Haith

06 Cobalt SS 2.4 5 speed
Ok so my reverse lights are not coming on.
Replaced the bulbs just in case...no change
Checked the fuse...fuse is good

So I figure I have a loose connection somewhere along the way or the switch that activates the lights needs replacing.
Anyone else run into this? Tips, suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Sharkey

iTrader: (1)

just had to change the switch on a friends ecotec cavy, it uses the same tranny. they are a common failure item.

for a quick check unplug it (its located on the side of the tranny near the drivers side axle, easy to get to with the wheel off) and jump the pins on the wiring, with the key on the lights should come on. if they do, replace the switch, if not, check to see if you have 12 volts on one pin. if you have 12 volts you have a wiring problem between the switch and taillights, if no 12 volts, then you have a problem before the switch.

Haith

Thanks for the reply.

Haith

Thanks or the reply

Haith

I think I can see the switch connector you're talking about, once I turned the wheels hard right. I'll go to the stealership Monday and order (for sure they wont have it) one.

Love the car, hate the stealership!

drew1991sf

its the reverse position sensor. just had mine have the same prob. its prolly just loose or unplugged. its on the tranny

Sharkey

iTrader: (1)

check the other parts stores, mine actualy had it in stock

Haith

Just to update the post. Stealership had one in stock. $48.95 for a switch. So just for giggles and winks I asked how much to install it..."Oh you're looking at about 45 minutes" Just laughed and walked out.

Anyways I've got an appointment (elsewhere) in the morning for front rotors, an oil change, and I'll get them to stick the switch of gold in there at the same time. And no, it doesn't go to the stealership for service since the warranty ran out. I got nothing but hassle there over the few minor problems I've had when it was in warranty. Needless to say switching brands soon.
'06 - 148,000 kms

Haith

OK so just to conclude the post for when others have this issue.

While the car was on the ramp at the (non GM) shop, the boss left and the mechanic didn't mind me poking around. Sharkey's description was accurate for the location. I unclipped the old one, put a socket over it and took the old one out, and had the new one installed all in under 2 minutes.
I have reverse lights again.
If I had jacked the car up and removed the wheel in my driveway, replaced switch, replaced wheel and lowered it would have taken me about 15 minutes.
Sooooo the stealership 'estimate" of 45 minutes to replace the $48 switch (actual value around $5...it's just a simple ball activated 2 pin switch) was just another reason to not buy there again.

Thanks for the input guys...isn't it too bad we can't get this kind of friendly help and service from the stealerships where we spend so much money!!!!

sjc0013

iTrader: (6)

glad i could find a post on this, just had the stealership call me about the switch and said it was gonna be $275 plus tax to replace the switch, and 100 of that was the diagnostic or some ****. But i need the switch for it to pass inspection. Haha dont worry i usually dont get it inspected at the dealer but i needed to get my steering recall fixed so i figured i would kill two birds with one stone. **** the dealer, it sounds pretty easy to install. I wish i had my car though, bc now i cant go try to find the damn thing to figure out where it is or what it looks like, i want to go try to find one at the junkyard