I have a 1996 Cherokee Sport, 6 cyl., 4.0 liter, automatic. Right now I have 70,000 miles on it. A few months back I noticed the reverse lights don't come on every time I shift into reverse. I back down a very dark driveway, and at first I could get them to come on by pumping the brakes a few times---it almost seemed like something was loose and would connect when I rocked the vehicle. Lately it seems like the problem is getting worse, I barely ever have the lights.

A friend owns a 1989 Cherokee and had to pay hundreds of dollars at the shop for the same problem--they were told it's a switch at the gearshift. Eeek!! Anyone know of this problem? Thanks!

I'd test the switch first. if it checks out ok look for bad ground. hope it's the switch, that should be a fairly easy fix. hunting for a bad ground could drive a guy crazy.

btw- next time when they are out check to make sure you have brake and tail lights, they could be going out too, and if thats the case it's mor likely a bad ground. iof it's just the rev-lights then it's probably the switch.