A: The backup light or lamp switch is typically mounted at the spot where the shifter connects to the shift rail that operates the PRNDL valve in the transmission or transaxle.
On linear (rear-wheel-drive) transmissions, it’s usually mounted on the driver side of the transmission, but some Jeeps have it on the opposite side of the transmission housing. On manual trans-equipped vehicles, the backup lamp is usually the only switch on the transmission.
The switch’s exact location depends on the engine’s position. A transverse (sideways-mounted) engine usually puts the switch on top of the transmission. In other engines, the switch might be found attached to the transmission’s bottom.
In the manual version of the 2006 Dodge Dakota, the backup drive switch can be found on the transmission case’s left side. The 2007-2013 Toyota Corolla places its switch on top of the transmission. For the manual 2010 Toyota Tacoma, the switch is on the bottom.
The backup light switch is an electronic device that controls the backup lights. Also called the reverse light switch, it makes the reverse lights illuminate when the vehicle backs up, warning other drivers and lighting up the space behind your vehicle. In some models, the backup light switch also activates the backup alarm, adding an audible warning to the visual cue.
The backup lamp switch is part of the neutral safety switch or what is now called the “transmission range” sensor, which also sends information to the PCM or TCM about the selected gear.
Need to access the backup light switch? Many models require the removal of the car battery, battery tray, and air filter box. If your vehicle has a transverse engine, the switch should appear after removing the air filter box.
A bottom-mounted backup light switch requires you to jack up your vehicle’s front and use jack stands to keep it raised. Go underneath your vehicle and remove the engine splash shield to expose the bottom of the transmission. You’ll find the sensor there.
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