What is the reason for the reverse light not turning on when shifting to reverse gear?
3 Answers
The gear position and reverse light are connected by sensors and several wiring harnesses. When the transmission is shifted into reverse gear, the sensor will transmit the command to the reverse light in the tail light according to the instruction (whether it is LED or ordinary, there will be contact). At this time, the reverse light will turn on. Here is some extended information: Car light sensor: In general automatic transmission vehicles, the D gear is connected to the sensor for locking the car. As long as the vehicle is shifted to D gear, the vehicle will automatically lock (of course, the premise is that the ignition is on, because without ignition, it is impossible to shift to D gear). In contrast, Volkswagen vehicles usually automatically lock when the speed exceeds 20 km/h. The P gear is connected to the vehicle's unlocking sensor. As long as the vehicle is shifted to P gear, it will automatically unlock.
The reverse light doesn't come on when shifting into reverse gear. As a driver with over twenty years of experience, I've encountered this issue several times. Simply put, it's most likely a burnt-out bulb since the reverse light's frequent on/off cycling easily ages the filament. Alternatively, it could be a blown fuse, especially the corresponding one in the trunk or engine compartment—once it blows, the light goes out. Another common culprit is a faulty reverse light switch located near the transmission; if it fails to sense the gear shift, the light won't illuminate. Sometimes, it's due to poor wiring connections, like loose plugs or water-induced short circuits during rainy weather. On a deeper level, it might be a relay failure affecting the control circuit. In any case, a non-functional reverse light is hazardous, particularly at night or in parking lots, where unseen vehicles or pedestrians behind you pose risks. It's advisable to first check the bulb and fuse yourself. If unresolved, seek professional help at a repair shop promptly—don't compromise safety. Regular maintenance, including bulb replacements, can prevent major issues.
I noticed the reverse lights weren't working, and as an enthusiastic car enthusiast who loves tinkering, I've tried fixing it myself a few times. Possible causes include: first, the bulb might be burnt out, having reached the end of its lifespan naturally. Second, the fuse could be blown, especially in the fuse box where you should check the corresponding position. Third, the reverse light switch might be faulty, either stuck or worn out near the transmission. Wiring issues are also common, such as oxidized connectors causing poor contact, or short circuits and broken wires disrupting the current. Sometimes, a faulty relay can also cause the lights to stop working. Additionally, modifying the wiring or prolonged idling can accelerate these problems. If you encounter this issue, don't panic. First, try replacing the bulb, then use a multimeter to check the circuit's continuity. Once fixed, reversing becomes safer, reducing the risk of scratches. If you lack experience, it's best to visit a repair shop—spending a little money for peace of mind.
