Console Automatic Back Up Light Switch

[67GTX440]

Not sure I understand how this switch works. It seems like the gear lever engages the piece of plastic that protrudes from the side of the switch, but does so through more than one gear selection including all three forward gears. It seems like the switch is activated in every gear location except park. Does movement of the protruding piece of plastic on the switch turn the switch on or turn the switch off - or on and then back off as the protruding plastic piece slides progressively toward the rear of the car. What are supposed to be the on and off positions to test if the switch is working properly? Does the neutral switch somehow interact with this switch so that the backup lights are off with the gear selector in the neutral position?

I must be missing something about how this is designed to work. The shop manual is worthless on this and I can't find it addressed in either the transmission or electrical sections.

 

[A383Wing]

this is only the back up light switch...not the neutral safety starting switch...that is on the transmission itself.

you are correct in the plastic lever is moved by the shift lever...it will only make contact inside when the lever is in reverse..no other position....when in reverse, the back up lights will be on..if not, then check for power at tone of the wires to this switch when key is on...then move the plastic pin and have someone tell you if reverse lights come on

 

[67GTX440]

this is only the back up light switch...not the neutral safety starting switch...that is on the transmission itself.

you are correct in the plastic lever is moved by the shift lever...it will only make contact inside when the lever is in reverse..no other position....when in reverse, the back up lights will be on..if not, then check for power at tone of the wires to this switch when key is on...then move the plastic pin and have someone tell you if reverse lights come on

Thanks! These things are available but really pricey - like $118 at Classic Industries.

 

[A383Wing]

yup...not a common item to find....I got a used one here, for half the price plus mailing if ya want.....just check yours carefully first before condemning it.... if it doesn't work, try squirting some brake or carb cleaner inside to clean it out...sitting under the console for all these years will cause it to get crud inside and not make the contacts work

Bryan

 

[67GTX440]

yup...not a common item to find....I got a used one here, for half the price plus mailing if ya want.....just check yours carefully first before condemning it.... if it doesn't work, try squirting some brake or carb cleaner inside to clean it out...sitting under the console for all these years will cause it to get crud inside and not make the contacts work

Bryan

Thanks!

I checked it and it seems to work, now that I understand how it works. It has a very specific and tiny "hot spot" on the travel of the plastic extrusion from front to back on the shift lever.. I will reinstall it and adjust while the shift lever is in neutral with a powered continuity test light. It does look pretty scuzzy, but does seem to work.