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 an internal 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.
Cars with automatic transmissions
In cars with automatic transmissions, a signal is transmitted from the transmission control module (TCM) on the controller area network (CAN) to the central electronic module (CEM) indicating that back-up (reverse) gear is selected.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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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