Auto trans - reverse light switch - relay?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: redding U.S.A.
Auto trans - reverse light switch - relay?
Hi guys,
The PO of my truck had wired a switch in the cab for the reverse lights. Not sure why.
Any how, I replaced the C4 with an AOD, and would like to hookup the reverse lights properly.
Does anyone know if the switch in the AOD trans is meant to handle the full current of the reverse lights, or if it is meant to be run with a relay?
The PO of my truck had wired a switch in the cab for the reverse lights. Not sure why.
Any how, I replaced the C4 with an AOD, and would like to hookup the reverse lights properly.
Does anyone know if the switch in the AOD trans is meant to handle the full current of the reverse lights, or if it is meant to be run with a relay?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
On the bottom of the column(inside truck) there is the neutral safety switch on the top side of the column. That is where the back up lights hook to. There is four wires, two for neutral, two for back up lights. I'd guess you could hook them back up and be fine.
If that switch is gone, I have the one off my '67 that I'd be glad to supply you with. (is it the same Bill?). Wiring should plug right in.
If that switch is gone, I have the one off my '67 that I'd be glad to supply you with. (is it the same Bill?). Wiring should plug right in.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
On the bottom of the column(inside truck) there is the neutral safety switch on the top side of the column. That is where the back up lights hook to. There is four wires, two for neutral, two for back up lights. I'd guess you could hook them back up and be fine.
If that switch is gone, I have the one off my '67 that I'd be glad to supply you with. (is it the same Bill?). Wiring should plug right in.
If that switch is gone, I have the one off my '67 that I'd be glad to supply you with. (is it the same Bill?). Wiring should plug right in.
Ford just obsoleted it. But there are 100's available from dealers and obsolete parts vendors.
Autoparts stores prolly carry it.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
On all these trucks there is a pigtail (4 wire plug) behind the instrument cluster. On a auto truck a neutral safety switch would plug into this plug and be mounted on the bottom of the column inside the truck facing toward the firewall/dash direction. On a manual truck there is a molded plug with a loop for the wires to jump eachother and this plugs into the pigtail behind the instrument cluster. Also, on the manual truck there is a 2 wire plug under the hood which I beleive plugs into a switch on the bottom of the column in the engine bay. I heard this switch is somehow activated by the shift arm coming off the column. Anyone confirm this? and if so where can you get the switch? On a auto truck the 2 wire plug that is under the hood has a jumper wire to connect both sides of the plug. No hacking needed if you are swapping from auto - manual or manual - auto, as long as you are sticking with a transmission that was available in these trucks, which you are not. Luckily my truck is unmolested as far as wiring goes. A rare find indeed these days.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
The reverse lights are actuated from a switch mounted in the engine compartment(on firewall). It's pushed by the 1st/rev arm on the bottom of the column. That plugs into that 4way plug under the dash for the backup lights. The other 2 plugs are jumpered for the neutral safety switch(not needed on manual shift truck).
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
Thanks for clearing that up Freightrain. Maybe Numberdummy can comment on a source for the switch...
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I suggest taking the Motorcraft part number (SW600) to NAPA or an indie parts store, they can cross it over to the brands they sell.
Or you might try the following FoMoCo dealer, they sell their obsolete parts for well below MSRP to get rid of them.
KINSEL L/M in Beaumont TX has EIGHT = 800-816-2894.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
And...there two different '63/64 NSS's, depending whether it's a 500XL or not.
500XL's have the NSS on the trans because the shift lever is on the floor.
That is...unless you happen to have a 500XL with the rare Swing Away steering column, like the Bird's used.
Then the shift lever is on the column, so is the NSS.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Mine is a wagon with column shift 3spd OD. It has the button out on the firewall that contacts the 1st-Rev arm on column. I mis read, thinking 77Bronco needed the 3spd back up light switch. His truck is converted to AUTO, so doesn't need it. My bad.
BTW, my black 64 two door DOES HAVE swing away wheel. It's not an XL or anything fancy. Pretty stripper deluxe, split bench, clock and that's about it. I found out about the swing away when I went to put clutch pedal in it and couldn't figure out what all that mumbo-jumbo under the dash was. I was able to make it work fine, as it now has the blown 390/4spd in it.
BTW, my black 64 two door DOES HAVE swing away wheel. It's not an XL or anything fancy. Pretty stripper deluxe, split bench, clock and that's about it. I found out about the swing away when I went to put clutch pedal in it and couldn't figure out what all that mumbo-jumbo under the dash was. I was able to make it work fine, as it now has the blown 390/4spd in it.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
Freightrain....my truck is an auto but I am looking for sources for all the little parts so I may turn it back into a 3 speed again someday and I am going to want everything to work again. I'd really love to have the 3 speed OD....haha
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I think the ONLY relay on these trucks was the HORN(besides the starter solenoid)? Everything thing else was direct from a switch. That's why alot have issues with putting better headlights(halogen or HID), as the old headlight switch wasn't designed for that kind of power draw. It was only meant for Sealed beams(aka: bright candles)!
I bet not til up into late 80's or into 90's did they finally put stuff on relay control. Everything is low power control with a mass of relays out under the hood. Alot would have to be due with all the computer controlled stuff on vehicles today. You can't run big power thru a computer, so it controls relays to turn on the item.
I bet not til up into late 80's or into 90's did they finally put stuff on relay control. Everything is low power control with a mass of relays out under the hood. Alot would have to be due with all the computer controlled stuff on vehicles today. You can't run big power thru a computer, so it controls relays to turn on the item.
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Reverse Lights / neutral safety switch
Need help please.
I have 68 f250 auto trans,
My neutral safety switch on column does not work
because the contact arm that comes from the shift tube
is missing, I do not know what this part looks like does anyone
know where I can get this and will I have to pull column out to fix this.
Thanks.
I have 68 f250 auto trans,
My neutral safety switch on column does not work
because the contact arm that comes from the shift tube
is missing, I do not know what this part looks like does anyone
know where I can get this and will I have to pull column out to fix this.
Thanks.