Back up lights not working

I have a 1996 automatic 4 runner and I cannot figure out why my back up lights aren’t working. I’ve already done the obvious. Only info I can find is for a manual transmission where the back up switch is located on the transmission. My case it is not. Anybody have info on this? This is going to be my kid’s truck and I need to have these working. Thanks I’m advance.

 

Did you test the fuses, the bulbs, the sockets? Welcome to the forum.

 

Yes

 

Google search says the switch is on the trans. I'd start there with a test light. Here's a search you've likely already done, but hey, it costs nothing to post it.

1996 toyota 4runner automatic transmission backup light switch location

Let us know what you find, and good luck.

Edit: DO NOT FORGET TO BLOCK YOUR WHEELS WHILE TESTING !!!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Electrical..I would go with the switch if fuses, etc. are good.

 

Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin!

Good luck figuring out your issue. I would guess it's the switch as well. If it's not on the transmission, maybe it's incorporated in the shifter assembly?

 

Pretty sure it’s not on the transmission like the manuals are. Parts stores say the automatics don’t even have a switch. Took the console apart thinking it was in there and it was not. All the videos that show where it is are for the manual transmissions.

 

How about on the shifter linkage by trans?

 

Not sure where that is. Let me google that.

 

Found this morsel.

Had the same problem- no reverse lights
I had the same problem you are having and it turned out to be the Park Neutral Position Switch on the passenger side of the transmission. My reverse lights were not working so I checked the bulbs, the fuse, and then I checked the Park Neutral Position Switch. Before I did a search here on Yotatech I called it a "Reverse Switch", and a "Backup Light Switch." The correct name is a PNP Switch or Park Neutral Position Switch according to the dealership.

I checked to see if I needed a new PNP Switch by shifting my automatic transmission into Drive and tried starting the truck- it started. When the PNP Switch is working correctly the truck shouldn't start. I then put the truck in Reverse and tried starting it- it started but it shouldn't have.

So I figured my PNP Switch was bad and tried to order one from Autozone. The PNP Switch for a manual transmission is cheap around $20.00, but the PNP Switch for an automatic a340h transmission is...are you ready? $260.00 You can order- I think- either of the PNP Switches from Autozone, but it may take a while for them to come in. I went to the stealership because they could get a PNP Switch delivered the next day, and since my truck is a DD I had to have it ASAP.

I hope this helps.

EDIT: More info here.

1996 toyota 4runner automatic transmission PNP switch location

 

It must either be on the transmission, the shifter, or the shift linkage. It can't not have a switch.

 

According to the FSM, the back up lights are controlled by either the PNP switch, or a Backup Lights switch right next to it. It's hard to tell from the picture they include.

Good luck!
Pat☺