Quick question on backup lights.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: East Haddam CT
Quick question on backup lights.
My '75 has a four speed and the stock shifter. Where is the backup light switch located and where on the shifter/transmission is it bolted? I've got access to my neighbors lift this weekend and want to fix it while the car is in the air. Thanks.
RB
RB
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
you probably have a super t10. the switch bolts on to the lower 2 sidecover bolts on the transmission. connects to your harness up inside the transmission tunnel inside your console.. then you will have a tiny little rod that connects to your reverse lever on your tranny that you will have to bend just right to get it all to work..
plan on a full day....
plan on a full day....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
I'll bet that the tiny eetsy-beetsy little hair pin clip fell off the tiny rod that actually actuates the back up switch off the reverse bell crank. You'll find that small rod moving around freely, because the clip fell out and it's an easy fix. That was the cheapest Corvette fix I had ever done. Ten Cents! It's right at the bottom of the trans and easy to get to.
If you have to replace it, that's another thing. The other end of the harness of the green and pink wires are up by the steering column.
If you have to replace it, that's another thing. The other end of the harness of the green and pink wires are up by the steering column.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: East Haddam CT
Thanks guys. I'll soon know what's going on down there. If I need to play in the column with those dreaded green and pink wires I think I'll just bypass the entire mess and go to plan 'B' which is to put in a switch under the dash near the courtesy light bulb to switch on and off the backup lights. The system, while a little clumsy, works well on my '68 Mustang with its messed up backup light switch. A fun bonus of this Mickey Mouse work around is driving along at 60 mph at night and throwing on the backup lights 
. It scares the poop out of those pesky tailgaters trying to burn a hole through your car with their high beams 
.
RB
. It scares the poop out of those pesky tailgaters trying to burn a hole through your car with their high beams .RB
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 441
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Ontario
First try making the switch by hand while somebody looks to see if the B/U kites come on. If not, test the switch and see if it works properly. If I remember correctly it is just an open/closed switch. If the switch is ok, try jumping the two wires that connect to the switch to see if they come on.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: East Haddam CT
What fuse, relay or fusable link sends DC to the switch and bulbs? With the info you folks have passed along I think I should have no trouble getting the lights up and running. Thanks once again 
. Will my backup lights system care if I swap out the standard bulbs for some very bright LED's?
RB
. Will my backup lights system care if I swap out the standard bulbs for some very bright LED's?RB
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 441
Likes: 1
From: Windsor Ontario
The pink wire should be the hot wire feeding the switch, the light green wire goes to the bulb. The pink wire taps into the directional signal which is fed from the fuse. Check you fuse box to see if it is labeled as such, or better yet, get a wiring diagram and you will have all the info you need. The is a member here that will send you the wiring diagram you need.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: East Haddam CT
I'll assume that as the directional signals are functioning the fuse (third fuse from bottom right side of block) is OK. Rather foolishly, I haven't pulled the light fixtures yet to check for corrosion or if the bulbs are good (much too easy). If everything is OK back there I'll be visiting the underside of the car this weekend (I have access to a lift ). Thanks.
RB
). Thanks.RB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,251
Likes: 488
From: Glen Allen, VA
Took me several different attempts, and a couple months of frustration to.get mine working properly. I had no switch at all, but the ligbts worked when jumped. My problem was i couldnt get the lights to.go back off when activated by the proper ssitch. Thats what took a lot of trial and error to finally get right.