Hi,

My reverse lights do not work and it is not due to the bulbs. Guy at autozone said it is the neutral safety switch. Does this sound correct? And I have done work on my truck myself, is this a difficult fix? I went ahead and bought the part for $46, but can take it back if too hairy. Would rather not pay the $250 to install a $46 part if you know what I mean. Thanks for any help.

Chris

 

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My '01 E-350 with 4R100. Yours is similar.
Drivers side of transmission
The switch is at the right of this pic.
Disconnect the wiring connector
Remove the shift cable retaining clip
( it is the yellow part at the upper right )
Then unbolt the switch.
Installation is the reverse of course.
.

 

It probably just needs to be adjusted and/or cleaned and relubed with some dielectric grease.

 

The switch is sealed and there is no adjustment other than at the linkage.
If the linkage has NOT been disconnected there is little chance that is the problem.

 

Bummer. I didn't realize the NSS on these cars were riveted together. It may be possible to drill out the rivets and reassemble but for $46, it doesn't seem worthwhile.

These are pretty simple devices -- just a couple of spring loaded copper contacts on one side and a circuit board with loops to the starter circuit, reverse lights, and indicator lights on the other. When the dielectric grease dries out over time and/or the sensor is contaminated with road dirt and debris, the springs get stuck and prevent contact with the corresponding circuits.

If your fuses and bulbs are good, try slowly moving the shift lever through the gears a few times and then jiggling it around "R."

 

???what did you find out?

 

I know that on My 99 4.2L V6 4R70W that to replace the switch that your shifter cable it attached to You will have to drop the pan and unbolt the linkage from inside the trans. I had to take mine out of my old trans and put in on my mew rebuilt trans. it is easy!