FJ62 Reverse Lights do not work, tried almost everything

[Randy88FJ62]

The reverse lights in my 1988 FJ62 have been out for years and yesterday I gave my best trying to fix them to no avail. Here’s what I have done so far:

-Pulled both lenses and applied 12V to connector, bulbs light up.
-Checked my Kaymar Bumper wiring done by me and no splices for the brakes or marker lights touch the stock reverse (Red with Blue) wires. Kaymar blinkers, brake lights, and red markers all work fine.
-Opened rear quarter panels and checked connectors / wiring, no corrosion or open wires.
-Checked 20A Wiper fuse which is good and also runs the wiper motor, washer motor, and other wiper stuff.
-Confirmed Neutral Indicator light comes on when in between 4Hi and 4Lo (which is part of reverse light circuit.)
-My truck will not start in any other position except P and N so I assume my NSS is working properly?

I did not check the reverse lights ground location “c” which is “Located under left front pillar.” Since the stop lights and marker lights work, I assume the grounds are in good condition. That leaves the following to check:
1. “back-up light S/W” which I cannot find.
2. Transfer Neutral Position S/W which is in series with the neutral indicator light and the NSS.
3. How do I confirm my NSS is working and is communicating with the reverse lights?

I have a spare trany and tcase dropped in my garage so I have spare parts to swap in if needed. In the FSM on page AT-6, diagram number AT1271 shows the NSS test and there are two connectors with 3 pins each. This is confusing because the NSS in the wiring schematic only shows two contacts; one going in (which is in parallel with the 12V Wiper fuse and the Back-up light S/W) and one going out to the “Neutral Indicator Light.”

 

[CliffClaven]

You might have already done so, BUT have you tested to see if the wires at the light get power when the truck is in reverse?

My guess is that you have a faulty switch. However I have no idea where that would be located on the FJ62.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I don't have a parking brake so trying that would be comical. I really doubt that is the issue.

 

[CliffClaven]

I don't have a parking brake so trying that would be comical. I really doubt that is the issue.

If you have a spare transmission swap the reverse gear sensor. You mentioned that you're not sure where the sensor would be; if someone else doesn't post a diagram I will look through my factory service manuals tonight and see what I can find for you. Unfortunately I have no experience with the FJ62 and its automatic trans.

As for putting your truck in reverse to test whether you get power, you could have someone hold their foot on the brake pedal. If you have to...jack the car up.

 

[doug720]

On the auto trans, is the reverse switch a pressure or position switch? If position, just turn the key on and put it in reverse, you should have power.


Doug

 

[RockDoc]

Without my FSM in front of me, I would assume the reverse switch in integral with the NSS... Maybe i should run out and grab the FSM. FWIW, I couldn\t locate a separate reverse switch on toyodiy with a couple minutes of looking.

 

[Captain Caveman]

The NSS switch is on the same switch as the reverse sensor. On the passenger side of trans toward the bell housing you will find the switch - it is black, and there are two connectors that attach to it and you probably need to clean both of them. Mine was full of water and placed a large current draw when I selected reverse.

 

[Captain Caveman]

On the auto trans, is the reverse switch a pressure or position switch? If position, just turn the key on and put it in reverse, you should have power.


Doug

It is a position switch. One could leave the key in the run position with the engine OFF and cycle through the gear positions and verify the reverse lights worked.

 

[niceguysanti]

It is a position switch. One could leave the key in the run position with the engine OFF and cycle through the gear positions and verify the reverse lights worked.

this is what I did to solve a similar problem - the reverse lights were going on between R an N on the tranny but would go off when the tranny was firmly in either of those two positions. I couldn't get it to work solidly in R, I ended up switching out the NSS with one I had from a parts donor.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Thanks for the information. I'll check out the NSS Friday. Maybe I'll just clean the switch on the spare trany and swap it in.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Thanks for the information. I'll check out the NSS Friday. Maybe I'll just clean the switch on the spare trany and swap it in.

clean the connectors (both ends) as well!

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I definitely will.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I've had this problem too. My reverse gear sensor is bad, and it's a pretty expensive part for what it is - something like $300 bucks if I remember correctly. I'm thinking about just wiring up some aux. reverse lights to a switch in the cab, and just running a jumper to the stock reverse lights.

It would be a clean, simple, and very functional fix. You would just have to flip a switch when you put the Cruiser in reverse...

 

[gfoz]

Did you check to see if you were getting juice at the connection in the quarter panel?
the lights should come on with the ignition in run position but engine not started. I just tested that on mine.
It is a pretty simple circuit. just the one switch and the connection in the rear quarter panel.. My bet is on a bad connector in the rear panel, they always seem to get wet and dirty. If it is the switch hopefully you can just clean it up.

 

[e00o]

New problem ('89): My reverse lights come on with the brake applied when in gear, but as soon as I let go of the brake and begin to reverse, the lights turn off. Any ideas what this could be?

 

[DOGMARLEY]

I had this issue. Did exactly as captain caveman said. Reverse lights came on between gears and then off when in R. I left the ignition on, engine off, with the car in Reverse...then loosened the Reverse light switch on the trans and slightly adjusted it to make the lights come on. THen I snugged it up and tested. Works perfect every time now.

I did not take the switch off and clean the contacts. Good luck.

 

[e00o]

Thanks for the info, DOGMARLEY. That's where I'll start then...hopefully that will do the trick!

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Adjusting the neutral star switch (NSS) only takes a fee minutes with your fsm. Start there as your spribken points to the shifting points not matching with the switch/contacts.

 

[e00o]

Update: Got my reverse lights working again with just a simple adjustment of the NSS as suggested. Unbolted, readjusted, and re-bolted. That's it. Life can be so simple sometimes. Time for a !

 

[Captain Caveman]

Glad it worked out. I'll collect my beer when we meet on the trail someday!