How Long Does a Backup Light Switch Last?

Your vehicle’s backup lights serve a couple of very important purposes. They not only let other drivers (and pedestrians as well) know that you are backing up your car, they also give you a certain degree of visibility if you are backing up when it is dark. Your backup lights are activated by means of a backup light switch. When you shift into reverse, the switch tells your backup lights to come on. When you shift out of reverse, the switch tells your backup lights that they are no longer needed.

Because your backup light switch is located under the hood (usually on the transmission), it is not all that vulnerable, and not usually subject to failure. You also don’t use your backup lights all the time, so the switch doesn’t take the wear and tear of some other electrical components. Of course, all electrical components can fail, but the backup light switch can usually be relied on to last a very long time – possibly even the life of your vehicle. When problems occur with backup lights, it is more likely to be a wiring issue, or simply a blown bulb that is easily replaced.

Signs that your backup light switch may need to be replaced include:

  • Reverse lights working only sometimes
  • Reverse lights not working at all
  • Reverse lights constantly on

Legally, you are required to have working backup lights. Simply stated, this is a safety issue, so if your backup lights are not working, consult a professional mechanic, and if necessary, have the backup light switch replaced.


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Jamahl

21 years of experience
830 reviews
Jamahl
21 years of experience
Porsche 911 H6-3.4L - Backup Light Switch - Oviedo, Florida
Great communicator. Very clean and neat work. Will use him for my other vehicles.
Nissan Maxima - Battery - Winter Garden, Florida
Very helpful and professional. Explained everything to me as he was doing it.

Sidney

15 years of experience
121 reviews
Sidney
15 years of experience
Chevrolet Aveo L4-1.6L - Backup Light Switch - Denver, Colorado
Great experience! Friendly and quick work. I would definitely recommend his service.

Duane

26 years of experience
589 reviews
Duane
26 years of experience
Scion tC L4-2.4L - Backup Light Switch - Chula Vista, California
Duane was very professional, punctual, knowledgable, and courteous.

Philip

15 years of experience
17 reviews
Philip
15 years of experience
Honda Accord V6-3.0L - Backup Light Switch - San Antonio, Texas
Phenomenal job! Would definitely recommend to anyone!

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