Rear Reverse Lights stopped working

I have a '95 Jeep Cherokee Sport and my reverse lights suddenly stopped working. Checked all bulbs and relays and seem ok. Local auto shop said it could be caused by a wiring harness that sits above left side of tranny. This wiring harness attaches the relay in the engine bay to a reverse light sensor on the left side of the tranny.

Anyone else have this problem or can confirm it the auto shop's advice is accurate? How can I test to see if it is this wire? Wiring harness alone was $250 at local Jeep dealership with a no return policy. Hate to spend if I don't have to.

Is your XJ an auto or a manual tranny. If its an auto, your reverse lights work through your neutral saftey switch located on the side of your transmission were your shift cable attaches, if a manual, its a switch screwed into your tany case. To test the manual tranny, simply unplug the switch and jumper the connection, lights should come on, if so, bad switch. However, if its an auto, then you should refer to your haynes manual for the wire colors and the circiut and test each section.

I had same problem on my '93 xj - check out this link
It is most def the neutral ssafety switch!

http://jeepin.com/features/nss/

I followed the steps laid out and my reverse lights have worked ever since. Hope you didnt already buy that NSS from the dealer!

your backup lites are powered off of fuse 11 (10 amp) in the power distribution center.

At the switch, your looking for a dark bluewire with a white tracer. should be power to this wire any time the key is in run or start positions.

If power is there, try ferncreekjeep's link. don't loose the small parts. :grinno:

if the fuse is good and there is no power at the switch, you'll have to trace the wire back through the harnes. Check for freyed harness areas and loose connectors.

JD