What Fuse Controls The Gear Shift Light?

Have you ever been driving down the road, shifting gears like a pro, only to realize you have no idea what gear you’re in? It’s a common problem, and it can be pretty frustrating.

However, there may be times when the gear shift indicator light is not working, leaving the driver unsure of which gear they are in.

One of the most common reasons for the gear shift indicator light not working is a problem with the fuses. So, what fuse controls the gear shift light?

In most cases, fuses 26 and 31 in the fuse box located at the lower driver’s side of the dash control the gear shift light. If one of these fuses has blown, the light will not work.

But a fuse might not be the only reason, so in this article, I’ll go through the common reasons why the gear shift indicator light may not be working.

What Is a Gear Shift Light?

What Is a Gear Shift Light

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of fuses, let’s talk briefly about what a gear shift light is.

The gear shift indicator light is important to any vehicle’s dashboard. It is a small light that indicates which gear the transmission is currently in, helping drivers to operate their vehicles safely and effectively.

It’s a handy little tool that can help you avoid shifting into the wrong gear and damaging your vehicle.

Why Is the Gear Shift Light Important?

I know what you might be thinking: “Who cares about a silly little light? I can tell what gear I’m in by feel!”

Well, friend, I hate to break it to you, but you might not always be able to rely on your instincts. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell which gear you’re in, especially if you’re driving a vehicle that you’re not used to.

Plus, if you’re driving in low-light conditions, seeing the gear shift indicator can be even harder. That’s where the gear shift light comes in handy.

It’s a quick and easy way to double-check which gear you’re in, no matter the conditions.

What Fuse Controls the Gear Shift Light?

Okay, now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s get to the main event: what fuse controls the gear shift light in your vehicle?

As I mentioned earlier, the gear shift light is powered by a fuse. Specifically, it’s usually controlled by fuses 26 and 31 in the fuse box located at the lower driver’s side of the dash.

What Causes the Gear Shift Light to Stop Working?

There are a few different things that could be causing the problem.

Wiring malfunction

Another common reason for the gear shift indicator light not working is wiring malfunction or poor connections.

Over time, the wiring that connects the light to the vehicle’s electrical system may become damaged or disconnected, leading to a failure of the light.

Additionally, the console shift indicator bulbs may burn out, which can also cause the light to stop working.

Loose connection

If the gear shift indicator light works when the headlights are activated, then it is likely that the light is functioning properly.

However, if the light still does not work, there may be a problem with the shift indicator cable or the light itself.

A loose connection between the cable and the light can cause the light to fail, while a broken or malfunctioning light will need to be replaced.

Misalignment

In some cases, the issue with the gear shift indicator light may be due to a misalignment problem.

This can cause the indicator to display the wrong gear or fail to display any gear at all. Fortunately, this issue can typically be resolved by a mechanic, who can adjust the alignment of the indicator and ensure that it is working properly.

Wires rubbing

Finally, wires rubbing or getting pinched and shorting out right under the gear selector can cause the gear shift indicator light to fail.

This is often caused by wear and tear over time or damage from debris in the car.

In this case, the wires will need to be repaired or replaced to restore the functionality of the light.

How Do You Fix a Gear Shift Light That Isn’t Working?

If your gear shift light isn’t working, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

First and foremost, you’ll want to check the fuses. If fuses 26 or 31 are blown, you can replace them to restore the functionality of the gear shift light.

If the fuses are fine, the next thing you’ll want to check is the wiring. Make sure all of the connections are secure and free from damage.

If the wiring looks good, you can try replacing the console shift indicator bulbs.

If all else fails, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it looked at.

4 thoughts on “What Fuse Controls The Gear Shift Light?”

  1. This article is not helpful.
    First of all, it does NOT answer the question – What fuse controls the gear shift light?

    Secondly, the translation is not well done, and much of the language is confusing. The writer describes other ways to fix the problem including replacing the light bulb and goes into how to fix some other issues, but the explanations are not clear.

    Mainly the problem is the false and misleading headline. This article isn’t about fuses at all.

    Reply
  2. Hi Robert,

    My Gear Shift Light works sometimes, and sometimes not… I was wondering if might be a problem related to a fuse? I got some ideas thanks to your post, I might try to open the box and press better the connections, that might fix the problem…

    I’m sorry about the feedback you had in the other comment. I do find some of the information really valuable, and if that person disagrees, she could communicate it in a nicer way, I don’t believe you are getting paid to share your knowledge!

    Well, thank you by the way! =)

    Reply

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