Reverse Light Failure? Here's How to Diagnose, Fix & Upgrade Your System

Introduction

In a car, there are numerous lighting components, but some of them are frequently overlooked and even confused with brake lights. So today this article will tell you the difference between reverse lights and brake lights, and you will have a comprehensive understanding of reverse lights with us. The reasons why it is not working will also be shown, as well as some tips for maintaining the reverse lights. By reading this article, you will gain a better understanding of how to use reverse lights to enhance your safety while reversing, especially in commercial vehicles like trucks and trailers that often need to reverse in the dark for tasks such as unloading or construction.

What are reverse lights?

Reverse lights, also known as backup lights. They are located at the rear of the vehicle and are automatically activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear. They serve two main purposes:

• Illumination: This is especially important in dark or low-visibility conditions, as darkness, fog, and other low-visibility weather conditions such as snow can obscure what is happening behind the reversing vehicle, which can potentially lead to an accident. The reversing light enhances the driver's rear vision when reversing by illuminating the area behind the vehicle and at the same time gives the driver sufficient reaction time, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of accidents and ensure the safety of reversing.

• Signal: When activated, the backup lights will improve the visibility of the reversing vehicle by emitting a bright white light to indicate to surrounding vehicles and pedestrians that the vehicle is about to move backward. They effectively sense that your vehicle is about to reverse and prepare themselves to prevent a collision. This is especially effective in crowded areas such as parking lots.

As for the color of reverse lights, it depends on the regulations of different countries and regions. By U.S. and international United Nations regulations, backup lights must emit a white light. But Washington state in the United States currently allows backup lights to emit white or amber light. Most reverse lights require white light because white can be easily distinguished from other taillights. The bright white backup light gives a sense of urgency and caution, which can prompt other road users to pay closer attention to the vehicle's movements and take appropriate actions to improve road safety. Anyway, specific colors should be determined by the regulations of your state of residence.

(BTW, if you are interested in the color choice of other parts of the lights, you can read this article - CAR LIGHT BULB COLOR TEMPERATURE - COMFORT AND SAFETY)

In short, imagine that you are in a dark room without lights and you use a flashlight to illuminate the exit. The car reverse light plays this important role in your vehicle. Therefore reverse lights are a must for us.   

Now let’s discuss the difference between reversing lights and brake lights.

Reverse lights VS. Brake lights

These two lighting components, both located at the rear of the car within the taillight assembly, are often confused due to their proximity. However, they serve distinct purposes with different colors. Brake lights are red and activate when a driver applies the brakes, signaling to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. On the other hand, reverse lights are white and illuminate when the driver engages the reverse gear, indicating that the vehicle is about to move backward. These lights are specifically designed to light up the area behind the vehicle, assisting the driver in seeing and avoiding obstacles during the reversing process.

(If you want to know more about brake lights to distinguish them, please read this blog-WHY IS MY BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING?)

Now that we've clarified the differences between reverse lights and brake lights, we also know the importance of reverse lights. If your reverse lights fail to turn on while backing up, it is an issue that cannot be ignored. Let's briefly explore a few possible reasons for malfunctioning reverse lights.

What are the causes of reverse lights not working?

To give you a better understanding of why the reverse (backup) lights don't work, let's first briefly explain how they work. When the driver puts the vehicle's transmission into reverse, a activated switch sends a signal to the vehicle's electrical system to turn on the reverse lights. Once the vehicle's transmission shifts out of reverse, the reverse lights will automatically turn off. And there are many reasons why the reverse lights do not work, a few common ones are listed below.

Burnt Bulbs: Like any other light bulb, the bulbs in your reverse/backup lights can burn out over time. If the bulb stops working, the reverse light will not turn on. The most common symptom is that one of the reverse light bulbs is not working. This situation can be solved by simply replacing the bulb.

Wrong wiring: A wiring problem can prevent the reverse lights from turning on. This could be due to a damaged wire or a loose connection. The most common symptom is that the reverse lights work intermittently. If this is the case, please consult a professional mechanic or auto electrician to solve it.

Blown Fuse: The reverse lights are usually connected to a fuse on the control circuit. If the fuse blows, the reverse lights will not work. This can be solved by replacing the blown fuse in the fuse box with a new one of the same amperage.

Faulty switch: The reverse light switch could also be the culprit. If the switch is faulty, it may not send the signal to turn on the reverse lights when the car is in reverse. At this point, a new switch needs to be replaced, which can be done by a professional mechanic or auto electrician.

In addition to the above five common reasons, if there are other complicated situations, it is recommended to consult a professional and hand over the vehicle to a professional mechanic or auto electrician for diagnosis and maintenance.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the reasons why the reverse lights do not come on, how can we ensure the normal operation of the reverse lights to save trouble and avoid potential safety hazards? Here are some tips for keeping your reverse lights working properly.

Maintenance of reverse lights

Check Lights Regularly: Form a habit of checking your spare lights regularly to make sure they're working properly. Turn on the engine, put the car in reverse gear, and check that the reverse light comes on. If you notice that your reverse light is dim or not working properly, check to see if the bulb needs replacing.

Clean lights: Dirt, debris, and other contaminants can build up on spare lights, reducing the amount of light they emit. To keep the light clean, wipe it regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing the light too vigorously, as this may damage the lens or housing.

Check the wiring: Over time, the wiring leading to the reverse lights can become damaged or corroded, causing the lights to stop working. Check the wiring periodically to make sure it is in good condition. If you notice any signs of damage, repair or replace the wiring as necessary.

By following these suggestions, you can effectively maintain your reverse lights.

Conclusion

From an overall driving safety perspective, reverse lights are as essential as hazard lights, headlights, and turn signals. It's crucial to ensure they are always in proper working order. Remember to always activate your backup lights when reversing, check their function regularly, keep your lenses clean, and consider upgrading to LED lights if possible for optimal performance and safety.

FAQ

Q :Are reverse lights required by law?

A: Yes. Reversing lights are required on all types of vehicles as required by most national, state and provincial traffic laws and regulations. And reversing lights are required in many situations to help ensure the safety of all road users. Vehicles without these tail light features are not legally allowed on public roads.

Q: Why do some cars only have one reverse light?

A: In general, European cars typically have one reverse light as a standard configuration, while American cars usually have two reverse lights. This is due to differences in automotive regulations and safety standards between the two regions. European regulations typically require one reverse light for visibility when reversing, while American regulations call for two reverse lights to enhance visibility and indicate the vehicle's intention to reverse. However, it's important to note that there can be variations based on the specific make, model, or year of the vehicle. Some higher-end or specialized vehicles may have additional reverse lights or alternative lighting arrangements.

Q: How can I check that the reverse lights are working by myself?

A: If you don't have anyone around to help, you can do it yourself in four easy steps to check that your backup lights are working.

• Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition hole and turn it to the "ON" position, be careful not to start the car.
• Step 2: Check to make sure your parking brake is engaged.
• Step 3: Move the gear selector to "Reverse" mode.
• Step 4: Get out and walk behind the car to verify they are working.

If they light up, they're working and you have nothing to worry about.

However, if two or one of them aren't lighting up, they could get you into trouble if you don't fix them urgently.

Q: Is there any related reverse light technology?

A: In order to better improve the driver's vision and ensure the safety of reversing, the following are some relevant new technologies:

• LED reversing lights: Many vehicles are now equipped with LED reversing lights, which are brighter and more energy-efficient than traditional halogen lights. LED lights also last longer and are less likely to burn out, making them a more reliable option.

(Warm tip: If you are considering getting LED reverse light bulbs and don't know which model is better for your car, you can read this blog - REVERSE/BRAKE LED UPGRADES FOR IMPROVING TAIL LIGHTING)

• Reversing Cameras: Reverse cameras are becoming more common on modern vehicles, and they provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle. When the driver engages reverse gear, the rearview camera is activated and the driver can see live video of the area behind the vehicle on the dashboard or infotainment display.

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Some vehicles are equipped with a rear cross traffic alert system that uses sensors to detect vehicles and pedestrians approaching from the side while the vehicle is in reverse. If an object or person is detected, the system will alert the driver with an audible and visual warning.

• Automatic emergency braking: Some vehicles are now equipped with automatic emergency braking systems that can detect obstacles in the vehicle's path and automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond to warnings. This helps prevent collisions when reversing.