Hey all, I just replaced my back up (reverse) light bulbs. I noticed that they weren't working. New bulbs now, and they still do not illuminate. Could anyone point me in the right direction toward troubleshooting this? I was thinking something with the switch or relay coming from my reverse shift position? I'm running a manual transmission here. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. The fuse is okay.

 

Need the year of the Ranger

And manual or automatic?

 

2001 XLT regular cab. Manual transmission.

 

Fuse #2(10amp) in cab fuse box powers reverse light switch on upper drivers side of transmission
Its a Key on circuit

Should be a purple/orange stripe wire from fuse to switch on transmission
Its a 2 wire switch
Then black/pink stripe wire from switch to tail lights

Check fuse first, of course

You can pull off the connector on the transmission switch and put a jumper wire in the connector, then turn on the key, backup lights should come on......

If they do then replace switch, there is a "Reverse pin" inside trans that closes this switch, rare for it to fail

If they don't then there is a wiring issue, which will take longer to diagnose

 

You're the man, RonD! Your tip was spot on. I easily narrowed the problem down to the switch, replaced it, and now my reverse lights work. THANKS!

 

Good work

Thank for the update and the FIX that worked