue?

BTW, its darned cold here in NC this morning. I registered a low of 28, which is absolutely crazy for the beginning of March. I should be in shorts already. Too cold to work on the vehicle.

Bob

 

[nyernga]

?

BTW, its darned cold here in NC this morning. I registered a low of 28, which is absolutely crazy for the beginning of March. I should be in shorts already. Too cold to work on the vehicle.

Bob

Same here in Atlanta although it's warmed up nicely. Do what I do NC....take the car for a short drive to warm it up...pull in the garage, open the clamsshell and close the garage door. it'll warm up enough to "fiddle" with the vette.


Len

 

[NC2Stay]

Unfortunately, Len, no garage here! Many of the houses here at the beach are built on pilings, with no garage. I can put 4 cars under the house, which is nice, but its not weatherproof. I do have a good cover on the Vette and its protected from rain, etc. but that is all I can do right now.

It was 28 last night - unheard of, this time of year.

Bob

 

[slapshot]

I have the same problem on my 91. When I first bought the car, they didn't work. I reseated both backup bulbs and they were working, but went out a short time later. I also noticed the side back up lights were out, so i knew it was something in common to the entire system. I checked the fuse, but there is other stuff on the same fuse that were working, and the fuse was fine. About the only thing left is that darn switch that I hear is a pain in the butt to replace. I've driven the car 800 miles since Thanksgiving, and will only drive it 2-3k miles all year, so I'm just gonna leave it as is for now.

 

[NC2Stay]

Yeah. Well, hopefully it will be warm enough tomorrow to do a little looking. Luckily, I discussed it with my local mechanic and he says he can fix it (the switch) with no problem. I am actually lucky to have this guy - he really knows his stuff for an out of the way place like this.

Thanks, Bob

 

[NC2Stay]

All four bulbs do not light, and the fuse is OK. So, I guess its time to get her up on the lift.

Bob

 

[74bigblock]

Just put some tape on them.... they will be fine.

 

[Florida Guy]

I clipped an article from Corvette Fever 3 years ago that dealt with changing the C4 trans backup light switch. If you would like a copy send me your email address.

 

[NC2Stay]

thanks - myjunk@ec.rr.com

 

[NC2Stay]

Thanks to Florida Guy for sending me very clear info. Part on order.

Bob

 

[AnytownUSA]

Could I also be put on the distribution of the article? Thanks.

PerformanceCurve@netscape.net

 

[NC2Stay]

Done