just bought a 98 se and when i put the car in reverse the lights blink once and stay off, then i play with the shifter a little (its a 5 spd) and it stays lit. i can deal with playing with it, but i have to take the car to inspection and it wont pass without it working properly. any ideas as to what could be causing this problem. also i first thought it was the bulbs and replaced both of them

 

might be a pinch in the wires that go to the tranny for the reverse gear...id take off the shift boot...check it out...then get underneath the car and check it out. your're bound to find something.

 

If I push down to hard on reverse the lights will go off but like once I left off the shifter or what not they come back on. Dunno if that the type of problem your describing but im pretty sure that normal.

 

Reverse/neutral sensor in the bottom of the transaxle.

Get it at your dealer, it is fairly cheap, around $30 or so.

Be prepared to replace the entire contents of your tranny's gear oil when you remove it. Great way to drain it for a refill with fresh fluid.

 

id be afraid to replace the fluid now, cars got 160k on it and i dont know if its been done at all, now isnt the time to test it out. I think ill just deal with it for the time being, hoping that ill pass inspection, other than that, i can live with the problem

 

replacing gear oil in a manual has no bearing on its life. its actually a good idea and only good will come from it.