<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Jul-30-99 AT 09:22&nbsp;AM (EST)</font></center>

I'm told that my back-up lights on my 70' F-100 don't work when I throw it in reverse. All the other electrical seems to work just fine.

Where do I look to fix this?

Thanks.

J. Boggs

 

If you have a standard tranny, first check the wiring harness that links reverse gear to your back up lights. My old Ford (a '68) was missing this when I bought it and still haven't been able to find one. This wiring tells your back up lights to come on when you hit reverse gear. I suppose it works the same with an auto tranny, but don't know. Second check your bulbs and wires back there for breaks or shorts. I had a local garage check these for me and they were all intact, except for replacing a bulb. Then, I paid them less than $30 to wire a dash switch for me. I have to remember to engage the lights with the dash switch now when I back up, but it's not really a hassle and it keeps my truck state-approved when it comes time to get those annual vehicle inspections.

 

I echo what the above post said, but if you are running an auto, check your neutral safety switch for proper operation, also check the wiring harness that goes to the rear, a half hour spent with a test lite will go a long way. Also, take a battery post cleaner and with the male end, remove the bulb and cleanout the socket of any crud that's in there. Check the grounds, too, they might be off or corroded off of the sheetmetal.
Electrical gremlins are a tough call, but rather than pay 30/bucks/hr. spend some time with new bulbs and a cheap 12volt test lite and you'll get the job done.

good luck!

 

If you have a 3-speed on the column, I think the back-up light switch is located near the base of the steering column. When the lever is placed in reverse, the "business end" of the control closes the switch contact to light the lamps. These fail all the time (back-up light circuits weren't a big deal in 1970), but you might be able to re-align the switch and check its connections to get the lights working again. Other transmission types feature a switch that threads into the trans housing (these are easier to find at parts stores).

The back-up lamp switch is always the most likely problem source, but also remember to check taillamp grounds.

 

<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Aug-03-99 AT 09:16&nbsp;AM (EST)</font></center>

Well, don't know if this applies, but if your truck was a three on the tree, and it was changed to a floor shifter, then the little switch that was pushed in when you shifted into reverse(which is located on the steering column in the engine compartment) wasn't moved down near the floor shifter in a manner which it could be pushed in , then that could be your problem. Of course, if you're driving an automatic, then just completely disregard all the above.Good Luck!! Ozzie
70 F-100 Stepside
stock 302-V8, 3spd

 

 

If you install a dash switch to manually turn on your reverse lights, install a light or buzzer to remind you the lights are on , or else you might drive around with them on. Some cops will give you a ticket for driving that way.
The 3 speed switch is on the shifter linkage on the firewall in the engine compartment. I installed a Mr Gasket floor shifter kit. If you remove the stop bolt and drill out the hole, you can remount the switch under the truck.

 

I just wanted to point out that this thread was last posted to in august of 1999. It's almost 8 years old.

And to answer some about this. Not all these trucks had backup lamps.

I had a friend of mine go through hell with his 1967 because his backup lamps didnt work, just to find out someone replaced the taillamps for ones that did have the backup lamps. There was no switch or wiring for them on his truck.



I also saw another 1967 the other day. Right side had a backup lamp, the left didn't.

Not sure when the backup lamps came out, but I know some didnt have them.

hope this helps.

 

When I hit my brakes, my "backup lamps" come on. I haven't had time to fool with it (I'm deploying overseas next week) but I think that would explain my dilemna. Does anyone know if the 72 F-100 had the "no backup lamps" option? That would mean I just need new tail lenses, right?

Thank God for old threads!

-SOCO

 

Hello,
I have a 72 Sportcustom and i have back up lights. My wireing book say that in 69 F100 & F250 Model 99 had a switch on transmission and F100 thru F350 Models 80 & 86 & 83 have a switch under dash. It's Tail lights with integral stop-turn-backup lights.

 

Well, the parts book sez...

Backup Switch, Trans Mounted wth std trans

1967-72 F100/F250 with 3 speed manual: C9TZ-15520-F
1967-68 F100/F250 with 4 speed manual: C7TZ-15520-B
1969-72 F100/F350 with 4 speed manual: C9TZ-15520-C
_______________________________________________
Backup Switch, Transmission mounted with auto/trans

1967 F350 with C/M: C7TZ-15520-B
1968 F350 with C-6: C9TZ-15520-F
_____________________________________
Neutral Switch, Column mounted

1967 F100/F250 352 .. with C/M C7TZ-7A247-A
1967 F350 240/300 .. with C/M .......".........
1967-72 All 6&8 .. with C/4 ............".........
1968-72 F100/F350 .. with C-6 .......".........
______________________________________
ECONOLINE has the neutral switch...transmission mounted.

 

If your backup lights are coming on when you hit the brakes you have a short some where in the wiring. I was having a similar situation with my brake lights not working all the time. usually one would light and the other would not and it switched sides. I found out that it was the blinker switch on the column. I don't believe that the backup lights are affected by the blinker switch but the problem may be under the dash where power is applied to the rear light circuits. This is just my thoughts on the subject.

 

From what I've read before, It was federal mandated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards that by January 1968, that all vehicles under a certain GVWR, had to have Backup lamps, and side marker reflectors.

So these trucks had to have them by 1968, so you have a problem with the wiring somewhere.

By January 1970, side marker lights were also required etc...


Not sure exactly what is up with the Taillamps without backup lamps other than I have seen them in the flesh. Perhaps Numberdummy can research it. I'd like to know more about it myself.

 

NO 1964-66 F100/350's had backup lights integral with the tail light lenses. In fact, Ford didn't even offer them as an option!

Beginning in 1967, backup lights became standard equipment on all light trucks, and E-vans.

Also 1967 was the first year for marker lights, some were just reflectors. In 1968, all side marker lamps were electrified.

 

One thing not discussed, backup lights can be retrofitted. The buckets and lenses through 72 are the same size as the 64-up. If they have been seen on an earlier model this could be why.

I have a set to install on my 66 and I will get around to it one day, I know I will.


John