back up lights don't work
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back up lights don't work
I Recently had no blinker lights or reverse lights. So I replaced the bulbs and then the wires. I have lights except for reverse.I have a 79 302 v8 auto trans.I traced the tail lights back to cab and found a two pronge female plug. Should it be plugged in to trans to have reverse lights?If so my trans has no place on it to plug it in.Also the truck will start in park,drive and reverse!! I need some advice on trouble shooting! Your help will be very appreciated! Thanks Brian
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what if you dont have either one? mine was on the steering column, but i had to change steering columns and the new one doesnt have it. i dont mind it starting in drive, allthough its not safe, it saves time when its really cold out and the truck stalls half way out of the driveway... 
but i would like backup lights, that turn on when they are supposed to, not by using a manual switch. any ideas on wireing a new one?
but i would like backup lights, that turn on when they are supposed to, not by using a manual switch. any ideas on wireing a new one?
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: SD
In either '78 or '79 the neutral switch moved from the column to the transmission. So yours is probably on the side of the transmission where the linkage attaches on the drivers side. Make sure the wires are plugged in and not damaged.
Psycho bob, you will need to mount a switch to the side of the trans or steering column. If there's no place for mounting on the trans, then you would probably have to get a '77 or older column that has the switch on it. Or install a toggle switch...
Marty
Psycho bob, you will need to mount a switch to the side of the trans or steering column. If there's no place for mounting on the trans, then you would probably have to get a '77 or older column that has the switch on it. Or install a toggle switch...
Marty
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Gainesville, FL
Brian,
The neutral safety switch is responsible for the backup lights. It is on the tranny shifter linkage at the transmission for the 78, 79 model trucks. The steering column should have nothing to do with it other than shifting the tranny to the correct position. A new switch is worth about $98. It plugs into the harness at the firewall in the engine compartment just on the passenger side of the air filter. Your fix is probably just a matter of money and two bolts.
Good Luck,
KingFisher
The neutral safety switch is responsible for the backup lights. It is on the tranny shifter linkage at the transmission for the 78, 79 model trucks. The steering column should have nothing to do with it other than shifting the tranny to the correct position. A new switch is worth about $98. It plugs into the harness at the firewall in the engine compartment just on the passenger side of the air filter. Your fix is probably just a matter of money and two bolts.
Good Luck,
KingFisher
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Hey Brian..I have a 79 302 Ford..I found my switch on the tranny on the drivers side..One wore was red with a silver line on it..I found the switch at a Autozone parts store for 40 bucks..took me 10 minutes to fix but forevr to find it lol
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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If you are running extra backup lights make sure you wire in a relay. The std switch is overloaded as it is.
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Fordowner2. I traced the wire back from the taillights right up near trans. but the trans has no connetor on it to plug the two prong female onto. So i guess im going to go ahead and replace the neutral safety switch in steering cloumn and go from there.Since it will crank in drive ect. Thanks again for everyones help!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Gainesville, FL
Brian,
Have you been paying attention? Your neutral safety switch is not in the steering column. Its attached to the shifter output shaft on the transmission. The female electrical connector your talking about, has nothing to do with the backup lights. Do you really have a 79 drivetrain in your truck? If so, screwing with the steering column is a waste of time.
KingFisher
Have you been paying attention? Your neutral safety switch is not in the steering column. Its attached to the shifter output shaft on the transmission. The female electrical connector your talking about, has nothing to do with the backup lights. Do you really have a 79 drivetrain in your truck? If so, screwing with the steering column is a waste of time.
KingFisher
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From: Gainesville, FL
B,
I'll have to be honest. I don't know. I've seen it on every truck I've ever been under and it's never been connected to anything. It's possible it's a connector for a dual fuel tank application or some option that is not on your truck.
So... you have been under your truck and there is no neutral safety switch on the transmission? Yes or No? If so then, the switch is in the column. My guess is the switch terminates in the same place on the harness either way. Please see my previous post for that location. The next question is: Why doesn't your switch work? There is a metal finger that sticks up out of the column and actuates the neutral safety switch. Is your present? Please check and get back to me.
KingFisher
I'll have to be honest. I don't know. I've seen it on every truck I've ever been under and it's never been connected to anything. It's possible it's a connector for a dual fuel tank application or some option that is not on your truck.
So... you have been under your truck and there is no neutral safety switch on the transmission? Yes or No? If so then, the switch is in the column. My guess is the switch terminates in the same place on the harness either way. Please see my previous post for that location. The next question is: Why doesn't your switch work? There is a metal finger that sticks up out of the column and actuates the neutral safety switch. Is your present? Please check and get back to me.
KingFisher
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No! All thats there is the shifter from the column to the linkage on trans. No neutral switch. Please forgive my earlier stupidty. I just bought the truck a year ago and its been pretty challenging and a learning exsperience cause i know little about automobiles.I believe its an xfm or fmx trans in my truck.