Why would the rear reverse lights and license plate lights not work on your 1997 neon?

Answer 1

The problem could be in many different places. First, check the fuses that control the reverse lights and the licence plate lights. In the Secon Generation Neons (2000-2005), this is fuse #7 on the indoor panel. If the fuse is good, then you need to check the lights. For the reverse lights, you need to pull the carpet in the trunk away from the light housing, twist the light out of its position (by twisting a quarter turn), and pull the light assembly straight out. Be very careful when pulling the light out of its housing, as the bulb is not very secure in its socket and can easily become disloged inside the housing. If the bulb is in good condition, the problem may be in the wiring or the reverse switch (for the reverse lights). If you are not very experienced with electrical work, this is best checked at a shop. If you do feel comfortable working with electrical systems, you can test if there is a current passing from the switch to the light. This can be done by attaching an ammeter to the bulb contacts for the reverse light. The car should then be turned on and put into reverse. MAKE SURE SOMEONE IS IN THE CAR WITH THEIR FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHILE THE CAR IS IN REVERSE! If there is no amperage going to the bulb, or the amperage is significantly less than 10A, there is a problem in the reverse switch or the wiring. If at all possible, inspect the wiring throughout, looking for any shorts or breaks in the wire. If none are found, the problem is likely in the reverse switch, and the reverse switch will likely need replaced. In the Second Generation Neons(Automatic Transmission), this switch is located on the front of the transmission, drivers side, and is most easily accessed on the underside of the car. It is a rubber plug with three wires coming out of it. One is White, One is Purple, and I believe the other is Black. I am not quite sure where the switch is located on the first generation Neons.