Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Back-up lamp
There are two back-up (reversing) lamps. These are in the tail lamps. The back-up (reversing) lamp lights when back-up (reverse) gear is selected. The back-up (reversing) lamps are connected to the rear electronic module (REM) via a directly connected relay. The lamps are powered via the relay.
Cars with manual transmissions
Cars with manual transmissions have a back-up (reverse) switch on the transmission. The switch closes and transmits a directly connected signal to the central electronic module (CEM) when back-up (reverse) gear is selected.
There are diagnostics for the back-up (reversing) lamp relay.
Cars with automatic transmissions
In cars with automatic transmissions, a signal is transmitted from the transmission control module (TCM) on the Control area network (CAN) to the central electronic module (CEM) indicating that back-up (reverse) gear is selected.
There are diagnostics for the back-up (reversing) lamp relay.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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