Forum Discussion

clotus's avatar
clotus
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020

Fixed: Reverse lights not working

Hey all,

My reverse lights have not been working on my 2017 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K (2016 E-450 chassis)for about a year now. I finally have some time to trouble shoot it tomorrow, by myself.

I have already checked the bulbs and they are good. I will be checking the fuses tomorrow. Now for my questions:

1) If I put the ignition to "on" can I put the gear selector into reverse and will it send power to the lights without the motor running?

2) If it is not getting power, where is a common fail location I can check before I bite the bullet and re-run the wire

My multimeter is standing by and ready to solve this rather dumb problem.

Thanks!
Class C
  • clotus's avatar
    clotus
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2020
    I checked, the bulb was corroded, the socket was good.

    Good call on the sealing of the lenses. I always seal a little more than 3/4 around leaving the bottom center unsealed to let any water escape.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2020
    If you do seal the lens, think of leaving a hole at the bottom so that any water that does manage to get in has a route to get out again, rather than just sitting there forever and ever. Maybe even drill a weep hole...
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jan 11, 2020
    Yes dielectric grease is your friend in this situation. If the terminals in the assembly are corodded, clean them up first. Sanding, wire brush, Coca Cola if it's electrical corrosion.
    Then grease em up good.
    I wouldn't try to seal the bulb to the socket or use sealant on the lens though.
    Glad it was an easy fix.
  • clotus's avatar
    clotus
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2020
    Good idea. I think I have some dielectric grease laying around.
  • ronfisherman's avatar
    ronfisherman
    Moderator
    Jan 11, 2020
    clotus wrote:
    UPDATE: So although I had initially checked the bulbs, I only looked at the filament. Well, after checking the fuses and relays I pulled the bulbs and wouldn't you know they were both corroded at the base! Replaced the bulbs and BOOM problem solved!!!!

    Before you seal the light up you may want to put some protectant on bulb and connectors. One product is Camco 55013.
  • clotus's avatar
    clotus
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2020
    UPDATE: So although I had initially checked the bulbs, I only looked at the filament. Well, after checking the fuses and relays I pulled the bulbs and wouldn't you know they were both corroded at the base! Replaced the bulbs and BOOM problem solved!!!!

    I am very happy it was such an easy fix. I used some butyl tape to seal up the lens. I was all out of geo-cel in clear so I ordered up some more to finish up sealing the tail light assembly properly and I should be good to go.

    Thank you all for your suggestions.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2020
    If that rear plug works you could mount a set of LED's to the rear bumper and plug them into that plug, or run a 2nd plug off of it. You will then have a much brighter set of backup lights.
  • clotus's avatar
    clotus
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2020
    Great idea! I will check for the second fuse and the trailer wiring. Keep me’ coming!
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jan 10, 2020
    Ford I think has 2 fuses for rev lights, one inside the cab and another under the hood. Check yours to see if that's the case on the 2016 model.
    One other thing that comes to mind the 7 way trailer plug at the rear.
    The trailer plug and reverse lights might be a 'T' off a main line . Testing the plug will tell you if the problem is before or after the split to that plug.
    Just trying to isolate things for you.

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