Hi all,

Say, I've got an 04 rx8... tonight I shifted it into reverse to park and the car died... no gauges, the key did nothing... (the alarm worked though)... I found the 15A fuse for the ignition blew (the one in the engine comparment). Replaced it, fired right up.. all's well..

I couldn't pull out the bigger fuses to check if they were okay.

Until I put it in reverse again and it blew.

Replaced the fuse again, drove her home fine (didn't use reverse)

thoughts? Thanks!

Paul

 

Obviously there is a short on the reverse light circuit - the switch is high on the gearbox, on the passenger side (USA), check for pinched wires there. If you disconnect there and the fuse blows, you've isolated the short to that short harness.

That circuit also supplies the nav and the dimmer mirror if you have 'em, so have you had anything replaced with aftermarket there?

Otherwise disconnect both reverse lamp connectors in the trunk and check if it still blows...

 

Great idea.. Nope, nothing aftermarket on her...

Wondering, is the switch easily accessed to change it? IE can i just crawl under her and do it myself? Thanks

 

Did you take out your reverse bulbs and/or disconnect them and try it as Stealth described? It could really be that easy.
When you do, check the sockets for corrosion and/or moisture. If it's good when you take them out, then put them in one side at a time while checking it. Oh....and get some more 15A fuses.
Have you had any condensation trouble in the rear lamps?

 

I have had condensation in my left tail light unit. I'll try the light idea first. Thanks! Great idea.

 

Humm.. checked it, disconnected the back reverse bulbs.. still blew.. not it I guess... Thinking it's that reverse switch on the transmission...

More fuses and off to the mechanic!

 

Thanks for your advice all.. it was the reverse switch.. they fixed it.. all's well!

 

So I'm new here, and this sounds like what just happened to my wife. She was dropping me off after having lunch together and with the car still running, went to put into reverse and it died. no gauges or windows. yet the door locks, alarm, and headlights are functioning. this neutral safety switch is $165, and I just wanna be sure before I order it. Is this the cure??

 

Humm.. Not completely sure.. my windows worked okay..no gauges, couldn't start it.. I took it to the dealer to make sure.. the part I think was 75.. it was the bak up lamp switch I think...

 

Well, after replacing the blown 15A ignition fuse, the car started right up. drove it home just fine. I put the car into reverse, and it died. So I wonder if its the lamp switch or the neutral switch, on the tranny. $75 sound better than $165

 

Im having this same problem. But maybe this might help. My car does not die when it is shifted into reverse. The fuse actually stays intact while the reverse gear is engage until the clutch is released. As soon as the clutch is release to reverse the IG Key 15A ignition fuse blows. This might help isolate your problem better.

Is your fuse blowing when you engage the reverse gear? Or when you actually release the clutch to start reversing?

I'm going to check the switch on my tranny later tonight. Because the car doesn't die when my gear is engaged, I've kind of ruled out the rear light connectors, but I guess it doesn't hurt to check them as a process of elimination.

 

People please, buying and swapping parts on guesses is guaranteed to waste money. The reverse switch is easy to check using a simple multimeter and following the service manual. If you can't handle this yourself then a good mechanic is still often cheaper than chasing your tail making guesses.

 

Agree.
Simply follow the circuit and check them with a meter:


This will give you an idea on how to check the reverse switch with a meter:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-test-neutral-reverse-switch-200453/

 

this same thing happened to me yesterday.
blew the 15A fuse while backing out of my parking spot at work yesterday then again this morning when backing out of my driveway.
gonna get a multimeter and check the reverse switch

 

question
if one were just to unplug the reverse switch, wouldnt one be able to drive the car fine only missing the reverse lights?
would the car be driveable with the reverse switch unplugged?

ofcourse this would only be for the interim until the reverse switch is replaced