'88 Civic both reverse lights out

[annointed]

My '88 Civic hatchback (1.5L, 4 speed manual) needs to go through inspection, and I just discovered that neither back-up light illuminates. I tried replacing the bulbs, but this did not fix the problem. The wiring diagram shows a backup light switch, so I ordered one from my local dealer for $25. Where the heck is this switch, and am I correct in assuming that this probably the problem?

Thanks.

Mark

[KoRnSaQ]

Ya, the switch is prolly the problem. I think it is located somewhere on the top of the tranny.

[90civicracer]

Yah same problem here...its on the tranny, not exactly sure where though. I haven't bothered fixing it though.

[marked001]

..I"m guessing its not something as simple as a fuse?

[annointed]

Originally Posted by marked001

..I"m guessing its not something as simple as a fuse?

Well, I didn't actually pull the fuse, since the same fuse controls the blinkers, and they work fine, so I ruled out a bad fuse.

But you're right, its funny how often you'll go through hours of electrical troubleshooting and frustration, only to find out a fuse was bad I know I've been there before.

[hitr99]

theres two wires that come off of the tranny and plug into the harness. check those wires out. samething happened to me and i just wiggled them aroung or unplug them and plug them back in.

[lilol89crx]

yeah double check the reverse switch. the wires on the switch are just soldered on. they could have broken off. the switch is located on top of the tranny right next to the transmission breather hose. it has a black rubber boot over it.

[annointed]

Originally Posted by lilol89crx

yeah double check the reverse switch. the wires on the switch are just soldered on. they could have broken off. the switch is located on top of the tranny right next to the transmission breather hose. it has a black rubber boot over it.

OK, dumb question here, but is the backup light switch easier to access from under the car (I'm assuming) or is it easier from inside the car, from the base of the gear shifter?

[Killa_CRX]

Originally Posted by annointed

OK, dumb question here, but is the backup light switch easier to access from under the car (I'm assuming) or is it easier from inside the car, from the base of the gear shifter?

No... it's in the engine compartment... looking from above the engine, it would be directly below the distributor... about 3 inches behind where the clutch cable connects to the transmission... about 2 inches in front of the starter motor... two wires that don't look very special, and are connected individually... but both go right into the reverse light switch that goes into the 'top' of the transmission housing.

Or would you prefer a picture?

[lilol89crx]

id offer a pic if i had time today to take one.....

[Magik Si]

Originally Posted by Killa_CRX

No... it's in the engine compartment... looking from above the engine, it would be directly below the distributor... about 3 inches behind where the clutch cable connects to the transmission... about 2 inches in front of the starter motor... two wires that don't look very special, and are connected individually... but both go right into the reverse light switch that goes into the 'top' of the transmission housing.

Or would you prefer a picture?

A picture would be awesome...because I have the same problem with the girlfriends 90 DX 4Dr assuming it would be in the same place on an ATranny?

Jason

[annointed]

Originally Posted by Killa_CRX

No... it's in the engine compartment... looking from above the engine, it would be directly below the distributor... about 3 inches behind where the clutch cable connects to the transmission... about 2 inches in front of the starter motor... two wires that don't look very special, and are connected individually... but both go right into the reverse light switch that goes into the 'top' of the transmission housing.

Or would you prefer a picture?

Doh! Of course, this is a FWD car (my first one I've ever owned). I am so accustomed to longitudinal transmissions, that I completely forgot that this is a FWD transaxle, and is therefore in the engine bay.

Oh well, it was after 1 AM, and I was buzzed on Absolut when I posted, so at least I have an excuse I'm going to run outside and check the switch now...