Hey all, self explanatory. My reverse lights are not operating despite replacing with three new LED lights that I confirmed are in working order after testing them on other light housings. How would I check the wiring to see if anything is amiss? Is there a manual way to do it myself or would I have to take to independent shop/dealership?

Also on another lighting note, while replacing my front dome reading light, my OEM bulb rolled over the dashboard into the defrost/defog vent and rattled down in the vent.(for about 4 seconds before going silent). Is this a lost cause to try and fish out and should I just leave it? Is there a risk of damage at all?

Thanks

 

Did they work prior to changing to LED lights?

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/G35/Sedan/2008/EXL.pdf

See page EXL-112 and use your multi meter to test for voltage and ground

 

They didn't work which is why i bought new lights. I took the old ones out and placed them in another socket in the car (dome reading lights) and they turned on, so the lights weren't bad, something wasn't triggering the reverse mechanism to switch the lights on. Last service I can remember was an oil change at a dealership about a month or so back. Hadn't noticed until my cousin borrowed my car and he was backing out of a space and I thought "Huh, lights aren't on". Figured the LED's might have kicked it.

 

Do you have a gear select indicator and does it show the vehicle in reverse?

 

Yup. Put the handbrake on, shifted into reverse, backup camera came on, car rolled back a bit before e-brake caught it. I stepped out of car to go around back and see, no light. I had the sockets open on the reverse lights so while it was still in that position, I switched a couple of LEDS out to test both, still nothing.

 

***Update - I am taking it to a local shop that will diagnose the wiring next week, should take an hour to do so since I can't get to the electricals myself

 

Start with the easy stuff first.
Try another regular bulb instead of a LED.
Check the fuses.
It's super easy to check the wiring.
Unplug and reconnect the harness.
It's in the trunk on the drivers side near the deck.
Follow that line all the way to your reverse lights.

 

Yeah, I'll give it a once over more this weekend, regular bulbs. I'll check the harness, unplug and replug by following, thanks @909

 

You're welcome. Bulbs are cheap. And your car already comes with spare fuses. Once you remove the trunk lining it's super easy. Since your backup camera power runs off the same harness I think you'll be OK .

 

Try wiggling the rubber harness on the left side of the trunk lid and see if the lights turn on. Usually the wires in that area wear out and could result in lights not working.

 

UPDATE: Took to local shop after I pulled the entire panel out and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Shop opened up the accordion wire tube and several wires were broken due to wear and tear, as they laughed at Nissan/Subaru quality (Subaru also does this apparently. They are cutting about 9 inches off for each broken wire and soldering new wires on. Parts are nothing but of course the labor (2 hrs @$100 per hour) are what does it. I'm no electrician and beyond my expertise to do.

open trunk - https://imgur.com/zhX8552

broke wires - https://imgur.com/QqUX10G

 

Super common unfortunately