Notices

Backup lights don't work

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 8, 2010 | 04:31 PM
  #1  
Wicked Endings's Avatar
Wicked Endings
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 645
Likes: 2
From: Richlands, NC
Backup lights don't work

I have a 1985 F150 that still needs to pass it's inspection. So far, all I need left is the license plate lights and the backup lights.

For my license plate lights, i'll just wire new ones. However, for my backup lights, i'd rather just fix the current problem.

Sadly, I don't know the problem...

Any ideas?

Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2010 | 09:40 PM
  #2  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Check your fuses.

Then check the switch on the side of the tranny. Go down to the driver's side of the tranny where the lever goes into the side, and you will see a half-moon plastic thing with wires going to it.

Two of the wires will be red/blue. These are the neutral safety part of the switch, ignore these.

The other two will be the back-up light wires. I believe one of them will be black/pink, I don't know what the other is. One should have 12v with the key in run. The other goes to the back-up lights. If you unplug the switch plug and jump these two wires together at the plug, the back-up lights should come on when you turn the key to run. If they do, the switch is bad. If they don't, go to the rear and find out what's wrong with the bulbs or the wiring back there.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BIGRED 011
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Apr 17, 2016 06:43 AM
lightflyer
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Feb 12, 2016 04:28 PM
welbo97
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
15
Jan 25, 2015 01:44 PM
kefrko
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Mar 23, 2014 12:37 PM
mythbustingpyro
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jun 19, 2013 05:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:15 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE