BMW 550i GT xDrive Reverse Lights Switch Replacement at your home or office.

What is the Backup Light Switch all about?

Backup lights serve two purposes. First, they provide warning for other drivers and/or pedestrians behind you that your car is in reverse. Second, they provide some illumination if you’re reversing in the dark. Turning backup lights on is the responsibility of the backup light switch, which is mounted under the hood, generally on the transmission. When you put the gear selector into reverse, the switch sends a signal to the reverse lights. When the gear selector leaves reverse, the switch turns the lights off.

While backup light switch failure is relatively rare, it does happen. However, just because your backup lights don’t work doesn’t mean that the switch is faulty. There could be a problem with the wiring, the bulbs, the switch or another component in the system.