96 DODGE CARVAN/backup lights don't work

[rdvarona]

I have replaced the nuetral switch located on the bottom/front of the transmission & I have also checked the back up light bulbs and they are OK. Could it be a fuse or relay?. Please advise. going crazy here trying to figure this out.
Thanks
Richard

[RexNfx400]

There is a no relay for the 3 speed model. If this was a 4 speed model then nuetral switch is internal of transmission. Fuse or wire/ground problem.

Good luck

[pamlightft]

Just started having the same problem with my backup lights. The brake lights work fine. Husband checked and fuse etc fine. No juice coming out of either socket. The brake lights work fine.

What's the easiest/best way to determining the wire path for the reverse lights without ripping the van apart? Do all of the wires coming down one side of the van (e.g., the left side) and splits inside the hatch door????

THANKS!

Pam

[slantsixness]

Linkage adjustment.

Try slowly moving the selector around the "R", while pulling the shift handle back, and see if they come on.
If they do, the switch or linkage is loose or bad. Since you replaced the switch, did you connect it up upside down? and/or.. is it all the way in tight? Check the connection for broken pins.

Another odd thing on caravans is a damaged wiring harness (the one in front, just behind the radiator) It gets scraped or hit with road debris and can develop bad broken or damaged connections. There's a technical bulletin out on this.. I don't remember the number, sorry.

Another helpful hint:
the reverse light bulbs are 2056's not 2057's. if you get the 2057's mistakenly, they wont come on.

Pam,
There is a connector under the dash (left cowl panel) that has the reverse light wiring to the rear on it. You can test there for continuity to the rear sockets. but check the above stuff first.

hope this helps you,
Slantsixness

[mishalah]

From this old post:

Originally Posted by slantsixness

Linkage adjustment.

Another helpful hint:
the reverse light bulbs are 2056's not 2057's. if you get the 2057's mistakenly, they wont come on.

Pam,
There is a connector under the dash (left cowl panel) that has the reverse light wiring to the rear on it. You can test there for continuity to the rear sockets. but check the above stuff first.

hope this helps you,
Slantsixness

My research says there is no such thing as a 2056 bulb.....not sure that he didn't mean 3056, but that doesn't show up for this van either. While it makes sense that a dual filament bulb isn't right for a backup light, the manuals call for the 2x filament 3057.

So...what is the correct bulb for '96 backup lights????????????????