Reverse lights don't work but brake lights do. Why?

[xbrotherx]

Like the title says, I have brake and turn signal lights working. But my reverse lights aren't. I replaced the bulbs, I haven't seen any fuses blown in the cab fuse box. Unless the reverse light fuse is in the engine compartment, which in that case I have not idea what fuse in there goes to what.

So given all that where else can I start debugging this issue? Anyone have any ideas why they aren't coming on.

By the way, it's a 96 F250 CCSB 5spd manual PSD if that matters.

[hollister25073]

there should be a sensor on the passenger side of trans with a 2 prong plug check it for power and make sure the truck is in reverse when you check i have tried without it in gear before haha

[xbrotherx]

Originally Posted by hollister25073

there should be a sensor on the passenger side of trans with a 2 prong plug check it for power and make sure the truck is in reverse when you check i have tried without it in gear before haha

Thanks, hollister25073. This question I am about to ask should be bumped to a noob thread so beware. I have seen solutions for various electrical issues on the boards like yours that suggest checking for power. How exactly do I do that. I bought a circuit tester (sharp pointed tool with a cord that terminates to an alligator clip) only because people talked about them. But I'll be darned, I don't how to use it Is that what I use and if so how and if not then what?

[hollister25073]

Originally Posted by xbrotherx

Thanks, hollister25073. This question I am about to ask should be bumped to a noob thread so beware. I have seen solutions for various electrical issues on the boards like yours that suggest checking for power. How exactly do I do that. I bought a circuit tester (sharp pointed tool with a cord that terminates to an alligator clip) only because people talked about them. But I'll be darned, I don't how to use it Is that what I use and if so how and if not then what?

Those sensors rarely go bad just get a light tester put the ground on the the frame and stick the pointed end on the terminals and see if she lights up

The sensor is just a spring that slides over when put in reverse and opens the circuit back to the lights and comes on in my experience the sensor just spins loose in the casting and the spring can't be compressed to open the circuit

[xbrotherx]

Originally Posted by hollister25073

Those sensors rarely go bad just get a light tester put the ground on the the frame and stick the pointed end on the terminals and see if she lights up

The sensor is just a spring that slides over when put in reverse and opens the circuit back to the lights and comes on in my experience the sensor just spins loose in the casting and the spring can't be compressed to open the circuit

Ah, that sounds easy enough. So what 's the situation where I have read (or maybe simply misread) where the alligator clip goes on the battery neutral and then the pointer end touches the pin or connector. For example, trouble shooting the clearance light harness in the passenger side kick panel to determine power getting to it. Getting off topic here .... sorry.

[hollister25073]

Some testers have clips but most have sharp points and any ground will work frame is usually easiest to get too

[7.34ever]

hollista, you're a gentleman and a scholar. nice work helpin a brotha out

[351fifty]

Originally Posted by xbrotherx

Thanks, hollister25073. This question I am about to ask should be bumped to a noob thread so beware. I have seen solutions for various electrical issues on the boards like yours that suggest checking for power. How exactly do I do that. I bought a circuit tester (sharp pointed tool with a cord that terminates to an alligator clip) only because people talked about them. But I'll be darned, I don't how to use it Is that what I use and if so how and if not then what?

The Sharp pointy end, stab the wire with, the alligator clip, just clip it to the frame or body, if it lights up you have power, try poking a wire you know would have power to make sure it works and lights up, then test your wire on the reverse switch

[hollister25073]

Originally Posted by 7.34ever

hollista, you're a gentleman and a scholar. nice work helpin a brotha out

i just hate wiring so anything i can do to help i can haha

[xbrotherx]

This is great information! I hate wiring, too. The wires on this truck are so dirty, I can't even see the color codes to know what wire terminates where. I spend more than half the time cleaning the wires