No back up lights on a 97 legacy, possible causes? Doesnt seem to be power at the sockets, the running lights n the hatch are working, all the other lights are working, is there a switch or sensor? Thanks.

Manual Trans has a Switch on the upper drivers side of the trans. 

 

I believe the Auto comes from the selector on the passenger side of the trans.

Okay I've seen that there are two sensors or something on the drivers side, I guess they just screw in? I wonder what the actual name of it is, havent been able to find the part yet.

Check the wiring & harness connectors before you try to pull the switch--could be something simple.

One is the neutral Sw the other the Rev Sw.  They do go up to the top of the trans, so yes you can check them Open = OL, Closed 0.0 Ohms easy.

I tried to jump the switch with a wire, no luck. I'll ohm it. Thanks.

Ok this thing is driving me nuts, switch works, checked the sockets, fine, trying to trace the wires back, my haynes manual shows everything except the backup switch, unless I'm missing something . Theres no power at the plugs where the sockets plug in so I'm figuring there has to be a break where it comes thru the hatch door. Any other thoughts. Maybe I should just pull the motor and put it in the '95 this thing has been more hassle than what its worth.
 

Edited December 1, 201411 yr by rusty97

Not trying to be rude, but you are testing this with the key on, correct?  The back-up lamps will only receive power with the ignition on.  I ask because I've spent an hour plus trying to diagnose a rear defogger, before I realized there way a switch that shut it off when the hatch was open.

 

If that's good, and you don't have power at the switch, then start going backwards.  If the fuse okay?  Can you trace the wires at all?  If you find that it is an open between the fuse and the connector, it may be easiest to find a place to splice into the wire, and run a new one.

Verify fuse isn't blown first.

 

Its common for the wires to break right near where they go into the hatch. Pull the rubber dust boot back and check in there.

When you jumped the Switch you were on the body side wiring correct?

Did you try both Switches, the Neutral and Reverse to make sure you had the correct one?