93 Camry brake light problem

[artbuc]

Have an elderly friend who was just told his 94 Camry LE, 4 door sedan will not pass PA inspection because his back-up lights do not work.

I haven't seen the car yet but would greatly appreciate any ideas about how to troubleshoot this situation. I assume the most likely cause is the switch. Can anyone tell me how to get to this switch?

[RIP]

Download the factory maintenance manual from the "Factory Service Manuals" thread at the top of the forum. It should tell you everything you need to know.

[artbuc]

Thanks. I have a very slow dial-up connection so I'll have to get the manual another way.

I just got off the phone with Toyota parts. They said the 6 cyl automatic does not have a separate back-up light switch. They are assuming the park/neutral switch is also controlling the power to the back-up lights. A new P/N switch is $231. Hopefully I will find a loose connection because my elderly friend doesn't have two dimes to rub together.

Can anyone confirm that the back-up light switch is an integral part of the park/neutral switch?

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by RIP

Download the factory maintenance manual from the "Factory Service Manuals" thread at the top of the forum. It should tell you everything you need to know.

OK, took a few hours but I did the downloads. Have confirmed that the Park/Neutral switch does indeed tell the ECU when the trans is in Reverse. I'm not real good at reading electrical diagrams but it looks like the back-up lights and the Dashboard Reverse shift indicator light are working off the same signal. Since the Reverse indicator light on the dash comes on, I assume the Park/Neutral switch is ok. Also, another section of the manual says if Park/Neutral switch is bad, back-up lights will always be on. I will do the continuity checks to confirm Park/Neutral switch is ok. Looks like there is most likely a short in the wiring somewhere.

I hope someone will tell me if I am on the right track. Thanks.

[Mike Gerber]

There is a common electrical weak point in the rear of all generation Camrys. It's inside trunk where the loom of wires to most of the rear lights runs along the driver's side trunk hinge. Those wires have a tendancy to frey and break due to all the flexing that loom is subjected to, as the trunk lid is constantly opened and closed. This can effect any of the electrical wires leading to the rear of the car. Since this car is now 13 years old, I would check that area before anything else. Open up that loom of wires and look for freyed or broken wires inside there. Look for the color of wire leading to the backup lights, either by visually inspecting the rear of the sockets themselves, or by reading the electrical diagram of the manual you downloaded. Pay particular attention to that color of wire. If you can't visually see or feel a break in that wire, use a simple 12 volt test light or a DVM with the ignition on and the car in reverse (obviously not running) to probe for a break. You may get lucky and all you will need to fix the problem is some electrical tape.

Good luck.

Mike

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

There is a common electrical weak point in the rear of all generation Camrys. It's inside trunk where the loom of wires to most of the rear lights runs along the driver's side trunk hinge. Those wires have a tendancy to frey and break due to all the flexing that loom is subjected to, as the trunk lid is constantly opened and closed. This can effect any of the electrical wires leading to the rear of the car. Since this car is now 13 years old, I would check that area before anything else. Open up that loom of wires and look for freyed or broken wires inside there. Look for the color of wire leading to the backup lights, either by visually inspecting the rear of the sockets themselves, or by reading the electrical diagram of the manual you downloaded. Pay particular attention to that color of wire. If you can't visually see or feel a break in that wire, use a simple 12 volt test light or a DVM with the ignition on and the car in reverse (obviously not running) to probe for a break. You may get lucky and all you will need to fix the problem is some electrical tape.

Good luck.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I believe you are right. I have a 99 Avalon with same 3.0V6 engine and what appears to be virtually identical electrical set-up as it relates to NSW. I disconnected the NSW connector and, of course, no back-up lights in reverse. However, also no dashboard gear shift position indicator lights. So, because my friend's dash lights work, I am quite sure his NSW is functioning ok.

I will work on his car this w/e and will let you know what I found.

[DFBonnett]

Also consider the possibility that both BU light bulbs are burned out.

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by artbuc

Thanks Mike. I believe you are right. I have a 99 Avalon with same 3.0V6 engine and what appears to be virtually identical electrical set-up as it relates to NSW. I disconnected the NSW connector and, of course, no back-up lights in reverse. However, also no dashboard gear shift position indicator lights. So, because my friend's dash lights work, I am quite sure his NSW is functioning ok.

I will work on his car this w/e and will let you know what I found.

Yep, just what you said. Opened trunk and immediately saw back-up light power supply (red w/black stripe) wire broken completely in two. Repaired and all is well.

Amazing what a common problem this is. Did a Google search on "Camry back-up lights" and found many, many people who have had same problem.

[Mike Gerber]

Glad I could help.

Mike