1988 Ranger V6 Automatic

Neither backup lamp is working. Bulbs are good. Fuse is good.

Wiring diagram shows the "Neutral Safety Switch" inline but the truck starts ok in P and N. No start in anything else, so that would indicate the switch is functioning properly I'd think.

Any suggestions?

 

You being able to start with it in P or N shows that the switch is good I think.Do you have any problems shifting out of P with the truck running?If not,check the sensor on the side of the transmission.Your wiring diagram or a service manual should show you where it is.

Hope this helps.

Nightrain

 

The Neutral Switch can function and yet the other function may fail.

 

A voltmeter is a handy tool to track it down. Are the turn signals working? I think that the backup lights are part of that system also. How about the brake lights? Do they work? My guess is the neutral safety switch but check the other things too.

 

The Neutral Switch can function and yet the other function may fail.

Hmmm...that may be it since everything else works.


Are the turn signals working? I think that the backup lights are part of that system also.

Yes, they're on the same circuit as the turn signals. Turn signals work fine.

Looks like I'll focus on the neutral start switch. My Haynes book shows two different types depending on the transmission.

Anybody know how I can tell whether I have a C5, C3 or A4LD transmission?

Thanks for the help.
Tony

 

I had this same problem a while backwith an intrepid. It was a contact in the shifter. It was sort of part of the neutral safety switch but the contact had worn a bit. cleaned it w/ fine sand paper and bent it slightly and all started working fine.

 

You more-than-likely have a C5.If it's an A4LD,you should have the option to turn the OD on and off.I'll bet that it's either a C3 or a C5 though.Check here.I think that they cover the C3 and C5...

Nightrain

 

I have the same model truck you do, except with a standard transmission, and the same problem. Apparently the person who owned it before me couldn't find what was wrong so he just installed a manual backup light. He took a wire from the positive post of the battery, pulled it through the wall between the engine compartment and driver's side compartment where some other wiring was already in place. He then drilled a hole in the instrument panel just above the fuse box and installed a manual switch. He then ran another wire underneath to the back of the truck where he attached the light to the bumper. (The body of the truck acts as the negative wire when the light is bolted down.)

However, if you go this route, be sure to install a fuse to the line coming from the battery and to wait until the very end to hook it up. The former owner forgot the fuse and when I was checking the wires near the fuse box looking for the source of another problem, I ended up with a small electrical fire. (Yow!)

Love and Light,
Charlotte