New and Clueless (no back up lights

[FaeriesFaith]

As the thread title suggests I'm new here and I come looking for answers (that hopefully won't cost me a crap load of cash)

I bought my 2002 sunfire in august 2005 with 116 000 km on it (yeah i know its had the crap driven out of it and i've been had) I've had absolutely no major problems with it so far, I had to replace the horn a few months after purchase only cuz I don't think the one it had worked to begin with.

Now a week before going on my first long road trip with the car its come to my attention that for some reason my back up lights are dead. Its not the fuse, its the first thing I checked. I don't think its because the bulbs are blown, do both blow at the same time? And those little red side running light things on the rear of the car don't work either. But the other lights are in perfect working order.

Help, I don't have enough time to take the car to my local GM dealer, the wait time to get in is to long...(a month)

With 8 days left before my trip I want to make sure my car is in perfect running order before going and its a trip i've been looking forward too.

Thanks ahead of time

[ss#4]

First thing is this a manual? if so it is probably the backup switch that is thread into the transaxle and activates the lights when the shifter is put into reverse when the key is on. Easy to find and easy fix, just need a 22mm wrench or socket depending on the exact location and clearance. my bet is for the socket with a long extension. The switch is cheap $11 and about 5 minutes, which includes pulling into garage and popping hood.

If it is not a manual then start tracing the harness for a broken wire. Also check the connector at the bulbs, the terminals maybe open too far and not making connection.

IF you can't get this fixed before your trip, don't loose any sleep over them they are a convience item not a safety item.

[FaeriesFaith]

Yeah actually it is a manual. So I shouldn't freak out about them? I won't get a ticket?

Thanks for the answer

[WSamCole]

Originally Posted by ss#4

First thing is this a manual? if so it is probably the backup switch that is thread into the transaxle and activates the lights when the shifter is put into reverse when the key is on. Easy to find and easy fix, just need a 22mm wrench or socket depending on the exact location and clearance. my bet is for the socket with a long extension. The switch is cheap $11 and about 5 minutes, which includes pulling into garage and popping hood.

If it is not a manual then start tracing the harness for a broken wire. Also check the connector at the bulbs, the terminals maybe open too far and not making connection.

IF you can't get this fixed before your trip, don't loose any sleep over them they are a convience item not a safety item.

I have the same problem with a 2001, where is the switch located? If I can find it, I begin a trace from there.

WSamCole