My annual safety inspection is due this month, and my backup lights don't work 95% of the time. I understand that the problem is the PNP switch, and have tried the technique of ratcheting the shift selector between P and L many times quickly. This will often get the lights working for the moment, but it's not reliable.

Is there any solution other than a full replacement of the PNP? Any option to clean the switch contacts? I also understand the PNP job is fairly involved. I really just want the backup lights to work for the inspection. (Not sure I'll have the car next year!).

BTW, I don't have any flashin arrows. And I haven't read any codes.

Gerald C

My backup light fail to lite up first thing in the morning most of the time. It works almost all the time when the car warmed up. I've been telling myself for 3 years now that I'll need to replace it soon. Knock on wood.

Do you know for sure your back up light does not work 95% of the time? Perhaps all you need to do is warm the car up real good.

You could be right about the hot/cold influence. Even so, a lot of the time you use the backup lights, you are in a cold engine condition! And my annual state inspection is due in March!

I was somehow able to pass my state inspection yesterday, however. I don't know if the lights worked, or if the inspector even noticed, but it doesn't matter for another year!! (As long as the PNP doesn't cause more tranny problems.)

Gerald C

I took a PNP switch apart and cleand it out but did not installed it since the mechanic put a new one in.

Sorry, I can't tell you how relaible was my cleaning job.

Also, inside the PNP casing, you will nead heavy weight grease to reduce wear and tear of the contacts.

Ronjon
93' 850

Same issue with my 850 a few months ago. Mine failed inspection and I was in the same boat as you. I thought I had it fixed my jiggling the selector switch so I went back to the inspection station..long story short it failed again.

If it was a 240......... it's a non issue it can easily be replaced, however the 850 PNP is buried down deep on the right side of the engine.

Final damage was $360 parts and labor, sorry to say but it did pass inspection.

- Dave

I dont think backup lights are part of the inspection. Maybe in your state it is.

That was a good thought. I looked up the Virginia code, and found:

"Backup lamps are not required. However, if installed they must operate and be inspected."

Darn.

Gerald C