Backup lights

[mrblanche]

My wife had to use the El Camino to go to bowling practice Monday night. I watched her back out, and I made a discovery.

The backup lights aren't working.

I've just gone out and tried jiggling the shift lever to see if that would solve the problem, but it didn't. I checked the fuse (which it shares with the turn signals, which work), and that's not bad.

So...what do I need to check? The transmission is a replacement, and I my first thought is that the switch might be misadjusted or installed wrong. Where is it?

And what are my options? An auxiliary switch? I need them to work next month for the annual inspection.

[Zerberfert]

Try checking the grounds first.

[M Zeigler]

I would check the bulbs first, then for 12v @ the back up light switch, and the switch adjustment. The switch should be located on the lower steering coloum unless it is a floor shift, then it should be located off to one side of the shifter.

Mike

[El Diablo]

Mine also stopped working. I plan a full rear bumper tear down and rebuild. Check the wire at the neutral safety starter switch and go from there.

[jkk]

Originally Posted by M Zeigler

I would check the bulbs first, then for 12v @ the back up light switch, and the switch adjustment. The switch should be located on the lower steering coloum unless it is a floor shift, then it should be located off to one side of the shifter.

Mike

Had to replace the switch on the bottom of the column

[gilby]

..I replace the socket,light bulb, check for power,grounds, the socket was bad, one light bulb burn out, no ground on one side, at that time, none of them lit..very rare that a switch goes bad,unless its under a heavy load...

[dakazman]

MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS

Column Mounted Type

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Disconnect switch wiring harness.
3. Remove switch retaining screws and switch.
4. Assemble new switch onto column, then install retaining screws.
5. Reconnect battery ground cable, then check switch for proper operation.

Transmission Mounted Type

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Disconnect switch wiring harness, then remove switch from transmission.
4. Reverse procedure to install, then check switch for proper operation.

Models With Neutral Start/Mechanical Lockout

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Disconnect wiring harness connectors at switch.
3. Remove switch retaining screws and switch from mast jacket.
4. Place gear selector in neutral, then align actuator on new switch with hole in shift tube.
5. Position connector side of switch into cutout in lower jacket, then push down on front of switch until tangs snap into holes in jacket. Install retaining screws.
6. Reconnect wiring harness connectors, then place shift lever in Park.
7. Reconnect battery ground cable, then check switch for proper operation.

DiagramsBack-Up Lamp Wiring CircuitFig. 16 Back-Up Lamp Wiring Circuit
I would change the bulb first>
Dakazman

[mrblanche]

OK, the bulbs were good (enough), but I replaced them anyway. Ignition on, shifter in reverse, no voltage to the light green wires either at the bulb socket, or on the wire, or at the plug for the bumper wiring.

I'm going to go get a neutral safety/backup light switch, so I can replace it if I find it bad as long as I'm crawling around under the dash.

By the way, the pink wire in that harness is the fuel gauge, right? It has voltage whenever the ignition is on, but not full voltage.

[mrblanche]

It's definitely the switch. Shorted the wires from the switch and got nice bright backup lights. Fortunately, I picked up a new switch on my parts run today.

Unfortunately, although I got the old one out pretty easily, for the life of me I can't get the new one in. Has anyone done this, and can you give me some hints?

[mrblanche]

Darn it, I got it installed, and they still don't work. They worked just fine before I installed the switch (with the switch out of the car and positioned properly, they worked). Put it in, and no lights.

[jkk]

The screw holes on either side of mine were slotted for adjustment I mounted it turned on the key put it in reverse and moved it from side to side till they came on had someone watching the lights made it easier but this type of switch was for a 67 model so it may not be the same.

[Scottm]

That's when I put everything down and walk away quietly. I just re did all my lights and did mock up testing to make sure they all worked before i put them in. They worked perfectly. Now installed, the left turn signals flash at a super slow speed.
Good luck, I'm interested to see how it plays out.

Originally Posted by mrblanche

Darn it, I got it installed, and they still don't work. They worked just fine before I installed the switch (with the switch out of the car and positioned properly, they worked). Put it in, and no lights.

[M Zeigler]

Probably the easiest way would be to ,set your e-brake & block a wheel or 2, then pull the shift selector out of Park into Reverse, then with the switch removed from the lower coloum, check for the slot that the detent on the switch fits into. ( I would use a small mirror and light of somekind) to verify, perhaps move the shift selector around some but if it started it should have been in the correct location if it is a combination nuetral safety / back up light switch.

If they worked before the switch was installed they should work installed and it has to be adjustment.

Mike

[mrblanche]

I'm thinking it has to do with maybe a weak detent in the transmission on reverse, making the contacts not line up properly.

[1980SteelBeast]

Originally Posted by mrblanche

I'm thinking it has to do with maybe a weak detent in the transmission on reverse, making the contacts not line up properly.

We dont need no stinkin backup lights here in Tx! Lol Jk. Mine dont work either but always passed inspection. I dont think backup lights are part of the safety check at most places.
Let me know how it goes.