1996 Cherokee--Reverse lights work when they want to..

[mimi522]

I have a 1996 Cherokee Sport, 6 cyl., 4.0 liter, automatic. Right now I have 70,000 miles on it. A few months back I noticed the reverse lights don't come on every time I shift into reverse. I back down a very dark driveway, and at first I could get them to come on by pumping the brakes a few times---it almost seemed like something was loose and would connect when I rocked the vehicle. Lately it seems like the problem is getting worse, I barely ever have the lights.

A friend owns a 1989 Cherokee and had to pay hundreds of dollars at the shop for the same problem--they were told it's a switch at the gearshift. Eeek!! Anyone know of this problem? Thanks!

[capt. apathy]

I'd test the switch first. if it checks out ok look for bad ground. hope it's the switch, that should be a fairly easy fix. hunting for a bad ground could drive a guy crazy.

btw- next time when they are out check to make sure you have brake and tail lights, they could be going out too, and if thats the case it's mor likely a bad ground. iof it's just the rev-lights then it's probably the switch.