Hello and thank you for reading. :)

Three months ago I purchased my first car (woohoo!), the 2006/MK6.5 Ford Fiesta Freedom in 5 door. Unfortunately a few lights were not working, I've managed to replace them all myself including both reverse lights after purchasing the tools; however my reverse lights still do not work.

I have replaced both the reverse light bulbs but they still do not turn on, what do you think could be the problem? I've read online that it could be either the reverse light fuse box (what's the correct term for this by the way and which fuse would I need to replace?) or the reverse light switch either has become defective or needs cleaning. Could there be any other causes? From what I know the reverse lights never turn on in any circumstance. Also I've also read that replacing the reverse light switch is an easy job, it's under the hood/bonet right and I won't need to work under the car at all? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you very much for reading and I really appreciate your support.

P.S. I'm really ecstatic and feel like sharing with the world, I'm going to be graduating university this Wednesday in Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Hons) Computing with a First Class Honours degree!! Woo! :D

I've checked the fuse and that does not seem to be the problem, therefore the issue will most likely be the reverse light switch in the gear box.

For anyone else out there with the same problem, you can test if it is a fuse problem or not by switching two fuses around (one of which you know definitely works, they must of course be the same rating, e.g. 7.5). Also do not switch/replace fuses whilst the ignition or engine is turned on, ensure all electrics are turned off!

To test if the reverse light actually works, start your cars' ignition (not the engine) and put your car into reverse gear. Since you're only using the ignition, you can let go of the clutch (don't worry, you won't stall) and go out and observe the lights for yourself.

To confirm the issue lies with the reverse gear switch, turn on your windscreen wipers then select the reverse gear; if your rear windscreen wiper does not automatically activate then that could mean one of two results (or perhaps even both in the latter scenario):

1. You have automatic rear wipers deactivated or;

2. Your reverse gear switch is not working.

The latter is most likely the cause of the problem as your reverse lights are not turning on either. At this point you can try cleaning the reverse gear switch (your car should be turned off) and that may solve the issue for you, as it has done for others. If still no avail, you'll need to replace the entire reverse gear switch.

Replacing the reverse gear switch on Fiesta's are reported to be relatively easy to replace, however I can't support this claim as I have not tried it yet. If you're not looking to DIY, a garage should charge around £47. (I'll be attempting the DIY later on.)

All the best to everyone else with a similar issue.

How did this all turn out for you? Having similar problems 🙄

16 hours ago, Master jay said:

How did this all turn out for you? Having similar problems 🙄

Check the reverse switch.

On my previous focus it just needed pulling the plug off the switch and putting back on.

I had this problem before and find a lose cable under the bonnet behind the radiator. Plugged it in and all was well. Now it’s back and the cables plugged in fine. I’ll have a look at the reverse switch