Backup lights won't work
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Richlands, NC
Backup lights won't work
Last month (March) I bought a 1985 Ford F-150.
300 CID Straight Six
Two Wheel Drive
Single Cab
It still is missing it's plates because I can't pass inspection. The reason I can't pass inspection is because my backup lights won't come on. I don't know why, and I've tried to find the problem. I don't know what to do.
Anyone have any ideas?
300 CID Straight Six
Two Wheel Drive
Single Cab
It still is missing it's plates because I can't pass inspection. The reason I can't pass inspection is because my backup lights won't come on. I don't know why, and I've tried to find the problem. I don't know what to do.
Anyone have any ideas?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
First off,check the fuses that control your lights.If they're okay,then check your wiring to make sure it isn't cut.If your truck is equipped with one,try cleaning out your neutral safety switch and then adjusting it.I'm not sure what transmissions had them and which ones didn't,but on my C6,the neutral safety switch was on the linkage of the transmission on the driver's sides.Maybe someone else can jump in with more info.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Richlands, NC
I just put all brand new bulbs.
1985 Ford F-150
Automatic Transmission
300 CID Straight Six
Two Wheel Drive
I went and followed the lines all the way from the back to the front. Maybe I missed something.
Also, my license plate lights won't work. I'm sure it's related, but I don't know where the problem is.
1985 Ford F-150
Automatic Transmission
300 CID Straight Six
Two Wheel Drive
I went and followed the lines all the way from the back to the front. Maybe I missed something.
Also, my license plate lights won't work. I'm sure it's related, but I don't know where the problem is.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 202
From: Washington
jumper the switch on the left side of the C6
more info here
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ey-switch.html
more info here
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ey-switch.html
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Agreed.
However,I had a problem with my C6,the colors on the NSS weren't matching up to the factory wiring diagrams.Mine had only two wires,which were brown and black,the color of the reverse light wires.There was supposed to be 4.However,my NSS still functions as the truck won't start unless in P or N.I don't think I ever figured it out.
Here's the NSS from my C6.
However,I had a problem with my C6,the colors on the NSS weren't matching up to the factory wiring diagrams.Mine had only two wires,which were brown and black,the color of the reverse light wires.There was supposed to be 4.However,my NSS still functions as the truck won't start unless in P or N.I don't think I ever figured it out.
Here's the NSS from my C6.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 2
From: Suffolk, VA USA
First, get a voltmeter and check for power at the back-up light socket with the key on and tranny in reverse. If you have power at the black/pink wire, you have a ground problem at the socket.
If you don't have power at the black/pink, move on to the tranny. What automatic transmission do you actually have? I noticed some people jumped to C6, but I haven't heard you say anything. If you have an AOD, which is what I suspect given your year and engine, you'll find a four wire switch on the left side of the tranny. This switch is your neutral safety/backuplight switch. Remove the harness to that switch and with the key on, use a voltmeter and check for 12V+ at the purple/orange wire. If you have power, jump the purple/orange and black/pink wires and check for power at the black/pink at the back-up light socket. If you have power with wires jumped, replace the switch in the tranny. If you don't check the plug where the tailight harness plugs into the truck harness for corrosion. If you still don't have power, replace the black/pink wire between the tranny switch and the backup light sockets.
If you have no power at the purple/orange wire, check under the frame rails leading towards the front and also under the brake booster for connectors that might be corroded. If your directionals are working, it isn't a fuse problem, so if all else fails, run a new wire from keyed 12V+ to the purple/orange wire at the tranny switch.
If you don't have power at the black/pink, move on to the tranny. What automatic transmission do you actually have? I noticed some people jumped to C6, but I haven't heard you say anything. If you have an AOD, which is what I suspect given your year and engine, you'll find a four wire switch on the left side of the tranny. This switch is your neutral safety/backuplight switch. Remove the harness to that switch and with the key on, use a voltmeter and check for 12V+ at the purple/orange wire. If you have power, jump the purple/orange and black/pink wires and check for power at the black/pink at the back-up light socket. If you have power with wires jumped, replace the switch in the tranny. If you don't check the plug where the tailight harness plugs into the truck harness for corrosion. If you still don't have power, replace the black/pink wire between the tranny switch and the backup light sockets.
If you have no power at the purple/orange wire, check under the frame rails leading towards the front and also under the brake booster for connectors that might be corroded. If your directionals are working, it isn't a fuse problem, so if all else fails, run a new wire from keyed 12V+ to the purple/orange wire at the tranny switch.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 202
From: Washington
Agreed.
However,I had a problem with my C6,the colors on the NSS weren't matching up to the factory wiring diagrams.Mine had only two wires,which were brown and black,the color of the reverse light wires.There was supposed to be 4.However,my NSS still functions as the truck won't start unless in P or N.I don't think I ever figured it out.
However,I had a problem with my C6,the colors on the NSS weren't matching up to the factory wiring diagrams.Mine had only two wires,which were brown and black,the color of the reverse light wires.There was supposed to be 4.However,my NSS still functions as the truck won't start unless in P or N.I don't think I ever figured it out.
On my truck, the not starting unless it is in P. or N is mechanical in the column... not electrical.
Jim
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 1
From: Wagener, SC
I was wondering what you came up with. I have the same problems. All other lights work...directional, running, everything.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 924
Likes: 4
From: Johns Creek GA
As do I. I just started my lighting work today, so this thread is quite timely!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 1
From: Wagener, SC
I did a little further investigating of my issue, and this is what I came up with.
First, I have a C6 tranny. When I move the gear selector from P to R, I don't get any backup lights. If I move the selector from N/D to R, sometimes the backup lights will come on.
So, I guess it's the NSS? Can this switch be cleaned? Adjusted?
First, I have a C6 tranny. When I move the gear selector from P to R, I don't get any backup lights. If I move the selector from N/D to R, sometimes the backup lights will come on.
So, I guess it's the NSS? Can this switch be cleaned? Adjusted?
New User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
No reverse lights
First, get a voltmeter and check for power at the back-up light socket with the key on and tranny in reverse. If you have power at the black/pink wire, you have a ground problem at the socket.
If you don't have power at the black/pink, move on to the tranny. What automatic transmission do you actually have? I noticed some people jumped to C6, but I haven't heard you say anything. If you have an AOD, which is what I suspect given your year and engine, you'll find a four wire switch on the left side of the tranny. This switch is your neutral safety/backuplight switch. Remove the harness to that switch and with the key on, use a voltmeter and check for 12V+ at the purple/orange wire. If you have power, jump the purple/orange and black/pink wires and check for power at the black/pink at the back-up light socket. If you have power with wires jumped, replace the switch in the tranny. If you don't check the plug where the tailight harness plugs into the truck harness for corrosion. If you still don't have power, replace the black/pink wire between the tranny switch and the backup light sockets.
If you have no power at the purple/orange wire, check under the frame rails leading towards the front and also under the brake booster for connectors that might be corroded. If your directionals are working, it isn't a fuse problem, so if all else fails, run a new wire from keyed 12V+ to the purple/orange wire at the tranny switch.
If you don't have power at the black/pink, move on to the tranny. What automatic transmission do you actually have? I noticed some people jumped to C6, but I haven't heard you say anything. If you have an AOD, which is what I suspect given your year and engine, you'll find a four wire switch on the left side of the tranny. This switch is your neutral safety/backuplight switch. Remove the harness to that switch and with the key on, use a voltmeter and check for 12V+ at the purple/orange wire. If you have power, jump the purple/orange and black/pink wires and check for power at the black/pink at the back-up light socket. If you have power with wires jumped, replace the switch in the tranny. If you don't check the plug where the tailight harness plugs into the truck harness for corrosion. If you still don't have power, replace the black/pink wire between the tranny switch and the backup light sockets.
If you have no power at the purple/orange wire, check under the frame rails leading towards the front and also under the brake booster for connectors that might be corroded. If your directionals are working, it isn't a fuse problem, so if all else fails, run a new wire from keyed 12V+ to the purple/orange wire at the tranny switch.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
